The 2004 Hot Spots: Bonito!

The 2004 hot spots (part two)
The Observer, Sunday December 28 2003

Where will switched-on travellers be heading in 2004? Which destinations are buzzing? Lonely Planet`s Tom Hall suggests the top 30 places to put on your wish list for next year

17. Nuts for wildlife?

The Pantanal, Brazil
When people think of wildlife spotting in Brazil, they tend to think of the Amazon, but in fact the dense foliage makes it difficult to see much. Far better to head further south to the Pantanal, a vast alluvial plain half the size of France that is probably the continent`s best ecotourism destination. The world`s largest inland wetland is home to jaguars, pumas, anteaters, iguana, anaconda, jabiru stork and tens of millions of alligators. Conducted tours can be arranged on arrival. These are essential as there`s little infrastructure in this huge swampy wilderness.
When in the area, don`t miss Bonito, home to a paradise of crystal clear springs and streams where snorkellers can float along through lush forest with hundreds of tropical fish for company.