Cristalino Amazon Jungle Lodge

South of the Brazilian Amazon - the world's largest continuous tropical rainforest, is the Cristalino Jungle Lodge's Private Natural Heritage Reserve. It is adjacent to the 460.000 acres Cristalino State Park and the Brazilian Air Force reserve with more than 5 million acres. The geographical location of the Cristalino State Park is strategic for the sustained preservation of an enormous area of Amazon forest. The Park represents an effective barrier between the devastation caused by the traditional economic misuses to the south, such as wholesale timber extraction, cattle ranching, and unsustainable agriculture, and the huge virgin areas to the north.

Cristalino Jungle Lodge is the work of a family who is leading conservation and sustained projects in the Alta Floresta region, which includes support for scientific and applied research through the Cristalino Ecological Foundation - CEF's Field Station. Cristalino State Park is not just a sanctuary for environmental protection in the Amazon. We believe the solution of the Amazon dilemma will not be solved by simply

isolating areas as sanctuaries; without change in mans' mental approach together with implementation of new and responsible economic approaches, the vision inherent in the sanctuary's creation will fail. The destruction will come from the smoke from the burning of surrounding forest, from the polluted waters of rivers, and from desertification of the soils. We sense that these problems are inevitable without education of the local people regarding alternative ways to find economic success through sustainable use of the forest and education of consumers in distant urban centers who choose unsustainable forest products, completing a cycle of irresponsible destruction. This is our vision: to opeate the Cristalino Jungle Lodge as a concept of responsible economic activity, and as an example of conservation of nature and social development which contributes to the consciousness of both community and foreign visitors. We invite you to be part of the solution to the Amazon dilemma by investing in adventure, leisure, knowledge and conservation.

The lodge has a friendly restaurant with bar serving delicious regional dishes and appetizers including the famous Caipirinha. For special nights there is a thatch roof patio where candlelight dinners are served. A common living room is used for presentations and meetings, having a small but carefully selected library.

A floating dock with 144 sq mt (1,550 sq) feet above the river is great for swimming and resting on your free time. Canoes & inflatable boats are available at any moment.

The lodge also keeps a rustic Screened Tree House in the forest which is used for spotting tapirs and peccaries.

For the adventurers there is a station with Rope Bridge and Rappelling-Down (booking required).

The lodge has a 50 meter (164,04 feet) high galvanized Canopy Tower located in the middle of the Rainforest Reserve. There are three different stations at 20, 30 and 50 meters high. The tower allows the viewing of many rainforest layers and, on the top, you stand above the canopy. The sight is remarkable, especially during sunset and sunrise. Many birds and mammals that inhabit the canopies such as falcons, macaws, toucans, cotingas, monkeys and coxius can be seen from there. This tower is considered one of the most important in the Neotropics due to its geographic location, height and usefulness.

PRIVATE BUNGALOWS - The Private Bungalows have two comfortable beds, living room with two sofas or two reversible beds, spacious bathroom, fan ceiling, natural ventilation, large screened windows and private outdoor rest area with a hammock. Each room has 56 sq meters (602 sq feet) distributed in one bungalow, allowing for a greater privacy. These bungalows can accommodate from one to four people (two adults with two teenagers) with comfort. The amenities are provided by an organization with strong sustainable practices, using elements from the Amazon such as Guarana, Brazil Nut, Cupuaçu, Priprioca, Andiroba and Passion Fruit. The amenities will change according to the season.

SUPERIOR ROOMS - These rooms offer two comfortable beds, spacious bathroom, reading table, extra outdoor shower, fan ceiling, natural ventilation, large screening windows and veranda with a hammock. Each room has 45 sq meters (484 sq feet) and accommodates from one to two people. Each block has two rooms with opposite entrances. The amenities are provided by an organization with strong sustainable practices, using elements from the Amazon such as Guarana and Passion Fruit. The amenities will change according to the season.

STANDARD ROOMS - Standard rooms have a rustic feel and regional decoration, with two or three beds, fan ceiling, bathroom and natural ventilation. Each room has 23 sq meters (247 sq feet) and accommodates from one to three people. Each block has four rooms with opposite entrances. The amenities use Cupuaçu, a fruit from the Amazon.

DORMITORIES - Dormitories offer simple accommodations with two beds, natural ventilation and shared bathrooms. Each room has 11 sq meters (118 sq feet) and accommodates from one to two people. Each block have five rooms with one single access. The amenities use Cupuaçu, a fruit from the Amazon.

