Caiman Lodge wasestablished in 1985 as the first ecotourism operation in the Southern Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul. Since then, it has aimed at creating and offering visitors a means of getting close to the Pantanal’s nature and culture, while pursuing excellence in hospitality services and gastronomy.
It consists of two lodges – Cordilheira and Baiazinha – which have fully independent operations and are 22 km from each other.Recently renovated, Cordilheira has 5 double suites, decorated in contemporary style. Each of these has a separate bedroom and living room, bathroom, powder room and balcony, and can accommodate two people. Cordilheira offers guestsoutstanding comfort and pampering, with pure cotton bed linen and towels, down-filled pillows and heated showers: a real treat after long walks in the Pantanal natural environment. 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.
Baiazinha Lodge is a bird-shaped house, located on the shores of a lake, permanently flooded with crystal-clear water. 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.
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 Pantanal and enjoy the wonderful local sunset.
In the system of individual bookings, the leisure department will establish which regular activity will be contemplated during the stay, according with weather conditions. Programming is informed at the check-in. In the Private Villas system, guests can choose the schedule according to the following activities.
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.
Regular Activities:
Walking tours:
Walking trails in the woods: taken in 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.
Caiman Tour: it 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, the spot by excellence 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.
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.
Horseback Riding: it’s the most traditional way to get to know the Pantanal. In such activity it is common to observe the harmony between cattle and wildlife, it allows to explore regions, where we cannot go by foot or vehicles, like the marshes.
Obs. 1: Upon check-in all guests must sign a disclaimer acknowledging the risks involved in the activities and that will respect all the instructions given by guides (caimaner and field guide).
Obs 2: The Caiman Ecological Refuge reserves the right to cancel or replace any regular activity if environmental conditions are not favorable to their realization.
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.
Free horse riding with a native guide: On this trip the idea is riding for a longer time accompanied by a native guide. This trip is designed for those guests who wish learn or improve their techniques, with the opportunity of riding in a different rhythm of the regular riding tours. NOTE: For bilingual groups, the
hiring of an interpreter has an extra cost.
Day as cowboy: Experience a day as a pawn wetland. Riding with the possibility of management of cattle, depending on the activities of the pampas.
Cattle drive with typical lunch: Ride with the field guide, a cowboy and a Caiman with an authentic cattle drive.
Birdwatching Tour: Special for those who are interested in watching or photographing birds in the necessary rhythm to the search for the rarest 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 punt Aquidauana / motorboat. There will also be a stop at the creek of the bottle where guests embark in canoes and rowing may freely through the site.