My wife and I took our three daughters (ages 8,6 & 3.5) for a tour of Brasil for the month of August and the week we spent at Barranco Alto was the highlight of our trip.

Our travel agent first booked us in an eco-lodge in the Pantanal that was the granddaddy of them all. This place was a bit like a hotel with very structured activities. Each day centered around two trips in specially outfitted trucks to view wildlife. One was rarely allowed to get off the truck and while the animals and scenery were superb it was like visiting a zoo. I chaffed under the system within a day or so.

Next we flew to Barranco Alto, a working cattle ranch and the experience could not have been more different. What was our travel agent thinking sending us both places? Whoever cared for one would be guaranteed not to care for the other as they each represent a very different approach to expriencing the Pantanal. Barranco Alto is a cattle ranch first and a guest ranch second. They do the eco-lodge one better by giving the guest a much more intimate exposure to their special world. The accomodations are quite comfortable and the food is very good. Each day begins with a discussion with the host of how to spend the day: horseback riding, floating down the river to view giant otters, fishing, picnics, etc.. The choice of activity is almost incidental as everywhere you go you will see tons of wildlife; it is truly amazing the quantity and diversity of flora and fauna. The day\'s activities are left up to the guest to decide. One day I accompanied Fernando ,a farm hand, to hunt a feral pig for lunch the next day (very tasty). I am not sure but I suspect that I may have been the only guest ever to go hog hunting at Barranco Alto but our hosts found that I had an interest in going so an hour later off we went. This would never happen at the eco-lodge mentioned previously.

As fascinating as the Pantanal is a visit there would be far less interesting without the company of the charming young family that owns and operates Barranco Alto. Their easy going manner makes them a delight to spent time with. They have a deep love and knowledge of their Pantanal and they take their jobs as guides and stewards to the unique environment very seriously.

It has been almost two months since our visit and yet rarely a day passes when my thoughts do not return to our visit to Barranco Alto. Our whole family agrees that a return visit is definately in our future. If you are looking for a trip off the beaten path to a place of singular beauty this is a sure bet.
Chip Vosmik

Fazenda Barranco Alto-Pantanal Eco-Lodge