Cristalino Jungle Lodge, an Amazon Dream.

Exotic animals and flora, sports and misteries from the Amazon Sanctuary.

Sunset from the boat: going to the Cristalino jungle Lodge.
Photo: Brazil Trip Expert.

See two diferent introductions for this post:

(1th Introduction)
When the bird Irapuru sings all the forest be silent due to the beauty of it singing, says the legend. It seems flute. I heard it song during an expedition to listen to the Uirapuru (and to see it), organized by the Cristalino Jungle Lodge, located in the Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. Without doubt this is one of the most preserved Amazon site in the planet with unique biodiversity. Brazilian and foreigner specialists came to study species and to be voluntary guides in this private reserve of 29,652 acres of primary rainforest.

(2sd Introduction)
You are going to visit one of the most extraordinary jungles in the world when you discover that there are comfortable bungalows in the middle of the largest forest in the world. Not the traditional luxury, but that one sustainable, winner in the magazine's 2008 World Savers Awards by the Condé Nast Traveller. Doesn’t matter how lucky you are; be sure that you are see some animals of the over 570 species of birds, 2,000 species of butterflies, many types of mammals, reptiles, fish and insects.

The lodge has a 164,04 feet observation tower, considered one of the most important in the Neotropics due to its geographic location, height and usefulness. It was built with funds by Stanford University, USA.

The Cristalino Lodge has a range variety of activities such as birdwatching, ecotourism (learning about fauna and flora), butterfly observation, hiking for wildlife observation, canoe excursions, floating dock to swimm in the river with inflatable boats, butterflies observation, boat trips, tree house, two canopy towers, rappel and rope course, camping and piranha fishing.

The daily flights and coach lines to the closest city, Alta Floresta, departures from Cuiabá, the capital of the Mato Grosso State. Once in Alta Florest, the lodge staff will drive you by car until the (1 ½ hour) to get a ½ hour boat ride until the Cristalino Jungle Lodge.

In the Alta Floresta the Lodge owned other hotel, the Floresta Amazonica Hotel. You can stay there before get the Cristalino Lodge. Do not miss to try to watch the legendary Harpy Eagle, one of the world's largest and most powerful birds, who has nested in the forest around this hotel. This eagle hunt 10-pounds monkeys with it hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws. The Floresta Amazonica Hotel is only 5 minutes from the airport.

I would like to thank the Mato Grosso Government (Sedtur) and the Cristalino Jungle Logde to the invitation for this trip (famtur): amazing and unforgettable experience.


Buffet-style meals with local food: flavors of the Amazon.
Photo: Vanice (Sedtur).

164,04 feet observation tower: considered one of the most important in the Neotropics.
Photo: Vanice (Sedtur).

Boat ride to the Cristalino Jungle Lodge: seeing the forest from the rivers.
Photo: amauter by this blog.

Amazon from the sky: flight to the Alta Floresta city.
Photo: Brazil Trip Expert.

Plus: Watch and listen to the legendary Uirapuru here.

Bahia: One of The 31 Places to Go by NY Times

Visit the link of the NY Times in Jan, 10, 2010:
Complete NY Times Article

The Bahia is the Top 10 by the readers from NY Time.

This blog was invited to check it out these paradises and took some photos from Bahia (Oct/Nov 2007):


Frade Island, in the All Saints' Bay: calm and clear water.


Beach in the Itapoã, Salvador, the place became famous by the song of the poet Vinicius de Moraes. This is the Catussaba Resort Hotel: delicious Brazilian and international breakfast.


The Tamar, the sea turtles preservation project, in the Praia do Forte, Coconut Coast. Between September and March, there are great chances of observing the little turtles’ birth.


Praia do Forte view from the Garcia D'Ávila Castle: medieval-style construction, the only model in the Americas, was started in 1551 and it is considered as the first large Portuguese building in Brazil.


Praia do Forte EcoResort & Thalasso Spa: "Most Excellent Spa Hotel In South and Central America" by the Condé Nast Johansens 2006 Awards of Excellence; "Best Resort of Brazil" by the Veja Magazine (2005). We recommend this eco-resort and it ecological tours are led by biologists. The main swimming pool is fantastic. This photo is from the official hotel website.


Iguana in the Praia do Forte EcoResort: local biodiversity is preserved.


