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Aerial view of Baiazinha Lodge, Caiman Ecolodge, Pantanal, Brazil
Home Hotels Caiman Ecological Refuge

Caiman Ecological Refuge

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Caiman Ecological Refuge, located on 53,000 hectares in the southern Pantanal, is a cattle ranch and private reserve with a strong focus on conservation. It consists of two independent lodges, 13 miles apart, each with a restaurant, pool and own guides.

Baiazinha Lodge has six rooms and is built on stilts next to a clear water lagoon that is excellent for bird watching. Cordilheira Lodge has five suites, also built on stilts and from the sitting room offers amazing wildlife viewing, not least wading birds during the wet season. Excursions on offer include canoeing, trekking and 4wd safaris.

Caiman Ecological Refuge runs a conservation programme, including successful projects focusing on jaguars, hyacinth macaws and blue-fronted parrot.

Activities

Each lodge offers a daily selection of guided excursions, with two daylight activities and one in the evening.

Regular Activities include:

  • Photographic safari
  • Walking tour
  • Canadian canoe tour
  • Night Safari
  • Jeep safari (4×4 car)
  • Caiman tour

Optional activities:

  • Birdwatching
  • Bike tours
  • Hyacinth Macaw Project
  • Oncafari Jaguar Project

Sustainability

Caiman Ecological Refuge runs a Nature Conservation Programme. This consists of maintaining a Private Reserve of Natural Patrimony (RPPN) on a 5,600-hectare area supporting research and species management. Successful projects have focused on jaguars, hyacinth macaws, and blue-fronted parrot.

Onçafari Jaguar Project is the newest conservation project, started five years ago, and unique in South America. It offers the opportunity to track wild jaguars in safari style jeeps. The jaguars have been habituated to vehicles, allowing their fascinating behaviour to be witnessed. Ecotourism is being used as an important conservation tool, providing an important source of income for landowners and local communities. Dedicated jaguar tracking programmes operate between June and October, with a duration of 3 hours to 3 days. This season, 100% of Oncafari guests saw a jaguar.

Price guide

£££££

Location

Caiman Lodge is in the wetlands of the southern Pantanal, 22 miles from the small town of Miranda. The closest airport is Campo Grande a three-and-a-half-hour drive.

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