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ABOUT BARRA MANSA  ACTIVITIES - in their own word:

CANOEING

Canadian canoes are the best way to get in contact with the Pantanal waters and the surrounding nature. These boats seat 3 people and the driving is easy, the Canadian Canoes require no previous experience and can be done by people of all ages. The harmonious sounds of the Pantanal and its vivid life can be heard during canoe trips down the river. The wildlife is even more amazing whilst canoeing at sunrise.

 

During the Vazante season, when water from the wetland begins to recede, canoeing can be done in the clear waters of Vazante do Castelo, an invitation to delicious baths, observing fish and aquatic plants, as well as caimans and stingrays swimming quietly under the canoes.

 

HORSE RIDING

Riding a horse provides you with a more favorable view of the wetland. At Hotel Barra Mansa Pantanal, you experience the activities of cattle management and horse-breeding techniques and calm rides through fields, savannahs, forests, bays and salt-water lakes that serve as a backdrop for observing birds and animals through the wild wetland.

 

If you've never ridden a horse before, this is the perfect place to learn. Our horses are well trained, obedient and fitted with comfortable saddles. We ride on typical Pantanal wetland “arreios” , which are suitable for people of all ages.

 

For people who like horse-riding, Barra Mansa Pantanal arranges touring options that maximize contact with the horses and the cowboy lifestyle. The schedule of a day's ride includes a typical lunch in the field, as on cattle drives. If you want to experience even more intense riding, request a journey of two or more days spent overnight in a camp built especially for this tour. Do not forget to let us know in advance you have chosen this option so we can have everything prepared for your arrival.

 

BIRD WATCHING

The Pantanal is one of the best locations on earth for bird-watching because of the openness of the vegetation, making wildlife easier to observe.

 

Just a few of our 650 species of birds living in the Pantanal green kingfisher, surucua trogon, roseate spoonbill, great potoo, hyacinth macaw, toucan, blue-crowned motmot, black-hooded parrakeet, chaco chachalaca, rufscent tiger heron, jabiru stork.

 

Some of the rarest birds in the world can be observed here or next to ranch. Hotel Barra Mansa Pantanal offers structured tours for bird-watching. Our guides know where the natural nurseries are to help you identify a variety of species and differentiate their bird calls.

 

We offer specific programs for bird-watching. The guides search carefully for each species so you can observe and photograph them.

 

Barra Mansa library holds a great selection of ornithology literature.

 

BOAT TRIPS ON THE RIO NEGRO

The winding Rio Negro presents a rewarding opportunity to observe the unspoiled nature on its banks. Our boats have silent electric motors that do not disturb the natural sounds of the Pantanal.  The Rio Negro is widely considered to be the best part of the Pantanal because it has no villages on its banks. During the tours, it is just you and nature.

 

Calm and slow, the river acts as a refuge for the huge number of wild animals that benefit from the remoteness of this region. Along the beaches and riverbanks, you will find the perfect place to rest and experience the Pantanal's exuberant and incredible nature. Every day you can visit a different bend of the river or explore the quiet lakes hiding in the surrounding woods.

 

While you bathe in the river or relax on one of the beaches, nature unfolds around you: a family of otters can choose the same place to bathe, a kingfisher may catch lunch or hyacinth macaws can display their feathers in a delightful dance. Let the harmony of the Rio Negro inspire you.

 

SPORT FISHING

The Negro River, protected by a special legislation prohibiting sport fishing but permitting fishes to be "caught and released" by visitors to the Pantanal.

 

The Negro River is home to dourados, catfishes, piraputangas, piaus, pacus and many more auqatic fishes.  The fishes are small compared to other rivers from the La Plata Basin, but its abundance ensures excitement to the fisher time.

 

The 16 feet boats are equipped for fishing and are fitted with 15 HP motors, electric trolling motors and very knowledgeable guides that will take you to the right place for an unforgettable experience with the fishes of the region. Our guides know every curve of the river. They know the sample sizes and the amount of fish that can be brought for tasting at the hotel.

 

Barra Mansa has specialized fly fishing guides. You can hire a specific program for sport fishing during your stay or merge it with other ecotourism activities. Hotel Barra Mansa Pantanal has fishing equipment for hire, experienced pilots and guides to take you to the intricate fishing spots, all near the hotel. Grab your gear and let the river do the rest.

 

SAFARI

We have a 4x4 vehicle customized especially for outdoor drives and will take you to the beautiful scenery, flora and fauna of the Pantanal in comfort.

 

On this tour, you can explore areas that are difficult to access on a walk or by horse. It is a great way for you to explore the area if you come with children or have limited mobility.

 

The sunrise is a show that can be admired from different parts of the farm during the safari and you are always guaranteed exclusive photos.

 

Barra Mansa Lodge is specialized in guiding services for professional photographers and advanced amateurs, suggesting the best tours according to the time of day and visitors nature interest.

 

HIKING TRAILS

Hiking takes place in the vicinity of the farm and in the woods, with typical vegetation of the Pantanal: ridges (cordilleras), woods, flood plains and savannah environments that shelter animals and plants in the region.We have highly specialised field guides to assist you.

 

Bird-watching is the walks` strong point: dozens of different species come to Barra Mansa daily.

 

In addition to the wide variety of birds that can be spotted here in the Pantanal, hiking is a great opportunity to see capybaras, coatis, deer, peccaries and anteaters, due to the silent approach taken by our experienced Pantanal guides. The ranch has several trails with varying distances, suitable for a variety of ages and abilities.

 

DAILY FARMING

Barra Mansa provides the experience of activities on a typical Pantanal farm. Why not learn from our cowboys how to manage horses and cattle, harvest vegetables in the garden or help assist with the care of the chickens and sheep.  You can learn how to rope (the laço), catch and broad cattle, milk cows and help the cook make cheese and caramel.

 

Barra Mansa offers lodging for drovers of up to 1,000 head traveling through the Pantanal. They usually stay by the river and cross the cattle through the water the next day. It is possible to observe the cattle drive through the river.  The daily activities of the farm include an invitation to interaction with the Pantanal people and contact with the rural world.