Pantaneiro Ride in the Pantanal Pantanal Brazil Pantanal is the largest continuous wetland in the world. It has an area of 140.000 square kilometers of floodplain in Brazil and it also spreads through Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina. It was formed between 02 and 05 million years ago, as a large sedimentary basin and now is an isolated plain surrounded by several mountain areas.     An area more than a third the size of France. The name translates loosely as "big swampy place," pântano being the Portuguese word for swamp, but the Pantanal is really an alluvial plain, one so nearly flat that rainwater just loafs across it, flooding it in the full season, draining away in the dry. It is a World Heritage Site. Pantanal has a diverse aquatic animal life, hundreds of different fish guarantee a rich bird population (more than 600 species live in the area). There are also huge population of reptiles and mammals such: caimans, capybaras, monkeys, jaguars, armadillos, coatis and anteaters. Over a period of more than 200 years of occupation by farmers, the Pantanal’s biodiversity and landscape are basically the same as they were in their ancestor’s time. The Pantanal is an untouched and beautiful wilderness with open grasslands, “vazantes” (low-lying areas that are often seasonally flooded), “brejos” (swamps), “capões” (which in the Tupi Indian language means: caa = forest + pon = round that are patches of slightly elevated ground that are not subjected to inundation), “cordilheiras” (larger than capões), “corixos” and bays which are permanently flooded areas. In these uncommon Pantanal habitats, there is a rich flora and exuberant fauna which delights everyone. Those who have the opportunity to visit this hidden tropical paradise in the heart of South America and to experience even for a lithe while, its wildlife and lush vegetation as well as to get to know the people, will see the world with different eyes. Progressive Ride (no camping) Safari Ride Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Aquidauana Airport: Campo Grande Transfer: Transfer from Campo Grande Riders: Min 4 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Note that transfer rates can vary due to several factors including fuel cost

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers from Campo Grande possible by air (1-hour trip / all year round), by vehicle (6-hour trip / only from May to November), or a combination of the two

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
After the long journey, arrival at the fazenda located in the Rio Negro region, the most preserved region of the Pantanal, with abundance of wildlife and nature.  
In the afternoon, you'll have a brief presentation of the Program before leaving for a boat tour on the Rio Negro/Black River. An idyllic setting that serves as an introduction to the Pantanal, you'll get your first opportunity to see Pantanal fauna (fishes piraputanga, golden, painted, pacu, piranha and stingray ; also capybara, caiman, giant otter, otter and many birds, more than 360 are cataloged in this region.)
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Barra Mansa

Day 2: First Ride in the Pantanal
After breakfast, you'll go to the corral where the presentation of the troops will be following the tradition of Pantanal, organizing the horses "on line". You'll start the ride across fields, savannas, forests, mountain ranges, bays and salt marshes that serve as the backdrop for bird and wildlife watching. Typical lunch in the field.
 ~5 hours ride
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Barra Mansa

Day 3: Fazenda Barra Mansa to Primavera Refuge
We leave early to ride until we reach Capao farm, where before lunch, we will visit an authentic school of Pantanal: Rio Negro School. After a good rest under the trees, we start our journey on horseback along the banks of Vazante Castelo, whose landscape changes as we leave the Rio Negro region. We will ride about 3 hours to reach our Fly Camp Refuge Primavera, which as the name implies, this is a true refuge in the middle of the Pantanal.                                        
This night, you will have a unique experience sleeping in a hammock with lighting lanterns in the middle of Pantanal. The Refuge has a comfortable infrastructure: hall with screens to protect against insects, bathrooms and a kitchen. It is very nice to sleep on hammocks,  for those who don’t like it, we can provide a mattress instead of hammock (need to be informed when book the ride)
 ~5 hours ride
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Primavera Refuge

Day 4: Primavera Refuge to Fazenda BP
You will wake up with the sounds of the birds in the trees around the Refuge. After an early breakfast, depart to BP Farm. We will ride along the beautiful landscape of Vazante Castelo, where we will enjoy the lush Pantanal flora and fauna with incredible and untouched scenery. We will ride through an open landscape, surrounded by native forest (cerrado), along the shores of Vazante. This is a great opportunity for bird and wildlife watching.
Pause for a tereré* (a drink typical in the mid-West of Brazil, made with yerba-mate and cold water) at Retiro Sao Luis, where the support vehicle will be waiting. A few more hours of riding up to the place where we stopped for a picnic lunch in the field. After a rest, we continue riding along the Vazante Castelo, until reach BP Farm, where we will spend the next days. 
 ~6 hours ride
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda BP

