-
External Reviews
Frommers Guide This south Pantanal farm lies on the Rio Negro, in a region known for its landscape of small salt lakes (called salinas) and freshwater ponds, as well as its large populations of animals and birds. The owner has counted 407 bird species so far; hyacinth macaws are common, as are trogons, jacamars, toucans, raptors, and many other species. There are also several mammal species; the property spreads along 15km (9 miles) of the Rio Negro, and so provides an excellent habitat for capybara and giant river otters. Jaguars are also spotted frequently by the river (but no guarantees). The best time to visit is from March to October. For migrant birds the best months are July to October. All tours are accompanied by either the owner, Lucas Leuzinger (who has a masters in biology), or his wife Marina (who has a master's in agronomy), together with local Pantanal guides. Tours are customized to the wishes of guests, but can include horseback riding to spot animals, or watching the daily work of the cowboys on the farm, or trips by jeep in search of tapirs, anteaters, marsh deer, giant otters, and others. There are also swimming, fishing, and canoeing on the Rio Negro. Bird-watching is also popular. The farm guesthouse has a triple and three doubles, all simply but comfortably furnished with firm double or single beds. All rooms have a private veranda. There are never more than nine guests on the farm.
A chance to experience real Brazilian farm life in Brazil's most wildlife-rich area
Features
- Working farm
- Horse Riding
- Animal safaris
- Hiking
- Boat rides
- Kayaking
- Bird Watching
| Fazenda Barranco Alto - The Pantanal, Rio Negro, Brazil | |
Sustainability Scorecard
|
From US$300 p/dbl full board
|
good for you
This working cattle ranch on the Rio Negro offers you a chance to experience real Brazilian farm life in Brazil's most wildlife-rich area.
While the Amazon may be uppermost in the traveler's mind when contemplating a Brazilian adventure, the Patanal is the place to be if you want to see animals. The massive swamp – bigger than the whole of France – is simply crawling with exotic beasts.
Wake to the roar of the howler monkey, then head out to follow a giant otter family's early morning fishing expedition, spy on the alligator's mating ritual or – if you're lucky – stare into the eyes of a jaguar, American's most majestic big cat. The tours offered by this lodge are excellent, each one tailored to the guest's needs and interests, conducted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German or French.
All this while enjoying the comfort of a traditional house where you'll be served local dishes made from home-grown ingredients while you're lavished with country-style hospitality.
good for brazil
This farm and lodge are locally owned and staffed, and the ranch raises organic cattle in accordance with traditional farming methods. The owners are genuine conservationists who manage their farm in harmony with the surrounding wilderness. All sewage is treated on site, everything recyclable is recycled and the farm produces its own organic fruit, vegetables, beef and chicken.
Highs
- The hospitality of your hosts, Lucas and Marina, who share a wealth of knowledge about the area as well as a passion for preserving its beauty and enormous diversity.
- With no more than nine guests on the farm at a time, you won't feel like you're staying at a resort or hotel you'll be included in the life of the farm.
Lows
- This is a working farm, not a resort, and is more suitable for travellers with a sense of adventure than those who prefer having all the services of a hotel.
- The farm scores well on a number of indicators, including nature conservation, but has yet to implement alternative energy sources.
Rooms
There are 5 comfortable rooms – one triple and four double - each with a private bathroom that includes a shower but no bath. The rooms are simply decorated, all are air conditioned, and each has a private veranda. There are no telephones in the units.
Food
Most of your food is grown organically right here on the farm, and lovingly prepared by your hosts. The caipirinhas – a Brazilian cocktail made with crushed lime, sugar and the local liquor, cachaca, are a knock-out.
