Caiman House

Caiman House is the hub of several participatory development projects including the introduction of classrooms and libraries in all 3 village schools, an internet-enabled public library, and a non-profit job creation scheme for the local villages, involving tuition in craft skills and furniture building.

Accommodation is in 4 simple but large and comfortable rooms with en suite bathrooms (cold water showers only). The rooms are situated around the large central building. There is solar-powered electricity, US-style power outlets in all the rooms and wireless internet access throughout the lodge.

There is a lovely open sitting room inside and an open deck. All furniture at the lodge is made by local craftspeople. Meals are served in the dining room and women from the local village prepare the food. Caiman House offers a truly indigenous village experience, giving guests an interesting insight into locals’ lives combined with a fascinating and unusual wildlife experience.

There is an ongoing study of the black caiman around the lodge. The black caiman is the largest member of the alligator family and an endangered species found only in the Amazon basin. The caiman are captured, weighed, measured, sexed and tagged before being released back into the river (capturing the caiman is more difficult during high water periods). Guests are invited to watch or participate in this activity if they wish.