ABOUT THE CAIMAN ECOLOGICAL REFUGE:

Located 140 miles west of Campo Grande, the Caiman Ecological Refuge is in the heart of the southern Pantanal on 131,000 acres adjacent to a 17,300 acre private ecological reserve. Pousada Caiman is an integral part of an expansive cattle breeding ranch and demonstrates the ability of man and nature to co-habitat successfully.

Here is a diverse landscape of savannah 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, including caiman (native alligator species), Anaconda, American Rhea (three-toed American Ostriches), Hyacinth Macaw, Capivara and deer. The annual convergence of Ibis, ducks, storks, Spoonbills, Egrets, Cormorants, Herons and many other species on their migratory stop-over is especially interesting.

The Caiman Ecological Refuge is comprised of one main Lodge and three additional lodges situated at strategic points about the ranch, each with its own infrastructure and architectural style blending  in with its distinctive surroundings.

The main lodges are Pousada Caiman and Pousada Piuva, both located on the main grounds of the ranch, and the two smaller satellite lodges Baiazinha and Cordilheira located 10 miles from each other and from the main lodges. Each lodge offers different highlights and program activities including horseback riding, nocturnal outings, trekking, boat trips, and launch, truck and pick-up rides. Each activity is accompanied by ecological guides and by expert native train guides who know the land like the back of their hand.

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HOW TO VISIT THE CAIMAN ECOLOGICAL RESERVE:

The Caiman Ecological Refuge has three operating seasons and four lodges.  The Pantanal has two weather seasons. Not all lodges are open all operating seasons, which are generally controlled by the weather seasons.  All must be taken into consideration when including a visit.

Here is a brief run-down:

Operating Season	Months	Weather	Lodges operating
Low	Dec thru Mar	Wet	Pousada Caiman & Pousada Piuva
Intermediate	Apr-Jun & Sep-Nov	Transitional	Caiman + Piuva + Baiazinha
High	Jul thru Aug	Dry	Caiman + Piuva + Baiazinha + Cordillheira

During High Season (July through August) there is a minimum stay of three nights; the rest of the year you can stay less but it's not worth the trip to get there.

GETTING HERE:

Transportation from and to Campo Grande airport is provided on a set schedule ONLY.  Arrivals and-or departures on any other day are available at a supplemental surcharge. The drive is 147 miles, taking about 4 hours each way with a 20 minute refreshment break en route.

From	Days	Depart time
Campo Grande Airport	Tuesday - Thursday - Friday - Sunday	1230 noon and 5PM
Caiman Ecological Refuge	Tuesday - Thursday - Friday - Sunday	0900 & 12noon

CAIMAN ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ACTIVITIES:

Emphasis is placed on wildlife viewing and guides are all trained naturalists. Activites may vary depending on the lodge, but in general you can count on two day and one evening activity, including the following:

• Trekking around the lodge for observation of the local vegetation and fauna. At night one can also observe caimans and other nocturnal animals.
• Horse back riding, which is the best way to get into the heart of the Pantanal and places which can not be reached by regular means of transportation.
• Rides on specially adapted vehicles to distant places, where a wider variety of animals and sometimes thousands of birds can be observed and allowing the opportunity to observe the variety of habitats along the way.
• Row boat rides on the lakes by Caiman and Baiazinha lodges, with the opportunity to not only view wildlife but to experience the sounds of the wildlife during peaceful drifting.
• Slides and video shows and lectures on the Pantanal eco-systems.