All our programs are conducted by experienced and trained guides who have great knowledge about the local rainforest, ensuring a both pleasant and productive stay. Guides are equipped with long distance radio (Motorola) with direct contact to the lodge while they are taking tourists outdoors. We offer two options of guiding services:

LOCAL GUIDES WITH INTERPRETERS - The lodge is committed to employ and support people from the neighboring communities. The local guides have years of familiarity with the natural world and are trained to birdwatching, ecotourism and butterfly activities. As they only speak Portuguese, an English-speaking interpreter will join the group. This is our standard guiding service.

ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDES - Professional English-speaking guides can be hired to join birdwatching or ecotourism groups. This service is available upon an additional fee and can be arranged through the reservation process.

The lodge is a destination for nature lovers of all types, offering activities for people who want to see wildlife in its natural habitat. There are three types of programs offered by the lodge:

BIRDWATCHING - Cristalino is a premier destination for bird lovers with a multitude of opportunities for observing, photographing, and learning about the amazing Southern Amazon Birds.

ECOTOURISM - These programs are designed for nature lovers seeking a memorable experience in the Amazon. Participants will learn about the wildlife—including mammals, trees, butterflies, reptiles and flowers—and its importance.

BUTTERFLY OBSERVATION - These programs are focused on observing the vast number of butterflies and skippers that inhabit this region.

HIKING - The extensive trail system allows for wildlife observation according to the group’s needs and desires. The hikes take place on a variety of different habitats and trails.
CANOEING - The pristine Cristalino River is fabulous for canoe excursions
SWIMMING - The floating dock or the river rapids are safe, refreshing, and outstanding for bathing.
BUTTERFLIES - Watching butterflies during sunny hours is a highlight
BOAT TRIPS - Accompanied by guides for observation of wildlife on the riverbanks.
TREE HOUSE - A spot where mammals such as tapirs and peccaries feed on natural salty earth.
CANOPY TOWER - Hiking to and climbing for observing monkeys, toucans, macaws, and other birds from above the canopy.
RAPPEL & ROPE COURSE - With trained personnel this is a fun activity for adventurers (booking required).
CAMPING - with appropriate equipment and personnel it is possible to camp one or two nights in the forest (fee and booking required).

GROUP SIZES
The group size for most of our activities is limited to 8 people in order to increase the chances of encountering wildlife. Larger groups are usually divided into smaller groups. Every morning and every afternoon, guests may join their group and embark on one of these activities. Our diverse and flexible itineraries allow for a remarkably personalized experience.

5 Sample Programs

BRAZIL NUT PACKAGE 4D/3N - Ecotourism

Day 1 - Arrival , welcome drink at the Floresta Amazônica Hotel. Transfer to the lodge. Dinner and slide show.

Day 2 - Breakfast. Hiking and swimming before lunch. After Lunch, Hiking or ropes and rapel course on the "rocky" trail (optional). Dinner by campfire. Night alligator spotting.

Day 3 - Early wake up to observe the wakening of the Forest. Breakfast. Hiking. Return in canoes or motor boat. Swimming and wildlife viewing on the way. Lunch. Motor boat ride up river. Hiking the Sierra trail to watch the sunset. Dinner.

Day 4 - a)Breakfast. Early transfer to Alta Floresta and departure or b)Breakfast. Walk on the Primate trail walk at the back of the Hotel or a visit to the Crafts House; departure.

GIANT OTTER PACKAGE 5D/4N - Ecotourism

Day 4 - Breakfast. Free day to undertake your own activities: piranha fishing, swimming, canoeing or crafts workshop.Lunch. Down to Teles Pires river in the late afternoon to watch the sunset by canoe or motor boat.
Option: a)dinner at the lodge with piranha soup, or b)transfer to Floresta Amazônica Hotel. Dinner.

Day 5 - a)Breakfast. Early transfer to Alta Floresta and departure or b)Breakfast. Walk on the Primate trail walk at the back of the Hotel or a visit to the Crafts House; departure.

Hilae II PACKAGE 5D/4N - Adventure Tourism

Day 1 - Arrival , welcome drink at the Floresta Amazônica Hotel. Transfer to the lodge. Dinner and slide show.

