Pantanal Ranches and Rivers
Bite-sized trip
If you'd prefer not to self drive in Brazil, we can arrange a private car and driver for this bite-sized trip. Scroll down for prices.
Day 1 – Campo Grande to Bonito
After you arrive in Campo Grande you’ll pick up your rental car and head off on a 4 hour drive to Bonito. It’s an easy drive along well-maintained roads, but we’ll provide a detailed road book to follow so there’s no chance of getting lost! Bonito is the Portuguese word for beautiful, and the area around the town lives up to the name. After checking in to your pousada the rest of your day is free to explore. The town itself is pretty tiny, with a relaxed atmosphere. The main street is dotted with shops and eateries.
Day 2 – Bonito: snorkelling & macaws
This morning, drive to the Rio da Prata River for a magical snorkelling experience. Plunge into the crystal-clear waters and follow your guide. Snorkelling requires hardly any effort as the gentle current carries you past schools of colourful fish and underwater scenes reminiscent of a tropical aquarium. You’ll leave the water and walk along the riverbank for some short sections. After around 2.5 hours you’ll reach a jetty and transfer back to the centre in time for lunch.
After lunch drive to Buraco das Araras: an impressive sinkhole that measures over 100 metres deep and 500 metres wide. Many red-blue macaws, as well as toucans and other bird species, have built their nests amongst the cliffs here. Follow the walking trail along the rim of the sinkhole and you should be able to spot the macaws as they leave their nests for foraging.
Day 3 – Bonito to Southern Pantanal
After breakfast you’ll leave Bonito and travel into the Pantanal – a wetlands area that’s half the size of France and one of the best places in the country to spot wildlife. After around 3 hours you’ll take an unpaved road to a small, family-owned fazenda (farm). Accommodation is simple, but comfortable, with an en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning. There are hammocks to relax in, a pool where you can cool off, and a small dining area. All your meals are included and are served buffet style. Settle in and listen to the sounds of nature all around you.
Days 4-5 – Southern Pantanal wildlife spotting
The fazenda organises various activities that you can take part in: wildlife spotting safaris by truck or boat, nature hikes, Piranha fishing and horse riding. Rainfall varies hugely throughout the year, which will affect what is on offer. Whatever you decide to do, there’s a very good chance that you’ll see lots of wildlife. The area is home to capybara, caiman, deer, anteaters, giant otters and a huge variety of birds.
Day 6 – Pantanal to Campo Grande
After breakfast it’s time to head back to Campo Grande, which will take about 4-5 hours. You’ll drive across well maintained roads back to Campo Grande airport where you’ll drop off your rental car. From here you’ll catch a flight to your next destination.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Pantanal Ranches and Rivers - Would you prefer not to self drive?
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for those who would prefer not to drive themselves. We will arrange a private car and driver who will meet you in Campo Grande and drive you to Bonito, onwards to the Pantanal and then back to Campo Grande. If this sounds like your preferred option select the option below.
