Pantanal - Mato Grosso do Sul

Pantanal is the largest flood plain in the world, covering an area of 140.000 km2 and encompassing Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, plus Paraguay and Bolivia. It possesses an unique ecosystem, with an annual cycle of floodings and a great concentration of wildlife. You can have a closer view of a variety of birds and animals, such as alligators, capybaras, deers, anteaters, macaws, rheas, herons, and if you're lucky even a spotted jaguar!

Santa Sophia Farm is located in the municipal district of Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, in a valley between the Rivers Negro and Aquidauana, in a subregion of Pantanal known as Pantanal do Rio Negro. Originally, it was part of Tupãciretan Farm, which was one of the biggest cattle farms of the region, being dismembered in 1978, when it became property of Beatriz Diacópulos Rondon. It is located 120 km away from Aquidauana.

The access by land is possible only during the dry season, from June to October. During the rest of the year, the access is achieved by small airplanes, leaving from Aquidauana or Campo Grande.

It is one of the most beautiful regions in Pantanal due to, besides its own nature, the rustic conditions and isolation of the place which, among other factors, are responsible for preserving the area.
The best way to know it is riding, since the access is impossible otherwise!

Rides

All of our tours are performed by horse!

Rides start early in the morning, after breakfast, passing through fields, crossing rivers, woods, in short, places that can only be reached by horse, with a stop for a typical lunch on the way, reaching the farm's headquarters at the end of the day or returning home for lunch, depending on the program. The medium speed of the ride is 6-7 km/h, and it lasts around 4-6 hours a day.
You'll get to know the Pantanal's culture!

Our activities also include walks, boat tours, swimming in the river, and a picnic by the River Negro. The guides in this safari are experient riders from Pantanal who will share with you their huge knowledge about Pantanal's plains, as well as its water system, which fuels Pantanal's animal and vegetal life.

Santa Sophia Farm may alter the suggested itinerary according to local climate conditions, without changing the excursion's characteristics.

NOTES

  • LODGING: The guests stay at the farm's main house. The farm offers four double rooms with private bathrooms, fans, 110 V electric power, hot water and netted windows. As for our cooking, we offer a delicious Pantanal menu.
    Maximum capacity: 08 pax.
  • WEATHER: Pantanal is a region of very hot and humid weather. During the dry season, which runs from April / May to October / November, temperatures range between 10°C and 35°C; rarely raining.
    In summer, during the rainy season, temperatures oscillate between 25°C and 35°C, and it may rain. It's during this period that floodings occur, beginning in November / December and lasting until March / April, when the outflow period begins.

What to bring

   CLOTHING

  • 02 jodhpurs or riding pants
  • 03 long sleeve shirts for riding - they protect against sun and insects
  • High shoes and leggings (they are more practical than boots, because they dry faster and aren't so heavy when wet - remember that you're going to cross swampy places, with water, and it's very likely that you'll have to soak your feet).
  • Hat / Cap / Helmet
  • Gloves for those who appreciate them - they protect against sun and insects
  • 01 pullover and / or a warmer coat, preferably one that also protects from wind
  • 01 light raincoat
  • 02 “pieces” of clothing for the night
  • 01 pair of shorts, 01 bathsuit, T-shirts
  • 01 pair of shoes to use at night (sneakers, docksiders)
  • 01 pair of rubber slippers
  • Bandannas - they also help to protect against sun and insects

   ACCESSORIES

  • Sunglasses
  • Lantern
  • Knive or jackknife
  • Binoculars (as desired)
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun blocker
  • Paper handkerchiefs
  • Medicine and personal use products
  • Photographic camera and films

Horses

Our horses are predominantly Quarter Horses cross-bred, which are accustomed to Pantanal's rusticity and extremely resistent. They measure in average 1.55 m and have an excellent temperament.

We use Australian saddles, all of them equipped with saddlebags and a bottle of water.

All of the rides are accompanied by a guide and two roughriders from Pantanal.

Age limit: This tour is not recommended to people under 13 years old. Passengers above 60 years old must present good physical conditions.

Weight limit for riders: 100 kg.

Period

MAY to OCTOBER

Costs

  • from R$450

  • Transfer MS Taxi Aéreo (for 4 guests) Campo Grande/Fazenda/Campo Grande: ask about the price