All activities / Horse Riding / Equestrian / Pantanal
Horse Riding / Equestrian in PantanalBR
The world's largest tropical wetland, with the highest wildlife concentration in the Americas and a two-century horseback cattle culture.
Why here
The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland and the pantaneiro horse is how it has been worked for two centuries: a breed that wades belly-deep where vehicles cannot go. Riding here is not a trail-ride product, it is joining the cattle culture. Guests on working fazendas like the 17,000-hectare Baia das Pedras ride with pantaneiro cowboys on real drives, past hyacinth macaws, giant anteaters, caiman, and capybara at the highest wildlife densities in the Americas. It is a safari at saddle height, on ranches that were doing this long before tourism found them.
Best months
April through October is the dry season: firm ground, wildlife concentrated at shrinking water, and riding weather. June and July are the comfortable core; September and October run very hot. Multi-day rides want genuine saddle fitness, while fazenda stays take novices out on shorter loops.
Getting there & around
Fly to Campo Grande (CGR), then a long 4x4 transfer or air taxi to the fazendas; Baia das Pedras has its own airstrip. Set-date group rides book out three to six months ahead.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (2)
Fazenda Baia das Pedras
OutfitterA 17,000-hectare working cattle ranch in the Nhecolandia, in the same family since 1939, breeding its own pantaneiro horses and hosting riders for drives, safaris, and fazenda life.
Unicorn Trails
OutfitterAn international riding-holiday specialist running set-date Pantanal safaris that combine fazenda stays with bush camps.