Fazenda Barranco Alto
Pantanal, Brazil
At a Glance
Fazenda Barranco Alto is a family run eco-lodge
Hosts Marina and Lucas, both Biologists, will welcome you with open arms
There are just four guest rooms, making for an intimate and laid-back atmosphere
Dining is communal with much of the produce sourced from the ranch itself
Very pretty setting with grass fields sloping down to the river and horses, cows and rheas roaming all around
Experience a slice of authentic Pantanal life
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
The Pantanal has two distinct seasons, dry and wet. During the wet season (November-April) guests will find the region in bloom, with lush vegetation and flowers, however the rains can make some areas tricky to reach, it is very hot and humid and some lodges do close at this time. We feel the best time to visit is during the dry season (May - October), which is the peak season for viewing wildlife, when rare species of birds and other animals seek shelter along the riverbanks and can be observed more easily.
Insider's View
For honeymooners, they can arrange a special breakfast on the banks of the river - a lovely and very different wildlife experience.
Call us on to start planning your holiday to Fazenda Barranco Alto or take a look at our itineraries to Brazil
Description
Visit the remote Fazenda Barranco Alto farm and explore Brazil's breathtaking southern Pantanal wetlands on the shores of the Rio Negro. A once in a lifetime wildlife destination and authentic experience with very friendly hospitality.
The Pantanal at Fazenda Barranco Alto is a unique ecosystem of stunning waterways, vast floodplains, water-lily and reed lagoons, salty ponds, shady forest glades and rich savannah grasslands.
The fazenda is a traditional cattle ranch with four comfortable en-suite guest rooms with air-conditioning and private verandas. The remoteness of the location and the limited number of rooms make for a truly intimate Pantanal experience.
In order to see the most wildlife guests arise early in the mornings before the sun breaks over the horizon. Each day's route is different, marked by the Pantanal's ever-changing panorama of sights and sounds. Bursting with life, the bush continuously shifts and transforms as you pass through the plains either on foot, open-vehicle, canoe or on horseback.
There may be an hour spent trailing a giant anteater, or a carefree gallop through the ankle-deep waters of a pan, or a cautious approach to a herd of white-lipped peccaries, or a day spent cantering across grassy plains, splashing through flooded water meadows or paddling on the dark waters of the most pristine river in the Pantanal, the Rio Negro observing giant otters, caiman, birds, capybaras and, if you are very lucky, perhaps even a jaguar.
During the flooding season from October through March the surrounding countryside floods and plant life explodes. Then in April as the waters recede, the birds return in vast numbers and variety and other animals such as caiman and capybaras can be seen on the river banks.
Accommodation
On Barranco Alto Farm you will 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. It truly is a natural paradise and the accommodation is in keeping with Barranco Alto's history with the lodge built out of an old cattle ranch dating back to the beginning of the twentieth century. Guests live the authentic experience being hosted by the latest generation of an old Patanal family and served traditional food of the region. There are four en suite guest suites with air-conditioning and their own private veranda as well as traditional décor and furniture.
Childcare
Children of all ages are welcome at Fazenda Barranco Alto although due to the length of the transfer to the lodge and the nature of the excursions we would not recommend it for very young children. Older children are sure to enjoy the adventurous nature of a stay in the Pantanal and looking out for the local wildlife.
Facilities
The Fazenda Barranco Alto features a restaurant serving typical Brazilian cuisine and bar.
Activities
All regular tours at the Fazenda Barranco alto are included during your stay - horse riding, bird watching, open vehicle safaris, hiking, canoeing, boating, nature walks and fishing. The hotel operates on a Full Board Basis.
Reviews
Sarah Lee (Staff)
I loved the location of Barranco Alto, with sweeping views across a bend in the river, and the fact that this is a place where the wildlife comes to you. You can stroll down to the river and watch river otters playing, cayman and capybaras, and fabulous flocks of blue hyacinth macaws. It is a family-run establishment with children of 6 and 8, and they really know how to bring the Pantanal alive for younger guests as well. If you like photography, Lucas is a dab hand, and will take you under his wing and show you the best tips and spots.
Experiences
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Pantanal by Canadian Canoe
Take a relaxing canoe ride to discover the surrounding riverside forest and find your own silent paradise! Silently glide along the river banks for your best chance to see wildlife along the way. Even do some Piranha fishing!
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Pantanal Horesback Riding Adventure
Take a Horseback tour and acquaint yourself with the Pantanal in the most traditional way, exploring the open-grassland and forest. Get a different vantage point on horseback as you discover this fascinating and unique landscape.
Location & directions
Pantanal, Brazil
Fazenda Barranco Alto lies on the Rio Negro, in the heart of the Pantanal Natural Park near to Campo Grande, South Pantanal.
How to get there
175 miles North West of Campo Grande in the heart of the southern Pantanal and is reached by a 50-minute light aircraft flight or 6-hours by paved and bumpy road during the dry season (subject to weather conditions).
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