Barra Mansa Pantanal Lodge
One of the first lodges built in the south Pantanal. Known for its intimate atmosphere and introduction to authentic Pantanal cowboy culture.
Barra Mansa Pantanal Lodge Highlights
Located in a rustic and rural area in South Pantanal, sits one of the first lodges in the region. Barra Mansa Lodge is a warm family-friendly accommodation option that’s been in operation since 1996. It’s unique location in one of the most beautiful sectors of the Pantanal (where the Vazante do Castelo meets the Rio Negro) means that you’ll never tire of activities and wildlife sightings.
Interestingly enough, Barra Mansa is situated on the route of the authentic cattle drive that sees cowboys leading up to a 1000 cattle through the Pantanal. This is the perfect opportunity to photograph the incredible spectacle and natural culture of the Pantanal. Barra Mansa offers the full Pantanal experience, where the focus is not only on finding wildlife but also getting to know the local way of life.
From April to June is the Pantanals wet season. This is when the fields of Barra Mansa are flooded by the Vazante do Castelo's crystal clear waters, creating one of the most exquisite scenes best explored on horseback. Cantering on horseback through the Pantanal is one of the many activities to enjoy while staying at Barra Mansa. Other activities include anything from canoeing to boating, game drives, walks and sports fishing.
The hotel caters for a maximum of 17 people in rustic and comfortable rooms. Not much is needed in terms of decor because of the beauty of natural exterior; however all rooms are most certainly fully-equipped for comfort. In addition to the standard rooms, there’s also a private house for hire that’s ideal for families.
The main areas of the lodge include outdoor hammocks, a restaurant, bar, and an on-site shop with local handicrafts. The cuisine at Barra Mansa is an absolute highlight. It’s here where you will be introduced to local favours and carefully curated Pantanal dishes. One of these dishes is the mouthwatering barbecued pacu fish.
- One of the first lodges in the Pantanal.
- Cosy, intimate and rustic.
- Located in a rural area in South Pantanal.
- The original owner’s family is firmly entrenched in the Pantanal, and currently runs Barra Mansa.
- Experience traditional and authentic Pantanal culture when you witness the cowboys with their cattle.
- Each booking has a private tour guide.
- Library, hammock on decks, restaurant and bar area.
- Boating, canoeing, 4x4 drives, walks and horse riding.
- Private landing strip
- Caimans, stingrays, anacondas, and freshwater fish all thrive in their natural environment at Barra Mansa during season.
- Calm waters are a refuge for animals.
- You choose your activities start and departure time.
Barra Mansa Pantanal Lodge Activities
There are exclusive guides and the Barra Mansa lodge, each assigned for individual scheduled tours. There are a host of tours from which to choose, and it’s completely up to you what time you'd like to depart and return.
Tours take place on the Rio Negro, which is completely remote and preserved. There are simply no cities and villages on its banks, which means a true wilderness experience. Boat tours are one of the best ways of exploring the Pantanal. This is where you can spot kingfishers, caimans and more. A more intimate way of exploring the waterways is via canoe, which provides similar water-based sightings.
Other activities include 4WD game drives that introduce you to the more expansive areas of the Pantanal, horse riding tours through the Pantanal’s savannah, catch and release fishing, and guided walks.
One of the unique activities on offer is to join the pantaneiros to round up and drive cattle - an adventurous and cultural experience.
