Caiman Ecological Refuge
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The Caiman Ecological Refuge is a pioneer in ecotourism in the Southern Pantanal, situated on a 53,000 hectare cattle ranch in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, 236km from the State Capital, Campo Grande. It also is involved with environmental research and conservation projects, including the Hyacinth Macaw Project and Blue-Fronted Parrot Project, all done through partnerships with researchers and universities.
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The Caiman Ecological Refuge comprises 03 lodges with independent operation. All lodges offer the same contact with local fauna, flora and culture, as well as the same standard of service, with swimming pool, air conditioned in the rooms, private bathrooms with hot shower, alternated 110 volts energy outlets, living room with cable TV with DVD player, bar and restaurant.
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CASA CAIMAN - Individual bookings only: The new Casa Caiman, former Headquarters Complex, is close to Caiman's main office, allowing a more direct contact with the daily activities of the Pantanal, in an opportunity to get to know the culture of the region in greater depth, living with people. Casa Caiman was built at a point with a privileged view over the Bay of Headquarters. A breathtaking landscape to be enjoyed from a panoramic deck. It also now has a gym and sauna for guest enjoyment.
It has 18 apartments in Suite, Superior Suite and Master Suite categories divided between the former farmhouse (10 rooms/ Up to 20 guests) and the owner's private house (08 rooms/ SGL/DBL Up to 16 guests). |
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Casa Caiman Suite
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Casa Caiman Superior Suite
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bedroom at Baiazinha Lodge
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BAIAZINHA Lodge - Private Villa Bookings only: built on stilts it 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 six standard rooms, situated on the wings of the bird. Its balconies, overlooking a west-facing inlet of the lake, are an irresistible haven for watching the wetland sunset. Decorated in traditional ranch style, apartments welcome our guests pampering them with pure cotton sheets, down-filled pillows and hot showers. The bird’s body contains the living area of the lodge, which includes a dining room for 12 people and a large and cozy living room with TV, DVD and telephone systems. Outside, a deck includes the pool, space for chaise longues and comfortable hammocks, framed by the lake and the vast Pantanal landscape.
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CORDILHEIRA Lodge - Private Villa Bookings only: 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 05 suite guestrooms, decorated in contemporary style. Each of these has a separate bedroom and living room, bathroom, powder room and balcony, and can accommodate two people. Electricity is 110v. On one side, a wooded hillside to observe local fauna throughout the day. On the other, a branch of the lake, either dry or full, depending on the season, demonstrates the flood-water cycle to visitors. In the social area, a cozy living room extends to a dining room for 10 people. Outside, a large room with TV, DVD and games welcomes visitors in the intervals between trips. There is also a pool on a deck , surrounded by the vast expanse of the Pantanal landscape.
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Lounge at Cordilheira Lodge
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The 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, the 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 the Pantanal and enjoy the wonderful local sunset.
When you make a reservation, the lodge will establish which regular activities will be done during the stay, according to current weather conditions. Programming is informed at the check-in. To enjoy all Caiman’s scheduled activities a minimum three to four-night stay is recommended: check-in in the first day before the nocturnal activity, and check-out on the fifth day after breakfast, which provides greater knowledge about Pantanal, its nature and its culture.
Jaguar sightings for visitors to Caiman Lodge
Regular Activities Include: |
Conservation Projects |
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Walking tours: Walking trails in the woods on many trails in the surrounding areas of the lodges, the walk in the forests allows the guests the observation of small animals and the local vegetation. It is the activity that provides the greatest contact with the environment. Reinforcing the ecological focus of its activity, the
Caiman Ecological Refuge alternates the trails, minimizing the impacts upon the environment. |
HYACINTH MACAW PROJECT
This began in 1990 and is coordinated by the biologist, Dr. Neiva Guedes, from UNIDERP. It is aimed at collecting data on the Hyacinth Macaw, by monitoring their nests.Caiman Ecological Refuge area has 38% of the identified nests, where at least 50 new fledglings are hatched each year. |
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Caiman Tour: is a walk through the surroundings of the main area of the ranch, corral, research centers, school and Environmental Interpretation Center. The final destination is the Paizinho’s bridge, one of the most traditional places of the Caiman Ecological Refuge, an excellent place to observe the Spectacled Caimans. It is a magical moment in which the guests get up close to the caimans with all the safety provided by the guides, getting to know up close one of Pantanal’s symbols.