Day 5: Pantaneiro Hoprse Ride & Piranha Fishing
After breakfast, we leave on horseback until the pasture where herds of Pantaneiro horses are breed. We will have the opportunity to observe the behavior of the stallion in contact with our horses, when they approach his "family". Return to the Farm for lunch and after a good rest, in the afternoon we drive to the Bay for the experience of piranha fishing.
 ~5 hours ride
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda BP

Day 6: Ride with the Pantaneiro Cowboys
Early departure after breakfast, we will enjoy the sunrise while we ride. On this last day, we will attend an authentic culture of the Pantanal, following the Pantaneiro cowboys on their work with cattle.     
 ~5 hours ride
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda BP

Day 7: Departure
Depending on your flight time, you still will be able to do some activity in the morning before return to Campo Grande.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Campo Grande area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	89	89	89	88	84	83	84	88	89	90	90	89
Average Low Temperature (°F)	72	72	71	69	64	63	62	65	67	70	71	72
Average High Temperature (°C)	32	32	32	31	29	28	29	31	32	32	32	32
Average Low Temperature (°C)	22	22	22	21	18	17	16	18	19	21	21	22
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	14	11	10	6	6	3	2	2	6	8	10	12

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The tropical climate of the Pantanal region has an annual average of 27°C and is characterized 3 cycles every year that changes its landscape: 

Rainy or Flood season (November-December & January-March)
Temperatures are hot at this time of the year. Most of the animals search for higher areas such as “caapões” and “cordilheiras”.

Vazante / Intermediate season (April to June)
When the rains stop, the water levels begin to slowly drop. The mammals that had scattered with the flood return to the plain once again. The end of the rains brings mild weather that makes overnights more delightful.

Dry season (June to October)
The land dries out and many species can be seen searching for waterholes. It's the best season to watch the wildlife. The rivers and lagoons return to their normal level and thousands of fish are concentrated, offering a plentiful feast that feeds the wildlife populating the margins of the ecosystem. It's the birds mating season. They're showing off their feathers and singing. Anteaters and South-American Coatis are a common presence, the Jaguars are enjoying the weather and the dry landscape acquires shades of yellow along with colorful tints provided by the blooming pink trumpet trees.
Sometimes there are cold snaps between June and August but they only last for a few days.

It is recommended to put your luggage in travel bag instead of a hard suitcase. 10 bags are easier to get in the backup vehicle than 10 suitcases.

Travel documents and Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
Travel Insurance
Pocket money (you can change money on arrival at the airport)

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) - as they are not too hot, and they dry out quickly if they get wet.
Riding boots (short) or hard-soled shoes + Minichaps or Longchaps
Riding helmet - please bring your own. NOTE – It's not mandatory in Brazil.
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
Lightweight Rain coat
Tall boot socks to prevent chaffing
4 to 5 Long-sleeved shirts for protection sun
Water canteen
This list is only a general guideline for you from Ride in Brazil
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Pyjama
Bag for dirty clothes
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
Swimsuit / Bathing suit

Personal Toiletries
Insect Repellent
Personal medications (please consult with your G.P. for health advise)
Sewing kit
Handkerchiefs
Adapter for electric appliances
Small Camera/Phone with Camera and batteries
Belt pack
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (spf-30 or higher) and Lip Balm with sunscreen
One towel
Torch / Flashlight

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent in 3 different locations.

Description
Accommodations have been chosen for the exceptional natural environment.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Fazenda Barra Mansa
Night 3: Primavera Refuge
Night 4, 5, & 6: Fazenda BP Pantanal


Fazenda Barra Mansa
Located in a very special and protected area, on the shores of the Negro River, Fazenda Barra shelters rich nature and wildlife. The rooms are simply decorated and feature windows with great views of the lush and green surrounding landscape. This accommodation can host up to 17 guests in various room sizes ranging from double to quadruple occupancy. All air conditioned rooms come with a private bathroom. Wi-Fi internet and laundry services are available (small fee applies for the laundry).


Primavera Refuge
This refuge is located in the heart of Pantanal and features very rustic accommodation. Guests will be sleeping in hammocks located inside the main lodge, which features screened windows. Washroom and toilet facilities are shared and there is no internet and no electricity. At night, candles illuminate the lodge, giving it a special charm.


Fazenda BP Pantanal
The fazenda is located on the shores of the Vazante do Castelo, an incredible natural open field area that concentrates amazing nature and wildlife. Your host will make sure that you feel at home as hospitality is part of tradition here. The main building can accommodate up to 13 guests in triple and double rooms, all fitted with air conditioning, Wi-Fi access and private bathrooms.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you.



Meals
All meals are included with this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.
Breakfasts and dinners are eaten at the accommodations and lunches are eaten on the trail.

Brazil has a rich cuisine. The country is a mixture of European, Indian, African, and Asian cultures and is reflected in the way the Brazilians cook. Italian and African cuisines have great influence on Brazilian cuisine. Well before Europe spoke about fusion cuisine, Brazil was combining ingredients found from different continents to a new, typical Brazilian cuisine. They also often serve dishes from different countries on one table.
The Brazilian cuisine is very good, varied, and serves many naturally made dishes. The main dishes are mostly rice and beans (Feijão) and sauces, with lots of meat or fish and salads. Each region has its own traditional dishes. Very popular is the Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ).

Alcoholic drinks are not included in this trip but guests are welcome to bring their own if they wish.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Australian trail saddles
Horses:		Pantaneiro and Quarter mix
Pace:		Moderate, trots and canters. 5 to 6 hrs per day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3.5 out of 5)     Intermediate
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 12 riders

Riding Level
You should be confident at walk, trot and canter and open to a different way of riding. Due to the terrain and the cowboy culture of slow riding when working cattle, much of the riding is at a walk with occasional canters. Beginner and novice riders can be accepted as part of private groups.

Riding Tour
The horse is the best way to explore the Pantanal. You will ride an average of 5 hours a day, riding through its open fields, marshes, capões, ridges, streams and bays. You will encounter a rich variety of lush flora and fauna, typical of a region well preserved. There are several tracks with shorter or longer routes, which can be done in both the floods and dry seasons, always with experienced local guides.

Guide
Your guide on this trip is Daniel. Daniel is a third generation Pantaneiro cowboy and his Family owns the farm Barra Mansa in the remote and beautiful Rio Negro area of Pantanal. He speaks good English and started guiding when he was 20 years old. He guides for pleasure and likes to tell stories about life in this region.

Cattle Work
During one day, you will be able to accompany the cowboys in their work routine with the cattle. Move the cattle to other parts of the farm (cattle drive), take care of the calves or see the cowboys working at the corral. (* this will happen according to their season work with the cattle) It is also a good opportunity to learn a little bit more about the culture and habits of the people from Pantanal.

Boat Tour on the Rio Negro
You will do one boat tour. This is the best way to get to know the Rio Negro / Black River and the beauty and exuberance of its gallery forest. It is the natural habitat of birds, mammals and reptiles that lie out on river banks or simply hear the songs of the birds. You will also do piranha fishing. The piranha is mainly used to prepare a typical dish of the region, piranha soup. It is also a good way to see the caimans.

Passports

Passports valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Passport Note

All non-Brazillian nationals under 18 years of age, when not accompanied by both parents, must have a birth certificate (an original or authenticated photocopy). This must be in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish, otherwise an official translation must be presented as well. When travelling alone or with one parent, a declaration from the absent parent(s) must be presented authorising the journey and giving the name and address of the person in Brazil who will be responsible for the minor. In the case of divorced or deceased parents, papers attesting to full custody must be presented.

All travellers must be in possession of onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay.



Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:

(a) 1. nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta who do require a visa) for touristic and business stays of up to 90 days;

(b) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting flight, provided holding onward documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist: cost varies according to nationality. Generally, it is around £30. Other prices, based on reciprocity, are £28 (for nationals of Australia); £52 (for nationals of Canada); free, but £104 processing fee (for nationals of the USA). British citizens requiring visas with a validity over 180 days will be subject to a processing fee of £124. Business and Transit: cost varies according to nationality; contact the consulate for details.

Validity

Normally 90 days from date of issue, although this is at the discretion of Brazilian immigration officials. Tourist visas can be used for multiple entry within the period of validity. Tourist visas can be extended up to a further 90 days, provided the application is made at least two weeks before the expiration of the visa. Nationals should apply in Brazil to the federal police; this must be done before the visa expires or nationals risk deportation.

