PANTANAL WILDLIFE TOUR - BRAZIL
more photos | enquiry | availability check
The Pantanal is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in all the America and one of the worlds biggest ecological sanctuaries and largest wetland area, covering some 240,000 square kilometers. The vegetation of the Pantanal is a mixture of the three most important ecosystems of South America. The landscapes consist of swamps, seasonally flooded grass and woodlands, and various types of forest (evergreen, semi deciduous etc.).
It is also home to a working cattle ranches (fazendas) and a rich cultural cowboy tradition. A horse riding holiday in this area offers wildlife seen nowhere else, an adventure and the chance to observe the harmonious relationships between the horse and the environment and local people.
Our 10 day itinerary treks from one Fazenda to another with one night in a hammock in the jungle. Set deep inside the pantanal and only accessible by light aircraft, we ride across the low pantanal and high pantanal maximising the range of wildlife encountered. There are many extras such as night drives to spot game as well as an opportunity to work alongside the gauchos on their cattle work and you will leave having seen the best of the pantanal.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - PANTANAL WILDLIFE TOUR
Day 1
Campo Grande - Pouso Alto Ranch
Arrival In Campo Grande (CGR), gate- way to the Pantanal. Transfer to a private air-strip for flight In to the deep Pantanal. The panoramic flight takes one hour ten minutes and offers great views of the region with the Maracaju sierra and the plains. After arrival at the Ranch, here called Fazenda, the group will be welcomed by Fernando, the owner, with a typical Brazilian drink, the word famous Caipirinha. Later on, during a first ride in the vicinity of the Fazenda, the group will choose the trail horses that fit them best. After the dinner the trail leader will discuss with the group the forthcoming trail.
Day 2/3
Pouso Alto Ranch
We ride through the vastness of the Pouso Alto property, enjoying untamed wilderness and observing the typical wildlife of this region of the Pantanal. Return for lunch consisting of local food and drinks, followed by a break that can be used relaxing In the swinging hammocks under the huge mango trees or In the air conditioned bedrooms. Another ride on the property is due in the afternoon when we will try to glimpse the group of black howler monkeys that normally inhabits this area. Return during sundown. The dinner includes a barbecue of roasted lamb served at the open fireplace. Fernandós family join in and the story- telling continues late into the night. Overnight.
Day 4
Pouso Alto Ranch - Baia das Pedras Ranch
The breakfast is as early as 6am. In the meantime horses are saddled and we are ready to go. Destination: Baia das Pedras Ranch. The ride along the vazante Castelo and Mangabal takes about 6-7hours. Vazantes are areas with retained water from the last rains. These areas feature lush vegetation and plenty of wildlife. Half way, we reach a shady spot for lunch. Here the 4x4 support vehicle is waiting for us. The vehicle carries provisions, baggage and emergency kit. We rach Baia das Pedras Ranch in the late afternoon. We appreciate a refreshing shower and relax after the long ride. Drinks, gathering, dinner and overnight. Overnight Hyacinth macaw offspring. In the saddle: 6hs
Days 5/6
Baia das Pedras Ranch
The traditional Fazenda Baia das Pedras is a property that encompasses some 16 thousand hectares and runs about 5000 mostly Nelore cattle. This is an Indian Brahman cross perfectly adapted to the seasonal variable hot and humid climate of the Pantanal and other tropical and sub tropical regions of Brazil. The Fazenda is located at the edge of the Vazante Castelo which hosts a great variety of wildlife. During the stay here the we ride to different locations each day to observe the variety of wildlife. Nature releases its wonders step by step, offering fascinating insights and observations of wildlife while en route. There is nothing that compares with the Pantanal of the Nhecolandia region.
The rides are divided into morning and afternoon rides rturning to the main house for lunch and relax, except one day when we lunch out in the open. We also change to fresh horses, the new set, out of a herd of some 300, will be supplied here. The owners, Rita and Doio and the family will make sure that you feel comfortable and at home.
The food is good and the accommodations are adequate. All meals contain local cuisine featuring excellent meat, home made breads, beignets and rolls, exotic fruits and vegetables, home made cheeses, compotes, and cane fudge and caramel sauces. You could enjoy fresh piranha, caiman, suckling pig, a BBQ of the hump of the Asian cow or other delicacies local to the country and the Pantanal. There is time to go fishing for piranhas in a nearby lake, or just take ride in the jeep for a photo safari. Youshould not miss out a visit to the Pantanal boarding school which Rita hosts and supports on her property. We also recommend having a round of tereré Mate tee with the cow-boys, here called peões. Chatting with the locals, getting to know peculiarities and histories, making friends, enriches your stay in the Pantanal even more.