Day 2 - Breakfast. One hour hiking to camp 1. Preparation of lunch. Lunch. Survival techniques. Sunset up the Sierra Trail. Dinner by campfire, sleep in the jungle.

Day 3 - Breakfast at the Camp. Pack gear and head for camp 2 - : 2 1/2 hour trek. Set camp. Lunch. Survival skills and exploration of the surrounding area. Dinner by a campfire. Sleep in the jungle.

Day 4 - Breakfast. Take gear on a wooden float (across Cristalino River). Short trek to the canoes. Lunch. Canoe back to the Lodge. Survivors' cocktail and ropes and rapel course in the afternoon. Dinner at the Lodge.

EXPEDITION TO THE CRISTALINO WATERFALL
8D/7N - Adventure Tourism

This trip takes you to a virgin rainforest sanctuary; an untouched waterfall in the middle of the Amazon Forest where you will be able to view wildlife that is not afraid of human beings and to test your spirit of adventure. It takes three days of hard and exciting group effort going up river - just to get there. Some of the rapids will be difficult to get through and it will only be possible with serious group effort; you will need to jump in to pull and push the boat upriver in water rip-high in depth.

Day 1 - Arrival , welcome drink at the Floresta Amazônica Hotel. Transfer to the lodge. Dinner and slide show, preparation of equipment.

Day 2 - Breakfast. Early departure, expedition begins. Full day up river without rapids. Picnic in the boat. Camp at the end of the day on an untouched beach. Dinner and campfire. Possible night-fishing.

Day 3 - Wake up early. Breakfast in camp. Departure. Full day up river. Picnic in the boat. About 11:00 o'clock we arrive at the first rapids. The crew will be in the water to go through. Rest of the day with several rapids. Camp close before the last and most difficult rapid. Dinner

Day 4 - Breakfast in camp. Preparation for the last rapid (1 mile long). Arrival at the Cristalino Waterfall. Rest in wild beach beside the waterfall. Matrinchã fishing for lunch. Rest and leisure activities in the afternoon. Dinner. Campfire on the beach.

Day 5 - Breakfast. Exploration of the area (on all sides of the waterfall) and visit to the other waterfalls hidden in the jungle nearby. Lunch. Fishing and leisure activities. Canyoning in the Waterfall (optional) with guidance. Dinner by campfire.

Day 6 - Breakfast. Farewell to the waterfall and beginning of the trip down river. Lunch in the boat. During the trip down river the rapids are easier, even though it still demands the participation of everybody. Camp on the bank of the river. Dinner

Day 7 - Breakfast. Arrival before lunch in the Cristalino Jungle Lodge. Survivors' cocktail and lunch. Rest and "ropes and rapel course" (optional adventure activity) near the lodge. Dinner. Overnight at the lodge.

This is a special tour with special pricing: $1600 per person, minimum of 3 people.

With a bird list of 570+ species of birds and new species found each year , the region of Alta Floresta and Cristalino River Basin is visited by leading ornithologists and birdwatchers. First discovered by Ted Parker and Mort and Phyllis Isler in 1989, the region has attracted the visits of Dr. Yürgen Haffer, Dr. Robert Ridgley, Guy Tudor, Dr. Kevin Zimmer, Bret Whitney , to mention a few.

The great amount of endemisms has attracted birdwatchers from all over the world , because the rivers Teles Pires (or São Manuel) and Xingu act as barriers to the dispersion of bird species. Clients can choose from a set of trails with different habitats and also can go by boat along the rivers to do birdwatching where red throated piping guans are a common view. Along the river, red throated piping guans, endemic to the area, are easily seen. Birds easily seen at the Cristalino Jungle Lodge are aracaris , toucans , parrots and macaws ; the barethroated fruitcrow visits the cecropia trees on grounds daily.

At the Floresta Amazonica Hotel, where clients usually spend one or two nights before entering further into the Amazon, there are great varieties of birds , including the Crimson bellied parakeet and the Black girdled barbet.

HARPY EAGLE PACKAGE 8D/7N - Birdwatching

Day 1 - Arrival , welcome drink at the Floresta Amazônica Hotel and accommodationl. Observation of specialty & endemic birds on the Hotel ground such as Crimson bellied parakeet and the black-girdled barbet. Overnight at Floresta Amazônica Hotel.

