DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES AND TRAILS
 

The Cristalino Jungle Lodge is an internationally recognized prime area for birders and butterfly enthusiasts. The lodge has more than 550 bird species, including a number of interesting endemic species and probably at least 2000 species of butterfly! Several species of endangered primates live in the canopy of the pristine rainforest around the lodge, and mammals such as tapir, agouti and deer inhabit the forest floor. They share the forest with a host of other smaller creatures, including a newly discovered poison-arrow frog. There are more than 20 km of well maintained trails along which these wonders of the forest can be observed. The trails pass through different habitats, and you will always be accompanied by naturalist guides who will help you find and identify interesting plants and animals in the forest.

MAIN ATRACTIONS:

1) THE LODGE CLEARINGS:
The lodge has two clearings located within pristine forest close to the Cristalino River. Because it is in the forest you can observe all sorts of wild animals without even stepping into the forest!! For example, hummingbirds regularly visit flowers in the clearing, as do aracaris (small toucans) and many other forest birds. A pair of Scarlet Macaws are often to be seen in the tallest trees around the clearing. Capybara sometimes graze on the grass at night, and Blackish Nightjars sleep on the roof of some buildings. Monkeys often pass by, and even Night Monkeys visit the clearing some nights.

2) CANOPY TOWER:
Our 50m-tall aluminium tower rises through the forest canopy and is considered the best in the Neotropics for observing canopy birds, primates and flora. It has three spacious plataforms at different levels. From here you can also experience an enchanting misty dawn, observe spectacular sunsets or to watch a clear star-studded sky.
3) ROCKY TRAIL (2.200m long):
Easy access from the lodge. The trail passes through low rocky formations in the middle of the forest that are covered with ornamental plants, bromeliads, and orchids. It is often a good trail for observing primates and some birds that specialize on bamboo. The trail is mostly flat. It ends in a loop, and provides access to the tree house.
4) TREE HOUSE:
A screened house, 6 m-high, overlooking a natural clay lick that is regularly visited by tapirs, peccaries and deer at night or during day time. Quiet visitors have a good chance of viewing some of these animals. Accessible by the Rocky trail.
5) " TABOCA" and FIG TRAIL:
Easy access from the lodge. These trails pass through several different habitats, including seasonally flooded areas near the Cristalino river and bamboo-dominated areas. The Fig Trail passes a giant Fig. Good opportunities to observe primates such as the capuchin monkeys. (2.870m. long)
6) " CAJA" TRAIL:
Also located close to the lodge, this trail begins along the Cristalino River and then crosses other trails. It is excellent for observation of primates, who feed on the "caja" fruit, such as the endangered White Whiskered Spider Monkey and the rare White-nosed Saki Monkey. (2.198m )
7) CACAO TRAIL:
Located in the lodge's private reserve on the opposite side of the Cristalino river. This trail has huge trees, specialty birds and primates. Return down river by canoes, kayak, inflatable boat or motor boat with engines turned off. (1.610m). Note that during the wettest parts of the year parts of this trail are subject to flooding.
8) BRAZIL NUT TRAIL:
Located in the lodge's private reserve, on the opposite side of the Cristalino River. A 40 min. trip up river will take you to the beginning of the trail, where huge Brazil nut trees can be observed in pristine forest. When fruiting, you can taste fresh Brazil nuts collected in the wild. Home of specialty birds and primates. Return down river by canoes, kayak, inflatable boat or motor boat with engines turned off. (1.135 m long)
9) "LIMAO" RAPIDS:
An extension of the Brazil Nut trail outing. A stop over at the rapids for swimming, observation of specialty birds.
10) SERRA TRAIL:
Located in the lodge's private reserve, on the opposite side of the Cristalino River . The forest changes as you hike up a short, but steep hillside to reach a savannah type of forest growing on top of granite outcrops. There are interesting wild flowers here and endemic birds that are difficult to find elsewhere. There is often the possibility to experience wonderfully clear views and beautiful sunsets from the top of the Serra. Return down river by canoes, kayak, inflatable boat or motor boat with engines turned off.(1.260 m long)
11) "TAPIRI" TRAIL:
Trail linking 2 trails : Serra and Brazil Nut trail, a long trek in the deep forest. Return down river by canoes, kayak, inflatable boat or motor boat with engines turned off. (3.810 m). Note that this trail may flood and become inaccessible near the end of the wet season.
 

