DESTINATIONS PANTANAL LATIN AMERICA
RIGHT: Natalie
(centre) with
Molly Cofman- Nicoresti
FAR RIGHT: A jaguar
ASK THE EXPERT
Jess Dennison, director and head of trade relations, Latin Routes “The Pantanal suits clients looking for a unique bird and wildlife experience. It would also suit those who want to get off the beaten track for an adventurous experience. Think of the clients that love safari holidays or birdwatching experiences elsewhere – South Africa, Namibia, Borneo or Bhutan, for example. These are the types of clients that would love the Pantanal, as it is rated one of the world’s best wildlife and birdwatching destinations.”
world. “Often we have six, seven, eight, nine different nationalities,” says Krusic. “Our record is 13 nationalities at one dinner. Our clients who come are all big nature lovers, so we all share a passion.” Despite being referred to as a
wetland, the Pantanal’s waters last only half the year, receding in April and May and not returning until October. This is the best time to spot jaguars – one of the main reasons that nature lovers flock to the region. From early November, the rainwater runs in from the surrounding mountains, flooding most of the plain until April. Krusic’s favourite season is at the
start of the year. “You’ll see lakes with water lilies and caimans swimming by,” she says. “It’s really gorgeous.”
The wind whipped across my face as we hurtled down the pitch-black road, towards the two gleaming eyes up ahead
w UP AHEAD I was engrossed in the scenery around me when suddenly, one word had me sitting up in my seat. “Puma!” Juan whispered, his voice a mix of excitement and desperation for us to get as close as we could as quickly as possible. The wind whipped across
my face as we hurtled down the pitch-black dirt road, towards the two gleaming eyes up ahead. Huddled in the back of the 4x4, trying not to move a muscle, torches pointing forwards, we became an instant magnet for the night-time bugs, but we didn’t care. A puma was strolling slowly across the road right in front of us and into the same field as a group of horses, which were eyeing the predator cautiously as it made its way into the bushes and out of sight. It was exhilarating. We couldn’t stop high-fiving each other. It was the first puma sighting for 10 months, he said. The excitement and anticipation of seeing wildlife here is infectious. Conversations over dinner with other guests always centred on which
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travelweekly.co.uk 25 April 2019
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