Pousada Trijunção

Home to five per cent of all plants and animals on Earth, the Brazilian Cerrado is an overlooked wildlife haven. Spanning over 700,000 acres of highlands, grasslands, and forests in eastern Brazil, the Cerrado is not only the largest savannah in South America but the most biodiverse savannah in the world.

Strategically sandwiched between a national park and a nature preserve in the state of Bahia, Pousada Trijunção gives you some of the best chances to spot the rare and endangered wildlife that calls this epic biome home. The vast majority of the 81,544-acre reserve where the pousada is located is undeveloped, acting as a vital wildlife corridor between the two parks. And you’re staying right at the heart of it.

Under the baking savannah sun, the terracotta-roofed lodge hides from the heat in a grove of native trees, cacti, and other flora. Inside this oasis are just seven suites, stylishly outfitted with organic materials like wood and woven reeds and kept refreshingly cool with wafting fans and air conditioning. During downtime, sit out on the shaded outdoor terraces facing the gardens and greenery, keeping your eyes peeled for wandering wildlife. Meals are just as diverse as the lodge’s savannah home, bringing together the flavors of neighboring Brazilian states with traditional outdoor barbecues.

Activities mainly take place in the early morning and evening, when wildlife is most active, leaving you to convalesce back at the lodge in the heat of the day. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, sweat it out in the sauna and hot tub, or soothe tired muscles with massages. Bookending this midday period of rest are unforgettable adventures. Embark on game drives in search of jaguars, maned wolves, and giant anteaters. Hike, bike, or kayak deep into the wilderness to see animals in their natural habitat.