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Published: September 1st 2007
The journey to the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland area, teeming with wildlife, was not a smooth one to say the least. I am quite used to the long journeys (here she goes boasting again!), but it’s true! One 15 hour bus journey (non-cama, standard) with a change over, a 5 hour bus journey, and then another 45 minute jeep ride into the Pantanal later, Sanj wouldn’t look at me. Why had he left me the task of arranging everything? Why hadn’t he insisted on booking flights? It was written all over his luxury-loving face but he didn’t want to appear a whinge-bag. ‘Give me a smile,’ I would ask him on the jeep ride. He could only muster a teeth-showing purse of the lips. Bless, we’ll get there soon.
And sure enough we did…to good old Santa Clara, a family ranch modified slightly to accommodate travellers. We spent 3 nights in the ranch and it was so worthwhile and nice to feel a little settled again. It is so relaxing - you go out on trips in the morning and afternoon and when you are back you can relax in one of the numerous hammocks, play volleyball or short
Pantanal
nature trail, drinking from a tree branchtennis, table tennis (Sanj I caned you’re a$$!!!), pool or cards. The food is healthy and hearty. Trudy and Carlos, the hosts were fantastic.
Activities we did were so much fun, like piranha fishing, boat trips, horse riding and nature walks. It really is a stunningly beautiful and peaceful place. We were disappointed that we didn’t see any pumas or big cats, but for me the atmosphere and serenity of the place made up for it. We saw hundred of different birds species including tucans and macaws, monkeys, the largest rodents in the world, armadillos and huge amounts of caimans. It is the world’s most dense flora and fauna eco system, flooding 80% during the wet season. Now was the best time to visit.
I could easily have stayed longer.
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