SPRING BRANCH, Texas – Traveling from Texas to Brazil by mule in two years is the goal of a man making his way through the San Antonio area right now.

“I would really like to promote my culture in Brazil, which is different from that of cowboys here in the United States,” said Pedro Henrique Biondo Matías.

Matías is the man who undertakes the journey with his dog and two mules. Along the way, he hopes to raise awareness about Brazilian cowboys and ranchers, who are called boiadeiros.

The boiaderos are easily identified by their instrument, a horn, which they use to wake their cattle, control their passage and warn others of the dangers in the area.

Matías’s final goal will come with saying goodbye and thanking the two mules that take him to the finish line.

“We are going to donate them to a cancer hospital, which treats everyone in Brazil for free,” Matías said.

Matías’ journey began about 20 days ago in Fort Worth. He plans to return to his hometown in Brazil in August 2026.

“Are you worried about cartels?” KSAT asked Matías.

“I’m just a guy who travels with two mules and a dog,” Matías said. “What harm can we do to anyone?”

Matías is not as concerned about problems caused by man as he is about those caused by Mother Nature. Like the Darien Gap, the 60-mile stretch of dangerous rainforest and mountains that connects Central America to South America.

Matías plans to use a boat to get over that and then get back on mules.

How is this trip possible? Matias said he has relied heavily on sponsors at one of Brazil’s largest rodeos, which he plans to attend upon his return.

He adds that his social media followers have also skyrocketed and people have come forward. On top of that, strangers have given him and his crew a place to rest, eat, and hydrate.

“The hospitality of the Americans is amazing. This is practically the most important thing I needed,” said Matías.

If you want to follow Matías’ journey: