Araras Eco Lodge

Observing the incredible wildlife of Brazil‘s Pantanal, from elusive jaguar to cute capybara, is one of the chief reasons to dive into this vast expanse of tropical wetlands and flooded grasslands. And few places get you closer than Araras Eco Lodge. Situated at the northern tip of the Pantanal on a private, 3,000-hectare reserve, untouched grasslands, lakes, and forests extend right up the edge of the property. Surrounded by nature on all sides, it’s not uncommon to wake up to hyacinth macaws outside your room or sip coffee as a caiman splashes around the lakes fringing the hotel.

Amid this endless wilderness, Araras is an island of comfort. Built in the rustic style of traditional rural dwellings, red-tiled roofs peek out of the grove of trees covering the property and shaded, hammock-slung verandas stretch along lush courtyards. Each of the 19 suites provides instant respite from the heat and humidity with air-conditioning and ceiling fans, with screened-in windows letting the sounds of the Pantanal in but keeping any insects and curious critters out. True to its name, the lodge is also fully self-sustaining, using solar energy, treating its own water, and both farming and rearing livestock on the property for farm-to-table cuisine, Pantanal-style.

Stepping straight from your room and into adventure is easy at Araras. Hiking trails branch outward into the surrounding landscape for wildlife-viewing game walks. Paddle a canoe to capture once-in-a-lifetime shots of native fauna or become a Pantanal cowboy for a day by hopping in the saddle and exploring on horseback. Or join the avian residents of the Pantanal in epic, aerial views by heading to the top of the lodge’s three different observation towers. Locally-made craft beer and a dip in the pool await you back at the lodge after each day’s excursions.