An
exclusive ride of “Adventures on Horseback”
that combines three very diverse areas of Brazil.
BRAZIL
The Pantanal Expedition Ride
with 2 days on a 19th Century Colonial Estate
& one Day on a “Mangalarga Marchador” Stud Farm
June 17-June 27, 2006
Limited to 8 Riders
The Pantanal, or “Brazil’s Wild Wet” as labelled by Susan MacGrath in the August 2005 issue of National Geographic, is still a well-kept secret that stretches over 42,000 square miles along the upper reaches of the Paraguay River, a few degrees north of the Tropic of Capricorn. A unique environment with a contracting annual flood cycle, it is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Western Hemisphere. The terrain is open and veldt-like making it perfect for animal and bird watching. June is the most agreeable time of year to visit the Pantanal when the temperatures are cooler and the humidity and mosquito population at their lowest.
The ride takes place in the Rio Negro area, a part of the Southern Pantanal that has retained its original pristine characteristics thanks to strict environmental protection laws. Closely monitored conservation parameters allow the wildlife to cohabit with the cattle ranchers who own most of the land and have been working the savannas for over a hundred years. The beautiful white humpbacked zebu cattle, called nelore, is a breed that thrives here. Our mounts are the sturdy pantaneiros: criollo horses that have adapted to the environment over generations by acquiring a larger lung capacity enabling them to walk very fast through water (their hooves are impervious to the water). To increase their stamina, they have been cross-bread with quarter horses. Trained to work the cattle, they are extremely comfortable to ride, sure-footed, generous and courageous. We will spend 5 nights/6 days in the Pantanal riding from fazenda to fazenda (ranch) staying at three fazendas in diverse areas of this vast eco-system.
A Colonial Estate – The next two days (3 nights) of the trip are spent in colonial splendor, at fazenda “Caete”, a beautifully restored 19th Century privately owned estate situated half way between Sao Paulo and Rio. Here the scenery is punctuated with hills, forests and in parts tropical vegetation - last vestiges of the Atlantic rain forest. We will relax in another idyllic environment, enjoy great cuisine and socialize with our charming hosts. Riding is obviously on the program with the owner who will saddle up his Quarter horses and show us his state of the art property where he breeds Santa Gertrudis cattle. For those who prefer a change of pace, his wife Heather has some attractive alternative suggestions!
“Haras Maripa” in Jaguariuna (one hour’s drive north of Sao Paulo) is where are bred some wonderful Mangalarga Marchador horses renown for their unique and extremely comfortable gaite. This is “Versailles” for horses! We will be treated to a presentation of these beautiful animals – six-month old foals, yearlings, brood-mares, stallions…. – followed by a ride through this magnificent estate, dinner and overnight.
The Logistics
Saturday, June 17, & until June 22 - Pantanal
Meet in Campo Grande around 11.00 AM (arrival of flight Sao Paulo/Campo
Grande.)
Continuation into the Pantanal by private charter to Fazenda Santa Sophia, where we will stay three nights. The following two nights will be spent at Fazenda Rio Negro and the final night at Fazenda Fazendhina. Most of our time will be spent on horseback interspersed with boating activities, fishing….(6 nights).
Friday, June 23, & until June 26 – Fazenda Caeté
After a morning ride at Fazendhina followed by brunch, return to Campo
Grande via charter flight to connect with scheduled flight to Sao Paulo.*
Road transfer to Fazenda Caete (1h30) where we will spend the next 2 days (3 nights.)
Monday, June 26 – Haras Maripa (Jaguariuna)
After breakfast, road transfer (2h00) to “Haras Maripa”
in Jaguariuna, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon presentation
of the Mangalarga Marchador followed by a ride on these unique
horses. Dinner & O/N.
Tuesday, June 27
Morning ride, late lunch & transfer to Sao Paulo for your evening
flight home or to another destination….
End of Services
*IMPORTANT
Specific domestic flights within Brazil are required to coincide with
the group air charter transfers into and out of the Pantanal. Schedules
to be finalized with Christine.
Horses
A variety of locally bred horses between 14,2hh / 16hh, that are responsive,
well mannered and trained to work the cattle.
Pantanal: Criollo/quarter horse cross-breeds
Fazenda Caete: Quarter horses
Jaguariuna: Mangalarga Marchadors, a gaited horse unique to Brazil.
Tack
Pantanal & Jaguariuna: Western type saddles without a horn (called
the Australian saddle)
Fazenda Caete: Western saddles and some English
Experience
It is important to have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience
over varied terrain and to control a horse in any given circumstance.
No beginners.
Hours of riding
From 3 to 6 hours in the saddle a day.
Pace
Depending on the location, the Pantanal, Fazenda Caete or Haras Maripa
in Jaguariuna the pace varies from slow (brisk walk) to moderate (trot,
canter.)
Weight limit
200 lbs / 85 Kg.
COST
$3,775 per person in twin accommodation for 8 riders.
$3,100 p/p (twin accommodation) PANTANAL portion only – June 17– 23
(less than 6 riders price will be adjusted accordingly).
There is a single supplement, if not prepared to share.
Includes
All meals, drinks, twin bedded accommodation (one night in the Pantanal
bathroom facilities have to be shared), horses and all activities, air
charter transfers in/out of the Pantanal from/to Campo Grande and all
ground and luggage transfers. English speaking guide and ornithologist.
Most of the accommodation on this trip is in privately owned fazendas.
Excludes
International and scheduled domestic airfares (specific flights Sao Paulo/Campo
Grande/Sao Paulo to be coordinated with Christine), travel insurance (mandatory),
all local and international airport departure taxes, laundry, telephone
calls, tips and items of a personal nature.
For further information about this ride please call
Christine at (1) 212-421 0671, or email christine@adventuresonhorseback
