Where to stay in Brazil

In the popular wetlands of the Pantanal you can enjoy floating eco lodges set within the heart of wildlife refuges, whilst in the Amazon you can enjoy remote bungalows and suites. General standards of accommodation in Brazil are high, and below you can view our preferred options following our extensive research. Brazil is home to a full range of accommodation types from homely pousadas to large-scale hotels, and the options will depend on the areas you are visiting.

1. Caiman Ecological Refuge

A true oasis in the heart of our refuge. With 18 delightful suites, Casa Caiman has recently been completely renovated and offers different spaces for rest and leisure. Located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and the southern portion of the Pantanal region, Caiman Ecological Refuge is a massive 53,000-hectare complex. Caiman Ecological Refuge is home to 29 rooms in three unique lodges, 18 of which can be booked individually. The gorgeous Baiazinha Lodge and Cordilheira Lodge operate solely as private villas and are available only to groups by special request. The lodges, which are entirely independent of each other, are scattered across the refuge. This distance provides guests privacy and a greater sense of integration into nature. At the cozy Baiazinha Lodge, relax on your balcony or in a hammock next to the pool. Whichever you choose, you can soak in the views of a crystal-clear bay. At the contemporary Cordilheira Lodge, take a dip in the pool while enjoying the views of the green mountain range, or climb the observation deck to watch wildlife roam the area. At the Main Lodge Complex, which is near the office, you have the option of a room in one of two houses: the Old Farmer’s House or the Owner’s House.

2. Hotel Pantanal Norte

Thought to be the best hotel in the Pantanal area, Hotel Pantanal Norte (formerly Porte Jofre) is simple and often used by the fishermen of the area. Located at the end of the Transpantaneira Highway, on the banks of the Cuiaba River, it is the perfect base for jaguar spotting between July and September. Rooms are spacious and en-suite and the well maintained gardens are frequented by Hyacinth macaws and toco toucans. Each of the 28 rooms are spacious and en-suite, split into two blocks. Rooms are all air-conditioned with a TV (local channels only), a ceiling fan and a porch complete with relaxing chairs. Some of the newer rooms overlook the Cuiaba River; the older ones are at the back of the property. Hotel Pantanal Norte can sleep up to 100 guests and has a large dining area, an outdoor pool partly shaded by exotic fauna and a games room with two pool tables.

3. Pousada Trijuncao

Pousada Trijunção offers comfort and luxury alongside an intimate integration with nature. Set on the border that divides the states of Minas Gerias, Bahia and Goias, Pousada Trijunção is perfectly situated to embrace the unique landscape of this area: the incredible Cerrado, the Brazilian savannah. This lodge also supports it surroundings with efforts to promote its preservation and protect its inhabitants. There are three different suites available at this accommodation. The standard suite includes a king-sized bed with 600-thread cotton linen, towels and Trousseau robes. The premium suite offers a living room, a balcony and a large bathroom on top of this. The master suite has similar amenities but with the added luxury of a private hot tub and two balconies, with one entrance from the living room and another entrance from the bedroom.Recommended activities include birdwatching, as here guests can search and identify a variety of species of exquisite birds in their natural habitat. For the more intrepid guest, there is also the option to take a night kayak or boat ride in search of the dwarf caiman. Another much sought-after species, and one of the most emblematic animals of the area is the maned wolf. Pousada Trijunção maintains a research project dedicated to the preservation of the endangered maned wolf, in partnership with the NGO Onçafari. Guests can also visit the project and witness the wolf in its natural habitat.

4. Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

Set deep in the Amazon Rainforest, in a mosquito free area, Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is located in the greatest river archipelago in the world, rich in plant and animal life. All accommodation at Anavilhanas is air-conditioned and tastefully furnished. The 16 suites include fridges, balconies and bathrooms with hot and cold water. The four luxury bungalows are located on a hill above the suites and feature king size beds, 32 inch LCD TVs, mini-bars and balconies with views over the Rio Negro and National Park. The architecture at Anavilhanas Lodge is in keeping with the regional tradition; hay and suspended wooden structures are found throughout, and contemporary designs constructed in natural materials bring a homespun feel to the lodge. The deck and pool area overlook the river and are shaded by trees, creating the perfect environment for relaxation. There is a small floating deck for a river diving. The lodge also features a reception/ bar area, a library with comfortable chairs and gaming tables, and a restaurant set amidst trees.

