Fazenda Baia das Pedras

Fazenda Baia das Pedras is located 6 to 7 hours overland or 55 minutes by air north of Campo Grande, the main town of the southern Pantanal state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The fazenda occupies 17,000 hectares and is a working farm operated along organic principles with 5,000-6,000 head of cattle.

There are five rooms housed within the same building with a total capacity for 13 visitors. All rooms are en suite with hot showers, air-conditioning, and ceiling fan. Four of the five rooms adjoin the dining room so can be quite noisy in the morning when breakfast is prepared and in the evening if visitors stay up late. There is a small bar in the dining room, and an adjoining (very small) lounge with TV and internet. There is a long veranda to the front of the main building with chairs, and an enclosed area shaded by large mango trees with hammocks for relaxing. Beyond there is a 950-metre landing strip.

The food served is particularly varied and plentiful, with organic meat featuring prominently as well as plenty of beans, rice, vegetables and salad.

A flexible program of activities are offered aimed at showcasing the wildlife and the traditional Pantanal way of life including horse riding, hikes, rowing on the seasonally flooded lake, 4×4 safaris and piranha fishing. There is no river close to Fazenda Baia das Pedras so at the height of the dry season (August and September) the land is very dry and it is not possible to see jaguars or giant otters here. However, the area is known for its large congregations of rhea, pampas deer, peccaries, and coatis. Giant anteaters are commonly seen, and there are plenty of the smaller armadillos. There is a good spot to see the rare southern naked-tailed armadillo, and the ranch has also been participating in a project studying the rare giant armadillo. There are pumas on the property but they are seen infrequently.

Although the accommodation is comfortable, the food excellent and the location remote, Fazenda Baia das Pedras is probably not the best place to stay for a short Pantanal experience because the lack of a river limits the excursions at the height of the dry season. However, for those wanting a longer remote southern Pantanal experience, Baia das Pedras combines very well with either Barranco Alto or Pousada Aguape.