Brazil and Argentina with Open Door Tour Operator

In the Pantanal area of Brazil, the abundance and diversity of the vegetation and wildlife are spectacular. Our trip, Aug. 24-Sept. 5, 2007, was timed to take advantage of the dry season (June to November).

My husband, Al, and I had our trip arranged by Open Door Tour Operator (Rua Alan Kardec, 87, Galeria Maria Auxiliadora, Sala 4, CEP 79008-330, Campo Grande - MS, Brazil; phone +55 67 3321 8303, fax 3384 6763, www.opendoortur.com.br). All transactions were handled by e-mail, with questions answered in a quick, professional manner.

The trip cost $4,762 for the two of us and included an overnight in São Paulo, seven days at two ranches, two days at Iguassu Falls, all internal flights and the services of an English-speaking guide/driver.

At our first guest house, Baia das Pedras, on a working cattle ranch in Campo Grande, we had a very comfortable room with a private bath and air-conditioning. Our very tasty meals were always with the family and featured, of course, beef from the ranch.

We had a morning drive in a 4x4 Land Rover to view birds and animals on some of the property’s 20,000 acres. Among the animals we saw were a giant anteater, a capybara, a yellow anaconda and tons of caimans.

Fazenda Barranco Alto, a ranch on the River Negro, was in an area with more lakes, and the giant river otter was added to our wildlife list. In addition to drives, we also had the opportunity for horseback riding, swimming and a morning canoe ride. The food was, again, very plentiful and good, and the atmosphere made us feel like part of the family.

We ended our tour with two days at Iguassu Falls, visiting both the Brazil and Argentina sides.

This was a “once in a lifetime” trip for us, and we were happy with the personal service we received.

JACKIE JANESKY

Tucson, AZ