Brazilian fruits in Morro de São Paulo, Cairú city: exotic drinks on the natural pools of warm and clear waters. Constructions dating back to the beginning of the 17th century, such as Nossa Senhora da Luz Chapel and Zimbeiro Fort, besides other historical buildings are worth a visit. During high season Morro is crowded with tourists, especially young people, who also enjoy the nightlife.


Portaló Hotel: one of the best places to stay in Morro the São Paulo.


Lobsters fished and cooked front of you by the fisher "Seu Guido" (Mr. Guido) in the Boipeba. One of the best of the world for us. Famous chefs love it.


Pousada Mangabeiras, charming place to enjoy the view of Boipeba from bungalows decorated with local crafts, king size beds, air conditioning, small fridge, flat screen TV with DVD, electronic safe, telephone, zero light curtains, as well as solar heated water, and a veranda: only 9 apartaments.

Photos: Amateur from this blog Brazil Trip Expert.

To see the 360º view of the Salvador da Bahia, the capital of the state, go to these official links. This is the Lacerda elevator:

Lacerda elevator
Other Photo 360º, this one the Farol de Itapoã:
Farol de Itapoã

In Salvador, do not miss:

Don't miss
Islands
Near the capital there are islands surrounded by beautiful coconut groves and with calm waters, ideal for relaxing baths.

Lacerda Elevator
One of the most famous postcards of Salvador, inaugurated in 1873, connects the Upper and the Lower cities.

Salvador's Forts
Since it was the first capital of the country, Salvador has big forts, built to defend the city against invasions.

Pelourinho
Considered a Historical and Cultural Heritage, it has colonial buildings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Sé Square
From the favorite district of noble families and commercial center of old times to the current touristic attraction, Sé Square offers precious moments of leisure and culture.

Salvador's Museums
The city has several museums, each one with its own characteristic, with permanent exhibitions of works of art that are part of our heritage.

Fonte: Bahia Turismo.

BRAZIL'S EVENTS CALENDAR: THE LINKS

Photos: Carnival in Rio; Reveillon in Rio; F1 in São Paulo; Olympic Games,the Rio 2016; Oktoberfest in Blumenau, Santa Catarina; and the Parintins Festival in the Amazon county; the project of the HOK stadium in Natal for the 2014 World Cup.

The 5th Military World Games (2011), the 2013 Confederations Cup, the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games are heading to Brazil.
Besides the famous Carnival and the Reveillon in Rio de Janeiro everyear, cities from all over Brazil held many great events such as the Formula 1 in São Paulo city (this year the Brazilian Prix Formula 1 2010 in the Interlagos circuit in Nov, 7th, 2010); Oktoberfest in Santa Catarina state, the world's largest Germain party outside the Germany; Internationals Films Festival; carnival in the Bahia and Pernambuco; important business events considered the largest generators of business in their sectors in Latin America; the Parintins Festival in the Amazon and many other.

SOME IMPORTANT LINKS FOR THE BRAZIL'S EVENT'S CALENDAR:

* 2010 Rio de Janeiro Event's Calendar:
By Riotur
By Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Oficial Guide of Rio de Janeiro

2010 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

* 2010 São Paulo Event's Calendar:
By São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau

* 2010 Salvador and Northern Coast region of the Bahia Event's Calendar:
By Salvador e Litoral Norte da Bahia Convention & Visitors Bureau

* 2010 Foz do Iguaçu Event's Calendar:
By Iguassu Convention & Visitors Bureau


* 2010 Fortaleza Event's Calendar:
By Fortaleza Convention & Visitors Bureau

* 2010 Manaus and Amazonas Popular Party's Calendar:
By Amazonas Convention & Visitors Bureau

* 2010 Natal Event's Calendar:
By Natal Convention & Visitors Bureau

* 2014 World Cup Brazil
By FIFA

* Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games
By Rio 2016

Iguazú Falls: the Travel Awards 2009 winner from the "The Guardians" Newspaper

Font: From The Guardian

For 19.248 readers from the britain newspaper "The Guardian" the Iguazú Falls is the favourite overseas attraction acconding to it survey.

Font: The Guardians .




