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Caiman Ecological Refuge

A fantastic ecolodge with excellent guiding in the Southern Pantanal...

Outstanding Five hearts from 12 votes
Caiman Ecological Refuge - Swimming Pool
Caiman Ecological Refuge - Swimming Pool

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Review

A model for ecotourism and conservation projects, and set within the boundaries of a 53 000-hectare ranch, the Caiman Ecological Refuge offers some of the best opportunities to view wildlife and, of course, the elusive Jaguar, in the Southern Pantanal. Comfortable accommodation, delicious home-cooked food and expert guiding give this property the edge over other pousadas in the region in our view!

Caiman is located on a working estancia in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, 36km from the town of Miranda and a four hour drive from the airport of Campo Grande in the heart of the Southern Pantanal. Although it is one of the most accessible lodges in this area, thanks to its conservation efforts and expert guiding, Caiman still provides excellent opportunities to see a huge variety of wildlife.

Accommodation at Caiman is separated between three pousadas set in different areas of the ranch. Most guests are accommodated in the two main guesthouses, ‘Bahiazinha’ which has 6 rooms and ‘Cordilheira’, which has 5 suites. Both guesthouses have large living and dining rooms, accommodation for a team of housekeepers, cooks and guides and outdoor swimming pools.

Rooms and suites are rustically decorated with exposed brick walls, rugs, and wooden shutters. Bathrooms are spacious with a toilet, sink and large walk in shower with hot running water. Each room and suite has its own individual decked balcony with a hammock to relax in during the hottest part of the day, between excursions.

Schedules at Caiman revolve around the excursions and the best times to view wildlife. Guests receive three delicious home-cooked meals a day and a morning, afternoon and evening excursions. The lodge’s team of extremely knowledgeable guides, including a team of local guides and natural science graduates, program a range of activities for you to maximise your chances of seeing wildlife. These range from 4x4 safaris to walking safaris, to fishing and canoeing on the lake.

Depending on your interests, the lodge can arrange specialist birding guides to accompany you in advance. Furthermore, guides will gladly talk you through Caiman’s wildlife conservation projects, which include its Hyacinth Macaw project, and its jaguar safaris project, aimed at tracking and habituating jaguar populations in the area.

Comfortable accommodation, delicious home-cooked food, superb guiding.

Not a negative point as such but something to bear in mind... it takes 4 hours to get here from Campo Grande.

Our rating: 
5
User rating: 
5
Price: 
5

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