Caiman, Pantanal

These 3 Eco-lodges Are Trying to Save Brazil's Wildlife

"Located within the sprawling Caiman ecological reserve in the Pantanal, Casa Caiman is an 18-suite lodge that blends western-chic and Caribbean-luxury touches — sand-yellow walls, rust-red rooftops, spacious, uncluttered rooms, leather armchairs, a pool framed by palm trees, outdoor firepits and even a well-equipped gym — with easy access to wildlife viewing. I went out on red-dirt roads and open jeeps with a guide and watched a mother jaguar, Surya, and her cubs Jeronimo and Juba feeding on a carcass before resting and playing; the reserve runs tracking and compensation programs that have helped make the Pantanal one of the best places to see jaguars. Activities range from sunset canoe tours to evening churrasco barbecues with local vaquieros, and the property’s conservation-minded model links ranching, tourism and jaguar protection in a practical way." - Stanley Stewart Stanley Stewart Stanley Stewart is a multi-award-winning travel writer and author of three acclaimed books. He is a regular contributor to The Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph. His work has taken him to more than 50 countries. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines