THE
PANTANAL EXPEDITION RIDE
And 2 DAYS ON A 19TH CENTURY COLONIAL ESTATE
July 25-August 3,
2008 (New dates as of April 10, 2008)
Limited to 8 Riders only
BRAZIL
An exclusive ride of “Adventures on Horseback” that combines
two very diverse areas of Brazil.
July 25-August 3, 2008
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!
The Logistics
Friday, July 25, & until July 31 - Pantanal
Meet in Campo Grande in the morning of Friday 25 (arrival of flight Sao Paulo/Campo Grande).
Continuation into the Pantanal by private charter to Fazenda Barra Mansa, where we will stay two nights, followed by one night at Fazenda Barranco and the final three nights at Fazenda Santa Sophia. Most of our time will be spent on horseback riding from Fazenda to Fazenda interspersed with boating activities, fishing, gaucho activities, wildlife and bird watching …. (total 6 nights).
Thursday, July 31, & until August 3 – Fazenda Caeté
After a last early morning ride at Sta Sophia 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 3 nights (2 days). Based at Caete, a magnificent colonial fazenda, we will ride in a new environment: the remnants of the Atlantique rainforest.
Sunday, August 3 – Caeté / Sao Paulo
Our last day of riding and late barbecue lunch. Late after afternoon transfer to Sao Paulo Guarrulhos airport to board your flight back home in the evening.
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
Tack
Pantanal: 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 or Fazenda Caete, the pace varies from slow (brisk walk) to moderate (trot,
canter.)
Weight limit
200 lbs / 85 Kg.
COST*
8 riders $3, 875 per person in twin accommodation
6 riders $4,167 per person in twin accommodation
(if less than 6 riders price will be adjusted accordingly)
PANTANAL portion only:
July 25—July 31: $3,200 p/p (twin accommodation)
Includes:
All meals (except in Sao Paulo), drinks, twin bedded accommodation (one rustic night in the Pantanal bathroom facilities have to be shared), horses and all activities, air charter transfers in/out of the Pantanal from/to Campo Grande and all ground and luggage transfers. English speaking guide and ornithologist. The accommodation on this trip is in privately owned fazendas.
Excludes:
International and scheduled domestic airfares (specific flights Sao Paulo/Campo
Grande/Sao Paulo to be coordinated with Christine), travel insurance (mandatory),
all local and international airport departure taxes, laundry, telephone
calls, tips and items of a personal nature.
*Rates based on exchange rates at the time of writing (Oct. 07) subject
to adjustment if the US$ weakens against the R$.
For further information about this ride please call
Christine at (1) 212-421 0671, or email christine@adventuresonhorseback
