This trip combines two wildlife lodges to make one extraordinary trip to the Pantanal of Brazil for fantastic wildlife viewing. The first lodge, Fazenda Baia das Pedras, was built in 1940 when a local family started a cattle farm. In 2003 the house was remodeled without losing its original style. The second lodge, Barra Mansa Lodge is also located in the Pantanal, at the confluence of the Vazante do Castelo and Negro Rivers.

The Fazenda Baia das Pedras is located on the shores of Vazante do Castelo, in the Pantanal. The hospitality and the culinary tradition are still part of the Fazenda.  This location is excellent for watching animals like the marsh deer, the capybara, caiman, howler monkey, tapir, peccaries, toucans, jabiru stork, hyacinth macaw, yellow and red macaws and hundreds of other birds.

Barra Mansa Lodge was also created in the 1940’s as a cattle ranch. In 1996 the grandson of the original settler set up an eco-tourism project at the ranch. The main farmhouse has beautiful views of the river and the guestrooms have screened windows, air-conditioning and verandas. Here you can go sport fishing, take guided excursions to see the surrounding flora and fauna, go horse riding and bird watch.

Day 1 - Campo Grande - Fazenda Baia das Pedras
On arrival at the airport of Campo Grande (9:40AM) an English speaking guide will welcome you, followed by a short (20 minute) transfer to the small airport named Ching. Here you will board a Cessna 206/210 or a Piper Arrow for an unforgettable 50 minute flight over the wetlands of the Pantanal to Fazenda Baia das Pedras.  The flight will give you a wonderful view of the Pantanal. One can often spot tapir, capybara, flocks of birds and other animals while flying at about 600 feet above the flat Pantanal. 

At Fazenda Baia das Pedras you’ll be in the heart of the Pantanal with nature as a great attraction. The area is comprised of forested islands with trees, lagoons, lakes, channels, and scattered farms built on the highest ground to avoid the annual flooding. 

You will get close to the natural life and culture of the place through the activities that the farm offers. It’s possible to watch animals like the marsh and pampas deer, the capybara, caimans, howler monkey, tapir, peccaries, toucans, jabiru stork, the hyacinth, yellow and red macaws and a hundred other birds. Even the puma can be seen with luck!

Day 2-3 – Fazenda Baia das Pedras
During your stay the following activities will be scheduled at the lodge: horse ridings, trekking, boat rides, canoe rides and photo safari through pristine ecosystems. During your stay all meals and excursions are included. (B,L,D)  

Day 4 – Transfer from Fazenda Baia das Pedras to Barra Mansa Lodge
After a early breakfast we will leave around 7:00am for a half day photographic safari by 4-wheel drive through the Pantanal from one fazenda to another. We will reach Barra Mansa Lodge before lunch, a distance of approximately 70km (approx. 42 miles).  There are no real roads, but the sandy paths linking the fazandas will be followed and we'll cross flooded land, forest and bays.  Unlimited stops can be made to take pictures of the unique flora and fauna. Mineral water will be on board the vehicle as well.

We will arrive at Hotel Barra Mansa, located in a beautiful location on the Negro River. It is a very exclusive location because the river is between two huge swamps, which makes it remote. At Barra Mansa Lodge you will find privacy, peace, rest and leisure.

Upon arrival at Barra Mansa Lodge, you have the chance to take a refreshing shower before a typical delicious “Pantanera” lunch is served. During your stay all meals and excursions are included. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - 6 – Barra Mansa Lodge
During your stay the following activities will be scheduled at the lodge: horse ridings, trekking, boat rides, canoe rides and photo safari through pristine ecosystems. The Fazenda has canoes made of “ximbuva” wood (Enterolobium contortisiliqum) by the people of Corumba, South Mato Grosso. The piranha fishing tours are on Guanandy bay and Baía das Pedras bay.  Birds, caimans and mammals frequently go to the bays in the early hours of the day and at sunset. (B,L,D) 

Day 7 – Barra Mansa Lodge – Campo Grande
Today you can take a sunrise walk or a 2 hr. canoe ride before breakfast to see the Pantanal wake up. Depending on the weather conditions, we’ll departure by small airplane to Campo Grande as early as possible for your connecting flight. (B)

EXCURSIONS AT FAZENDA BAIA DAS PEDRAS

Horse back riding – Pantaneiro horses, raised at the lodge, are excellent for touring the surrounding forests and streams. This area has the biggest concentration of trees. As a result, lots of animals can find shelter and food here.  You can also follow the cowboys as they do their daily work and witness their expert roping and handling of cattle.

