A conservation-led ecolodge set on the banks of the Rio Cristalino, deep in the Brazilian Amazon.
This family-owned lodge sits within an 11,000-hectare reserve of rainforest, bordering Cristalino State Park – one of the Amazon’s great biodiversity strongholds.
Raised wooden walkways connect its simple, stylish rooms and bungalows with a network of trails, river routes and two canopy towers. For naturalists, photographers and birdwatchers in particular, this is one of the most rewarding corners of the Amazon.
What we love about Cristalino Lodge
- Reached only by boat, Cristalino Lodge feels genuinely remote.
- Just 18 spacious rooms and standalone bungalows, designed for natural ventilation with a light environmental footprint; several include open-air showers or baths.
- The Cristalino Foundation sits at the core of the project, and works incredibly hard to ensure the protection of the rainforest and those that live within it.
- The lodge is equipped with solar and photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, and all inorganic waste is recycled.
- The floating riverside bar-deck is the perfect place to relax by day and gather round the firepit by night.
- Ongoing partnerships with local schools to educate children on the importance of the rainforest and how they can protect it.
WHAT TO DO AT CRISTALINO LODGE
Exploration here is immersive and low-impact, guided by naturalists who know the forest intimately.
Walk the reserve’s trail network or set out by kayak or small boat along the Rio Cristalino. Two canopy towers offer access above the treeline, where much of the wildlife activity takes place.
For birders, Cristalino is one of the most important lodges in Latin America, with more than 600 species recorded, including harpy eagle and a number of Amazonian endemics. Tapirs, primates, peccaries and giant river otters are all present within the reserve, with caiman regularly seen along the riverbanks.
Back at the lodge, unwind on the river deck to the natural soundtrack of the rainforest before dinner – Amazonian dishes served overlooking the forest and water.
Getting to the lodge involves a two-hour flight from the city of Cuiaba to Alta Floresta. It is then two-hours by road and boat to the lodge.
When to Travel
Cristalino Lodge can be visited year-round, but there are two distinct seasons; rainy and dry. From June to November, conditions are drier, making this a good time for exploring on foot. Wildlife is often easier to spot along the trails and riverbanks as water levels drop. Between December and May, higher river levels open up more areas by boat and the forest is at its greenest. Temperatures remain consistently warm and humid throughout the year, with rain possible in any month.
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Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
