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Refugio Caiman Pantanal Tours

Reflugio Ecologico Caiman is the most upscale and acclaimed option in the southern Pantanal. It is located 236 km west of Campo Grande , State Capital of Mate Grosso do Sul.

Caiman Ecological Refuge comprises 02 lodges with independent operation. All the lodges offer the same contact with local fauna, flora and culture, as well as the same standard of service, with swimming pool, air conditioning in the rooms, private bathrooms with hot shower, alternated 110 volts energy outlets, living room with TV and DVD, bar and restaurant.

BAIAZINHA LODGE : Located 9 km from the entrance, it was built on stilts and is structured like a bird with opened wings. Located at the banks of a clear-water lake, it provides a magical and cozy ambiance for its guests. It has 06 standard guestrooms.

CORDILHEIRA LODGE : Located 13 km from the entrance, it was built with bricks and mounted on stilts, it is located at the margins of a Cordilheira forest, perfectly integrated with the surrounding natural scene. It has 5 suite guestrooms, with living room and balcony

Program of Activities

• Trekking around the lodge for observation of animals and vegetation. At night, one can also observe caimans and other nocturnal animals.
  
• Horse back riding, which is the best way to get into the heart of the Pantanal, getting to places which normally could not be reached by regular means of transportation.
  
• Rides on specialty adapted vehicles to distant places, where a wider variety of animals and, sometimes, thousands of birds can be observed. On such rides one can notice the peculiarities and contrast of the habitats along the way.
  
• Motor boat trip on the Aquidauana River - only during the dry season (April through October).
  
• Row boat rides on the lakes close to Caiman and Baiazinha lodges. Such rides are very peaceful and one can enjoy the sounds of Nature.
  
• Also included in our program are a lecture with slides and video show.

Guests are taken on twice daily outings, one early in the moming and a second in the afternoon. A third activity takes place at night after dinner, including a night outing for nocturnal animal observation. The different seasons as well as weather conditions determine the destinations for each excursion and they are decided locally by our staff. The final schedule is given to guests upon arrival by our guides and managers.

2011 Prices (not including transfers):
from January to June and September to December
Passengers have to book an entire lodge during these time periods. = US$4209 per night. 3 night minimum

Land Transfer: Distance from Campo Grande airport to Caiman Ranch - 236 km / 147 miles.
Length of trip - 4 hours average, including stop
Regular Departures : THURSDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Time Schedule : Campo Grande airport to Caiman Ranch - 1:00 pm or 5pm departure.
Caiman Ranch to Campo Grande Airport - depart at 6:00am and 1030am.
REGULAR TRANSFER RATES : per person each way- US$ 118.
PRIVATE TRANSFER RATES: per person each way - $256 with 1 person, $129 with 2, $93 with 3, $71 with 4


Seasons and packing reccommendations:

WET SEASON = SUMMER (Jan.. through Mar.)
With the summer rains, as parts of the Pantanal are flooded, the fauna and flora reinvigorate and Pantanal reveals one of its most lively seasons. The main characteristics of this season are the beautiful water landscapes, and many water birds such as the Jabiru Stork, Woodstorks, Limpkins, ducks, teals and egrets. Among the common mammals we can find the Capybaras, Crab-eating Foxes, and the Grey-brocket and Pampas deer. The water plants are in bloom with different shapes and colors throughout the lakes and rivers. Also abundant are butterflies and other interesting insects. The wet season is also the best time to watch the most beautiful sunset of the year.

Sport clothes, two pairs of shoes (tennis shoes, boots or hiking shoes), jeans, light long sleeve shirts, swimming costume, hat, rolls of film, insect repellent, binoculars, light raincoat and flashlight, sun cream,sunglasses.

INTERMEDIATE SEASON (Apr. through June)
In April, the rains stop and the water level begins to recede, giving rise to lagoons and water puddles. Here, thousands of fish are trapped, providing a food banquet for the water birds which concentrate in these regions. The temperature becomes milder and the night skies are filled with stars.The mammals, who dispersed in the wet season, start to come back and show themselves. Species such as the White-lipped Peccaries, Collared Peccaries, Marsh Deer and the Howler and Capuchin Monkeys can often be seen.

DRY SEASON = WINTER (Jul. through Oct.)
The best time to observe wildlife. The lack of rain diminishes the lagoons, revealing the flat grounds and aiding transportation by land. The fields begin to dry, providing vast grazing areas where mammals search for food and water in the remaining water puddles. From August on, the Tabebuia trees blossom - locally known as Piuvas (with pink flowers) and Paratudos (yellow flowers). This is the breeding season for birds - their plumage is at their best condition and their calls can be heard throughout the Pantanal. This is also the best season to observe Giant Anteaters, Crab-eating Racoons and South-American Coatis.To the above add an anorak and pullovers as temperatures drop drastically in addition to wind chill effects.

RAINY SEASON = Nov. through Dec.
The period when there is a lot of rain in the Pantanal, but not enough to flood. Due to the long dry season, it takes a while for the soil to saturate to the point of flooding. It is also a season of a great abundance of food for birds who started their breeding in the past months. It is very common to see chicks being fed by their parents.