12) OBSERVATION OF THE HOATZIN:
After a three hour trip up river one can reach a well protected lake which is the nesting place of these pre-historic birds. Floating into this sanctuary enables you to observe and take photograph of these incredible birds. On the way back, there is a chance to stop by a sandy river bank for a picnic and a swim in the clean waters of the Cristalino River.

13) CANOPY PLATFORM:
built of aluminium, located on a 30m-tall tree, located on the lodge's grounds, bordering the Cristalino River. Specially trained guides and climbing equipment is available to ascend to the platform. The platform provides great opportunities for photography and observation of wildlife.

14) ROPES and RAPEL COURSE:
Close to the lodge we have a 30 m. rope bridge and a 20m-tall rope ladder that takes you to the top of tall rocks. You can rapel to the base. Trained guides supervise this activity and you are obliged to use our safety equipment at all times.
15) HIDDEN GARDEN:
Located close to the lodge is an area that looks like a natural garden. Here we find Amazonian ferns, philodendros, orchids, bromeliads, wild pineapples, ginger and many trees covered with orchids growing on top of granite outcrops. It is a peaceful place to rest and appreciate nature.
16) " BUTTERFLY TRAIL":
Trail located on the left margin of the Teles Pires river, where many species of butterflies can be observed. Access by motor boat. (870 m long)
17) "ARIOSTO ISLAND":
an island in the middle of the Teles Pires River, with 580 hectares (about 1,400 acres) of preserved forest. This is home to the Cristalino Ecological Foundation's field camp. You will be able to watch parakeets, macaws and many other birds. Marvellous sunsets can often be experienced by Teles Pires River. There is the chance to observe nocturnal birds and caimans as you go up river after dark, on the way back to the lodge.
18) CANOEING, KAYAKING OR INFLATABLE BOAT:
The location of Cristalino Lodge provides you with the opportunity to paddle down the pristine Cristalino river for as far as you choose. It is a fantastic experience to observe wildlife in the peaceful silence of the river, with only the noises of nature to disturb you. During the dry season, it is possible to stop at natural beaches to swim and to rest.
19) NIGHT ACTIVITIES:
Because Cristalino Lodge is located within the forest, it provides you with a great opportunity to observe nocturnal forest life in total safety : nocturnal monkeys, owls, nightjars, caimans by the river, different types of frogs, spiders, incredible hawk moths and fireflies to mention a few. There are also luminescent fungi in the forest.
20) PIRANHA FISHING:
Just enough to prepare the piranha broth which will be served at night. No other fishing is practiced at Cristalino river.
21) CAMPING IN THE JUNGLE:
Activity of the adventure tour program, where you will experience sleeping in the wild near a camp fire, with experienced guides. Chance to learn survival techniques.
22) TRANFER IN OR OUT - FLIGHT OVER CRISTALINO PARK:
One hour flight over Cristalino Private reserve and Cristalino Park in a hired aircraft from a private company (4/5/6 up to 9 people at a time). Flight departs from Alta Floresta and stops at Cristalino farm airstrip. Flights can be arranged as a means to transfer to or from the lodge. There is the possibility of flying over the Cristalino watershed to Cristalino waterfalls, passing the lodge and the canopy tower. CRISTALINO FARM AIRSTRIP: Our private airstrip located 5 km from Teles Pires River bank on the way to the lodge; it is a licensed airstrip.
  23) BICYCLE ADVENTURE - OPTIONAL ACTIVITY:
Take a bike ride for 5 km through the private reserve and along the road that leads to the Teles Pires River bank. Pristine forest occurs on both sides of this road, so there is a chance to encounter wildlife. Our driver will be waiting in case anyone gets tired! (being implemented)
24) SWIMMING IN CRISTALINO RIVER:
An activity one can enjoy at Cristalino is a refreshing swim in our wonderful blackwater river. Swimming by the dock, in the rapids or from our wild beaches is perfectly safe due to the tranquility provided by the equilibrium of this pristine river. Our guides always accompany swimmers to ensure their safety.
25) DR. HAFFER'S & AMAZONA KAWALLI'S TRAIL:
Discovered by Dr. Jurgen Haffer, this trail winds through different habitats, including extensive bamboo stands. Several specialty birds live in the bamboo and surrounding forest making it a must for any birder. Haffer's trail is linked to Amazona Kawalli's trail, where the endemic Kawalli's parrot was first found at Cristalino.
   

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