Brazil is South America’s largest country, and it has a landscape of unmatched beauty and diversity. Brazil’s ecosystems, from the dense, lush rainforests of the Amazon Basin that are home to an incredible array of wildlife to the vast wetlands of the Pantanal, are among the world’s most biodiverse.
The vast landscapes include the rugged Cerrado mountains, the stunning Atlantic Forest on the coast and the sweeping savannas. Brazil’s rich tapestry includes a variety of flora, fauna and landscapes. There are many places to stay in these beautiful landscapes to enjoy these spectacular sights up close and to get close to some endangered animals.
All you need to Plan Your Trip in 2024
Caiman
Refugio Ecologico caiman is located on a 53,000-hectare farm, 36 km away from the small city of Miranda, in the stunning Pantanal wetlands. This ranch is also an important centre of nature conservation projects, and the home of some of the most exclusive ecolodges in the region. Caiman, the first ecotourism operation of the Southern Pantanal, was founded in 1985. Since then, it has sought to provide visitors with a way to get closer to the nature and culture of the region while pursuing excellence in both hospitality and gastronomy.
The property consists of 2 lodges: the main Casa Caiman, where most guests stay, and a private villa called Baiazinha, which has 6 standard rooms. Casa Caiman has a total of 18 rooms, which are divided into Suites (including Master Suites), Superior Suites (including Suites) and Master Suites. Casa Caiman offers a gym and swimming pool. It also has a deck overlooking the bay.
Caiman has an important Nature Conservation Programme that is recognized both domestically and internationally. This includes maintaining a Private Reserve of Natural Patrimony on a 5,600 hectare area, and supporting various research projects and species management carried out across the ranch.
Miranda Estancia was the predecessor of the Caiman Ranch. It was a traditional cattle ranch, founded in 1910 by English investors. The ranch has around 35,000 cattle in natural pastures. It aims to integrate livestock and wildlife harmoniously. Anyone interested can visit and see this operation first-hand. The permanent residents’ communities for lodge and ranch employees, and their families are home to 180 people. All employees have access to a medical and dental clinic, a school and the necessary infrastructure. They are also trained in the Caiman social and environmental program and are committed to it.
Caiman is actively involved in many important conservation programmes, including 3 successful projects that focus on hyacinth Macaws (hyacinth macaws), tapirs (tapirs), and jaguars. If you’re interested in seeing wild Jaguars, we can arrange a special jaguar-spotting day.
Cristalino Lodge
The incredible Cristalino Jungle Lodge is a stunning property located in a 29,000-acre private reserve within the Amazon rainforest. It was named by National Geographic as being one of the best ecolodges in the world.
The Cristalino Jungle Lodge nestles in a private forest in the southern Brazilian Amazon rainforest. It is located on the border of the Cristalino Forest State Park, and as such is part of an extensive forest protected area that extends northwards into the adjacent state Para. This unique region contains a number of species found only in the Amazon. The area is characterized by pristine forest habitats and aquatic habitats, which support a very diverse fauna and flora. It has been called an Amazonian sanctuary. The rooms are equipped with 2 comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms. They also have a writing desk that is well-lit, a private outside shower, a ceiling fan, large, wide windows that provide a panoramic view of the outdoors as well as a natural ventilation system. Electricity can be used from 12:00 to 3:00 pm and 6:00 to 10:30 pm. All rooms have candles.
This is the best place to go birdwatching if you’re interested in wildlife and birds. There are 586 recorded species in the immediate vicinity, including several endemics. The lodge is a key player in conservation, protecting primary rainforests and contributing to important conservation projects.
The lodge offers a variety of activities, including boat excursions, hiking, birdwatching, and canoeing. Guests can also observe wildlife from a 50 metre high tower in the middle the reserve. These trips, led by experienced guides, will provide many opportunities to spot animals, birds and reptiles like monkeys.
The property has a floating terrace, ideal for relaxing in the sunshine. Steps lead down to the Cristalino rivers where you can swim. The onsite dining area is relaxed and offers a variety of delicious international and local dishes. The lodge offers three levels of accommodation, including standard and superior rooms, as well as private bungalows. The bungalows are a little more special, but all are comfortable.
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, located in the Amazon, is a luxurious haven in the middle of one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
It’s a small hotel in the jungle, located on the banks of Negro River, 180 kms away. It is also opposite the Anavilhanas National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has more than 3.5 million square metres of preserved forests. Anavilhanas Lodge provides a slice of luxury in a serene setting.
