Pantanal Ride

Arrival at Campo Grande
Guests will be met off their flights at Campo Grande airport and driven to the hotel for overnight. Rooms with en suite bathrooms.

Campo Grande – Fazenda
A fascinating drive along tarmac roads that soon turn into sand tracks as you go deep into the Pantanal ranch area. You’ll soon start spotting the local wildlife, cattle and also the cowhands at work with their mules & horses. Arrival at the Fazenda for lunch, welcomed by the host family. A short presentation of the area and general information and experience the first delicious meal featuring a variety of local produce before the first outing. Once everyone is settled on their horses, go off on a circuit ride in the surroundings to get the first impressions of the Pantanal’s amazing biodiversity. Dinner and overnight. Double & twin rooms (some single rooms) all with own bathrooms and air conditioning.

Fazenda
There are many great rides and activities available at the Fazenda. You will head off on horseback in various directions from the ranch house, including usually one or two rides with the cowhands working the cattle. Those not wanting to ride, or wanting to take a break from riding, can take part in hiking/bird watching, 4WD vehicle, canoe tours (dependent on season), and also cattle ranching – where you can be part of an authentic cultural activity from Pantanal. You will find plenty of wildlife and nature on exclusive trails, and all tours and activities are supported by experienced native guides. Meals & overnight at the Fazenda.

Fazenda – Redario
After an early breakfast you’ll ride off with the sunrise for a day-long, varied pace ride with snack and lunch stops along the way. You will travel along the fantastic landscape of Vazante do Castelo, where you can enjoy the exuberant Pantanal fauna and flora and the amazing and unspoiled scenery. You will then ride through an open landscape, surrounded by native forests (‘cerrado’), along the shores of the Vazante. A break for lunch at Retiro São Luís where a vehicle will be waiting with lunch. You will continue riding in the afternoon along the Vazante do Castelo, until you arrive at the outpost hidden in a shady woodland. A beautiful and untouched area, where you will spend the night in the bush, sleeping in hammocks in a well-constructed, thatched building. The outpost provides a basic infrastructure: hammock lounge  and mattress area, dining area and bathrooms (separate female and male, hot showers) all screened. Dinner and overnight here.

Redario – Recanto
Early morning departure after breakfast, riding off to the ‘Recanto’ on the edge of the river. As you continue the ride the landscape changes approaching the region of Rio Negro. A long morning ride, with a stop for a snack and a short rest during the trip. You will arrive for lunch at the next Fazenda. After a siesta or a stroll around the gardens and along the riverbank, an afternoon boat trip on the Negro River, stopping at the beautiful beaches where you can swim, and enjoy some sport fishing and rest in the paradise-like scenery. Dinner and overnight at the Fazenda.

Recanto rides
Many tour options and activities are available where you will find amazing wildlife on the verdant trails and waterways. The morning starts with getting comfortable with new horses then a morning and afternoon ride are planned – circuit rides in two different areas around the main house. You will encounter many medicinal plants and the local guide will explain their preparation and use. As well as the riding, options include: hiking, motorboat excursions, canoeing, nature observation, photographic safaris, bird watching, fishing (piranhas and other species), or other river activities. All tours have been carefully designed and are supported by experienced native guides.

Recanto to Campo Grande
The group will try to fit in one more tour early in the morning, but it will be an early start – riding or walking, final opportunity to spot more of the many mammals and birds that inhabit the area (guests will normally be able to choose to ride or walk, two groups possible). Or a bit of a ‘lie-in’ listening to the chatter of the birds in the surrounding trees. Departure from the Recanto to Campo Grande, in time for outward flights. A quick snack stop and lunch (not included) on the way and a chance in Campo Grande to purchase local tack, hats, lovely colorful hammocks and other souvenirs. End of the trip.