Southern Pantanal

Casa Caiman in Caiman Ecological Refuge

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Casa Caiman in Caiman Ecological Refuge

About Casa Caiman in Caiman Ecological Refuge

A refuge for wandering souls and jaguars alike, this is Brazil at its wildest.

One of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, the Pantanal is just the place for an adventure. Jaguars prowl its forests, anacondas sun themselves on fallen trees and giant anteaters lope through the undergrowth. But in this wild and wonderful place, good accommodation is hard to come by – so let us introduce you to the Casa Caiman. Actually part of a 53,000-hectare, family-run cattle ranch deeply committed to preserving this intrepid corner of the world, the refugio is pioneering eco-tourism in the Southern Pantanal. One of their most successful projects involves the habituation of jaguars – they have a 90% success rate for sightings in the dry season! In between the many excursions that you will enjoy, Caiman Ecological Refuge offers all the necessary infrastructure and plenty of comfort for travellers to rest and contemplate nature in their rooms.

Southern Pantanal , Brazil

From $690 per person/per night

Safari

18 Rooms

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Property details

The property

Originally part of its billionaire-conservationist owner's home, the Casa Caiman is charming to the core. Cowskin rugs and saddle chairs are a nod to its roots, while glossy photos of the Pantanal provide a glimpse into the adventure to come. Tuck into hearty Brazilian fare in the dining room or on the twinkling terrace, and, on at least one morning, enjoy a traditional 'cowboy's breakfast'. In between activities, snooze in one of the hammocks or wander towards the pond, where caimans bask on the shoreline. Amongst the pretty gardens, you'll also find an inviting pool and, for the evenings, a firepit.

The rooms

Set within a century-old ranch and restored to ensure the utmost comfort, the Casa has 18 suites filled with warm textiles, hand-crafted wooden furnishings and vivid photographs of the flora and fauna. All have a king-size bed and open onto a spacious terrace, but if you're looking for added privacy, the six-room Villa Baiazinha is in a separate area of the property and has its own pool and deck overlooking a bay where birdlife flutters and capybaras swim by.

Activities

Unlike the Northern Pantanal, most of your activities will take place on (relatively) dry land. Led by a dedicated guide and local experts, you'll set out on foot, vehicle or even horseback in search of the Pantanal's phenomenal wildlife. There's a chance to see everything from tapirs to giant anteaters to the famed jaguars, as well as an entire menagerie of birdlife, including the rare hyacinth macaw (another of the refugio's conservation success stories). You can even shadow the conservationists and see them at work.

Why we love it

The Refugio is doing incredible things for the wildlife and wild spaces of Southern Pantanal, and it has become famed for its out-of-this-world jaguar sightings.

Insiders Tip

The barbecue evening is rather special, accompanied by local music and wine, followed by a nighttime drive through the forest.

Something to think about

Casa Caiman is wonderfully remote, but this does mean a lengthy drive from Campo Grande or a chartered flight. It really cuts down the travel time if you have the budget.

Positive Impact

The impact of your stay

Founded over 30 years ago, Caiman was a pioneer in demonstrating the benefits of ecotourism for the Pantanal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site integrates conservation, research, and community development, promoting the protection of fauna, flora, and local culture. Through innovative photographic safaris, animals remain wild while visitors gain transformative experiences that foster awareness and support for preservation. Guests contribute to initiatives that protect endangered species, maintain critical habitats, and generate sustainable income for local communities, showing that conservation and social progress can go hand in hand.

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How to book Casa Caiman in Caiman Ecological Refuge

How do I book Casa Caiman in Caiman Ecological Refuge?

Casa Caiman in Caiman Ecological Refuge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Brazil trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Brazil trips featuring Casa Caiman in Caiman Ecological Refuge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Brazil specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Casa Caiman in Caiman Ecological Refuge?

Stays at Casa Caiman in Caiman Ecological Refuge start from around $690 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Brazil

Southern Pantanal

Enthralling wildlife encounters, real-life cowboys & an unwavering sense of discovery awaits in the wetlands.