Features & Facilities
- The farm is enormous (around 24,000 acres) and has many beautiful lakes and rivers to explore. Each day begins with a discussion with your hosts on how to spend the day. The wealth of options includes horseback riding; watching the local gauchos, or cowboys, at work; riding by jeep in search of tapirs, anteaters, and deer; floating down the river to view giant otters; or trekking through the forest and grasslands. You can even opt for hunting feral pig, which might be turned into lunch the next day. Whatever you choose, you can't avoid spotting the abundant and varied wildlife. All tours are accompanied by one of the highly knowledgeable owners, along with Pantanal guides.
- The use of all equipment – off-road vehicles, boats and canoes, as well as horses, are included in the rates.
- Bar
- Internet
- Laundry service
- Amex, Mastercard and Visa all accepted.
Local Info & Activities
The farm is enormous (around 24,000 acres) and has many beautiful lakes and rivers to explore. Each day begins with a discussion with your hosts on how to spend the day. The wealth of options includes horseback riding; watching the local gauchos, or cowboys, at work; riding by jeep in search of tapirs, anteaters, and deer; floating down the river to view giant otters; kayaking, bird watching, boating, or trekking through the forest and grasslands. You can even opt for hunting feral pig, which might be turned into lunch the next day. Whatever you choose, you can't avoid spotting the abundant and varied wildlife. All tours are accompanied by one of the highly knowledgeable owners, along with Pantanal guides.
The Rio Negro, which borders the property, offers plenty of opportunity to fish, swim or canoe, and there's also plenty of bird watching to enjoy – the owners have counted 407 species so far, with hyacinth macaws commonly spotted, as are trogons, jacamars, toucans, raptors, among many other species.
You can also get a taste for life off the farm by visiting the local village and school.
insider tips
March to October are the best times to visit, while July to October is the season for spotting migratory birds.
Sustainability
Owners Lucas Leuzinger (who has a masters in biology), and his wife Marina (who has a master's in agronomy) are committed to preserving the ecology of the area, whilst increasing regional development in a non-intrusive, eco-friendly manner.
They farm organic beef according to traditional cattle-handling methods. The white cattle bred on the farm are called Nelore. Originally from India, they can be found all over Brazil, where they have adapted very well. The fazenda owners' aim is to run a working farm that is in harmony with the surrounding wilderness while providing guests with an opportunity to experience all that the incredible surrounds offer. They employ people from the local community.
All sewage is treated on site, everything recyclable is recycled and the farm produces its own organic fruit, vegetables, beef and chicken. The farm has a green purchasing policy.
Treks don't use the same paths every day, giving the vegetation a chance to regenerate. Wild animals are respected and never approached to the point of distressing the animal.
The farm supports the local school with financial help and donated materials, and is active in local associations. The farm hosts gaucho tournaments to promote traditional rural culture in the area.
Getting There
The easiest, though not the greenest, way to reach the Fazenda is by private plane from Campo Grande. The pilot charges R$1,548 (US$650), which covers the return flight for up to three passengers, carrying limited luggage. In the dry season from March to October, a four wheel drive is another option. The drive takes 6 hours and costs R$952 (US$400) for the return trip, shared between up to 5 people.
Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.
Rates & Bookings
US$150 per person per night sharing.
US$195 per/per/per/night single.
- All meals, drinks (including beer), guides, tours and activities are included in the rate.
- Children up to 5 free, while 6-13 year-olds pay50% adult rate.
- The owner recommends staying four days and three nights to take full advantage of all the lodge and farm offer, but there is no minimum stay.
- This is a small lodge, so make your reservations well in advance.
- The lodge is open from 1st March – 10th December
- Check in is 12noon and check out is 10am
booking & cancellation policies
booking
- A booking is confirmed on payment of 30% of total cost of booking.
- The remaining 70% is due 30 days prior to arrival.
cancellation
- 60 days and longer before trip 10% of total cost of trip is forfeited.
- between 59 and 30 days before trip 40 % of total value is forfeited.
- between 29 and 10 days before trip 60 % of total value is forfeited.
- less than 10 days before trip 90 % of total value is forfeited.
- without notice, 100 % of total value is forfeited.
Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.