Caiman Ecological Refuge

The Caiman Ecological Refuge is a 131,000 acre reserve that credits itself with being the first ecotourism operation in the southern part of the Pantanal. The reserve is broken up into three parts:


Caiman Lodge:
There are two lodges that visitors may choose to stay at. The first lodge can hold up to 10 people and is located in a "wooded hillside" while the other lodge can hold 12 people and is located on a permanently flooded lake. The refuge offers a variety of tours and safaris in addition to lodging. They also appear to pride themselves on their ability to provide visitors with a fully immersive Pantanal experience, partially through the service of authentic regional dishes.

Nature Conservation Program:
Approximately 11% of the refuge was set aside in 2004 to create a reserve, the Private Reserve of Natural Patrimony Dona Aracy. The refuge also "encourages research and conservation of the Pantanal,"by supporting and sponsoring several species management projects.

• Hyacinth Macaw Project - Projeto Arara Azul

• Blue-Fronted Parrot Project - Projeto Papagaio Verdadeiro 

• Caiman Recycling Project

• Jaguar Project - Projeto Onçafari

Caiman Ranch:
Caiman Ranch is the refuge's traditional cattle ranch that hosts about 35,00 heads of cattle. Permanent residents, around 180 lodge and ranch workers, live on Caiman Ranch. These employees have access to a school as well as medical and dental care.

~ Megan Good

Here's the link to the Caiman Ecological Refuge website:
http://en.caiman.com.br/guides/