Canoeing - The Fazenda has handicraft canoes made up of “ximbuva” wood (Enterolobium contortisiliqum) by people from Corumbá, South Mato Grosso. The piranha fishing tours are on Guanandy bay, Baía das Pedras bay and drain of Castelo. Birds, caimans and mammals go frequently to the bays mainly in the early hours of the day and sunset.

Trekking – Paths take visitors to special places like the macaw’s landing area. There are paths that lead to special places-some are perfect for watching the sunset.

Spotlighting – A spotlight tour is done at night, in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Using a large spotlight, the caimans and other night animals can be seen. It is a special way to watch and listen to the sounds of the Pantanal.

Photographic Safari – This activity combines two activities: photography and observation of animals and flora. You’ll tour around the fields on a four wheel drive vehicle.


EXCURSIONS AT BARRA MANSA LODGE

Horse back riding
Horses are the best way to explore the region. The typical saddles (arreios) are extremely comfortable, and the horses are really good journey companions. Fields, lagoons (baías), salt water lakes (salinas), and cerrados are some of the tour sceneries. Lovely and unforgettable rides get you in touch with plants and animals from the Pantanal. The horses are sweet and obedient, providing pleasant ridings and an easy way to photograph Pantanal landscape and wildlife. On a horse you may find an incredible animal variety, like capybaras, dears, anteaters, wild pigs, peccaries, tapirs, and a massive amount of bird diversity. Barra Mansa Lodge has specialized riding programs, with several trails for the whole day with a typical pantaneiro lunch in the middle of nature. The experience of Pantanal life and culture, while out riding, will give you wonderful memories.

Boat ride
The Negro River is a Pantanal jewel. Naturally protected, the river is located between two huge swamps. There are no cities or villages on the riverbanks, guaranteeing contact with nature. The dry and wet season in Pantanal offers different experiences on the boat tours. When the waters go up (wet season - December to June), the Negro River flows through fields, lagoons (baías) and open land areas, providing impressive and beautiful tours amid aquatic plants, hundreds of fish, caimans, giant otters and huge amounts of birds. In the dry season (July to November) the river recedes exposing white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming. Here you will find storks, egrets, herons, kingfishers, curassows, skimmers, hawks as well as many other species. You may find also animals like capybaras, peccaries, tapirs and, with luck, a magnificent jaguar. Boat tours are mainly done with electric motor, which are silent and appropriate for wildlife appreciation. The fuel engine is useful for fishing activities and tours up the river. Calm and slow, the river is a refuge for wildlife. Along the beaches and riverbanks from Negro river, you will find the perfect place to experience nature.

Canoeing
Canoes tours are the best option for those who want direct and intense contact with the world of water and nature in the Pantanal. After the wet season, the water is very clear and you can see enormous fish, caimans and sting rays swimming slowly under the canoes. Canoeing down the river is calm, quiet and peaceful, allowing the visitor to get really close to birds and animals. You might also surprise wildlife near the river. These chances get higher when the canoeing at sunrise. Canoeing up the river offers adventure and excitement. The canoes hold up to 3 people and are light and easy to paddle. You do not need advanced experienced to paddle.

Hiking
The hiking trails are on the outskirts of the farm, surrounded by typical Pantanal vegetation, like cordilheiras, capões, vazantes and cerrados, allowing you to see a large variety of animals and plants. Birdwatch is best on hikes, where you may find dozens of different species. Animals like capybaras, coatis, deer, anteater, peccaries and wild pigs are frequently seen.

 Photographic Safari
At Barra Mansa Lodge, the photograph safari can be done in a boat, car, on foot or by horse. From sunrise to sunset, the Pantanal has beautiful landscapes, rich colors, shapes, light and motion. Barra Mansa Lodge specializes in guiding services for photographers. They can suggest the best tours according to the time of day and your nature interest. You never know when you might surprise a jaguar or a tapir on the riverbank!

Staying on in Brazil? Whether your interest is wildlife or culture, in a short extension tour you can experience more of the rich living heritage of this vibrant country. And for the adventurous wildlife enthusiast, why not visit Hyacinth Camps? We can even arrange hotels and transportation.