Caiman Lodge
Caiman Lodge is the ecotourism pioneer of Brazil’s Southern Pantanal. Situated within the Caiman Ecological Refuge, this remote property promises an array of highly personalized wildlife encounters in one of the world’s most important and bio-diverse wetlands. Part conservation project, part cattle farm, and part ecotourism lodge, Caiman Lodge brings visitors as close as possible to Pantanal’s nature and culture, from the hyacinth macaw to the elusive jaguar.
Property Details
Caiman Lodge comprises two accommodation options: Casa Caiman and the private Baiazinha villa.
Casa Caiman | Featuring just 18 suites, the main lodge occupies a restored and renovated century-old ranch. Hammocks freckle the gardens, and the onsite swimming pool, gym, and sauna invite premium relaxation amid nature. All rooms offer air conditioning, ceiling fans, wireless Internet access, en suite bathrooms, and private terraces alongside Brazilian furniture and artwork. Guests are invited to dine in the restaurant and gather around the firepit at night to recount the day's adventures.
Baiazinha Private Villa | Built on stilts on the shores of a crystal clear lake, Baiazinha is an independent pousada overlooking a west-facing inlet. It is structured like a bird, with each of its six rooms occupying the wings of the bird and boasting irresistible balcony views of the wetland sunsets. While the apartments are little havens of comfort with their cotton sheets, down pillows, and hot showers, the central living area of the lodge consists of a relaxing living room with television and dining room for 12. Outside, the deck hosts a pool and multiple hammocks, all framed by the lake and vast Pantanal landscape.
Cuisine
The cuisine at Caiman Lodge is inspired by authentic Pantanal recipes and consists of rich, local ingredients such as freshwater fish and fine meats and fruits of the Cerrado. Twice a week, Caiman Lodge offers traditional Pantanal barbecues and oreada (meat specially dried in the cool night), which is best shared with the lodge’s colorful cowboys. Around the campfire and under the starry skies, one of them may even begin pointing out the constellations and planets that are so easily visible here.
Activities
Activities at Caiman Lodge promote direct contact with the unique Pantanal ecosystem, the largest wetland plain on the planet and a designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage and World Biosphere Reserve. Guests of Caiman Lodge enjoy three daily activities, such as photographic safaris in custom vehicles, Canadian canoe trips, nocturnal spotlighting, Jeep safari, and nature walks, each led by local Caimaners and expert naturalists. Days begin very early in the morning to take full advantage of the daylight for wildlife observation and conclude with afternoon and evening excursions for cooling sunsets and nocturnal interactions.
Conservation
In addition to ecotourism, Caiman Lodge is also involved with environmental research and conservation projects, including the Onçafari Jaguar Project, the Hyacinth Macaw Project, the Blue-Fronted Parrot Project, and the Private Reserve of Natural Patrimony (RPPN). Guests have a unique opportunity to workshop with these projects, as well as immerse themselves in the cattle ranching soul of Pantanal, a rich regional culture blending Portuguese, indigenous, and Paraguayan customs.
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