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BLUE-FRONTED PARROT PROJECT
This was launched in 1997 and is coordinated by Glaucia Seixas, a zoologist technician who hold a Master’s degree in Ecology and Conservation. Its goals are to obtain, record and disseminate information on the Blue Fronted Amazon, as well as assessing the impact of human activity on this species – one of the most affected by the illegal trafficking of animals. |
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Photographic Safari: taken on specially adapted vehicles, this activity enables the access to the most distant places of the farm. During the photographic safari, it is possible to observe the peculiarities and the contrasts of the vegetation, as well as a large variety of animals.
Canadian canoe trip: in the bays of the ranch. The guests row in three-seat Canadian canoes and contemplate the nearby vegetation and water birds. It is also a good opportunity to listen to many the local sounds, besides admire the fantastic Pantanal’s sunset. Nocturnal Spotlighting: provides the opportunity to observe nocturnal animals. One of the highlights is when the caimans are spotted, whose eyes present impressive red reflex.
They are currently operating with a maximum of 9 to 12 passengers per group HIGH SEASON SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
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room type |
Jan.- March |
April-June + Aug.-Dec. |
July + Holidays |
suite |
$881 |
$1014 |
$1115 |
superior suite |
$1031 |
$1186 |
$1305 |
master suite |
$1184 |
$1361 |
$1497 |
2024 Prices per night per room in US$:
(check with us for current price because rates can change due to the exchange rate.)
(check with us for current price because rates can change due to the exchange rate.)
room type |
Feb. - March + Dec. |
Jan. + April-May + Nov. |
June + Sept.-Oct. |
July-Aug. + holidays |
suite |
$969 |
$1115 |
$1226 |
$1337 |
superior suite |
$1134 |
$1305 |
$1435 |
$1566 |
master suite |
$1364 |
$1497 |
$1647 |
$1796 |
During High season, from May 19 to November 7, they work with fixed packages from Sunday to Thursday or Thursday to Sunday at Casa Caiman
Baiazinha (Standard Superior) - $6576 per night for whole villa (6 rooms - 12 people) in 2023 or $7562 in 2024.
Check-in and Check-out can occur any day of the week, except May 19 to November 7, when they work with fixed packages from Sunday to Thursday or Thursday to Sunday , respecting the minimum of 3 nights stay.
Customized services meeting the needs, profile and guest expectations.
Children Policy: Children of all ages are accepted. Configuration: The rooms have capacity for 2 people
Rates include: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner), snack during the tours, soft drinks and regular contemplation activities accompanied by Caimaners (bilingual in Portuguese / English) and field guide.
Does not include Environmental Fee: We also add the payment of the environmental tax in order to ensure the maintenance of environmental and conservation projects RPPN Dona Aracy (Private Natural Heritage Reserve). Fee: Adult / Child USD$ 137.00 per package per person
Baiazinha (Standard Superior) - $6576 per night for whole villa (6 rooms - 12 people) in 2023 or $7562 in 2024.
Check-in and Check-out can occur any day of the week, except May 19 to November 7, when they work with fixed packages from Sunday to Thursday or Thursday to Sunday , respecting the minimum of 3 nights stay.
Customized services meeting the needs, profile and guest expectations.
Children Policy: Children of all ages are accepted. Configuration: The rooms have capacity for 2 people
Rates include: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner), snack during the tours, soft drinks and regular contemplation activities accompanied by Caimaners (bilingual in Portuguese / English) and field guide.
Does not include Environmental Fee: We also add the payment of the environmental tax in order to ensure the maintenance of environmental and conservation projects RPPN Dona Aracy (Private Natural Heritage Reserve). Fee: Adult / Child USD$ 137.00 per package per person
Price does not include transfers from/to Campo Grande.
Private Transfer to Pantanal in 2024: Prices in USD for round trip transfer from Campo Grande (300 km - about 3.5 hours). Price is per car, not per person
without guide = US$874 with 2 people, US$1038 with 3 people, $1538 with 4-14 people
with guide = US$1262 with 2 people, US$1414 with 3 people, $1924 with 4-14 people
Private Transfer to Pantanal in 2024: Prices in USD for round trip transfer from Campo Grande (300 km - about 3.5 hours). Price is per car, not per person
without guide = US$874 with 2 people, US$1038 with 3 people, $1538 with 4-14 people
with guide = US$1262 with 2 people, US$1414 with 3 people, $1924 with 4-14 people
Check-in: 03h00pm - Check-out: 12h00pm
Note: Check-in and check-out times can be changed considering guests’ requests and operational conditions.
