Nearly
the size of Holland, Switzerland and
Belgium put together, the vast Pantanal
offers Brazil’s most rich birding
and wildlife viewing. The Pantanal
of Southern Mato Grosso, approximately
140 miles west of Campo Grande, has
a diverse landscape of savana 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 world's richest natural reserve.
CAIMAN
ECOLOGICAL REFUGE
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, Capybara (Capybara
- large river rodent), and Deer. The annual convergence of Ibis, Ducks,
Storks, Spoonbills, Egrets, Cormorants, Herons and many other species,
on their migratory stopovers, is specially 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.
DAY
1 – 4: CAMPO GRANDE / CAIMAN
ECOLOGICAL REFUGE
Upon arrival in Campo Grande, we are met and tranferred to the Caiman
Ecological Refuge. The Caiman Ecological Refuge is comprised of one
main lodge and four additional lodges situated at strategic points
of the ranch, each with its own infrastructure and architectural style,
blending in with its distinctive surroundings. Different programs of activities
at offered at either lodge. 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 will see, close up, in the freedom of
their natural habitats, the lazy lolling of the Caimans, the doe-eyed
glances of the Pampas Deer, the haughty strut of the American Rhea,
the noisy clamor of the Hyacinth Macaws, the privacy of the Capybara
families, the sovereignty of the tuiuiús (Jabiru Stork), the
rascality of the Toucans, the wadding gait of the Anteater and elegant
flight of the Egrets. You will watch Fire Flies creating living Christmas
trees and decorating the darkened forest . You will have the 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 will thrill you each evening. If you wish
to be at peace with yourself, participate in the adventure of discovery
at the Caiman of the Pantanal. Here, nature always gets along very
well with life. CAIMAN
ECOLOGICAL REFUGE LODGES (B,L,D-DAILY)
DAY
5: RETURN TO CAMP GRANDE
Transfer back to Campo Grande in time for our flight out. (B)
Departures: Sundays
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