Brazil, Nhecolandia – Pantanal Fazenda 4 Cantos
A Secluded Hotel That Provides Wildlife Tours and Fishing Trips
Sep 2, 2009
Fazenda 4 Cantos is situated in the middle of the wetlands of the Pantanal, in west Brazil. A stay at Fazenda 4 Cantos is the perfect getaway for those who want to get off the beaten track and experience the magnificent isolation of the Pantanal.
Transportation to Fazenda 4 Cantos
There are two ways to reach Fazenda 4 Cantos: by plane or by car. Transportation can be arranged from either Campo Grande or Corumbá. The nine-hour car trip to the fazenda introduces the traveller immediately to the extraordinary variety of wildlife of the Pantanal.
Deer, boars, emus, wild horses as well as cattle roam the countryside of the Pantanal. The air is filled with the shrieks of bluebell-tinted macaws and coloured by the bright banana beaks of toucans. Racoons watch from the palm trees, curious as to who passes by, and turtles or armadillos may suddenly cross the path. Water ponds and streams are frequented by capybaras [a mammal similar to a giant guinea pig] and serve as a habitat for jacarés [the Brazilian cayman] and giant otters [called ariranha].
A Secluded Fazenda Hotel in the Heart of the Pantanal
Originally, Fazenda 4 Cantos was one of the Pantanal's many cattle ranches. The name "4 Cantos" means "four corners" and is derived from the fact that there is a fazenda located on each corner of the territory. About five years ago the owners started to expand their activities with tourism.
The rustic hotel is surrounded by a big yard which attracts many kinds of birds, thanks to its large collection of fruit and palm trees. The yard offers plenty of opportunities to hang a hammock. Two toucans are hand-fed daily with bread soaked in milk by the housekeeper [or traveller]. The yard is also home to Philip, the giant anteater – he was found two years ago as a lonely young animal without a mother in sight. Travellers may help feed him his daily meal or give him his shower.
Piranha Fishing and Wildlife Excursions at Pantanal Fazenda 4 Cantos
Among the activities offered by the fazenda are:
- early morning or late afternoon hikes [the best times to spot wildlife]
- horseback riding
- night safari by four-wheel drive
- piranha fishing
The latter is done in rowing boats on one of the many streams that crisscross the Pantanal. "No outboard motor in order not to disturb nature", fazenda manager Pablo states with conviction. With luck a giant otter or an anaconda may be spotted. Piranhas are caught and subsequently turned into a delicious "pantaneira" dish, "Piranha do Pantanal", served in a cooking area inside the jungle.
The price of a stay at Fazenda 4 Cantos is based on the number of days one stays and includes lodging and food as well as the activities selected which take place under the guidance of an English speaking guide. Reservations are possible via the website, Fazenda 4 Cantos' own agency in Corumbá of via one of the travel agencies located in Campo Grande.
Address Fazenda 4 Cantos' agency in Corumbá [downtown]: 1152, Rua 10 de Abril
Accommodation and Pantaneira Dishes at Pantanal Fazenda 4 Cantos
Traditional pantaneira lifestyle is tangible at Fazenda 4 Cantos. The fazenda is self-sustainable with a large collection of fowl, pigs and cows. There are meat cows, mainly used for commercial purposes, as well as milch cows for personal use .
Bilû, the housekeeper, is an excellent cook and creative in producing delicious lunches and dinners based on the typical "pantaneira" diet: rice, pasta, meat and manioc. Among the traditional dishes are homemade cheese and doce de leite: a sweet dessert made on the basis of milk.
The hotel has five basically-equipped family rooms, each with a double bed, two single beds and private bathroom with hot water. Furthermore, the hotel has a dormitory with several bunk beds. There is a large living room with easy chairs and a television. There is telephone connection but no Internet.
When to Visit Fazenda 4 Cantos
Fazenda 4 Cantos can be visited year-round but one has to realise that during the summer months [Nov-March] the Pantanal is flooded and reaching the fazenda may be impossible or time-consuming.
Fazenda 4 Cantos is a unique location, where the sheer space lends itself to a relaxing stay. It is the ultimate destination for those who like a secluded location with personal attention, where one can sit back and observe the amazing display of the native fauna of the Pantanal.
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