IMPORTANT:
Caiman Ranch gate times: - Opening: 06h00am - Closing: 09h00pm It is not permitted the entrance or the exit of the farm between 09h00pm and 06h00am. At this period the gate will remain closed for control and safety.
Note: Check-in and check-out times can be changed considering guests’ requests and operational conditions.
IMPORTANT:
Caiman Ranch gate times: - Opening: 06h00am - Closing: 09h00pm It is not permitted the entrance or the exit of the farm between 09h00pm and 06h00am. At this period the gate will remain closed for control and safety.
"Our stay at Caiman Ecological Refuge was amazing. The lodge is so beautiful and well run. We received highly personalized attention from the friendliest people I have ever met! We saw all kinds of wildlife, including jaguars. The food was delicious and abundant, even for a vegetarian.
I am so glad we made the (long) trip to see Iguazu Falls, which are stunning. The hotel was also stunning and the food delicious as well. Our guide for the falls (her name escapes me at the moment) was very accommodating and informative and pleasant.
She even helped us with an issue with the airline for our return trip, since she said that the airline staff might not understand
English well enough to know what we wanted. We are extremely grateful to her for her assistance.
Thank you so much for organizing the trip! We would do it again in a heartbeat and only wish we had more time to spend in Brazil."
Allison
"As expected, the 4×4 rides into the lodges were over rough terrain and long , but that's why its not overrun with tourists. Caiman great for game drives, saw 12 different jaguars, plus many other species. Barra Mansa great for wildlife boat trips on river , saw most on those. Caiman facilities very good. Barra Mansa was more primitive. " Carl
I am so glad we made the (long) trip to see Iguazu Falls, which are stunning. The hotel was also stunning and the food delicious as well. Our guide for the falls (her name escapes me at the moment) was very accommodating and informative and pleasant.
She even helped us with an issue with the airline for our return trip, since she said that the airline staff might not understand
English well enough to know what we wanted. We are extremely grateful to her for her assistance.
Thank you so much for organizing the trip! We would do it again in a heartbeat and only wish we had more time to spend in Brazil."
Allison
"As expected, the 4×4 rides into the lodges were over rough terrain and long , but that's why its not overrun with tourists. Caiman great for game drives, saw 12 different jaguars, plus many other species. Barra Mansa great for wildlife boat trips on river , saw most on those. Caiman facilities very good. Barra Mansa was more primitive. " Carl
CAIMAN RECYCLING PROJECT
Besides the biodiversity conservation projects, in 2007 Caiman Ecological Refuge created the Caiman Recycling Project, which collects, separates and correctly disposes of recyclable and hazardous waste from the whole the property.
Besides the biodiversity conservation projects, in 2007 Caiman Ecological Refuge created the Caiman Recycling Project, which collects, separates and correctly disposes of recyclable and hazardous waste from the whole the property.
TAPIRAPE PROJECT
Working with the Projeto Onçafari to use habituation to protect tapirs, one of the largest mammals in South America. Research on the behavior of tapirs based on observations made in their natural habitat are rare. Not only the species is secretive, but also considered vulnerable, and it suffers from issues such as deforestation, vehicular incidents, and wildfires.
Working with the Projeto Onçafari to use habituation to protect tapirs, one of the largest mammals in South America. Research on the behavior of tapirs based on observations made in their natural habitat are rare. Not only the species is secretive, but also considered vulnerable, and it suffers from issues such as deforestation, vehicular incidents, and wildfires.
JAGUAR PROJECT
Projeto Onçafari is a conservation initiative that aims to promote ecotourism in the Pantanal by habituating* Jaguars in order for people to witness the fascinating behavior of these beautiful animals, from a safari vehicle. Ecotourism is being used as an important conservation tool, providing an important source of income for landowners and local communities.
*To habituate an animal is very different form domesticating it. When a Jaguar gets habituated it simply stops perceiving our vehicles as treat and acts normally in our presence.