Only 20 modern and highly private bungalows are available in the rainforest. They are all fully equipped and provide a haven for those who need it. There are four stilt-suspended, private bungalows nestled in woods. Each has a glass wall, 32 inch television, a large balcony, and lots of privacy. All rooms have air-conditioning, safes and minibars.
There are different packages depending on the length of stay, the focus of the visit, and the number of daily tours. All packages include meals in the hotel restaurant. Activities include hiking in the jungle, piranha-fishing, dolphin and alligator sightings, canoe trips and visits to indigenous communities.
When not taking part in the activities of the lodge, guests can relax by the pool or at the bar. There is also a library and games available. The restaurant serves a variety Amazonian flavors and international cuisine. Sustainability was carefully considered during the construction of the lodge. Today, it strives to provide a low impact on its surroundings by following strict conservation guidelines and working in close partnership with local Amazonian communities.
Pousada Trijuncão
One of Brazil’s best kept secrets, the Brazilian cerrado, or savannah, is one of the most biodiverse eco-systems on earth. Boasting an incredible 13,000 plant species alongside 850 birds, 251 mammals, 482 reptiles & amphibians and 1,200 fish: this natural paradise is a must see for those looking to enjoy a unique wildlife experience in Brazil.
Pousada Trijuncão is located within 33,000 hectares of protected land and is accessible only via a 5-hour car journey from nearby Brasília, or a 30-minute light aircraft flight. The pousada, with its seven rooms, offers a unique experience for nature lovers. They combine the rusticity and character of the region with the luxury of a modern high-end trip.
The suites are complemented by the comfortable communal areas and the beautiful gardens filled with birds. Each suite features a king size bed, luxurious Natura toiletries and Trousseau robes. It also has air conditioning and a spacious lounge area. Pousada Trijuncao offers a small swimming pool, massage rooms, and an ofuro to relax in a rural setting.
Highlights of the included activity package at Pousada Trijuncao include visiting the Grande Sertão Veredas National Park, nocturnal kayaking in search of caiman, stargazing, eco-safaris, birdwatching and visiting the maned wolf conservation project run by local NGO, Onçafari. Keep your eyes peeled throughout your stay for ocelots, rare black jaguars, maned wolves, armadillos and tapirs – enjoying the opportunity to disconnect and appreciate the majesty of Brazilian nature in supreme comfort.
Ibiti Project
The Ibiti Project, a private preservation project in a beautiful area of countryside of 4000 hectares, contains one of Latin America’s best small hotels. It is perfect for a luxury getaway within nature.
The Ibiti Project is a slice luxury in the Brazilian countryside. It is only a 3-hour drive from the city of Rio de Janeiro. The reserve is located at the intersection of the Mantiquira Mountains in the southeast of Minas Gerais State. It allows guests to travel through authentic Brazilian history while enjoying an exceptional level of service, comfort, and regional cuisine.
There are three very different accommodation options in the reserve. But at the center of the reserve lies the Fazenda do Engenho. This is an exceptional hotel that feels far from the stresses of modern day life. This is a traditional 1715 farmhouse that was renovated in 2006, and has 8 wonderful guest rooms. It has 8 lovely guest rooms, as well as a restaurant, a spa and a hydro-massage swimming pool. The property has its own private airstrip for those who want to arrive in style.
In order to escape the daily routines of our busy lives, the suites don’t have televisions. A holiday in Brazil feels like a world away. There are a number of other houses on the property are also available, 100 metres from the main house: Carlinhos, with 3 suites – perfect for families or small groups of friends – and the very exclusive, 1 double bedroom Paiol. The Mogol village has a variety of other properties, while remote properties are available for those who really want to get away from everyone.
All properties strive to offer the highest standard of comfort. Every bathroom is equipped with heated towels and underfloor heating. The beds are large and covered with Egyptian Cotton sheets and L’Occitane products.
The Ibiti Project is ideal for horse riders. The stable has Mangalarga horses and Anglo-Arabians for guests to explore the natural surroundings on horseback. The meals served as part of the reservation are simple yet sophisticated. A variety of homemade cakes, breads, jams and milk products are made on site. Ingredients are sourced from the region.
This is the perfect property for anyone who wants to escape the crowds on a luxurious Brazil vacation and return to nature.
