Fazenda San Francisco
Wild Cats, Biodiversity and Conservation
Overview
Fazenda San Francisco is a working cattle ranch in the Miranda region of the Southern Pantanal, widely recognized by wildlife experts as one of the finest destinations for observing Brazil's remarkable biodiversity. The property is particularly renowned for its opportunities to observe wild cats and birds, with six of Brazil's eight wild cat species officially recorded within its boundaries.
This extraordinary wildlife abundance is supported by a rich mosaic of habitats, including seasonally flooded grasslands, wetlands, Cerrado woodlands, forest patches, rivers and irrigated rice fields. Together, these diverse environments provide plentiful food resources, sustaining an exceptional variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians throughout the year.
Beyond tourism, Fazenda San Francisco is deeply committed to conservation and scientific research, supporting long-term projects focused on species such as jaguars, ocelots, turquoise-fronted amazons, reptiles and amphibians, and the iconic hyacinth macaw.
Wild Cats, Biodiversity and Conservation
The property successfully combines three complementary activities: traditional cattle ranching, irrigated rice cultivation and nature-based tourism. Together they show how sustainable production and biodiversity conservation can coexist in the Pantanal.
Set on the left bank of the Rio Miranda at the foot of the Serra da Bodoquena, the ranch is also one of the most accessible in the Southern Pantanal, reached directly from the paved BR-262 highway. Days are spent on photographic safaris, night drives in search of cats, boat outings along the river and walks through the carandá palm groves, each led by guides who know the property intimately.
Gallery
Highlights
- Six of Brazil's eight wild cat species recorded on the property
- One of the finest places in the world to see wild ocelots
- Frequent jaguar sightings on guided night safaris
- A rich mosaic of grasslands, wetlands, Cerrado, forest, rivers and rice fields
- Long-term research and conservation projects for jaguars, ocelots and the hyacinth macaw
- Outstanding birdwatching throughout the year
- Signature photographic safaris aboard open safari vehicles
- Night safaris in search of cats and other nocturnal wildlife
- Boat outings and canoeing along the Rio Miranda and Corixo São Domingos
- Easy access directly from the paved BR-262, about 3 hours from Campo Grande
- A living example of conservation thriving alongside cattle ranching and rice farming
Wildlife & Birds
Six of Brazil's eight wild cat species live here, among them the jaguar, ocelot, puma and jaguarundi, alongside giant anteaters, marsh deer and capybaras. The birdlife is just as rich, from the hyacinth macaw and the black-collared hawk to the buff-necked ibis and the red-crested cardinal.
Getting There
Fazenda San Francisco is one of the most accessible lodges in the Southern Pantanal, reached directly from the paved BR-262 highway.
Self-drive
Approximately 3 hours from Campo Grande on the paved BR-262 highway, with the entrance about 36 km beyond the town of Miranda.
Private Transfer
Personalized vehicle transfer with a professional driver directly from Campo Grande or Miranda.
Van or Minibus
Convenient transportation for families, groups and private departures.