All guests visiting Caiman during the high season (mid-June-mid-Sept.) will have the opportunity to get to know about the Onçafari Jaguar Project. The activity starts with a lecture and guests will be taken to the field to try to find the GPS signal or put some camera trap in the field. This has an extra cost.
Full Day Experience
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a day with a team that works to save the Jaguar? Spend a full day with the Jaguar Habituation Team and follow our activities. Some of our daily activities are:
• Search for Jaguar tracks;
• Look for different clues that may lead us to these magnificent big cats;
• Check previously set camera traps for Jaguar signs;
• Download satellite data to check monitored Jaguar’s previous positions;
• Search for specific Jaguars using a VHF receiver;
• Find, monitor and observe Jaguar behaviors in the wild;
• Continue the habituation process;
You may have the chance to see first hand some of the photos taken by the camera traps and experience all of the technological features used by the team. At the base you’ll receive a talk about the Project and its goals.
• Availability – Max 8 Guests per vehicle.
• Duration: Approx. 6 to 7 hours total, split between AM and PM.
• 2024 - Donation per person: US$ 490.00 (Min of 2 Guests).
• 2024 - Donation for private excursion: US$ 2487.00 (up to 4 Guests - US$ 412.00 per extra person.
• Guests with Children can only be booked on a private basis.
• All meals served at your Lodge and you will have time to relax and recover after lunch.
Projeto Onçafari is a conservation initiative that aims to promote ecotourism in the Pantanal by habituating* Jaguars in order for people to witness the fascinating behavior of these beautiful animals, from a safari vehicle. Ecotourism is being used as an important conservation tool, providing an important source of income for landowners and local communities.
*To habituate an animal is very different form domesticating it. When a Jaguar gets habituated it simply stops perceiving our vehicles as treat and acts normally in our presence.
All guests visiting Caiman during the high season (mid-June-mid-Sept.) will have the opportunity to get to know about the Onçafari Jaguar Project. The activity starts with a lecture and guests will be taken to the field to try to find the GPS signal or put some camera trap in the field. This has an extra cost.
Full Day Experience
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a day with a team that works to save the Jaguar? Spend a full day with the Jaguar Habituation Team and follow our activities. Some of our daily activities are:
• Search for Jaguar tracks;
• Look for different clues that may lead us to these magnificent big cats;
• Check previously set camera traps for Jaguar signs;
• Download satellite data to check monitored Jaguar’s previous positions;
• Search for specific Jaguars using a VHF receiver;
• Find, monitor and observe Jaguar behaviors in the wild;
• Continue the habituation process;
You may have the chance to see first hand some of the photos taken by the camera traps and experience all of the technological features used by the team. At the base you’ll receive a talk about the Project and its goals.
• Availability – Max 8 Guests per vehicle.
• Duration: Approx. 6 to 7 hours total, split between AM and PM.
• 2024 - Donation per person: US$ 490.00 (Min of 2 Guests).
• 2024 - Donation for private excursion: US$ 2487.00 (up to 4 Guests - US$ 412.00 per extra person.
• Guests with Children can only be booked on a private basis.
• All meals served at your Lodge and you will have time to relax and recover after lunch.
Optional Activities (with extra cost):
Biking: The Pantanal is very flat, enabling agreeable bicycle rides. On the roads or trails, the silence is the advantage of such a means of transportation. The bicycle paths and distance vary according to the group profile.
Birdwatching Tour: Special for those who are interested in watching or photographing birds in the necessary rhythm to the search for the most rare and difficult species to be observed.
Boat trip on the Aquidauana River: This program is a great opportunity to meet one of the most remote areas of the refuge and still navigate the river by a motorboat. There will also be a stop at a creek where guests embark in canoes and can row freely through the site.
Biking: The Pantanal is very flat, enabling agreeable bicycle rides. On the roads or trails, the silence is the advantage of such a means of transportation. The bicycle paths and distance vary according to the group profile.
Birdwatching Tour: Special for those who are interested in watching or photographing birds in the necessary rhythm to the search for the most rare and difficult species to be observed.
Boat trip on the Aquidauana River: This program is a great opportunity to meet one of the most remote areas of the refuge and still navigate the river by a motorboat. There will also be a stop at a creek where guests embark in canoes and can row freely through the site.
