Explore the Pantanal on horseback with six safari riding days across ranches, a wilderness camp and the Rio Negro.
Number of Nights: 7
Difficulty: Advanced
Price: 6851 USD
Location: Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul; Campo Grande gateway
Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul; Campo Grande gateway, Brasil
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The Southern Pantanal Ranch covers about 16,000 acres and raises roughly 4,000 head of cattle beside the Castelo Vazante river. Wildlife described by the operator includes capybaras, howler monkeys, caimans, wild pigs, peccaries, coatis, tapirs and many bird species, including toucans, macaws, storks, parrots and parakeets. The safari may encounter larger wildlife such as giant anteaters, anacondas and giant armadillos, but sightings are not guaranteed. The guides recommend quiet observation and avoiding bright clothing. Guests meet local cowboys and may be invited to help round up cattle.
The listed 2027 departures are May 27–June 3 and June 17–24, 2027. The 2027 price is USD 6,851 per person and is based on the published minimum group size of four. Rates are linked to the Brazilian real and may be adjusted for strong exchange-rate changes up to three weeks before departure. The USD 33 booking sales tax per person for each payment and bank charges are additional. The site also lists a 2026 departure and USD 6,370 price, but that departure has already passed.
This eight-day, seven-night safari follows the Pantanal wetlands and ranch country in Mato Grosso do Sul. The program includes six days of riding, with stays at traditional fazendas, a remote wilderness camp and Ranch at The Rio Negro. Campo Grande (CGR) is the gateway. The itinerary is an example: weather, local conditions, accommodation and terrain can change the route.
The ride is intended for intermediate to experienced riders who are confident at all paces. The daily riding program is about six hours, usually split between morning and afternoon. Strong, well-trained and agile Pantaneiro horses are ridden in comfortable local Pantaneiro saddles. The published weight limit is 100 kg. The operator welcomes non-riders; groups are listed as a minimum of four and maximum of ten riders and non-riders.
The route uses three bases: three nights at Fazenda Southern Pantanal Ranch, two nights at a remote wooden wilderness camp, and two nights at Ranch at The Rio Negro. At camp, guests sleep in hammocks under a fixed roof, with mosquito-net walls, a kitchen and two bathrooms. The listed price includes seven nights of lodging, full board, alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks on rides and a backup vehicle. Farm recreation, fishing and boat trips are included. The Rio Negro stay also offers boat and canoe outings, river swimming and piranha fishing.
Campo Grande (CGR) is the arrival gateway. The standard 4x4 transfer between Campo Grande and the farms is an extra USD 795 per person and takes at least six hours each way. An optional Cessna transfer takes about 50 minutes and is quoted on request. Flights are not included or booked by the operator. Travel and medical insurance and trip-cancellation insurance are mandatory; accident insurance is included. Guests must sign the operator’s release agreement at check-in. Check date availability before booking; the operator holds provisional places for no more than eight days. Payment may be made in one non-refundable payment or in two instalments, with 50% due at reservation and the balance due ten weeks before departure; late instalments incur a USD 200 fee. Bookings made less than ten weeks before departure require full payment.
Travel by 4x4 from Campo Grande to the first fazenda, or take the optional Cessna flight. On arrival, meet the hosts with a welcome drink, settle into rooms and receive an introduction to the Pantanal, the region and the coming days. If time allows, take an afternoon introductory ride to meet the Pantaneiro horses and get a first look at the wetlands. Dinner and overnight at Fazenda Southern Pantanal Ranch.
Explore the traditional ranch, about 16,000 acres with roughly 4,000 head of cattle, beside the Castelo Vazante river. Riding is about six hours in the saddle, split between morning and afternoon. Look for capybaras, howler monkeys, caimans, wild pigs, peccaries, coatis, tapirs and a wide range of birds, including toucans, macaws, storks, parrots and parakeets. Meet the local cowboys and their cattle-farming culture; guests may have a chance to help gather cattle on horseback.
Ride out again in the morning and afternoon to look for wildlife on land, in the water and in the air. The operator recommends avoiding bright colours and keeping quiet to improve the chance of observing animals. Possible sightings include giant anteaters, tapirs, anacondas and giant armadillos; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Return to the ranch for the night.
After an early breakfast, saddle up for a full day riding through the Vazante Castelo landscape, following open ground beside the river and native bush, with abundant wildlife and birds. Rest at Retiro São Luís, where the backup vehicle meets the group with luggage and a field kitchen; stop for lunch, then continue riding in the afternoon. Reach the remote camp in the territory of Fazenda Primavera, away from the main ranch house. Dinner and overnight in the wooden bush camp, which has a fixed roof, mosquito-net walls, a kitchen and two bathrooms. Sleep in hammocks.
After breakfast, walk to the river to photograph caimans, capybaras and birds, then enjoy a second coffee back at camp. Set out on an afternoon horseback excursion through the surrounding wilderness and watch the sunset. After supper, take a torch-lit walk to the river to look for the orange eyes of caimans in the water. Spend a second night in a hammock at the camp.
Ride at sunrise through the Pantanal toward Ranch at The Rio Negro, noticing how the landscape changes as the route approaches the river. Stop for lunch and cold drinks in the shade of a tree, then continue to the Rio Negro and board the ranch boat. White-sand beaches along the banks mark arrival. Enjoy an aperitif and stories from the days on the trail. Overnight at the secluded riverside fazenda.
Explore the Rio Negro by boat and canoe for a quiet view of the wetlands and wildlife. The day also includes river swimming and piranha fishing; follow the local guides’ advice about safe swimming. Share an aperitif and the final dinner at the ranch. Overnight at Ranch at The Rio Negro.
After an early breakfast, return to Campo Grande by 4x4 or the optional Cessna flight. Drop-off is at the Campo Grande airport or a hotel in town. The safari ends on arrival.
