The Cristalino Jungle Lodge is nestled in a private forest reserve in the Southern Brazilian Amazon rainforest. It borders the Cristalino State Park and is therefore part of a continuous extensive protected area that extends northward into the adjacent state of Pará.

This unique region contains many species found only in this part of the Amazon. The area contains pristine forest and aquatic habitats that support a very rich fauna and flora, and it has been described as an Amazon sanctuary. The Cristalino Jungle Lodge is built in an area with forest on all sides; it can only be accessed by boat. It has a rustic style. The buildings are usually a mix of wood and brick with thatched or brick roofs, decorated with local furniture and crafts. It has a beautiful garden with wild flowers, vines and orchids.

The lodge has become an internationally famous destination for nature lovers of all types, in particular birders and butterfly enthusiasts, but also attracts those seeking adventure in a peaceful, exotic location.

The facilities include an extensive trail system, a new 50m-tall tower that rises above the forest canopy, and a clean black-water river where one can canoe and swim. Well-trained resident guides assist visitors to find interesting wildlife and to interpret what they see whilst simultaneously looking after their safety.

The lodge has equipment for use in the forest and a library to help visitors identify and learn about what they see, and the lodge is designed to combine rustic comfort with respect for nature. The number of tourists that can visit Cristalino at any one time is limited to ensure that there is minimal environmental impact.

Tourism is not the only function of Cristalino. The most important objective is to preserve the rain forest and to contribute to conservation efforts in part of the Amazon that is rapidly changing. With this in mind, the lodge encourages and supports certain scientific research projects in the area, and the Escola da Amazônia holds regular workshops at the hotel and forest fragment in Alta Floresta. These workshops cater mainly for high school and university students and aim to increase their awareness of environmental issues and respect for nature.

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.