mountain range / viewpoint · Corumbá, MS
Serra do Amolar
A chain of mountains that breaks the Pantanal plain on the border with Bolivia, reached by boat along the Paraguay River. The view from the top reveals the whole Pantanal stretching to the horizon.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Serra do Amolar
The Serra do Amolar is a group of hills rising from the middle of the Pantanal plain, on the border between Brazil and Bolivia, in the municipality of Corumbá. About 80 kilometers long, it is the only mountain range inside the Pantanal and holds the highest points of the biome. On one side runs the Paraguay River; on the other, large lakes such as Gaíva open onto Bolivian territory.
The region is one of the best-preserved areas of the Pantanal. Private reserves, public lands and the Parque Nacional do Pantanal Mato-Grossense form the Serra do Amolar Protection and Conservation Network. The Instituto Homem Pantaneiro, founded in 2002, runs research bases in the range and organizes tourist visits.
Access is by river only. Itineraries depart from Corumbá's Porto Geral and travel up the Paraguay River for several hours, usually on trips of a few days with lodging on the boat or at the institute's bases. Along the way and in the hills you see caimans, birds, monkeys and, with luck, jaguars and giant otters.
The trails lead to viewpoints where you see the flooded plain stretching to the horizon, with the river and bays below. Some paths are flat and others have steep climbs, so the trip calls for some fitness. There are also boat and kayak trips and ancient rock paintings on the cliffs.
It is a remote destination, with small groups and scheduled departures. It is worthwhile if you want untouched nature, photography and wildlife watching, and you are fine with several days away from the city and without urban comforts.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Itineraries usually last three to five days, including the round-trip boat journey from Corumbá.
Best time
In the driest season, in the middle of the year, when the trails are accessible and there are fewer mosquitoes; in the early morning and late afternoon the light is better and wildlife appears more often. Check the official website for the months with departures.
How to get there
It is northwest of Corumbá (MS), on the border with Bolivia, and can only be reached by boat, traveling up the Paraguay River from Corumbá's Porto Geral. There is no road; visits are made on organized itineraries linked to the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro.
Tip
Book well in advance, because groups are small, and bring insect repellent, a hat, long-sleeved clothing and sturdy shoes for the trails.
Official website
A look at the place
Serra do Amolar in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Serra do Amolar
How do I get to the Serra do Amolar?
Only by boat, traveling up the Paraguay River from Corumbá's Porto Geral (MS). There is no road to the range.
Can you visit the Serra do Amolar on your own?
The usual way is on organized itineraries linked to the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro, with guides, boat transportation and lodging included. Groups are small and you need to book in advance.
Can you climb the hills?
Yes. The itineraries include trails to viewpoints, some flat and others with steep climbs. From the top you see the Pantanal plain, the river and the lakes.
How many days do I need for the Serra do Amolar?
Itineraries usually last three to five days, because the boat journey from Corumbá takes several hours each way.
What is the best time to visit the Serra do Amolar?
The driest season, in the middle of the year, is best for the trails and has fewer mosquitoes. Check the official website for the months with scheduled departures.