Voted by National Geographic as one of the top 25 eco-lodges in the world, Cristalino Lodge blends luxury, adventure, and living synonymously with nature.

During our month-long trip throughout the Pantanal, Amazon, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Cristalino Lodge was one of our most beloved stays. Situated on a 28,000-acre rainforest preserve in Brazil, Cristalino Lodge began when a family dreamed of preserving the exotic biodiversity of the Amazon. And yes — the lodge’s “wow factor” feels straight out of a movie.

Imagine a deep, black water river with a surface so smooth it could be mistaken for obsidian stone. Exotic butterflies in vibrant blues, electric oranges, and ornate patterns dance effortlessly on their surface. Their reflection mirrors a horizon that blends earth and sky into one. Ancient trees tower over the river, limbs stretching into a green tunnel cradling a water world below. Delicate white flowers fall onto the inky black surface, only to be gobbled up by a frog or caiman watching from below.

Getting to Cristalino Lodge

I’ll be the first to admit that getting to Cristalino isn’t simple. It takes some creativity! Chances are, if you’re visiting the Amazon, you’re looking for something really off the beaten path.

No matter where you begin your trip, whether domestically or internationally, you will need to book a flight from Cuiabá to Alta Floresta. There is only one flight in and one flight out every day at Alta Floresta airport. From there, the hotel will arrange a transfer for you at the local airport and drive for 2 hours on dirt roads, then meet at the riverbank for a 6-person aluminum boat to drive deep into the jungle for about 45 minutes to reach the lodge. This is the only way you can access the property and how all fresh food, supplies, or visitors get to Cristalino. I personally think this is pretty amazing, but you need to plan accordingly.

The Cristalino Property

At the heart of Cristalino Lodge, you’ll find a spacious restaurant, a fabulous sunken bar that looks over the common dining area, and an accompanying fire pit. Gorgeous redwood architecture is a testament to Brazilian modernism. Whether you’re looking out the open-air common areas or through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll be surrounded by dense jungle in every direction. Be sure to ask about the sunken movie screening room past the main restrooms, and throw on a movie with wine to cap off the night.

There are several bungalows situated throughout the property, all within walking distance of the main building and floating dock. We stayed in the Superior Room and highly recommended it for couples looking for additional privacy as it’s one of the furthest away from the main walking path. Large glass windows surround a comfortable double bed, complete with an indoor and outdoor shower in a private garden, a wooden veranda complete with a hammock for lazy afternoons, a study area with wifi internet, and 110V electricity outlets. Because this is an eco-lodge, there is no A/C on the premises, and your bungalow will have a fan. You’ll also share a water tank with your neighbor, so be sure to wake up early and enjoy the hot water!

Our favorite part of Cristalino Lodge was the floating deck on the river. Definitely make some time to get out there early in the morning with a coffee or relax after lunch and catch some sun. Yes, you can jump into the river and say you swam in the Amazon! Your days will be pretty action-packed, so another great option is to sit by the fire pit on the floating deck under the incredible night sky. Fun fact: the stars are INSANE because you are so remote without any city light pollution. 

Food & Drink

The food and drinks are simply wonderful at Cristalino Lodge. Each morning, expect an impressive spread of Brazilian breakfast options with fresh bread, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, meats, and freshly cooked eggs with local, sustainably sourced coffee. Be sure to eat well if you have strenuous activities planned for the day and are not accustomed to the weather. Drink lots of water, and pack some for your hike!

For lunch and dinner, your guide will present you with menu options selected by the chef that will be prepared for you throughout the day. There is always a meat or fish option and occasionally a beef option if you ask ahead of time. Remember, either they catch it on the river, or it needs to be brought in from the local farmers a few hours away from the property.

For those of you who have stayed at eco-lodges before know that food typically is not worth writing about. At Cristalino, the food is better than most award-winning restaurants in the cities.

Daily Activities & Excursions

You’ll be assigned a personal wildlife guide during your time at Cristalino. Ours was Rafael, and he was wonderful! From what we could tell, they split up the group depending on your primary language and when you arrive. We only had one other person in the group, so it was practically an entire private week with a guide. 

Our Cristalino Lodge Itinerary

Thursday: Arrive at Cristalino in the afternoon for a welcome drink, change quickly, and go for a sunset river cruise to spot wildlife. If you’re visiting during winter, the sun will set at 5 pm each day. Shower, change, and meet for dinner at 7 pm.

Friday: Wake up around 7 am for breakfast, then head for a 7-10 mile hike to the nearby mountains. Enjoy lunch and relaxation time from 12-4 pm (we took a nap and relaxed in the bungalow. Estiven planned a special (and surprise!) sunset champagne picnic at 4 pm on the observation tower… It was so romantic and definitely a MUST-DO for couples. Dinner at 7 pm. 

Saturday: Wake up around 9 am for breakfast, then head for a 5-mile hike into the forest jungle at different points on the river. We saw the butterfly research area — I’ve never seen so many in my life! Lunch and relax from 12-2 pm (we headed down to the floating dock for a swim). At 3 pm, go for a sunset kayak ride down the river and be picked up by boat after dark. Dinner at 7 pm. Head to the floating dock for a final nightcap by the fire. There are night monkeys who hang around the trail leading to the water — try calling them and see if you get a response! 

Sunday: Wake up before sunrise, and hike to the nearby observation tower. (we ended up sleeping through this because we were exhausted by our last day in Pantanal and Amazon. We missed a harpy eagle sighting and were so upset for sleeping in!) Breakfast at 9 am, then transfers to the airport.

While it seems like you’ll be going to bed early, you’ll be tired by 10 pm between the physical activities, heat, and need to wake up early the next morning.

What to Pack

The Amazon is hot, humid, and filled with tons of creepy crawlies like tarantulas, snakes, fire ants, and, most importantly, mosquitos. Protection is the name of the game here, so lightweight, moisture-resistant clothes that fully cover your skin are important.

2-4 lightweight hiking pants 
2 sweat-proof long-sleeve tops
2 short-sleeve tops
4 tall hiking socks 
1 pair of ankle-covering hiking boots (important for snake bites and exposed roots on trails)
1 water-resistant backpack for camera gear 
DEET bug spray (you’ll also need a yellow fever vaccine)
1 bottle of sunscreen
1 hat and/or pair of sunglasses (ones that won’t fly off on fast boat rides). 
2 comfortable outfits for lounging around the lodge. Shorts, short sleeves, and sandals are ok! 
Bikini or swimming trunks 
Binoculars
400-700mm camera

Insider Tips:
1. Lavender oil is a natural bug repellent for just walking around the lodge when you don’t want to cover yourself in oily DEET. It doesn’t offer as much protection, but it smells wonderful post-shower on the way to lunch.

2. You will not need perfume, cologne, makeup, or hot hair tools. Seriously. The perfume will attract more bugs, your hair will immediately curl, and your makeup will melt off as soon as you walk out the door. Plan for ponytails, braids, and buns, and give your hair a healthy break. 

3. Cooling towels will be your best friend. Soak them in cooled water and insect repellent; they’ll work double duty on your long hikes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re planning to visit the Amazon and are looking for something that bridges nature, luxury, and intimacy, then definitely add Cristalino Lodge to your Brazil Itinerary.

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