AMAZON
Pantanal Wild Safaris tour operator
Pantanal Wild Safaris tour operator
A wide range of outdoor activities is available. The half-day tours take place each morning and afternoon. The activities include: canoeing, hiking in trails, visit to the observation towers, fauna & flora observation and boat trips. You can combine more than one activity in a single tour, such as canoeing and hiking. Sometimes you have to follow the trails in order to reach an attraction, such as the Observation Towers, and many trails are only accessible by boat.
The tranquil waters of the River Cristalino are perfect for canoeing, and the hotel provides comfortable safety equipment. You can often combine hikes with canoeing on a single outing. Moreover, the chance to glide silently along the river not only makes it easier to enjoy the scenery, but also enhances the possibility of spotting birds and monkeys, such as the capped heron (Pilherodius pileatus), tiger heron (Tigrisoma lineatum), sunbittern (Eurypyga helias), Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), kingfishers and white-whiskered spider monkeys (Ateles marginatus).
Nature hikes along the 30 km (18.5 mi) of trails within the reserve, in small groups, provide an understanding of the tropical ecosystem. The trails pass through different types of vegetation, such as terra firma forest (evergreen forest not subject to flooding), wetland forest, tropical campinarana and upland areas where deciduous forest predominates – with bare branches and beautiful bromeliads in flower during certain parts of the year. The different types of vegetation create a variety of landscapes and enhance the biodiversity of the region.
For a truly unique Amazon experience, you must not miss out on a visit to one of our Observation Towers. Since the trees in the region are very tall, with the emergent species reaching over 45 meters (145 feet), our towers provide an excellent platform for observing the birds that inhabit the forest canopy, such as tanagers, chatterers, macaws, parrots, toucans and aracaris. The Cristalino Lodge has two 50-meter (165 feet) towers located at different strategic spots within the reserve. Since there are platforms at different forest levels, you can appreciate the varied layers, as well as enjoy spectacular views from above the canopy, with an endless sea of green stretching away from below your feet.
Several iconic species of Brazilian fauna and flora that represent the wonderful biodiversity of the country can be found in this region. Among these are the harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja), tapir (Tapirus terrestris), giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), white-whiskered spider monkey (Ateles marginatus), collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), white-nosed saki monkey (Chiropotes albinasus), red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul), cryptic forest falcon (Micrastur mintoni), crimson-bellied parakeet (Pyrrhura perlata), black-girdled barbet (Capito dayi), crested owl (Lophostrix cristata), as well as Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) trees.
Boat trips, with our experienced guides in attendance, are a fundamental part of your visit. Many of the trails are only accessible by boat, and on the journey you will have the opportunity to observe wildlife along the rivers.
One of the trips includes a visit to the River Teles Pires to enjoy the sunset. The meeting of the waters of the Teles Pires with those of the River Cristalino is a fascinating intermingling of the respective light and dark shades.
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