THE CAIMAN ECOLOGICAL REFUGE. The Caiman Ecological Refuge is located in the Pantanal of Southern Mato Grosso, approximately 236 km (140 miles) west of Campo Grande. The South Pantanal has a diverse landscape of savanna lowlands, seasonal wetlands and rich forested areas. The annual rains and flooding cause constant variations in the habits, travel routes and interplay of the abundant wildlife, providing a fascinating pageant for those interested in one of the world's richest natural reserves. The Caiman Ecological refuge offers the adventure of face-to-face encounters with a magnificent array of fauna, including: Caiman (native alligator), Anaconda, American Rhea (three-toed American Ostriches), Hyacinth Macaw, Capivara (large river rodent), and Deer. 

The annual convergence of Ibis, Ducks, Storks, Spoonbills, Egrets, Cormorants, Herons and many other species, on their migratory stopovers, is particularly interesting. Situated on 131,000 acres of land, adjacent to a 17,300 acre private ecological reserve, the Caiman Ecological Refuge is an integral part of an extensive cattle-breeding ranch. These areas, together, successfully provide for self-sustained development, while at the same time respecting and preserving nature's species, habitats and cycles. The Caiman Ecological Refuge is comprised of one main lodge, Pousada Caiman and three additional lodges situated at strategic points on the ranch, each has its own infrastructure and architectural style, blending in with its distinctive surroundings. The great adventure of discovery begins either at the traditional Caiman or Piuva Lodges (located in the main grounds of the ranch), or on the walking tours to the Baiazinha and Cordilheira Lodges. While travelling through forest and plains from one lodge to the next, new paths, new animals, and new sensations are discovered. Upon arrival at the next destination, the comfort and originality of another lodge and another view are found. Each lodge has a different program of activities: horseback riding, nocturnal outings, trekking, trips by launch and truck. Each activity is accompanied by ecological guides, graduates in Animal Husbandry, Agronomy, Veterinary medicine and Biology. They are the "Caimaners" who take the guests safely on their adventures, generously sharing their knowledge, step by step, along the discovery tail. The guests are also accompanied by expert native trail guides who know the land very well. You will see, close up, in the freedom of their natural habitats, the lazy lolling of the Caimans, the soft glances of the Pampas Deer, the haughty strut of the American Rhea, the noisy clamor of the Hyacinth Macaws, the privacy of the Capivara families, the sovereignty of the tuiuius (Jabiru Stork), the rascality of the Toucans, the waddling gait of the Anteaters and the elegant flight of the Egrets. You will watch the Fire Flies at night decorating the darkened forest and you will have the rare night-time experience of observing and photographing the caimans, facing upstream with their mouths open, waiting for fish in the darkness. If you wish to be at peace with yourself, participate in the adventure of discovery at Caiman in the Pantanal.