Cristalino Jungle Lodge
Photo above of a Bungalow by Luis-Gomes
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The Cristalino Jungle Lodge has a Private Natural Heritage Reserve that is adjacent to the 460.000 acres Cristalino State Park and the Brazilian Air Force reserve with more than 5 million acres. Selected as one of the 25 best Ecolodges in the world by National Geographic Traveler , due to its combination of authentic experiences, sustainability ethic and comfort, it is a very popular destination for nature lovers of all types, offering activities for people who want to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
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There are three types of programs offered by the Cristalino 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. With a large number of endemic species, such as the Ornate Hawk-Eagle , Agami Heron, White-bellied Parrot, Orange-cheeked Parrot and Black-girdled Barbet, as well as iconic birds such as the Harpy Eagle and Crested Owl, the Cristalino region is considered to be one of the best places in Brazil for birdwatching, with 596 species having been catalogued.
- 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 - a 50 meter high galvanized Canopy Tower located in the middle of the Rainforest Reserve. 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.
The Cristalino Lodge has just introduced 100% solar power generation for electricity consumption in its rooms, with the unveiling of 60 new solar panels. Electricity is available from 12:00 pm to 3 pm and from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Wi-fi is available at the lodge too,
BUNGALOWS - This accommodation has an ante-room with two sofa beds (for people with a height of up to 1.75 meters (5’7” ft).), a spacious bathroom with a shower, ceiling fan, WiFi internet, armchairs with footrests, 110V electricity sockets, an additional outside shower in a private garden, and a veranda with a hammock. The suite occupies an entire bungalow, which is inserted separately within the native forest, ensuring the privacy of guests. The bungalow can accommodate up to four people. For the master bedroom, guests can opt for a double bed or two single beds. Area: 75 m2 (807 feet2).
JR. BUNGALOWS - This accommodation has its own private veranda with wooden benches and a large pivoting door that provides harmonious integration between the external and internal areas. There is the option of three comfortable single beds or one king size bed (according to preference) and there are modern style armchairs and chairs and a reading desk looking out into the forest. It has a ceiling fan, large windows with stainless steel screens and a natural ventilation system, allowing the refreshing breeze of the forest to enter. The spacious bathroom has three sections, with two showers, one of which is external, within its own lovely private garden. Separately constructed within the natural forest, the Junior Bungalow accommodates 1-3 people. Guests have the option of a king size double bed or three single beds. Area: 60 m2 (645 feet2). 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. Queen Beds: In the case of the bungalows and superior rooms, queen beds can be provided, as long as they are requested at the time the reservation is made. |
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Sample Programs
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5D/4N - 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 - 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. 2024 Prices per person in US$: (Jan. 4-Dec. 20) (check with us for current price because rates can change due to the exchange rate.)
Please add $120 per person conservation fee to package. children under 12 get a 35% discount when accompanying parents, based on double occupancy. Payment Policy
All reservations must be made with written confirmation by e-mail. A 15% non-refundable deposit is requested upon confirmation and full payment must be made 60 days prior to arrival. Cancellation policies • Between 59 days and 45 days prior to client’s arrival, the lodge will refund 70% of payment. • Between 44 days and 30 days prior to the client’s arrival, the lodge will refund 30% of the total payment. • After 30 days prior the client’s arrival, there can be no refund. Also, there is no refund in the case of an early departure. |
8D/7N - Birdwatching
Day 1 - Arrival , welcome drink at the Floresta Amazônica Hotel and accommodation. 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 HOW TO ARRIVE
Your arrival is made through the city of Alta Floresta, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. There are daily flights and coach lines from Cuiaba - the state capital - to Alta Floresta. This makes it easy to combine with a tour of the Pantanal The lodge is only accessible by boat. After arrival in Alta Floresta, there will be a 1 ½ hour transfer by car and a ½ hour boat ride. 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).
The lodge tries to put people with similar interests in the same expedition group, up to a maximum of 8 people per group. However, guests can hire their own private guides, for an additional fee of USD 385 per day. This service must be scheduled in advance NOT INCLUDED: Extras such as soft drinks, drinks, mineral water, laundry, etc. which have to be paid locally, transportation from and to Cuiaba. |