Fazenda Barranco Alto

The 11,000-hectare Fazenda Barranco Alto is located 30 minutes by air from Aquidauana and 55 minutes by air from Campo Grande. There is a good-sized airstrip alongside the farm. Alternatively it is a six-hour, 35-gate drive to reach the fazenda overland.

Barranco Alto is owned and run by Lucas and Marina Leuzinger, Brazilians of Swiss decent.

Located about 300 metres from the farm, the guest accommodation is contained in one building with 4 en suite rooms (2 doubles and 2 twins) as well as one separate cottage with 2 ensuite rooms (1 double and 1 twin). All rooms offer hot water showers and air- conditioning, and some have a screened terrace. There is also a communal lounge and small library with internet. Outside there is a shaded patio built around a large mango tree with hammocks, tables and chairs. From the patio there are open views to the Rio Negro and it is not uncommon to see peccaries, rheas and capybaras grazing on the grassland by the river.

Meals are taken at a separate screened dining room where all guests come together at one table, sharing experiences of the daily adventures. The lodge has resident guides who live all year long on site and have great knowledge regarding the local nature and ecology. They are able to tell where to find each species, specific nests, dens, and burrows, as well as other information on the animals’ natural history. Since there are several research projects going on at the farm it is sometimes possible for guests to assist a researcher on his or her field work or to attend an informative talk on a specific subject.

Hosts and guides use radio contact with the main house for emergencies. Water, soft drinks, caipirinhas and beer are included and can be ordered from the kitchen. Wine is available at additional cost. Laundry service is also offered at reasonable rates.

Each morning and afternoon two concurrent excursions are offered with different guides in order to give guests varied activities and experiences. These include game drives, boat trips on the rio Negro, horse riding, hikes and kayaking.

Lucas and Marina have created a relaxed, familial atmosphere and are extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area. The accommodation is comfortable and overlooks an often wildlife-filled grassy plain towards the Rio Negro. There is undoubtedly a great deal of wildlife to be seen, and with the varied excursions offered the potential for sightings is excellent.