Caiman Ecological Refuge

Located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and the southern portion of the Pantanal region, Caiman Ecological Refuge is a massive 53,000-hectare complex. The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland area, and Caiman Ecological Refuge presents guests with unique ways to experience the region while also indulging in luxurious accommodations.

Life at Caiman Ecological Refuge

Caiman Ecological Refuge is home to 29 rooms in three unique lodges, 18 of which can be booked individually. The gorgeous Baiazinha Lodge and Cordilheira Lodge operate solely as private villas and are available only to groups by special request. The lodges, which are entirely independent of each other, are scattered across the refuge. This distance provides guests privacy and a greater sense of integration into nature.

At the cozy Baiazinha Lodge, relax on your balcony or in a hammock next to the pool. Whichever you choose, you can soak in the views of a crystal-clear bay. At the contemporary Cordilheira Lodge, take a dip in the pool while enjoying the views of the green mountain range, or climb the observation to watch wildlife roam the area. At the Main Lodge Complex, which is near the office, you have the option of a room in one of two houses: the Old Farmer’s House or the Owner’s House.

Excursions from Caiman Ecological Refuge Brazil

When you are not being pampered by the generous hospitality at the lodges, Caiman Ecological Refuge offers a wide range of activities designed to provide hands-on ways to experience the Pantanal. A team of two guides leads each excursion.

These “Caimaner” nature guides are bilingual in Portuguese and English and have specialized knowledge of the biome’s plants and animals. Natives and locals, referred to as “Guias de Campo,” are experts in the region’s culture. With these experienced professionals leading the way, you will have the opportunity to take an off-road safari and night drive in a modified Jeep.

You may also explore the area by water during a canoe ride in the bay. Then, take an ecological walk to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region. Besides these regularly scheduled activities, it is possible to arrange additional excursions such as jaguar safaris, horseback riding and bike rides. For an educational experience that gives back to the ecosystem, take part in a research project with a biologist to monitor the Hyacinth Macaw population.

More than a lodge

Comfortable accommodations and exciting activities are just the tips of the efforts at Caiman Ecological Refuge. Within the vast complex, three distinct initiatives live side-by-side. In addition to the lodges and ecotourism programs, the Caiman Ranch is a working cattle ranch. Continuing the Pantanal’s strong heritage of raising livestock, the ranch raises animals by grazing them in organic meadows and pastures.

The third component of Caiman Ecological Refuge is conservation. A 5.6-thousand-hectare private protected conversation area makes up 10% of the refuge. This conservation area works to protect several native species, including jaguars, Hyacinth Macaws, and Blue Fronted Parrots.

No matter the reason for your visit, the Caiman Ecological Refuge rewards guests with a deep dive into the Pantanal’s ecosystem and first-hand experience of life on a working Brazilian cattle ranch.

* Please note that the Cordilheira Lodge is currently unavailable until further notice as it is undergoing renovations.