Caiman Ecological Refuge

The Caiman Ecological Refuge is set on a 53,000 hectare active cattle ranch and combines cattle breeding, ecotourism and nature conservation. The lodge has a total of 25 rooms divided between 3 lodges. According to operational needs Caiman Ecological Refuge reserves the right to accommodate guests at any of the 3 lodges. SEDE Lodge is the largest of the 3 with 11 rooms situated in the main village area of the ranch. The 6-roomed BAIAZINHA Lodge is 5.5 miles from SEDE Lodge and is situated on the edge of a lagoon. CORDILHEIRA Lodge has 8 rooms and is located 8 miles from SEDE Lodge. All the lodges are fully independent except for SEDE II where only breakfast is served at the lodge.

Of the 53,000 ha, 7,200 ha is a Private Natural Heritage Reserve and 20% of the whole farm is set aside for ecotourism. The remainder is managed for cattle.

The main complex houses the cattle corral, primary school for the works children, the Jaguar Conservation Project, Blue Macaw Project and Blue-fronted Parrot Project, and an interpretation centre.

There is an attractive lounge/bar with open fire for the cold evenings, and a separate TV area with DVD. Slides shows are given outside by the poolside bar and open fireplace. Internet is available in receipt ($10 for half an hour), and there is also a gift shop.

Guests are divided into groups and there are fixed activities which take place at a set time each day, for example jeep tour, horseriding etc. There are also some optional activities which are available for an additional fee including birdwatching, more extensive horseriding/cattle wrangling and a boat tour to the Aquidauna river (4 pax minimum).

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• Read about Tribes' eco-rating system