Home Photo by Araquém Alcântara








     
  



The Barra Mansa Lodge was created in the 40's as a cattle-breeding ranch. In 1996 Mr. Guilherme Rondon, the grandson of the original settler and one of the main voices in the struggle for the conservation of Pantanal, decided to operate and start an eco-tourism project in the ranch.

The ranch is located in a privileged place in the Pantanal, by the Rio Negro River. It is a very exclusive location because the river is in between two swamps, which makes it inaccessible to other tourists. Making it a reserved place for your own pleasure.

Around the property, you are exposed to a variety of environments. This means it offers you a composition of what the Pantanal is made of.

Baías (fresh water lagoons), salinas (salt water lagoons), vazantes (great plains through which the water flows into the river), capões (patches of forest), cordilheiras (forests that grow along the baías and salinas) are some of the environments where aquatic, terrestrial, and forestall birds find large quantities of food and reproduction shelter.

All of this makes Barra Mansa Ranch the best-preserved lodge of the Pantanal for birdwatching.

Day 1 - We meet guests early in the morning at Campo Grande Airport - MT, and then we travel by charter plane to the Barra Mansa Lodge. During the trip we will fly over the "Serra de Maracajú", east border of the Pantanal, here we will observe the difference in elevation of the highland when entering the Pantanal. This will give guests the opportunity to understand the composition of the Pantanal's vegetation, it's rich grassland's with well-defined copses, baías, tributaries, palm groves and large strips of jungle that contour the baías and salt-lakes. Later on observed as part the Toyota Safaris. After checking into the lodge and having a typical Brazilian lunch, we will take a walk around the property where various baías are seen. After dinner everybody will meet to discuss the checklist of all the different species observed during their first day.

Day 2 - An early start to take advantage of the cool morning. Breakfast will be served in the lodge before departing, everyday, with a great variety of breads, fresh fruits and juices. Then we will take off into the forest transported in a Toyota truck, where we will take a walk around exploring and looking for mixed flocks of birds. Later on there will be a lunch break at the lodge, followed by a boat trip up-river with the possibility to record exotic birds and animal species. On the way back, when the night falls guests will be given a lantern that will aid them in seeing night birds fly over the river such as nightjars and nighthawks. This will conclude their first exciting bird watching day in the Pantanal.

Day 3 - After breakfast, guests will be taken down river on board an electric motorboat, in search of new bird species. This is a great opportunity to spot aquatic birds such as herons, jacamars
Photo by Araquém Alcântara
Photo by Araquém Alcântara
Photo by Araquém Alcântara

Observations:

1. Guest must know that this schedule can be changed according to the group. Always in accordance to the rules and regulations of the Lodge and the availability of transport.

2. As all birdwatchers understand we cannot guaranty that they will see any specific species for this depends on the seasons and climatical conditions.

and kingfishers. On the way we will pass by the baías of the Rio Negro, places where generally there is less current and greater chances of encountering different species and who knows even some strange mammals such as tapirs, otters or even a jaguar. During the afternoon on board of a Toyota, we will visit different habitats and baías and salt-lakes being able to walk around them in search of aquatic birds: storks, ibis and others. On the way back guests will look for night birds that live in dry areas, normally different than the species found around the rivers, as the potoos.

Day 4 - This is the last day to take advantage of the Pantanal. We give them the opportunity to closely watch and observe in detail the vegetation. Driving around different areas, some more densely vegetated than others; travelers will be able to look at other birds. Walking around we will closely see: flycatchers, woodpeckers and seedeaters. Fore those who may want an alternative, horseback riding is available, taking your binoculars, reaching places that are not accessible by car. This option allows you to get down and walk around whenever you wish. The birdwatching trip will end earlier this day so that the guests can pack their bags, and after lunch take the charter plane back to Campo Grande - MT.
Your land arrangements includes: · Arrival and departure air transfers from Campo Grande · Accommodations as indicated or similar based on twin-bedded rooms with private bath facilities and air conditioning · All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner · Mineral water and soft drinks · Handling bags · All tours as indicated · Experienced guide · Medical Evacuation transfer to Campo Grande.
Not includes: International and national airport departure taxes and airfares · Cost of passport or visa · Excess baggage fees · Travelers insurance · Laundry service · Communications chargers · Tours not included in itinerary · Alcoholic beverage · Tips.
Add a Destination: If you'd like to add a pre-or post-extension to your tour, Natour can help you plan your own unique extension, "tailor made" as you require.