Pantanal lodges

The best way to see the Pantanal is to stay on a fazenda (farm), several of which have built comfortable lodges with knowledgeable local guides.

Our preferred accommodation

Araras Eco Lodge

Lodge/Hosteria - Northern Pantanal
On the Transpantaneira road 90 minutes south from Cuiabá, this lodge has been established for a number of years and is very well set up for wildlife viewing. The bilingual guides are very knowledgable and the accommodation is comfortable. It can be accessed by road all year round.
Caiman Ecological Refuge

Estancia/Ranch - Southern Pantanal
Caiman is 147 miles west of Campo Grande on the southern edge of the Pantanal, and set within a 53,000 hectare ranch. It is involved in environmental research and conservation, including projects on hyacinth macaws, blue-fronted parrots, and their flagship Onçafari (jaguar) project. Most guests stay at the main lodge where there is a large pool with sun loungers, hammocks, a gym, sauna, small shop, restaurant, bar, a lovely sitting room and outdoor day beds. Both Baiazinha and Cordilheira (smaller lodges available for private groups only) also have lovely pools.
Fazenda Barranco Alto

Estancia/Ranch - Southern Pantanal
This is a small, family managed pousada in a very pretty setting, with grass fields sloping down to the river at the front of the house, and horses, cows and rheas roaming all around.
Mutum Expeditions Boat

Motor yacht - Northern Pantanal
Based on the river São Lourenço, 30 minutes south of Porto Jofre, this flat-bottomed river boat has a sun deck, air-conditioned dining room and a living room. Operating from June to early November and designed for wildlife watching, in particular jaguar spotting. Porto Jofre is 250km south of Cuiabá (about 5½ hours by road).
Pousada Aguapé Lodge

Estancia/Ranch - Southern Pantanal
Pousada Aguapé is on Fazenda São José, a 2,000 hectare working farm on the southern edge of the Pantanal, which has been owned by the same family for over 150 years, and is within easy access by road from either Campo Grande (195km) or Aquidauana (60km). There is a lovely open sided dining area and bar, an outdoor swimming pool and hammocks in the shade to relax during the heat of the day. Inside the main house there is a communal sitting room with a television and also a small shop.
Pousada do Rio Mutúm

Lodge/Hosteria - Northern Pantanal
The lodge is on the Rio Mutúm between lakes Sia Mariana and Chacorore, about 3 hours south-east of Cuiabá and within one of the most beautiful regions of the Northern Pantanal, an area rich in bird and wildlife. There are lovely gardens and a swimming pool overlooking a lagoon. All meals and guided excursions are included.