Barra Mansa Lodge

The Pantanal

Barra Mansa is one of those traditional lodges that you find in the Pantanal; small, intimate and family owned and run. They began operating in 1996 for tourism, though they have been living in the Pantanal since end of the nineteenth century. Barra Mansa allows you to meet the local people, experience local culture, lifestyle, and food whilst still being part of a unique environment.

Why we recommend it:

Small family run lodge
Excellent location on the edge of the Negro River
Wide variety of activities from canoeing to walking to driving
Just 8 small rooms
All food is locally produced and sourced and cooked in a wooden stove

ROOMS:

OUR RATING:

Why we recommend it:

Small family run lodge
Excellent location on the edge of the Negro River
Wide variety of activities from canoeing to walking to driving
Just 8 small rooms
All food is locally produced and sourced and cooked in a wooden stove

THE STYLE

Eco lodge
Family friendly
Off grid

THE DETAIL

Barra Mansa is unique because of its location. It is where the drainage field meets the Negro River giving you a lovely balance of water flow as well as a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

The experience offered by Barra Mansa is ideal for all types, so whether you are a family, on honeymoon or just a group of friends you will have an exclusive guide taking you around. You can also choose what you want to do, what time to leave and return as all the tours and activities are arranged around your preference.

Each of their 8 rooms are simple and comfortable, featuring typical Pantanal decor and each vary in size ranging from double to quadruple size. Each room comes with a fridge and living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom making it ideal for everyone.
Each room is screened to keep mosquitos and bugs out and all have hot water, air conditioning and a fan as well as a hammock on your terrace

Food is good here and they try and keep things as local as possible, so all are authentic Pantanal dishes cooked by a wooden stove, using local natural ingredients.

The seasons

Vazante Season – from April to June
In this season the floodwater ‘leaks’ into the Negro River and follow its course to the Paraguay River. The Vazante do Castelo surrounds the fields of Barra Mansa and its crystal clear waters flow behind hotel making the area ideal for canoeing and boat trips. This is a best time for sport fishing and refreshing river baths.

Dry season – from July to November
During this period the water level recedes producing a renewed Pantanal: colourful flowers and an aroma of wild plants lining the floor for animals to eat. The trees are home to breeding birds that can be photographed easily on a walk or on a safari.

Each river bend reveals a white sandy beach and wildlife habitats which are home to otters and giant otters which feed in the water whilst capybaras and caimans rest on the riverbank.

Wet season – from December to March
The rainfall creates countless bays; salt water lagoons in addition to the exuberant Vazante do Castelo and the Negro River. These four aquatic environments transform the surrounding area of the hotel into an island. Wildlife can be observed from horseback, boats or canoes. February is the best month to go fishing