Pousada Caiman

The Pantanal is one of the last virgin areas on the face of this earth. A huge low land plain, the Pantanal is entirely overgrown by luxurious vegetation dotted by thousands of rainbow coloured flowers which bloom during the rainy season (January to June). It shelters innumerable rivers and crystal clear lakes. Along their shores are rare species of animals such as jaguar, peccaries, bob-cats, wild boars, not to mention flocks of ducks, grey teals, pigeons, partridge and herons, who live in total undisturbed freedom protected by the laws which govern this National Park. The greater Pantanal covers an area of roughly 240,000sq kms and borders on Bolivia and Paraguay. Although the literal meaning of the word Pantanal is marshland, this interpretation is misleading in as much as only 2% of the surface is perennially submerged, although most of its plain's lands are flooded every year. The cycle of waters is the Pantanal's secret to its extraordinary wildlife and enchantment. The wet (flood) season fills the river beds, forming great lagoons and thereby unleashing a flurry of life among microorganisms, fish, birds, reptiles and mammals. It is the yearly rebirth of a fantastic ecosystem.

The Pousada Caiman is one of the Pantanal's greater cattle ranches, with its 35,000 hectares of often submerged low lands and forests along the Aquidauana River providing a true ecological adventure with countless species of animals, including innumerable kinds of birds. The old ranch has been entirely remodelled, now featuring ten comfortable air- conditioned rooms and a complete hotel infrastructure for the visitor including swimming pool, conference room for environmental education, telephone, etc. You can enjoy the added attraction of staying at an authentic Pantanal farm, thus participating in its day to day life.

The Caiman Ecological Refuge has four comfortable lodges with different architectural styles; all designed to combine with the landscape. With total capacity to accommodate up to 73 people distributed in these lodges, Caiman gives its guests the opportunity to get to know the wonders of the Pantanal in rustic comfort. All the lodges have independent infrastructures for meals, tours and guides. They are equiped for your comfort, with air conditioning, ceiling fan, private bathroom with hot water, 110 volts electric outlets, living rooms and swimming pool. All reservations done at Caiman, will be subject to stay at any of the 4 pousadas (see 4 pousadas below). Passengers will NOT be able to choose in which pousada they will be staying. This will be informed only upon arrival at the Lodge:

Caiman Lodge - Spanish-building has 11 apartments with private baths and air conditioning, a pool, a restaurant with Offers homemade meals and living room with TV and video.

Caiman Lodge II - 100m away from Caiman Main Lodge I, it has 6 rooms with private baths and air conditioning, a living room and a deckwith a beautiful view, in its small restaurant is served only breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Main Lodge I.

Baiazinha Lodge - raised on wood stilts, it stands at the edge of a small cove of permanent wetland, facing a rooting site. This rustic style lodge has 6 rooms with private baths and terraces, selling fans, ample living room, home style restaurant and an observation tower. Distant 9 Km away from Caiman Main Lodge

Cordilheira Lodge - Build on stilts, this singular lodge is situated on the edge of a seasonal wetland, with a castle like tower with provides a more extensive view of the surrounding ridges. It has 6 apartments with private bath andterraces, ample living room and home style restaurant and ceiling fans. Distant 17 km from Caiman Main lodge.

WHEN TO VISIT:

WET SEASON - December through March:
Due to intense rain the Pantanal gets flooded.  The vegetation is exhuberant and humidity is high. Mammals seek refuge on higher grounds formed by tall trees, which are locally known as "Cordilheiras". This is the nesting time for many species of birds.
INTERMEDIATE SEASON - April through June and October through November:
In April the water levels begin to recede and fish get trapped in ponds and small lakes, attracting thousands of birds. The peak of the dry season is October when the Pantanal resembles a dry African Savannah.
DRY SEASON - July through September:
This is the very best time for wildlife observation because wildlife gathers around watering holes. Dry fields make for good grazing areas, bringing wildlife out into the open.  From August on most of the trees are blooming.  Migratory species are in residence and nesting.

The Programs

4 Days / 3 nights (Tuesday or Thursday) 
5 Days / 4 nights (Friday or Sunday)
Program at the Pousadas includes 3 activities per day - morning / afternoon / evening - such as: boat tours, alligator spotting, video presentation, horseback riding, photo safari, Farm tour, ecological treck and others. Activities are not fixed and may vary according to the weather conditions allowing you to watch the Pantanal's flora and fauna at its best. A specific program for your stay is given on arrival at the lodges. 

All meals are included as well as transfers by minibus between Campo Grande and Caiman Ecological Refuge. Please note that your flight needs to arrive/depart Campo Grande (Pickup at airport only) in time to join the following schedule:

LOW SEASON - 
IN -CAMPOGRANDE/CAIMAN -15:30h
OUT-CAIMAN/CAMPO GRANDE - 10:30h
HIGH SEASON-
IN -CAMPO GRANDE /CAI MAN -11:30h and15:30h
OUT-CAI MAN/CAMPOGRANDE -09:00h and 13:00h

Low Season: 01Dec06 to 30May08
High season: 31May07 to 30Nov08 - Book This Tour