Description
Caiman Ecological Refuge combines conservation with eco-tourism and a working cattle ranch. Located in the southern region of the Pantanal, Caiman consists of a two independent lodges offering a similar level of comfort - all have swimming pools, air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms.
Please note that Caiman is available for exclusive hire for small private groups or families (10 -12 guests max) from March to June and September to December and for individual bookings in July and August.
Caiman Ecological Refuge has a great little restaurant with menus inspired by Pantanal recipes using only local ingredients such as freshwater fish, meats and fruits of the Cerrada. Twice a week the lodge offers guests a traditional barbecue and oreada, a special local meat dried over night which is held in high regard by the local people and very tasty indeed.
The Pantanal is home to the most spectacular array of wildlife including 300 species of birds, anteaters, armadillo, caiman and monkeys. The topography is very flat which makes it much easier to view wildlife than in the confines of the Amazon jungle. It has a diverse landscape of savanna lowlands, seasonal wetlands and rich forest areas. Resident naturalist guides accompany guests on fascinating excursions in specially adapted vehicles, on foot, by canoe, or on horseback.
Accommodation
Baiazinha Lodge has 6 double standard guest rooms with a capacity of 12 people, decorated in a traditional ranch style. Cordilheira Lodge has 5 double suite guest rooms with a capacity of 10 people and has been designed in a more contemporary style. Each lodge has its own swimming pool, restaurant and living area.
Childcare
Children of all ages are welcome at Caiman Lodge although due to the length of the transfer to the lodge and the nature of the excursions we would not necessarily recommend it for extremely young children. Older children are sure to enjoy the adventurous nature of a stay in the Pantanal and looking out for the local wildlife.
Facilities
Caiman has a restaurant and all the facilities that accompany the two independent lodges. Each has its own swimming pool, spacious living room with TV and DVD, games room and dining room.
Activities
Caiman offers regular excursions which are included in the room rates such as safari, walking the trails, Canadian canoe tour, horseback riding and nocturnal tours. Optional activities, some of which must be booked in advance, include birdwatching, bike tours, motor boat tours, special horseback rides, Cowboy's day and Cattledrive.
When to travel
Two well-defined seasons: one dry (July to November) and one rainy (December to June). At the beginning of the rainy season the water is quickly absorbed, but later on the soil gradually becomes waterlogged. Plant-covered ponds, pools and baías start forming and new watercourses of widely varying sizes are formed.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Pantanal, Brazil
Caiman Ecological Refuge is located in the Southern Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, on a 53 thousand hectare ranch, 236 km from Campo Grande, the state capital.
How to get there
From Campo Grande International Airport its a 4-hour drive to the Lodge or a 50-minute flight by small aircraft.
