Pantaneiro Ride

Introduction
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.

Accomodation


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

Description
Accommodations have been chosen for the exceptional natural environment.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1, 2 & 3: Fazenda Baia
Night 4: Primavera Refuge
Night 5: Fazenda Eldorado
Night 6 & 7: Cattle Farm

Fazenda Baia
The lodge sits beside a massive floodplain called the Vazante do Castelo. The main house of the lodge is very charming and spacious. There are communal areas both inside and out – whether you choose to stretch out in a hammock under a mango tree, or read one of the lodge’s many interesting books, there are several ways to relax in this beautiful and serene environment. There is a TV room and a small shop at the lodge.
The guest rooms (5 guest rooms in total) are comfortable and all include air conditioning and private bathrooms.


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.
* it is very nice to sleep in hammocks under a fixed roof. For those who don’t like it, we can provide a mattress (let us know at time of booking)

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.

Breakfasts usually feature bread, yoghurt, jams, cakes and other treats, mostly homemade. 

For lunch and dinner, typical Brazilian dishes (both regional and national) will be served. The beef and some of the vegetables and fruits are produced seasonally at the farms. There is a lot of variety, and we always include vegetarian dishes. Fish from Pantanal, like dourado (gilded catfish) and others are cooked in stews or even deep fried and served with manioc.

Some specialities include: Porco Monteiro (Feral pig), Fried pork casings, Rice with Pequi (a local fruit of the Brazilian Savannah) “Chipa” - a type of cheese bread and Sopa Paraguaia (a typical corn pie that takes white cheese).

At dawn, you can participate the cow milking and later eat the milk caramel (dolce de leite). In the morning, riders can see the preparation of “Quebra-Torto”, the local plentiful breakfast of the Pantaneiros cowboys composed of macarrão tropeiro (noodles with beef jerky).

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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Riding Level
You should be a competent rider, comfortable at all paces and confident enough to try a different style of riding. There is a variety of terrain to cross; from wide sandy trails to forests, you should be used to riding in open spaces.

Horses
The Pantaneiro horses are well mannered, forward going, sure footed and very obedient. The horses respond to neck reining and are used to a loose rein wherever possible.

Guides
You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide and a local guide. Both guides have good knowledge of the local area.

Cattle Work
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.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
After the long journey, arrival at the fazenda located in the most preserved region of the Pantanal, with abundance of wildlife and nature.  
In the afternoon, you'll get to meet the horses. You will stay the next 3 nights on this traditional Pantanal farm with approximately 16000 acres and 4000 head of cattle. On this farm will have the opportunity to become a Pantaneiro for one or two days.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Baia

Day 2: Pantaneiro Cattle Work
You will be included in the real work of the farm, a true life experience. Expect the unexpected because at each time of the year there are different tasks to be carried out in the daily routine of a Pantaneiro cowboy: pulling calves apart, curing cattle, lassoing, rounding up the cattle, changing the wintering or farm cattle as in a cattle move.    
At the end of the day, you will need to rest in order to keep up with the heavy workload of the next day so you will have good accommodation and good food.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Baia

Day 3: Pantaneiro Cattle Work
As you help with cattle work, you will have the opportunity to see many of the countless species of birds and animals that inhabit this region and will be experiencing the legitimate Pantanal traditions. In the Pantanal, the pace of activities is dictated by nature, which does not prevent livestock from observing all the necessary managements that over time have been adjusted to be carried out in harmony with the energy balance and sustainability of the region. 
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Baia

Day 4: Ride to Refuge Primavera
This morning, you leave early for a full day in the saddle, riding along the banks of Vazante Castelo. Ride until you reach the Fly Camp Refuge Primavera, which as the name implies, is a wooden bush camp in the middle of the Pantanal. 
Tonight, you will have a unique experience sleeping in a hammock* with lighting lanterns. The Refuge has comfortable infrastructures: screens to protect against insects, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen.
* it is very nice to sleep in hammocks under a fixed roof, for those who don’t like it, we can provide a mattress (let us know at time of booking) 
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Refuge Primavera

Day 5: Refuge Primavera to Fazenda Eldorado
You will wake up with the sounds of the birds in the trees around the Refuge. After an early breakfast, depart to Fazenda Eldorado. You will ride across the beautiful Pantanal landscape, where will enjoy the lush flora and varied fauna. Great opportunity for bird and wildlife watching.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fazenda Eldorado

Days 6 & 7: Cattle Farm
To bring to a perfect end to this great experience, your last 2 days will be spent in a large breeding farm with thousands of cattle. On this farm you may have the rare opportunity to witness the morning fishing of a giant otter family as dawn breaks, observe the ritual of alligator mating and, with luck and patience, to look into the eyes of the biggest cat of the Americas: the jaguar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at cattle farm

Day 8: 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

Rates and Dates for Pantaneiro Ride

Dates Note:
This ride is available on request for groups of 4+ pax between May and October (we need the booking at least 1 month in advance).

Other Info
Meeting: Aquidauana
Airport: Campo Grande
Transfer: Transfer from Campo Grande

Climate:
                                            Campo Grande area