One of Brazil's untamed wildernesses is Cristalino's Private National Heritage Reserve, located in the southern edge of the Amazon. Nestled in this pristine rainforest lies the ecologically managed Cristalino Jungle Lodge. The exuberance of Cristalino's rainforest attracts scientists and lovers of nature from all over the world, who come to enjoy its excellent hiking trails and viewpoints for birding and wildlife spotting.
Amazon Wildlife and Bird-watching at Cristalino Jungle Lodge
Cristalino's Reserve is home to 600 bird species, 2000 butterfly species as well as a diverse Neotropical wildlife. Guides introduce travellers to the marvellous world of tropical trees and plants with their nutritious and medicinal qualities and point out all kinds of animals, such as birds, butterflies, frogs and monkeys.
Besides twenty kilometres of hiking trails the Cristalino Private Reserve has viewpoints from hills as well as a fifty-metre high canopy tower. The latter is the ultimate place for birding and watching monkeys playing in treetops. A second observation tower is under construction.
Boat rides on the Cristalino River are the perfect way to admire waterfowl, capybaras, caimans, otters and, when lucky, an iguana or anaconda [huge water snake] may be spotted. There is a special trail for butterfly enthusiasts and tree houses offer the opportunity to watch peccaries and tapirs. The acidity of the Cristalino River keeps mosquitoes away.
Location and Accommodation of Cristalino's Jungle Lodge
There are direct flights between São Paulo and Alta Floresta as well as between Cuiabá and Alta Floresta. From the airport, or from the Floresta Amazônica Hotel in Alta Floresta, travellers are taken to the Cristalino Jungle Lodge by car and boat.
The central open area of the lodge has a dining room with a bar as well as an open-air restaurant where at times candle-lit dinners are served. Adjacent to the dining room is a lounge with easy chairs, a selection of books – among which some extraordinary photo books of birds and butterflies – and a limited collection of souvenirs.
A short walk through the woods – well-lit at night – leads to a second clearing, where three types of rustic accommodation have been set up: standard and superior rooms, and stylishly designed bungalows. The accommodations have two to four single, comfortable beds, a ceiling fan and a bathroom with hot shower. The difference between the accommodations is in design, space and amenities like an outdoor shower and veranda.
The goal of Cristalino Jungle Lodge is for travellers to relax and enjoy the Amazon's majesty. Its focus on ecotourism means that the lodge is managed with a minimal environmental impact. All waste is recycled, hot water is generated through solar heating systems and dirty water from toilets and showers is recycled through permaculture. The lodge has no air conditioning, nor is there Internet, television or cell phone connection – only an emergency phone is available.
Outdoor Activities at Cristalino's Private Reserve
Usually the day starts early [the exact time depending on the traveller's wishes] with an elaborate breakfast. Morning programs consist of hiking or a visit to the observation tower. A well-programmed schedule ensures that there is only one group [maximum eight people] at a time on a trail or in the observation tower.
Groups return at around ten or eleven and can relax in their bungalows, or take a dip in the Cristalino River and sunbathe on the floating deck. Lunch – as well as dinner – consist of a variety of regional dishes and are prepared with care. Late afternoon groups will set off again, either for another walk or a boat trip. Canoeing is also an option. Each group has its own guide for the duration of the stay with whom specific goals and interests can be discussed.
Reservations for Cristalino Jungle Lodge in Alta Floresta
Due to the lodge's popularity it is advised to make reservations during high season [May-Sep], since a maximum of 35 visitors are accepted at a time. The price varies between 160 and 300 US dollars per night and depends on the type of accommodation, the time of year and whether an English-speaking guide is required.
The price includes board and lodging, the guide and all activities. Not included are drinks. Payment is possible by Master Card, VISA and Solla.
Ecotourism at Cristalino's Jungle Lodge in the Brazilian Amazon
The Cristalino Jungle Lodge is located in an area of the Amazon with an exceptional biodiversity in flora and fauna, whose magic is sure to enrapture its visitors. The Cristalino Reserve is a region of never-ending opportunities for discovery for scientists and has the ultimate jungle ecolodge in the Brazilian Amazon.
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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