Set deep in Brazil’s southern Pantanal, Caiman is a luxury ecotourism and conservation project that offers a singular approach to the safari experience.
Forget the Big Five: here, it’s all about the jaguar. Situated at the heart of a 53,000-hectare private reserve in the world’s largest tropical wetland, Caiman is one of the best places on Earth to observe these elusive cats in the wild – along with over 650 species of birds, 80 mammals, and 400 types of fish that call this vast wilderness home.
Guests can stay at either the main lodge, Casa Caiman, or one of the two private villas, perfect for small groups seeking total privacy. Days are shaped around safaris, night drives, and birdwatching with expert naturalists, all grounded in a deep commitment to conservation. This is not simply a place to stay, but a place to understand the Pantanal, and to help protect it.
What we love about Caiman
- Across 53,000 hectares, Caiman runs three activities: ecotourism, raising livestock and environmental research
- Casa Caiman has 18 luxurious suites, extensive gardens, a swimming pool, gym, sauna, an outdoor terrace and firepit
- Baiazinha Lodge is a private villa with six double suites, a swimming pool and an exclusive vehicle and guide for excursions
- Cordilheira Lodge is a private villa with five double suites, a swimming pool and an exclusive vehicle and guide for excursions
- Restaurant with menus inspired by Pantanal recipes using only local ingredients
- They run successful conservation programmes, including projects focusing on jaguars, hyacinth macaws and blue-fronted parrot
- They offer day and night wildlife safaris, canoe tours, hiking, horse riding, bird watching, bike tours and boat trips
- Each activity is led by a team of two guides, one specialised in the flora and fauna of the Pantanal and the other an expert in its culture
- Stunning gardens with areas to chill, gather or simply take in the surrounding scenery
Caiman offers a unique blend of luxury accommodation and environmental engagement.
Days here are spent in the company of leading naturalists, being inspired by the Pantanal’s breathtaking array of wildlife and its incredible ecosystem. Kayak past alligators, observe beautiful Hyacinth macaws up close and encounter jaguars roaming after nightfall. There’s also the opportunity to lend a helping hand to Caiman’s various conservation projects.
Between your wildlife adventures, kick back by the pool listening to the birdsong, snooze in a hammock or read your book in a peaceful corner of the garden.
In the evenings, gather around the bonfire, sharing stories, drinking wine and admiring the night sky.
Caiman Lodge is located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, within the southern portion of the Pantanal region. The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland area and is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and World Natural Heritage Site.
There are two airports close to Caiman Lodge. Campo Grande, which is about 3 and a half hours from the lodge by car, has direct flights to and from Sao Paulo and Brasilia.
The other airport, Bonito, is closer to the lodge (2 and a half hours by car), but has fewer flight options.
Caiman also has a private airstrip able to receive turbo-prop aircraft, should you wish to charter a flight directly to the lodge.
When to travel
The wet season lasts from November – March. Two thirds of the plain is flooded and the reflections are magical. The local fauna and flora are reinvigorated, and there is a remarkable concentration of aquatic birdlife – Jabiru Storks, Woodstorks, ducks, teals and egrets can all be easily spotted.
Between April – June, water levels drop and mammals begin to appear in greater numbers. Look out for White-lipped and Collared Peccaries, Marsh Deer, and both Howler and Capuchin Monkeys. Night tours during these months are particularly incredible.
The dry season, from July – October, is the peak period for wildlife viewing. Fish gather in shrinking pools, birdlife becomes increasingly active with mating rituals, and jaguars are often seen basking in the warmth.
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