We are currently looking at a 3 or 4 night trip to the Southern Pantanal (flying into Campo Grande) and are considering the Embiara Lodge, Refugio da Ilha, & Barranco Alto and heading to Bonito after that stay. Although we have read the reviews, any insights about the tours (English speaking), best location,transfers, etc. would be appreciated. We are not birders so animal sightings are more our style and we like to be active. Thank you.
Southern Pantanal....stuck between 3 lodges?
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We stayed for 5 nights at Embiara, which is "next door" to Barranco Alto. We flew from Campo Grande in a private plane. You can do the transfer by road but it's 6-7 hours. The guiding, guest houses and food were excellent at Embiara. We're not birders but really enjoyed the incredible birds of the Pantanal. The giant anteaters are absolutely amazing.
http://www.fodors.com/community/south-america/bruce-and-marija-go-to-brazil.cfm
I can only comment on Barranco Alto. If you check their blog (which goes back some years) you will get an idea of the types of mammals on the property, and the colourful birdlife as well.
I'm not a keen birder, however I really enjoyed the kingfishers skimming the river, the variety of parrots and the hyacinth macaws. Photos from my 2010 stay are here, https://picasaweb.google.com/Treepol/SouthAmericaSouthernPantanalBarrancoAlto
Happy planning,
Pol