There are plenty of tour/accommodation options when travelling through The Pantanal. The cheap option is to look for large group bookings that camp each night however due to the time of year (wet season) and our last minute planning, we found it difficult to locate these tours, not to mention we heard the guides know less than we do and just want to get drunk and meet the girls on the trip. So we decided on a ‘lodge’ five or so hours from the town Campo Grande (Capital of the state of Mato Grosso de Soland) well and truly in the ‘thick’ of The Pantanal.

Check this out….

The Pantanal – bytheshaw.com.au – Pete Ockleshaw

This type of tour is quite expensive however it is worth it. It had a pool and tennis court among other things, and when it is stifling hot it was awesome to go for a swim. The lodge is a working cattle ranch with real Cowboys and heaps of stuff to see especially if you look for it. Pete took himself on his own night tour one night while Liss spent the time mingling with the other guests who were really friendly and added to the trip.

The Pantanal is a a great wildlife area. We loved the boat trips along the water ways, the peaceful canoeing adventure, the morning walks and the horse riding through the wetlands. Our main Guide ‘Marcelo’ grew up in a tiny village in the area, so he knew his stuff. He also spoke great English because his sister-in-law was an Aussie so that was really handy.

We had breakfast, lunch and dinner made for each night and the food was pretty good.

Sooooo relaxing although didn't see much wildlife.

The water (which was quite hot) got to our knees at times, wicked fun.

Genuine South American Cowboy

Dining room for brekky, lunch and dinner. Buffet style. All good

Pete beat Elissa 8 games to zero.

The lodge bar and social room is a great layout.

140,000 sq kms of the Pantanal is in Brazil.

We rode twice because we loved it so much....

A great way to get around, actually the main way to get around.

One of the only paddocks not under water

The lodge and gardens

70,000 sq kms of Pantanal is found in Paraguay and Bolivia

Where we stayed: Poseda Xaraes. Website: www.xaraes.com.br

Number of Nights: 4

Cost per Person: AUD$1350.00

Cost Included:

:: Private Return Transfer to and from Campo Grande Airport

:: Private Boat Transfer from main road to Poseda Xaraes

:: Private Double Room with Ensuite

:: Meals (Buffet – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and Tea/Coffee)

:: Boat Tours each Day

:: Canoe Rides

:: Horse Rides

:: Guided Walks

The cost did not include: Cold beverages – so drinking water had to be purchased each day, and alcohol (dissa…)