5. Araras Eco Lodge

In the home of the hyacinth macaw in the Northern Pantanal, Araras is an eco-lodge built in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment, with a large emphasis on comfort. Completely immersed in this tropical wetland ecosystem, but ideally located along the Transpantaneira Highway, Araras is the perfect lodge for an authentic Pantaneiro experience, providing a glimpse into the way of life of the Pantanal cattle ranchers. From the lodge it is possible to trek through the pristine forest, enjoy first-class bird watching, ride horseback and go canoeing, as well as photo-safaris, tree-top look outs and more, all with the help of expert, bilingual naturalist guides. Rooms are warm and comfortable, built in a rustic style, gathered around a shady courtyard. Each of the 19 rooms is air-conditioned with screened windows & ceiling fans, as well as en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water. There are wide, relaxing verandas with hammocks and comfy seating, as well as a good sized swimming pool, bar and a restaurant, as well as a nice covered area for outdoor dining.

6. Cristalino Lodge

Cristalino Lodge is built to emphasise engagement with the natural environment. Cristalino lodge keeps its guests in stylish comfort, offering comfortable rooms and a good range of facilities. Offering three choices of accommodation, all rooms and communal areas are built with environmental sustainability in mind. The accommodation consists of 18 rooms, built in order to promote close contact between visitors and their surroundings. Three levels of accommodation are offered: Private bungalows, superior rooms and standard rooms. Standard rooms have twin beds, ceiling fans, and en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated showers. Superior rooms have larger beds and are elegantly furnished, with private verandas. The private bungalows are more spacious, with a small lounge area and veranda with chairs and a hammock.Sustainable practices are used throughout Cristalino Lodge, using solar heating, a grey-water treatment system, black-water treatment system and natural roof venting. The lodge facilities are arranged in two clearings, with the dining room/bar, kitchen and lounge/library in one clearing, and accommodation in the other. The living room is also used for evening presentations and the fabulous floating deck is great for swimming off and relaxing on.

7. Hotel das Cataratas, a Belmond Hotel

Surrounded by lush rainforest, guests have exclusive access to Iguassu National Park, in the evening and at dawn, when the park is closed to other visitors. Amongst other activities on offer, it’s possible to take a helicopter trip over the gorge, trek through the jungle or enjoy a game of tennis. The 193 rooms and suites at the hotel are offered as either standard, superior or deluxe, and feature polished wood floors and Portuguese colonial style décor and furnishings. Soak up the jungle chorus while you float in the pool or swing in a hammock. Stroll through gardens bejeweled with orchids and sip caipirinhas as the sun goes down.

8. Uakari Floating Lodge

Uakari Floating Lodge is located inside Brazil’s largest protected area, the Mamiraua Reserve. The Reserve is a state conservation area, made up of channels, lakes and a seasonally flooded forest. The lodge’s 10 rustic apartments are equipped with terraces and en-suite bathrooms. This eco lodge is located inside Brazil’s largest protected area, the Mamiraua Reserve, one and a half hours in a motorized canoe from Tefe – getting there is most definitely part of the experience! The Reserve is a state conservation area located in the middle Solimões River (Amazon) and is part of the Várzea ecosystem - a forest flooded by the sediment-rich Amazonian rivers. It is made up of channels, lakes and a seasonally flooded forest. The lodge has 10 simple and comfortable apartments, designed to have minimal environmental impact. Each apartment is around 25 meters square in size and includes a terrace and bathroom, with solar-powered shower. The library, TV room, restaurant and conference room are found on the lodge’s central floating structure. The bar is also found here and serves both national and international wines, caipirinhas, beers and soft drinks.

9. Southwild Jaguar Suites

Set deep in Brazil's northern Pantanal, on the banks of the Pixaim River, the SouthWild Pantanal is a wonderfully hospitable lodge. With an emphasis on the local wildlife, expert guides lead daily excursions to view giant river otters, tapirs, macaws, howler monkeys and much more. Horse-riding trips and overnight excursions are also offered, and guests can relax back at the lodge with a siesta or a dip in the pool. The 12 simply furnished twin/double rooms each have en-suite facilities, air-conditioning and 24 hour electricity. Each room has an outside area with seating and a hammock. The Centre has a recently renovated dining room/lounge, and a small, open air swimming pool. The large, screened dining room and lounge area features a full bar, specializing in caipirinhas, the Brazilian national cocktail. A wide range of activities are on offer, including horse-riding, giant otter watching, river trips and bird-watching. There are over five kilometres of walking trails with observation towers, and kayaks are also available for clients to use. Truck safaris to see the beautiful Pantanal vistas and caiman-filled pools of Campo do Jofre are available, with night drives also on offer.

10. Southwild Jaguar Flotel

The Southwild Jaguar Flotel, is a floating hotel based in the Northern Pantanal. Due to the nomadic style of the accommodation the chances of seeing the famous Jaguar are increased dramatically. During the daytime cats can be as close as 3-5 metres from the boat itself.