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Usually the first question is: where is it? Well, it's in Brazil.
It's big, it's wet, not too many people know about it and not too
many people live there.
Next question - why go there? Because it is wonderful! Lots of wildlife, friendly people, good food, good horses, wide open spaces. Why wouldn't you go there? |
| The bulk is in Western Brazil, a small part extends across into Paraguay and Bolivia. The Brazilian Pantanal is the largest and richest biosphere of the planet. It is also the world’s largest fresh water wetland – it covers an area the size of Victoria. |  |
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The Pantanal is a huge flora and fauna reservoir, supporting both a large number of species and a big population of each of these species, which makes the Pantanal one of the very best places for wildlife watching. |
| 656 different species of birds, including the endangered hyacinth macaw, the tucan as well as the jabiru stork - the symbol of the Pantanal. 95 different species of mammals, like jaguar, giant otter, giant anteater, marsh deer, each of which here have their largest populations in South America. O the 162 species of reptiles present the cayman is well represented with a population of some 10 million specimens, and of course the famous anaconda. |  |
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The Pantanal is not only a huge biogenetic reservoir and water supply basin for Brazil and South America - this exceptionally large wetland is also an inhabited and culturally rich place. |
| Before it was occupied and permanently inhabited about 200 years ago by cattle ranchers, the area was seasonal home to an indigenous population. It is quite clear that civilizations fused over the years. Their extreme isolation during the wet season and the large distances from resources has resulted in a very particular culture based on a strong and independent spirit with important values of solidarity and hospitality. |  |
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Huge, wild, and still relatively unknown, the Pantanal’s ecosystem
- or more precisely “complex of ecosystems” - is above all
a very fragile one. What gives cause for concern today are land divisions
- and thus the diminution of ranch sizes – which makes extensive
cattle farming difficult.
A group of farmers have therefore joined the Regional Park Authority and together they try to find ways to encourage low level ecotourism and to preserve their environment. |
| Because of the terrain, roads are scarce and the ones that do exist are bad – 10km an hour can be a good average in the dry season. So of course much use is made of small aircraft, or river transport where suitable. Flying is not as expensive as it is here, so most farms have a landing strip and some their own planes. |   
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The farm buildings are comfortable, most don’t have electricity and all appliances and lights are run by generator. Hammocks seem to be everywhere, enjoyable not only for siestas but also for camping out overnight. |
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| Fashion Essentials for Pantaneiros and Pantaneiras | |
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| We, The Horses are waiting for you!! |
