Southern Pantanal Birding: Nhecolândia and Rio Negro
Spend eight days in the Southern Pantanal, birding around Baía das Pedras and Barranco Alto with local guides, boat excursions and time among the lakes of Nhecolândia.
About this tour
This eight-day journey links two lodge bases in the Southern Pantanal. Begin at Fazenda Baía das Pedras in Nhecolândia, then continue to Fazenda Barranco Alto beside the Rio Negro. Three nights at each property give you time to explore their surrounding habitats, with a final night in Campo Grande before departure. Pantanal Wings arranges the journey from Campo Grande Airport, combining bird observation with photography, other wildlife and life on a working Pantanal ranch.
Nhecolândia brings several habitats together: freshwater lakes, saline lagoons, wooded areas, open grassland and seasonally flooded country. Guided excursions can follow walking trails or explore by vehicle, with canoe outings dependent on conditions. The Vazante do Castelo area also introduces the traditions of local ranching communities. Horseback excursions provide another way to experience the floodplain when included in your chosen activities.
At Barranco Alto, attention shifts to the Rio Negro and its surrounding lagoons and forest. The itinerary begins this stage with an afternoon boat excursion. Subsequent days combine opportunities for birdwatching, nature walks, wildlife drives and photography, with the local guide choosing suitable activities. Hyacinth Macaw and Jabiru feature among the birds highlighted for this journey; sightings depend on natural conditions. The wider wildlife interest includes Giant Anteater, Tapir, Marsh Deer, Capybara, caimans and otters, while a Jaguar encounter is a possibility rather than a promise.
The pace allows repeated exploration around each lodge instead of moving accommodation every day. A farewell dinner rounds off the stay at Barranco Alto. On the return journey to Campo Grande, changing landscapes provide a final view of the region; a cattle drive may occasionally be encountered along the way. The last night in the city separates the return transfer from your onward flight.
Ground transfers, full-board accommodation, daily guided activities and local guides form part of the program. Use the inquiry form to discuss your dates, birding interests and activity preferences, and request a quotation for the arrangements that suit you.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Brazil.
Birds you can spot
Itinerary
Day 1
From Campo Grande to Baía das Pedras
Meet at Campo Grande Airport and travel to Fazenda Baía das Pedras. After check-in, head out for an introductory wildlife excursion in Nhecolândia.
Day 2
Birds of the lake country
Explore the mix of freshwater and saline lakes, grassland, forest and wetlands around the lodge. Birdwatching, vehicle excursions and walking trails are among the options; canoeing is seasonal, and horseback outings may also be included.
Day 3
Vazante do Castelo and ranch life
Continue exploring the ranch landscape around Vazante do Castelo. Alongside wildlife observation, learn about Pantaneiro traditions and daily life. Horseback excursions offer an additional way to reach the floodplain for visitors interested in riding.
Day 4
Transfer to Barranco Alto and a river outing
After breakfast, move to Fazenda Barranco Alto. An afternoon boat excursion introduces the Rio Negro and the wildlife along its waters.
Day 5
Birdwatching around the Rio Negro
Spend the day exploring river habitats with your guide. Boat trips, wildlife drives, birdwatching walks and photography can be combined according to the activities selected.
Day 6
Lagoons, forest and wetland birding
Use the final full day at this lodge to explore more of the surrounding lagoons, forest and wetland. Personal guiding supports your birdwatching and photography interests. Finish with a farewell dinner.
Day 7
A final morning and return to the city
An early activity, such as a sunrise walk, may precede breakfast and the journey back to Campo Grande. Watch the changing countryside during the drive; traditional cattle movements are an occasional encounter. Reach your city hotel toward the end of the afternoon.
Day 8
Airport transfer
Transfer from the hotel to Campo Grande Airport in line with your onward flight.
Locations & map
- Campo Grande - Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
- Fazenda Baía das Pedras - Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
- Vazante do Castelo - Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
- Fazenda Barranco Alto - Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
- Rio Negro - Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Price: Price on request
Included
- Full-board accommodation
- Road transfers
- Daily guided activities
- Local guides
- Pantanal Wings travel assistance
Transport & stays
- Road transfers Road transfers from Campo Grande Airport, between the lodges and back to the city; airport transfer on departure. | Meet: Campo Grande Airport
Accommodations
- Fazenda Baía das Pedras (days 1-3)
- Fazenda Barranco Alto (days 4-6)
- Campo Grande hotel (day 7)
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.