Day 2 - Early morning birding at the Hotel ground. After breakfast transfer to the Cristalino Jungle Lodge. Observation of birds along the way to the lodge. Arrival and accommodation. After lunch: hike "Taboca" trail. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 3 - After an early breakfast, hike the Rocky trail. Lunch. Travel up the Cristalino River by motor boat and walk the Brazil Nut Trail: possible observation of the Harpy Eagle. Overnight at the lodge. Dinner by campfire.

Day 4 - After an early breakfast, hike the Sierra Trail. Lunch. birding at the Ficus trail on the lodge ground. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 5 - Breakfast and trip up river. Birding by the rapids. Observation of river birds such as the Red Throated Piping-Guan , endemic to the area. After lunch, birding along the Cristalino lodge ground trails.

Day 6 - After an early breakfast, trip down river. Birding at Cristalino Ecological Foundation - CEF´s Field Camp at a Teles Pires River Island.. After lunch, a choice of one of the lodge's set of trails.

Day 7 - After an early breakfast, trip up river to Dr. Haffer’s and Kawall´s parrot trail. After lunch, transfer to the Teles Pires river bank. Birding along the access road in the afternoon. Transfer to Alta Floresta late afternoon. Overnight at the Floresta Amazonica Hotel.

Day 8 - Breakfast. Morning free, observation of specialty birds on the Hotel ground. Transfer to the airport for departure.

minimum of 2 people. Children up to 7 years old = free, 8-11 years old = 50% discount (if staying with parents)

PACKAGES INCLUDE: Daily rates at Cristalino Jungle Lodge and Floresta Amazônica Hotel, Transfers in/out from Alta Floresta( airport and lodge - by van and motor boats); Full Board; trips described in the programs, motor boats, canoes, experienced local guide and a bilingual interpreter (English-Portugese).
English-speaking professional guides with experience in both birdwatching and wildlife can be arranged for the tour for an extra US$160 per day per guide for 8-10 people.

NOT INCLUDED: Extras such as soft drinks, drinks, mineral water, laundry, etc. which have to be paid locally, transportation from and to Cuiaba. WILDLIFE PRESERVATION FEE : US$ 50 per person. This amount will be added to the package in order to support the CRISTALINO ECOLOGICAL FOUNDATION.

CUIABÁ (CGB) / ALTA FLORESTA (AFL)
flight # 8R 5506 11:55 / 14:00 Monday to Friday

ALTA FLORESTA (AFL) / CUIABÁ (CGB)
flight # 8R 5507 14:20 / 16:25 Monday to Friday

roundtrip price is approximately US$288

EXECUTIVE COACH TRANSPORTANTION : with W.C., TV, DVD, mineral water and coffee. Distance: 780 km: Cuiabá/Alta Floresta. operates daily.
depart Cuiaba at 7:00 p.m, arrive Alta Floresta at 06:00 a.m.
depart Alta Floresta at 7:00 p.m., arrive Cuiaba at 06:00 a.m.

price each way is approximately US$80.

CRISTALINO JUNGLE LODGE BAGGAGE
It is recommended the use of small suitcases or backpacks on your way to the lodge due to the motor boat trip. Excess luggage can be left safely at the Floresta Amazônica Hotel in Alta Floresta. Guests should bring between 5 and 10 kg. (11 to 22 lbs.) per person.

SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO TAKE TO THE LODGE
General items: Binoculars / Hat or cap / Sun glasses / sunblock / insect repellent / camera (bring extra batteries)/ high-speed Films, 400 iso, 800 iso (to photograph inside of the forest) and normal film / Flash light / Cigarettes, if you are a smoker / Personal medicines / Plastic bags to protect bags, backpacks and equipment.
Clothes: swimming suit / long sleeve shirts / T-shirts / sweater / long pants / Shorts / good hiking boots / Tennis / Sandals / socks / Light rain coat to take on trails and boat trips

The Lodge's mini shop: Some basic items are available for sale such as: insect repellent, normal filmes (100 iso), batteries, sunblock, t-shirts, caps, and personal hygienic items

VACCINES: Brazil requires all visitors to be vaccinated for yellow fever. For the Pantanal, Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, Alta Floresta and Cristalino State Park no special vaccinations are required.

YOU CAN PAY YOUR EXTRAS WITH CREDIT CARD:
Master Card / Diners / VISA / American Express / Sollo.
We do not accept Travellers Checks. There is no exchange in town. The Floresta Amazônica Hotel can exchange a small amount of US dollars.

Phone:
800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

Brazil Tours and Travel