Birdwatching in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

To visit Crisitalino Lodge, located in the Southern Amazon at Mato Grosso, travelers fly first to Cuiabá (CGB), which has connections from São Paulo (GRU), Brasília (BSB), and Rio de Janeiro (GIG). Cuiabá also receives some international flights from South America. From there, a short 1h30 domestic flight takes you to Alta Floresta (AFL).

After arriving at the local airport, it’s about a 1-hour transfer by road and boat to reach the lodge, deep in a private forest reserve. 

👉 Check our detailed article on how to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil to learn all about the best transportation options!

The Amazon is a year-round destination, but the best conditions are generally from January to September, when trails are accessible, water levels are good for river activities, and extreme drought is avoided.

From December to May (wet season), travelers can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and exploring the flooded forest, with short tropical rainstorms. The dry season (June to November) allows a mix of water and land activities, but prolonged droughts, especially from October to December, can lower river levels and restrict access to some areas, improving again by January.

Each season has its own special traits that are worth visiting. Cristalino Lodge will be ready for you at any given time!

There are tours twice a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon – after breakfast and lunch. The activities will be arranged in advance when you check in at Cristalino Jungle Lodge. You’ll always be accompanied by the same guide who is responsible for your group.

The duration of your stay is totally up to you, but to make the most of the experience, with plenty of time to enjoy the activities and relax on the floating deck, we recommend at least a 5 night visit.

Absolutely! Cristalino Lodge reviews are positive for a reason. Better yet, we’ll give 10 reasons to visit: 

1. Our cause: Best hotel experiences combined with promoting forest conservation, which is Cristalino’s main goal.
2. Largest private reserve: The Cristalino Natural Reserve, where Cristalino Lodge is located, is one of the largest in the Amazon, with more than 27.000 acres. It’s almost twice the size of Manhattan Island (NY)!
3. Rich fauna and flora: Southern Amazon is the home of various mammals and nearly 600 species of birds. In terms of vegetation, besides the tropical forest, neighboring biomes (Pantanal and Cerrado) can also be appreciated.
4. Observation towers: 50 meter observation towers provide the best panoramic views of the sky, the rainforest and its creatures.
5. Cristalino River: Enjoy the crystal clean waters of the river by canoeing, boat riding or simply admiring its beauty from the lodge’s floating deck.
6. Comfort and luxury: The lodge provides high standard accommodations, gastronomy, common areas and a variety of services.
7. Amazon cuisine: The restaurant’s menu gives a sophisticated twist to traditional Amazonian and Brazilian dishes made with fresh and high quality ingredients.
8. Environmental responsibility: Strict protocols to guarantee nature is treated with utmost respect are followed every single day. The lodge uses solar energy and special systems of water treatment and recycling, and we limit the number of guests per guide to minimize the activities’ impact. Cristalino Lodge has also been honored with many sustainability awards, including Condé Nast Traveller World Savers Award.
9. Expert guides: Tour guides are highly qualified to safely lead you to the best spots of the forest and tell you all the fun facts about it.
10. Scientific research: Cristalino Lodge partnered with Cristalino Foundation – a non governmental organization focused on environmental issues in Cristalino Natural Reserve – ten years ago to perform cutting-edge scientific research alongside some of the best universities and institutions in the world. This joint effort enabled the cataloging of more than a thousand species!

The Pantanal is the best destination if your priority is spotting wildlife, thanks to its open landscapes where jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, and birds are easier to see. In the Amazon, wildlife is abundant but harder to observe in the dense forest, where animals often stay hidden. That said, visitors still encounter monkeys, caimans, dolphins, and countless bird species: it’s just less about frequent sightings and more about immersion in the world’s largest rainforest.

In this case, you have the best of both worlds: the Amazon in a region more closely to the Pantanal. 

👉 Still deciding between destinations? Check out our comparison of the Pantanal and the Amazon and choose the best spot for your adventure.

Yes. All tours are guided by experienced professionals who know the forest and its wildlife. Encounters with dangerous animals are avoided, and guides ensure safe distances at all times. Traveling with certified operators means you can explore confidently, focusing on the beauty of the forest rather than safety concerns.

👉 Ready to dive deeper? Explore our complete Amazon Travel Guide and get all the tips you need before your trip.

A yellow fever vaccine is recommended when visiting Brazil, including the Amazon, but it is not mandatory. There are no known cases of yellow fever in the rainforest, yet many travelers choose to be vaccinated as a precaution. It is also a good idea to make sure your tetanus shot is up to date before your trip.

As for malaria, medication is not required, but some visitors prefer to take preventive pills. Keep in mind that these can cause side effects such as nausea, so it’s best to consult your doctor before deciding. Overall, basic precautions and guided travel keep health risks in the Amazon very low.

Discover the must-have items to pack for your adventure:  

👕Clothing:

• Shirts and Pants: cotton shirts, long pants in nylon style, or jeans

• Shoes and Boots: sneakers or boots, depending on which you are more comfortable with

• Hats or caps: to protect your head from the sun 

• Swimwear: to enjoy bathing in the beautiful scenery of the Amazon and the lodge’s pools

• Sandals: to wear at the end of the day

🪪Travel Essentials:

• Money: It’s a good idea to have some extra cash for tipping and in case of emergencies, especially since there’s no ATM nearby.

• Medications:  Any personal prescriptions, allergy medications, or painkillers that you are familiar with.

• Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher is recommended.

• Repellent: to keep away mosquitoes or other bugs during the trip.

⛺Equipment:

• Backpack: a small backpack of around 20-30L

• Sunglasses: to protect your eyes from the sun

• Flashlights: Basic torches, such as those on your phone or headlamps to keep your hands free. 

• Cameras: for capturing special moments in nature and wildlife

• Waterproof Gear: a lightweight rain cover for unexpected showers and a dry bag to keep your camera and personal gear safe during the tour. 

• Microfiber towel: compact and quick-drying

• Hydration: water, squeeze or personal water bottle (the region is very hot; it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day).

• Pocket Knife: (optional)
• Binoculars: (optional)

👉 Want more packing tips? Check out our full Amazon Travel Guide for useful advice and practical details