About the Pantanal
The Pantanal, situated in the upper Paraguayan River Basin, covers an area of approximately 150.000 km², and is considered to be the world largest wetlands. Its greater part is divided between the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, extending further, at its western and south-western boundaries into Bolivia and the Chaco region of Paraguay. With elevations between 80-150 m the Pantanal is surrounded by high plateaus which the river systems spring from.
The Pantanal is noteworthy for its extraordinary biodiversity and abundance of wildlife. For many it is the world biggest ecological sanctuary. The vegetation comprises a mix of three of the most important eco-systems in South America: the dry forest formations of the Chaco to the south, the Savannah-like Cerrado to the east, and the Amazon rainforest to the north. The landscape consists of swamps, seasonally flooded grass and woodlands, and a variety of forest (ever-green, semi deciduous, gallery, etc.). This fertile abundance of nature is host to the highest concentration of wildlife in the Americas.
About 600 species of birds (compared to about 500 in all of Europe) occur in an area which is one of the most important wetland breeding grounds for birds such as: heron, stork, ibis, pink spoonbill all of which can be observed in enormous flocks. The magnificent Jabirus with its decorative red neck and black head is the biggest stork in the world and the symbol of the Pantanal. There are also 26 species of parrots including the world’s largest and endangered bluer hyacinth macaw. Also present in the area is the South American ostrich, the rhea and approximately 45 species of birds of prey are at home in the Pantanal.
The Pantanal is also a refuge to many mammal species threatened elsewhere in South America such as: Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Mane Wolf, Coati, Capuchin und Howler monkies, Giant Otter, Giant Anteater, Giant Armadillo, Marsh Deer, Peccary, Tapir and the most characteristic animal of the Pantanal; the Capybara, weighting up to 70kg it is the world biggest rodent. The Paraguayan caiman can be observed at all times at the river banks and there is still the world’s largest snake, the Anaconda, to be seen there.
To complete the list of wildlife, the countless rivers and lakes of the Pantanal sustains a fish life of some 260 species, from the ferocious piranha to catfish of up to 120 kg.
Most of the Pantanal is privately owned land, consisting of large cattle ranches, known as “fazendas”. During the last decades some areas of the Pantanal have been under serious attack by a number of human activities such as: farming, deforestation, man-made and wild-fires, poaching, over fishing and to a certain extent abusive tourism. Increased consciousness for the environment, and for additional profits have however produced miracles. Today the ecosystem of the Pantanal is constantly regaining its capacity.
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 01: Flight São Paulo - Campo Grande - Baia das Pedras Ranch
Arrival in São Paulo and flight to Campo Grande. Pick-up and transfer to a private airstrip for flight to our Ranch in the Nhecolândia district. Our pilot flies generous detours and at low level to offer you the best opportunities to photograph the Pantanal from a birds-eye-view. At the “fazenda”, your hosts will welcome you with a traditional Caipirinha. They will personally take care of you during your stay with them. After lunch and a rest, you may get started for your first guided discoveries in the nearby area. The so-called “vazantes” are little lakes and ponds formed by the retrieving waters that flooded in the rainy season most parts of the land. They give the landscape the characteristic appearance that is generally associated with the Pantanal and are the last remaining water sources for the animals during the dry season. Here you can observe a lot of diversified wildlife in a concentrated area. Overnight.
 Day 02-04: Pantanal exploration
During the following three days you will have the opportunity to discover the region around the “fazenda” and visit the various lakes, ponds and the bush lands of the savannah. You will plan your itinerary together with your hosts, depending on the conditions at site and your personal preferences. You may also choose the means to get around, exploring the area hiking, by four-wheel-driven vehicle and/or on horseback. Observe and photograph giant anteaters, capybaras, armadillos, anacondas, huge marsh deer, toucans, several kinds of macaws, among them the endangered, major psittacidea species of the world: the up to one meter measuring hyacinth macaw. You will also encounter hundreds of other bird species, particularly water birds. We will supply you a complete wildlife list after confirmed booking.
As the “fazenda's” economic activities include cattle and horse breeding you may want to take part in the daily life of the pantaneiros peões (the cowboys of the Pantanal), who take care of the 12.000 head Nelore cattle herd that is kept for organic meat production.
Day 05: Pantanal - Campo Grande - São Paulo
Being your last day in the Pantanal you may want to take the morning to make more discoveries and say good-bye to this fascinating scenery with its great wildlife. Being back at the “fazenda” before lunch you have time to pack your gear, pay a visit to the Pantanal Boarding School there, an important social project for the Pantanal children, and say good-bye to your hosts and all the other friendly people that helped to make your stay unforgettable. The pilot brings you safely to Campo Grande. From the private airstrip there you will be transferred again to the main airport and fly to São Paulo to your international connection.
Prices 2008:
USD 1.274.- per Person
Singleroom supplement USD 260.-
Participants Min. 4 – max. 8 people
The package includes:
All transfers
Flights São Paulo – Campo Grande - Nhecolândia Ranch - São Paulo
4 nights accommodation at the fazenda (Jungle Lodge)
All meals and beverages
Experienced, qualified expedition leader and reliable local guides
Difficulty level:
Moderate. Discoveries are done on either horseback, by jeep or easy walk. We recommend adequate physical preparation. Average climate: elevated temperatures around 35º Celsius
Disclaimer:
A correct attitude, understanding and respect for this unique environment are imperative; you will be a guest of the Pantanal and must be flexible to its whims when in its home.
The 5 Day Pantanal Tour itinerary can be changed at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances if the guide or pilot feels it necessary to the health and security of the client.
If you need any additional information please write us:
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