The Pantanal Trail in Brazil

After arriving in Campo Grande, you’ll transfer by 4×4 vehicle into the heart of the southern Pantanal (an optional scenic fixed wing flight is also available). Upon arrival at the fazenda, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink before settling into your accommodation and receiving a briefing on the region, its remarkable wildlife and the adventure ahead.

If time allows, you’ll head out for your first ride, a chance to get acquainted with your Pantaneiro horse and experience your first taste of this extraordinary wilderness. Renowned for their strength, agility and calm temperament, these horses are perfectly suited to life in the wetlands. Dinner and overnight at the fazenda.

Today offers your first full day in the saddle as you explore the vast landscapes surrounding the fazenda. Riding through open grasslands, riverine habitats and native woodland, you’ll quickly discover why the Pantanal is considered one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations.

Keep an eye out for capybara, howler monkeys, coatis, peccaries, tapirs and countless bird species, including macaws, toucans, parrots and storks. Riding is divided between morning and afternoon sessions, with approximately six hours spent in the saddle throughout the day. As this is a working cattle ranch, there may also be the opportunity to meet local Pantaneiro cowboys and even assist with cattle work if conditions allow.

Another rewarding day of riding awaits as you venture deeper into the wetlands in search of the Pantanal’s incredible wildlife. This is horseback safari at its finest, with opportunities to observe animals on land, in the water and overhead.

The Pantanal is full of surprises and every ride is different. You may encounter giant anteaters, tapirs, caiman, giant armadillos, anacondas and a remarkable variety of birdlife. With a little luck, there may even be sightings of some of the region’s more elusive inhabitants. Dinner and overnight at the fazenda.

After an early breakfast, you’ll saddle up for a full day on horseback as you leave the fazenda behind and venture deeper into the Pantanal wilderness. Following remote trails through the Vazante Castelo region, you’ll ride across open plains, alongside waterways and through untouched habitats teeming with wildlife.

A picnic-style lunch is enjoyed en route before continuing deeper into this remarkable landscape. By late afternoon you’ll arrive at your remote wilderness camp, located far from civilisation in a beautifully secluded setting. Accommodation is simple but comfortable, with traditional Brazilian hammocks, shared facilities and a welcoming atmosphere. As darkness falls, enjoy dinner beneath the stars and soak up the sounds of the Pantanal at night.

Wake to the sounds of the wilderness and enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the area surrounding camp. A short walk to the nearby river offers excellent opportunities to photograph caiman, capybara and an abundance of birdlife.

Later, you’ll head out on horseback once again to explore this remote corner of the Pantanal. With no roads, settlements or distractions, this is an opportunity to experience the wilderness at its purest. Sunset often paints the landscape in spectacular colours, creating unforgettable photographic opportunities. After dinner, those who wish can join a night walk to the river, where the glowing eyes of caiman can often be seen reflected in the water. A second night is spent in your hammock camp.

At sunrise, you’ll leave camp behind and continue your journey across the Pantanal towards the Rio Negro region. Riding through ever-changing scenery, you’ll witness the landscape gradually transform as you approach the famous river system.

After lunch in the shade of the bush, the ride continues until reaching the Rio Negro, where a boat transfer takes you across to the ranch. The white sandy riverbanks provide a striking contrast to the surrounding wetlands and signal your arrival at one of the most remote and wildlife-rich areas of the Pantanal.

Situated on the banks of the Rio Negro, this authentic ranch is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing. Boat and canoe excursions offer further opportunities to spot giant otters, capybara, caiman, anacondas and, if fortune is on your side, even jaguar. Dinner and overnight at the ranch.

Today is dedicated to exploring the Pantanal from the water. Travelling by boat and canoe allows you to access areas that are impossible to reach on horseback and provides fantastic opportunities for close wildlife encounters.

The Rio Negro is home to an astonishing variety of species, and the slower pace of exploration offers a completely different perspective on the wetlands. You’ll also have the chance to try your hand at piranha fishing, cool off with a swim in suitable areas of the river and simply enjoy the tranquillity of this remarkable environment.

As the sun sets over the wetlands, gather for a final evening at the ranch, reflecting on the adventures and wildlife encounters of the past week before enjoying your last dinner in the Pantanal.

After breakfast, you’ll depart the Pantanal and transfer back to Campo Grande by 4×4 vehicle. Alternatively, an optional fixed wing flight can be arranged for a spectacular aerial view of the landscapes you’ve spent the past week exploring.

Arrival at either the airport or your hotel marks the end of an unforgettable horseback adventure through one of the world’s greatest wilderness areas.