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 |
Eco
Tropical Resorts