Pantanal Ecological Refuge

"Brazil"

The Pantanal of Southern Mato Grosso, approximately 140 miles west of Campo has a diverse landscape of savannah lowlands, seasonal wetlands and rich forested areas. The annual rains and flooding cause constant variations in the habits, travel routes and interplay of the abundant wildlife, providing a fascinating pageant for those interested in one of the word's richest natural reserves The Caiman Ecological Refuge is located within this paradise and offers the adventure of face-to-face encounters with a magnificent array of fauna, including Caiman (native alligator species), Anaconda, American Rhea (three-toed American Ostriches), Hyacinth Macaw, Capivara (Cabyvara - large river rodent), and Deer. The annual convergence of Ibis, Ducks, Storks, Spoonbills, Egrets, Cormorants, Herons and many other species, on their migratory stop-overs, is especially interesting. Situated on 131,000 acres of land, adjacent to a 17,300 acre private ecological reserve, the Caiman Ecological Refuge is an integral part of an expansive cattle- breeding ranch These areas, together, successfully provide for self-sustained development, while at the same time respecting and preserving nature's species, habitats and cycles.

Caiman Ecological Refuge

The Caiman Ecological Refuge is located 147 miles from Campo Grande, Capital of Mato Grosso do SuI, and it is served by regular commercial flight service (from Sao Paulo to Campo Grande, it is about a one hour and twenty minutes flight). The trip to the Refuge is made in special vehicles across the Pantanal wilderness or by air-shuttle (the refuge has an excellent runway)
The Caiman Ecological Refuge is comprised of the main Caiman Lodge, a fine Spanish-style building with 11 apartments with private baths and air conditioning, a pool, a restaurant and a finally decorated central living room. Three additional Lodges (Piuva, Cordilhera and Baiazinha Lodges) are situated at strategic points about the ranch, each with is own infrastructure and architectural style, blending in with its distinctive surroundings.

Activities

The great adventure of discovery begins either at the traditional Caiman and Piuva Lodges (located on the main grounds of the ranch), or on the walking tours to the Baiazinha and Cordilheita Lodges, about 10 miles from each other. While traveling through forest and plains front one lodge to the next, new paths, new animals, and new sensations are discovered. Upon arrival at the next destination, the comfort and originality of another Lodge and another view are encountered. Each lodge has a different program activities: horseback riding, nocturnal outings, trekking, boat trips and launch, truck and pickup rides Each activity is accompanied by ecological guides, graduates in Animal Husbandry, Agronomy, Veterinary Medicine and Biology. They are the "Caimaners" who take the guests safely on their Caiman adventures, generously sharing their knowledge, step-by-step, along the discovery trail. The guests are also accompanied by expert native trail guides who know the land like the back of their hands.

You see, close up, in the freedom of their natural habitats, lazy lolling of the Caimans, the soft glances of the Pampas Deers, the haughty strut of the American Rheas the noisy clamor of the Hyacinth Macaws, the privacy of the Capivara families, the sovereignty of the Tuiuius (Jabiru Stork), the rascality of the Toucans, the waddling gait of the Anteaters and the elegant flight of the Egrets. You watch the Fire Flies creating living Christmas trees and decorating the darkened forest You have the rare night-time experience of observing and photographing the caimans, facing upstream with their mouths open, waiting for fish in the darkness. The beautiful, unrivalled Pantanal sunset thrills you each evening. If you wish to be at peace with yourself, participate in the adventure of discovery at Caiman in the Pantanal Here, nature always gets along very well with life.

General Information

There are two distinct seasons: the rainy season from December to March, when most of the area is flooded, and the dry season from July to October, the nesting and breeding season. Both seasons are worth a visit.
The climate is tropical humid with temperatures between 7 degrees C (evening and nights during the rainy season) to 40 degrees C (day time). The average temperature is 24 degrees C.

Rated: Easy.

For a more adventurous and economic journey, visit Pantanal Adventure with more photos about Pantanal wildlife and sceneries

Departure dates
In the period from 02-01-04 to 30-05-04 regular departures on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. In the period from 31-05-04 to 30-11-04 regular departures on Thursday and Sunday.

	4 days/3 nights		5 days/4 nights		8 days/7 nights
Room type	SGL	DBL	SGL	DBL	SGL	DBL
USD	$ 701	$ 594	$ 875	$ 734	$ 1408	$ 1161
EUR	€ 582	€ 493	€ 726	€ 609	€ 1168	€ 963
GBP	£ 392	£ 333	£ 490	£ 411	£ 788	£ 650

(*) Price last updated on 16 November 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) Prices are valid till May 30
(***) Prices from June to November 30 increase by 10%.
(****) TPL rooms available (around 20% cheaper)

Included: All transports from Campo Grande airport, first class accommodation with private bath, meals, daily excursions with local bilingual guides

Not included: other meals, drinks

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