A bird watchers paradise.
Alta Floresta in Mato Grosso, Brazil, is the Mecca for bird watchers and ornithologists, whose eyes remain transfixed on the skies and high branches of the trees that line the Cristalino river.
Only two or three guests travel in each light riverboat with their guide. The light baggage should contain simple clothing, but include high tech. equipment. The guests, who come mainly from the UK, France and Germany are veritable “Paparazzi” of nature, eagerly seeking “the perfect photo” of some rare, exotic bird.
The name “Cristalino” river, with its dark and transparent waters, speaks proudly of the Amazon vegetation which it mirrors. Being so closely and intimately emerged in the dense, dark green vegetation, one might feel just a pang of fear of what the French call “l’heure violette”, the deep, dark of the night. Suddenly the guide cuts out the motor, and you drift silently, eyes sharpened, seeking birds and animals camouflaged and hidden amongst the vegetation.
At first, it seems that silence has fallen throughout the entire world, but gradually there are outbursts of sounds, which the experienced guide identifies for you.
At dusk, the Black Crested Piping Guans, Macaws and the Harpy Eagles noisily squabble over the disputed highest branches. The monkeys create a veritable bedlam of sound, but the Cayman, as he sinks his head into the river waters, is scarcely heard. You hear the strident cries of the Giant River Otter as she gathers in her siblings, and a Capybara grunts as it strains to lift its bulky body from the water. The Canje Pheasant, with its notable crest and plumage, like glowing red hot iron and wingtip claws, recalls some creature of the air from the Jurassic period. Dry branches provide roosting places for Cormorants and the elegant, slender Caped Heron, with its turquoise tail. Scarcely flapping its wings, a Toucan glides from one side of the river to the other. The sweet aroma of a wild creeper is like incense in the still air. Thus, even before arriving at the Cristalino Jungle Lodge, your ailments and troubles have drifted away with the waters of the river.
The hotel is situated within its own 7000 hectares of land, and the Parque Cristalino is itself bordered by an indigenous reserve and a military area, thus ensuring that there are no riverside dwellers or communities nearby. The forest is virtually untouched, providing safe haven for 590 species of bird, 7 primates and 1800 butterfly types, enabling the visitor to feel as if he were lord of the forest. Visitors arise before dawn and move into the 50m high lookout post, from where, using high performance binoculars, they may observe the wakening beautiful, delicate birds, such as the rare Black Tailed Trogon, with its long black and white marked tail. In 2008, the renowned travel magazine, Conde Nast, awarded the Cristalino Jungle Lodge its “World Savers Award” for nature preservation work.
The Amazon region is as rustic as it is beautiful. At night, in your bungalow, silence and tranquillity reign. Awaiting the guests, you will find a shower beside “the bird of paradise” flowers, and a large, comfortable bed with soft sheets. Your body may be exhausted, but your mind is at rest.