Canoeing along the quietly flowing River Cristalino, walking along trails to see and learn about the fauna and flora, taking a boat trip to see the rivers coming together, climbing the hills for spectacular views and observing the immense forest at sunrise or sunset from the top of an observation tower. All of this is part of your unforgettable Amazon journey.
Cristalino Lodge has more than 30 km (19+ miles) of trails, many of them in terra firma forest, an ecosystem dating back thousands of years that is home to ancient trees. The leaves are evergreen and the different trails enable our guests to learn more about this vibrant wealth, while observing the monkeys, birds, scenery and other fascinating features of this forest.
With no fewer than six different types of vegetation, Cristalino Lodge enables visitors to gain in-depth knowledge of the Amazon at a single location. Some of the trails take visitors to the Cristalino uplands, also known as sierras, some 450 meters above sea level, with their rich and distinctive ecosystem, where the vegetation sheds its leaves in the dry season. The views are spectacular!
Among the highlights of a visit to the Cristalino Lodge is the view from the observation towers. Both 50 meters tall, the towers are strategically located at different points within the reserve and offer stunning views of the Amazon, stretching away in all directions like a green carpet. Many species of birds and monkeys can only be seen from the towers. The sunrise, with the forest waking up all around you, will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
One of the most relaxing activities on the tour is probably canoeing on the River Cristalino, with its wonderful scenic views. Gliding silently along the river makes it possible to observe the activities of the varied species of birds and monkeys and even tapirs and giant river otters. A real privilege. Between the months of January and May, it is possible to canoe in the midst of a submerged forest, with immense trees all around.
Cristalino Lodge has always welcomed bird lovers, as this fascinating activity creates a profound connection with preservation areas. With nearly 600 cataloged species, the Cristalino reserves are home to dozens of endemic birds. Some have been scientifically described for the first time within the Cristalino reserves. There are specific trails for birdwatching, enabling immersion within the Amazon’s rich abundance of different species.
The Amazon forest is a vast area with very dense vegetation, so spotting wildlife within it is a significant challenge. That's where the Cristalino Lodge structure and guides make all the difference, enabling visitors to find creatures that an untrained individual would never perceive.