Day 7
Baia das Pedras Ranch - Retiro Sao Luis
One of the main attractions of this ride is that you will get to know two very different regions of the Pantanal. Today the we depart again early and ride all morning. At the edge of the Vazante Castelo the open land, lush native forest and vegetation hosts an incredible number of birds species, all seeking food there.
Night break is at the Retiro São Luis where we camp. From here we are in short distance to Recanto Marra Mansa, which would not be possible to reach on horseback on the same day.
After refreshing drinks, cold beers and a good meal, we listen to Pantanal stories round the camp fire. Subjects often include spotted jaguars, anacondas and brave horsemen told by the horsemen themselves. In the dark with the fire low, sleep will come after a long riding day while the splashing sounds in the lake remind you that the fight for survival is going on. Sleep in hammock.
Day 8/9
Retiro Sao Luis - Recanto Barra Mansa
After a short ride (2 hours) we arrive at Recanto Barra Mansa Pousada. Situated in a remote, natural and wild area, on the banks of the Rio Negro, the Recanto offers a very personalized service, rides and activities. Due to the riverside location different wildlife can be observed here: giant otters, huge caymans, capibaras and even the Jaguar can be seen frequently. During a canoe or boat ride on the Rio Negro it is possible to observe the wildlife from close quarters. The Recanto also offers fishing and there is swimming at the Rio Negro with its white sandy beaches. The daily riding in the vicinity of Recanto, with its forests, open land, hills, rivers, lakes and wildlife diversity is beautiful.
Day 10
Recanto Barra Mansa- Aquidauana- Campo Grande
Depending on the flight schedule of the group there might be a last chance for a ride in the morning, returning before lunch. The group will transfer out by air to Aquidauana (30 min) and from there by car to Campo Grande (1 hour 45) or flying straight from Recanto to Campo Grande (1 hour). Transfer from private airstrip to Campo Grande airport for onward connections.
NOTES - PANTANAL WILDLIFE TOUR
Note: this ride can confirm for 2-3 riders for a small-group supplement of £365
*Special offer small group supplement: 2 riders = £510, 3 riders = £304 for 19th August and 31st October*
Small group supplement to be refunded once 4 or more riders have boked on.
FAZENDA STAYS
If you are a non rider or perhaps simply have no time for the 10 day itinerary, fazenda ranch stays are a good alternative. Trail riding guests may either want to stay after a trail ride a few more days with their hosts, others want to spend some time on the Brazilian countryside, enjoying the authentic rural lifestyle, away from the hassle in the big cities.
Cattle ranches in the Pantanal exceed in size those of the south by far. Just like our partner ranch on 30,000 acres of land, there about 12,000 cattle and 250 working horses. Some of them the are of the finest Pantaneiro breed. A farm stay at the fazenda offers not only an insight in the traditional cattle business of the Pantanal but a wildlife experience. Guests will ride out every day or undertake 4WD trips around the property joining the cowboys in their daily tasks.
When staying on the fazenda visitors are offered great wildlife observation and outstanding photography opportunities. Guided by the competent and friendly fazenda staff, guests will explore the natural beauty of the Pantanal on horseback, hiking and on jeep tours. There is also the opportunity to take part on the every day work of the pantaneiro peões, the Pantanal cowboys. Trailing cattle, learning about the secrets of regional horsemanship, or, on the other hand, participating in preparing the delicious food that is produced right there at the fazenda´s own facilities, are other experiences that you would not want to miss.
Our ranch in the Pantanal features a 30.000 acres property with some 12.000 of cattle. It belongs to a traditional family who is engaged in cattle breeding for 4 generations. The cultural aspect of the Pantaneiro people, both land owners of European descent and the peões of Indian-Bolivian ancestry, carry a rich heritage of traditions and culture.
The cost for a fazenda stay in 2009 is from £179 per night with a minimum stay of 4 nights. The light aircraft transfer is not included in this, costs depend on the size of group, please enquire.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Air transfer Campo Grande-Pantanal-Campo Grande, all accommodation in twin or single rooms, all meals and refreshments, non alcoholic drinks, all riding and English speaking nature guide.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Alcoholic drinks, personal items, tips.
CLIENTS WHO BOOKED THIS RIDE ALSO ENJOYED :-
- Western Ranch
- Big 5 Safari
more photos | enquiry | availability check
