A cattle ranch turned ecological reserve and wilderness lodge, Caiman is a 204-square-mile oasis sitting in the heart of the southern Pantanal in southwestern Brazil. Encompassing 75,000 square miles, the Pantanal is the largest wetlands and flooded grasslands on the planet. Home to jaguars, caimans, capybaras, anacondas, and other captivating wildlife, it’s one of the best places in Brazil for wildlife-watching.
Caiman puts you at the center of the action, surrounded by savannahs, rivers, lakes, forests, and wetlands on all sides. At its heart is Casa Caiman, the refuge’s main guest accommodations. Styled after traditional South American estancias with red-tiled roofs and shaded verandas. The Casa has 18 modern guestrooms, which connect to outdoor terraces overlooking the landscapes. Even though you’re deep in the wild, there are still plenty of creature comforts like an outdoor swimming pool, manicured grounds, and fire pits.
Going from creature comforts to actual creatures, expert “Caimaners” guides take you out daily to explore the Pantanal. Go on rugged 4×4 game drives in search of wildlife, stalk jaguars and ocelots at night, canoe caiman-filled waterways, and hike through forests and grasslands. Through the refuge’s wildlife conservation projects, you can also hang out with rare hyacinth macaws and get up close to jaguars.
Initially founded with the aim of preserving the Pantanal’s wildlife, nature, and culture, stays here support its ecotourism mission as well as its wildlife conservation projections. Once endangered, the Hyacinth Macaw has made an astounding recovery in the region thanks to the diligent work of the Hyacinth Macaw Institute, which invites guests along on its monitoring excursions to see these brilliant blue and yellow birds in the wild. Promoting responsible tourism practices with its jaguar-viewing photographic safaris, the Oncafari initiative provides travelers with an unforgettable experience while raising awareness for the species and demonstrating how the Pantanal’s human and animal residents can coexist. (extraOjourney)
Casa Caiman (18 Suites)
Opened in 2021, Casa Caiman is the result of a merge between the old farmhouse and the property owner’s house. Thus, the main lodge stands on a stunning setting, inviting guests to delve into the nature of the Pantanal: imagine a piece of land overlooking a lovely bay and surrounded by greenery as far as the eye can see.
From mornings enlivened by the singing of birds before our programmed walks to nights illuminated by the moon, everything here is an invitation to disconnect and enjoy the best that nature has to offer.
Between one tour and another, guests can read a book in the hammocks scattered throughout the garden, have a drink at the pool area, or just relax on the patio. Those who prefer can also rest in one of the suites, which occupy the structure of a century-old ranch, restored and renovated to offer even more comfort. And when night falls, the outdoor area which includes the firepit is the best place to reminisce over the day’s adventures and enjoy the starry sky above the Pantanal in the deepest peace.
Private Villa
Inspired by the region’s classic farms, our private villa named Baiazinha is located at a magical and even more secluded setting of Caiman. Featuring a deck and a gorgeous swimming pool, its entire structure faces the vastness of nature. Which include groups of capybaras swimming and late afternoons that paint the sky pink. Travelers can also enjoy the scenery from hammocks on the balconies of their rooms or from the glass-walled room. Cozy nights are guaranteed, with air conditioning, heated showers, pure cotton sheets and luxurious pillows.
The Pantanal serves as a haven for the majestic jaguar, unique mammals such as the giant anteater and a multitude of birds. All this besides a huge variety of plants, which creates a true mosaic in the landscape. As rich as its ecosystem is the Pantanal culture, with an authentic local cuisine, daily traditions and a multitude of celebrations. For personal inspiration, we offer a selection of images of moments, landscapes and people that make Caiman what it is.
Hiking
A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the flora and learn more about the Pantanal.
Jeep Safari
Taken in 4x4 open vehicles, this tour reveals different landscapes in our search for wildlife. Be prepared for surprises along the way!
Night Drives
While immersed in the nocturnal silence of the forest, discover the nighttime habits of animals such as the ocelot, giant anteater and jaguar.
Canoeing
Paddle leisurely through our bay and enjoy the beautiful, colourful sunset and unforgettable scenery.
Horseback Riding
The most memorable way to experience the Pantanal. Lasting about 3 hours, the activity explores a variety of landscapes.
Birding
Accompanied by expert guides, the tour highlights the biodiversity at Caiman, where around 350 bird species have already been registered.
Onçafari
This initiative promotes the conservation of the Pantanal through a different kind of photographic safari, in which the animals do not lose their wild nature, but stop seeing the safari vehicles as a threat. This responsible ecotourism initiative provides a source of income to the region’s inhabitants and owners, uniting sustainable practices with social progress. The fascination provoked by the jaguars and the experience of the safaris are used as tools to change the opinion about these animals and raise awareness to the visitors and the Pantanal inhabitants that preservation is a synonym of development.
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