Note: Some Brazilian immigration officials have been restricting single male tourists aged 25-50 to stays of up to 30 days, particularly in the north east region, in an effort to combat sex tourism.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at the embassy); see Contact Addresses. Applications made through travel agents or by post are subject to a fee of £8.

Working Days Required

Depends on nationality. Up to three days for applications made in person and 10 days for applications made by a third party. Additional time is required to process applications made by post.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

 

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: Brazil requires U.S. citizens to carry a valid U.S. passport and visa when traveling to Brazil for any purpose. You must obtain your Brazilian visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate nearest to your place of residence in the United States. There are no "airport visas" and immigration authorities will refuse entry into Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. The U.S. government cannot assist you if you arrive in Brazil without proper documentation. 

Travelers under 18 years of age and their parents should carefully review the visa application requirements. The adjudicating official at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate may require a birth certificate and notarized travel authorization to issue a visa to a minor.

Visit the web site of the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for the most current visa information.

U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers must fill out a small immigration form on arrival that will be stamped and handed back by immigration officials at the airport. It is important to retain this form to hand back to immigration officials upon exit from the country. According to the Brazilian Embassy’s website, visitors who lose this form will have to get clearance from the Brazilian Federal Police to leave the country and may have to pay a fine.

Remember that while in Brazil, you are subject to local law. Showing contempt to a Brazilian government official at the port of entry, or elsewhere, is a serious offense.

Additionally, if you have recently visited certain countries, including most other Latin American countries, you may be required to present an inoculation card indicating you had a yellow fever inoculation or you may not be allowed to board the plane or enter the country. Check with the Brazilian Embassy for more information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Brazil.

For current entry and customs requirements for Brazil, travelers may contact the Brazilian Embassy, which is temporarily located at 1025 Thomas Jefferson St., NW, Suite 300 W (3rd floor), Washington, D.C. 20007-5250, Phone: (202) 238-2805. Travelers may also contact the Brazilian Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. Addresses, phone numbers, web and e-mail addresses, and jurisdictions of these consulates may be found at the Brazilian Embassy website.

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Dual Nationals: U.S. citizens who also have Brazilian nationality cannot be issued Brazilian visas and must obtain a Brazilian passport from the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate nearest to their place of residence to enter and depart Brazil. In addition to being subject to all Brazilian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Brazilian citizens. Information about dual nationality can be found on our website. 

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Minors: Brazilian minors age 17 years and under, including minors who have both Brazilian and U.S. citizenship, are subject to strict exit requirements. Brazilian minors departing Brazil, if not accompanied by both parents, must prove that both parents authorized the departure. If accompanied by only one parent, the minor must have a notarized letter from the other parent indicating permission to depart the country, a court order proving that the accompanying parent has sole custody, or a Brazilian court order authorizing the child’s departure. If accompanied by neither parent, the minor must have a notarized letter from both parents authorizing departure, or a Brazilian court order authorizing the same. There are no exceptions, even if the child remained in Brazil only a short time. The authorization must be notarized by a Brazilian notary to be considered valid by the Brazilian authorities. If prepared in the United States, the authorization must be in Portuguese or accompanied by an official translation into Portuguese, and must be notarized by either the Brazilian Embassy or a Brazilian Consulate, or notarized by a U.S. notary public and then authenticated at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. Prior to departing the United States, parents traveling to Brazil with children who are Brazilian nationals may wish to obtain an authorization for each parent to return with the children to the United States without the other parent, just in case. Note that children adopted from Brazil are still considered Brazilian citizens and must be documented as such should they return to Brazil.

Minors age 17 years and under who are not Brazilian nationals are not technically subject to the same strict travel requirements as Brazilian minors. However, there have been cases where the travel of non-Brazilian minors has been delayed or prevented when accompanied by only one parent or a third party. To avoid potential difficulties, parents of non-Brazilian minors may want to follow the procedures above if their children will be traveling to Brazil accompanied by only one parent or by a third party.

Parents contemplating separation or divorce should resolve custody matters before leaving the country. Pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, to which both Brazil and the United States are party, custody will ultimately be decided by a court in the country where the child is a habitual resident. Information about the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. The State Department hotline for Child Abduction Prevention during regular business hours is: (202) 663-3330 and after hours: (888) 407-4747. 

For further information about customs regulations, please read our customs information page.

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.