(population of the city 520,000) ­ Situated in the Central West of Brazil - since 1979, capital of the new built State of Mato Grosso do Sul. The modern city itself does not offer great touristic attractions, but it is one of the gateways to the world's richest ecological reserves:

The "Pantanal of Mato Grosso" an ecological sanctuary right in the heart of the South American continent. 240,000 square kilometres of lowlands, as large as the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland together! America's largest nature reserve with a unique variety of animal species - the most fascinating region for scientists, ecologists and nature lovers. To designate the "Pantanal" as a swamp, wouldn't do justice to this green landscape of lush vegetation ­ great part of it still unknown by the scientists. It is a flat region, flooded by innumerable rivers during a period of 8 months per year - the open savannahs and intertwined jungles still offering an intact living space for the most varied fauna of the American continent. While the dense rainforest of the Amazon hides the animals, here they present themselves in front of the surprised visitor's camera - tapirs, deers, capybaras, anteaters, otters, pumas, different species of monkeys and sometimes even the jaguar are showing up. Caymans, turtles, iguanas and big serpents, like the anaconda, one can see regularly during an excursion, and numerous birds - egrets, herons, storks, parrots, macaws, toucans and ostriches ­ present an unforgettable spectacle which one can hardly observe in the Amazon. And there are about 230 varieties of fish - from the giant "Pintado", weighing up to 80 kilos, to the voracious "Piranha". Wide spread lodges - similar to those in the Amazon - offer a very simple touristic infrastructure. They are the best starting points for excursions through the "Pantanal".

Refúgio Ecolgico Caiman

1. Introduction ­ Refúgio Ecolgico Caiman is located in the Southern Pantanal 236 km west of Campo Grande, State Capital of Mato Grosso do Sul. Settled on a cattle breeding ranch of 145.000 acres, the development combines 3 different activities being: cattle breeding, tourism & nature preservations.

2. Lodges ­ It comprises 4 different lodges:

Sede Lodge: Ibero-American style building with 11 rooms,the biggest of all lodges. It's situated near the main village and the central office. Its location allows our guests a closer contact with the "Pantaneiros" lifestyle, their daily routine, the Hyacinthine Macaw Project and the community events.

Pousada Baiazinha: This rustic lodge has 6 rooms, it's located 9 km from Sede Lodge, resembles to a bird with open wings and it is built on stilts. Situaded on the edge of a clear water lagoon, guests will have special moments surrounded by such an unique environment.

Pousada Cordilheira: located 13 km away from Sede Lodge, it has 6 apartments. Also built on stilts this lodge is located by a "cordilheira" . From its living room one can observe animals. From such a comfortalble viewpoint it's possible to spot mammals in the dry season and during the rainy season wading birds on the lake formed by the floods.

Pousada Piúva: 1 km away from Sede lodge, it has 6 rooms and its decorated with local artcraft made by the Kadwéus Indians. For those willing to take a walk, a delightful hike can be made between Piúva and Sede Lodges. All lodges are equipped with:

private baths and air conditioning in each room, swimming pool, home style restaurant & living room. PIUVA LODGE does not have its own restaurant nor activities on independent groups nor in-house guides, those services are provided at Sede Lodge.

3. Seasons:

Rainy Season ( December through March ) ­ Due to the intense rain, the Pantanal gets flooded. The vegetation is exuberant and the temperature is high. Mammals seek for refuge in the higher grounds with tall trees known as "Cordilheiras". This is the nesting time for many species of birds.

Intermediary Season ( April through June and October through November ) ­ In April the level of the water starts to recede and fish gets trapped in ponds and small lakes attracting thousands of birds. The peak of the dry season is on October, when the Pantanal resembles to a dry African Savannah.

4. Activities:

Refúgio Ecolgico Caiman offers its guests activities which enable the observation of the Pantanal fauna and flora at its most beautiful. Guests are taken on different excursions:

Regular Excursions:

Trekking around the lodge for observations of animals and vegetation. At night, one can also observe caimans and other nocturnal animals.

Horse back riding which is the best way to get into the heart of the Pantanal, getting to places which normally can not be reached by regular means of transportation.

Rides on specially adapted vehicles to distant places where a wider variety of animals and, sometimes, thousands of birds can be observed . On such rides one can notice the peculiarities and contrast of the habitats along the way.

Road boad rides / Motor boat rides on the lakes close to Caiman and Baiazinha lodges. Row rides are very peaceful and one can enjoy the sounds of Nature. Motor boat, these rides allow the observation of flocks of birds at sunset.

Slides and video shows lecture on the Pantanal ecosystem.