THE LODGE
Welcome to our home in the heart of the Pantanal, an intimate family-run lodge where the Rio Negro meets authentic hospitality. Our space is designed for a deep, harmonious connection with nature, inviting you to share our table and feel truly at home.
We are in a remote part of the Southern Pantanal (Mato Grosso do Sul), on the banks of the Rio Negro, a river with very little human influence, in a subregion of the Pantanal, Nhecolandia, known for its unique landscape, a mosaic of floodable and nonfloodable grasslands, forests, open woodlands, temporary or permanent aquatic habitats, and for the huge diversity of animals.
The nearest small town is Aquidauana ( 130 km, mostly offroad), the next bigger city with an airport is Campo Grande (1 ½ hrs paved road from Aquidauana).
THE ACCOMODATIONS
Nossas acomodações foram criadas para oferecer conforto, tranquilidade e uma conexão autêntica com o Pantanal. Cada espaço combina charme, iluminação natural e detalhes que valorizam o ambiente, garantindo noites de descanso profundo e momentos de contemplação. Janelas amplas revelam diferentes paisagens da fazenda, trazendo a natureza para dentro do quarto, enquanto o design acolhedor proporciona uma experiência íntima, leve e harmoniosa durante toda a sua estadia.
WiFi internet
Air conditioning
Wardrobe
Main Amenities
Hot shower
Hairdryer
Non-smoking rooms
Not Included
Shampoo
Body lotion
Sunscreen
Repellent
TV
MEALS
In our dining hall, we serve three daily meals at a large shared table — a space where flavors bring people together.
Breakfast is continental, with breads, yogurts, jams, cakes, and other delights prepared right here on the farm. At lunch, always abundant, we celebrate Brazilian cuisine, both regional and national. The meat and much of the vegetables, greens, and fruits come from our seasonal production. The table is always generous and includes vegetarian options, each meal makes you feel right at home.
Dinner is lighter, featuring a menu inspired by different culinary traditions.
All our meals are prepared in a homemade, traditional style, with the care of our cooks, creating simple, comforting, and flavorful moments.
With prior notice at the time of booking, we will be happy to accommodate special requests, whether for birthdays, celebrations, or specific dietary needs.
“Every meal feels like home.”
Nome do hóspede
A day on the farm could look like this:
6:00
Breakfast
6:30 - 10:30
Boat trip on the river, watching animals like otters, caimans, capybaras but also various birds.
12:00
Lunch
15:30-18:30
Safari by jeep and on foot, looking for giant anteaters, marsh deer, coatis, howler monkeys, etc.
19:00
Return to the lodge in the dark with spotlights to search for more night active animals like tapir or puma.
On other days you will go on horseback (guests with maximum 110 kg = 242 lb of weight) through fields, lakes and forest; watch the cowboys' daily farm work such as roping cattle and others, go swimming, fishing or canoeing on the river.
Birdwatching is one of the favorite activities since birds are very abundant. Many of the birds can be seen in bigger flocks and are easy to approach. Hyacinth macaws are daily seen, as well as trogons, jacamars, toucans, raptors and many other species.
ACTIVITIES
Discover the diversity of Fazenda Barranco Alto from our comfortable open vehicle. Explore more than 11,000 hectares of stunning landscapes and varied habitats, ending the day with a beautiful sunset. After dark, uncover the mysteries of Pantanal wildlife during our night safaris.
Safari Drives
Explore the dark and crystal-clear waters of the Rio Negro on a peaceful and silent boat ride. As you navigate, you may encounter caimans, capybaras, giant otters, and numerous aquatic birds following the river’s flow. The scenery transforms along the way, revealing white-sand banks, shaded river margins, and the vibrant pulse of the Pantanal in its purest form.
Boat Expeditions
Silent walking helps us get close to birds and animals just a few meters away without disturbing them, allowing us to observe natural behavior. The Barranco Alto team enjoys this challenge. We encourage guests to take unguided walks between meals and excursions to deepen their connection with nature and create memorable moments.
Walking Safaris
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Rio Negro. Discover vibrant wildlife, admire white-sand shores, and cool off in the Pantanal’s dark waters. A unique and authentic experience awaits you.
Canoe Trips
Experience the Pantanal like the local pantaneiros: on horseback. Our calm and well-trained horses allow for peaceful rides across open fields, forested ridges, and seasonally flooded areas, always surrounded by nature. During the ride, it’s common to encounter deer, anteaters, large birds, and even tracks of jaguars, always with total respect for wildlife. An authentic experience that connects culture, tradition, and the essence of the Pantanal with every step.
Horseback Riding
Feel the rhythm of the Pantanal during an authentic cattle-drive ride. Explore areas inaccessible by vehicle and get closer to wildlife. If you wish, take part in the daily work of the ranch hands, assisting with cattle management in a true Pantanal-style roundup.
Cattle Management Experience
Capture the beauty of the Pantanal through your lens at Fazenda Barranco Alto. With a wide range of unique micro-habitats and exceptional landscapes and wildlife, photography enthusiasts will find countless opportunities to record unforgettable moments.
Nature Photography
Join us to observe the incredible bird diversity of the Pantanal. With more than 400 species recorded at Fazenda Barranco Alto—from the charismatic hyacinth macaws to the elusive Motmot hidden in the forest—you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the region’s rich avifauna.
Birdwatching
Experience the thrill of fishing in the Rio Negro, home to species such as piranhas, pacus, dourados, pintados, and cacharas. Practice sport fishing using the catch-and-release system, and if you prefer, bring your own gear to enjoy fly fishing.
Fishing
At Fazenda Barranco Alto, we offer exciting adventures for children ages 6 to 14. Horseback riding, fishing, swimming in the dark waters of the Rio Negro, and discovering nature through animal tracks are just some of the activities your family can enjoy during your stay.
Families & Kids
Take a refreshing dip in the dark and surprisingly transparent waters of the Rio Negro, one of the most memorable experiences on the farm. Floating in this untouched river, surrounded only by birdsong and the serene Pantanal landscape, brings a deep sense of peace. It is an invitation to slow down, feel the strength of nature, and enjoy a moment of pure immersion in one of Brazil’s most pristine rivers.
River Bath
Disconnect from routine and unwind in our little corner of paradise. Trade city noise for birdsong, engine sounds for the chorus of frogs. Rest in a hammock under the large mango tree or by the river’s edge, meditate, or read a book, always accompanied by the natural spectacle surrounding you.
Relaxing Moments
RESEARCH
On Fazenda Barranco Alto we actively promote environmental conservation and research.
Partnerships with universities from several different countries have helped to improve local residents’ understanding about this biome, whilst at the same time providing access for researchers interested in carrying out their fieldwork.
You will have opportunities to interact with researchers and sometimes be invited to join the activities.
At present time we are working on a carbon credit project and funding a research and education platform called ‘Pantanal conscience’.
Long-term projects at Barranco Alto:
Projeto Ariranhas
Learn more
Onças do Rio Negro
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Tamanduás (Lydia)
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Defaunação