Jaguar in the Pantanal wetlands Jul 9, 2019

Jaguar in the Pantanal wetlands

What"s the best place to see a wild jaguar? The Amazon rainforest may be more well known, but the Pantanal is the world"s largest tropical wetlands—and the place you"re most likely to spot a jaguar in the wild. The Pantanal"s estimated 70,000 square miles cover part of the western side of Brazil and extend into Bolivia and Paraguay. Portions of the Pantanal are protected within national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It"s difficult to travel there during the wet season (November-April)—high temperatures make it nearly unbearable, and rain and flooding often close roads. Hotels in the region even shut down for periods of time each year. May through September is the dry season, when temperatures cool off and conditions are more friendly to both people and many animals. If you plan to visit, pack some binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for a big spotted cat sitting blithely on the riverbank.

© Andy Rouse/Minden Pictures

palette

Today in History

Jul 9, 2018Gauchos showcase Argentina’s independent spirit
Jul 9, 2020High alpine color in Colorado
Jul 9, 2021A center of antiquity on the Mediterranean
Jul 9, 2022Dolomites
Jul 9, 2023Moselle River loop near Kröv, Germany
Jul 9, 2024Talampaya National Park, Argentina
Jul 9, 2025Independence Day of the Argentine Republic

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jun 23, 2025The Elbe in Dresden, Germany
Mar 4, 2020A different kind of dive
Dec 28, 2021Kjell Henriksen Observatory
Jul 19, 2025National Moth Week
Oct 27, 2025Thick-billed raven, Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Jul 9, 2023Moselle River loop near Kröv, Germany
May 31, 2023World Otter Day
Mar 29, 2024South Stack Lighthouse, Holy Island, Wales
Jun 30, 2018The aftermath of a meteorite
Aug 16, 2023Overseas Highway, Florida Keys
Oct 4, 2022World Space Week
Jul 5, 2020There once was a lighthouse from...
Feb 3, 2018Rooftops in the walled city of Urbino, Italy
Jun 29, 2023International Day of the Tropics
Apr 17, 2024Black bear cub emerging into spring
Apr 7, 2023International Beaver Day
Dec 22, 2019You ve never seen anything like this
Jun 7, 2019Holey moley–it’s National Doughnut Day!
Apr 6, 2020Castle on a hill
Feb 7, 2024St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
Jul 22, 2021Singing praises of the oceans
Aug 4, 2018‘Fringe’ takes center stage as Edinburgh celebrates the arts
Dec 6, 2020A hidden jewel in Croatia
May 4, 2020It s Star Wars Day
Dec 30, 2019Sky island views
Mar 25, 2024Happy Holi!
Oct 26, 2024Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany
May 29, 2021A path into history
Aug 12, 2024World Elephant Day
Apr 15, 2023World Art Day