The Caiman Ecological Refuge is located within Pantanal and offers the adventure of face-to-face encounters with a magnificent array of fauna, including Caiman (native alligator species), Anaconda, American Rhea (three-toed American Ostriches), Hyacinth Macaw, Capivara (Cabyvara - large river rodent), and Deer. The annual convergence of Ibis, Ducks, Storks, Spoonbills, Egrets, Cormorants, Herons and many other species, on their migratory stop-over’s, is especially interesting. Situated on 131,000 acres of land, adjacent to a 17,300 acre private ecological reserve, the Caiman Ecological Refuge is an integral part of an expansive cattle-breeding ranch, comprised of one main Lodge and tree additional Lodges situated at strategic points about the ranch. These areas, together, successfully provide for self-sustained development, while at the same time respecting and preserving nature's species, habitats and cycles.

Over time, Caiman has become known also as a place of reference for development of scientific research. In the past, several scientific research projects were done, even before the hotel was created. We can cite some of these projects: Cervídeos Research; Blue Macaw Project; Cougar Behavior; Radiotelemetria done with the Wood Ibis. At the moment, Caiman houses the Projeto Arara Azul (Blue Macaw Project).

Caiman Ecological Refuge offers its visitors the key to all of the Pantanal's secrets. A simple visit to the refuge offers a truly unique Pantaneiro experience, taking guests on a journey through the local culture and environment. With the support of scientific research projects, Caiman helps the continuous study and investigation of local flora and fauna. Due to this distinctive combination of scientific research, eco-tourism and preservation of local culture, Caiman Ecological Refuge is considered a very unique venture.

 

Activities

The regular trips and excursions in Caiman Ecological Refuge are unique, and you will experience them intensely. Besides its regular activities, Caiman still has various optional excursions.

 

Regular

To enjoy all Caiman’s scheduled activities it is recommended a minimum three to four-night stay: check-in in the first day before nocturnal activity, and check-out in the fifth day after breakfast, which provides greater knowledge about Pantanal, its nature and its culture.

Activities at Caiman start very early in the morning taking full advantage of the best portion of the day to observe the wildlife. After that, they guests return to the lodges, have lunch and rest. When the afternoon passes by and temperature cools off, it is time to go out for an afternoon excursion, another good time to see Pantanal and behold the wonderful local sunset.

Nocturnal Spotlighting

Biking

Canadian canoe trip

Photographic Safari

Horseback Riding

Walking

 

Optionals

Horse riding with overnight at a sub-station of the ranch (Retiro)

Cattle drive with overnight at a sub-station of the ranch (Retiro)

A day as a cowboy (Dia de Peão)

Special horse riding trips

Horse riding with cattle work

Free horse riding with a native guide

Birdwatching trip

Motor boat tour to Aquidauana River

Note: Caiman Ecological Refuge reserves the right to cancel or replace any regular activity if the environmental conditions are not favorable to its performance.

Note: The regular activities are done in groups, of 8 to 16 people, determined by the local operation, considering the spoken language and days of arrival and departure of the guests.

Note: Only children older than 5 years of age may participate of horseback riding and walking trails excursions.