The park has many tourist attractions to be seen and the Macuco Safari boat trip is one of them. The park has many tourist attractions to be seen and the Macuco Safari boat trip is one of them. Such adventure generates adrenaline and relaxation at the same time. After passing by the MacucoVisitorCenter and receiving some tips on the tour, the tourists can appreciate fauna and flora of the park in an electric car that runs a trail of three kilometers. Before venturing on the boat trip, the instructor indicates an optional hike for those who want to know more about life in the forest. By the wharf, tourists receive instructions to put on plastic raincoats (so they don´t get wet), life jackets and protect their electronic equipment before getting into the bi-motor rubber dinghy where they will embark the most fantastic adventure - watch the waterfalls from the bottom.

The first waterfalls are called "The Three Musketeers". At that point, the pilot brings the boat close enough to the falls to provide the tourists with a fast and pleasant shower - it is the baptism under a fall of 80 meters in height. At last, it returns through the rapids of IguaçuRiver down to a large backwater where adventurers can leap out and swim.



A little calmer but also attractive, the BirdsPark is settled in front of the gateway of the IguaçuNational Park. It shelters over 900 birds of 180 species and forms a patchwork of colors and sounds. Brazilian birds predominate; however, species from Africa, Asia and Australia are also represented.

A little calmer but also attractive, the BirdsPark is settled in front of the gateway of the IguaçuNational Park. It shelters over 900 birds of 180 species and forms a patchwork of colors and sounds. Brazilian birds predominate; however, species from Africa, Asia and Australia are also represented.

During about 40 minutes the tourists can cover the aviaries arranged along the trail that is located in the middle of the subtropical forest. There are dozens of birds of all sizes, colors and species, which ranges from the curious macaw, to the flamingos that keep walking proudly in front of a mirror. There are also anacondas, alligators, boas, sakis and butterflies.

On that site a work on education, research and environmental conservation is developed. The BirdPark has parking lot, snack bar and souvenir shop in a pleasant forest environment. One can photograph or even touch some docile birds.

The butterfly and the reptile zoos are also important attractions. Snakes and alligators are kept just a few meters from the curious and alert look of the tourists.



"The Iguaçu Falls exerts such attraction thanks to its magnificence and great number of waterfalls - 275 total. It is located in the Iguaçu National Park which was declared by UNESCO a World Natural Heritage Site in 1986. The Iguaçu Falls reveals impressiveness and power through its wilderness of waters, provides a unique spectacle and is defined as a wonder of nature. Every year, thousands of people from all over the world, from kings and queens, princes and princesses, presidents, artists and other famous personalities to anonymous tourists include Foz do Iguaçu in their itinerary.

To reach the greatest natural show on Earth the visitor takes a 12 kilometer road that crosses the reservoir from the VisitorCenter to the beginning of the footbridge. From there it is possible to wonder at the first look of the Falls. The departure point allows one to have a panoramic view of SanMartinIsland and many waterfalls located on the Argentine side, but the Brazilian side offers a better vision.

Along the way, visitors can stop here and then to register the natural beauty with their cameras. Tourists will be dazzled by the Devil´s Throat mass of water, the most famous and greatest set of waterfalls. By the end, visitors will enjoy getting closer to Salto Floriano waterfall and have a great time in the comfortable Naipi Site made up of decks, panoramic elevator, snack bars and souvenir shops".

Font: Iguassu Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Reveillon in Rio 2009

photo: above O Globo and the all others by this blog.

Celebrating the New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro is the route not only for many internationals celebrities but for 2 millions of people, just in the Copacabana beach.

The city is a big party. We, from this blog, were invited to a party in the Forte Copacabana, but We could buy tickets for one of the thousands parties in the Beaches, streets, avenues, hotels, houses, bars, museum, restaurants, ships, night clubs and even in the Sugarloaf.

From popular to the luxury parties: thousands of parties.


Carlinhos Brown during his show on the Copacabana beach.

However we started the celebrations calmly in the bar Cervantes in Copacabana, with it famous best sandwiche in the Rio and the delicious Brazilian beer. After that we crossed the Copacabana beach by walking, between the shows and the parties in the avenue Atlântica, until the Historical Fort Copacabana, our destiny, where we saw the fireworks, toasting with champagne.

The tradional Cervantes sandwiche: the best in the city. this one is pork with pineapple.

Nothing better than starting the New Year on the sunset of the Ipanema Beach after the party.


Jan, 2 sd, 2010: the sunset in the Ipanema Beach.


People applause the sunset in the Ipanema beach: natural show.


Happy New Year from Brazil!