Araras Eco Lodge is a small lodge, built in regional, rustic style, blending in with the local environment. Guests can explore the wildlfie, scenery and culture of the Pantanal on foot, on horseback, by canoe or safari vehicle. Expert bilingual guides are on hand to help guests make the most of their stay.
The 19 rooms are air conditioned, have screened windows, ceiling fans and private bathrooms with hot and cold water. There are wide verandas with comfy chairs and hammocks, ideal for relaxing after the day's activities, maybe enjoying a cool drink. There is a restaurant and a bar, where guests can chat. The lodge has a good sized swimming pool with an adjoining covered deck for meals. The food here is good home-cooked fare. The generous lunch and dinner buffets include salads, vegetables, meat and fish. The lodge produces its own milk and cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables from its organic garden and has free range chickens, sheep, pigs and water buffalo.
During the day guest are encouraged to explore the rich animal and plant life of the Pantanal. This region has some 80 species of mammals, 50 reptiles, 260 fish and almost 700 species of birds. The hyacinth macaw, with its striking vibrant colouring is often seen and is the symbol of the lodge. There are several walking and trekking trails, one of which leads to a 25 metre high observation tower, from which the vast size of the Pantanal plain can be seen. This is also a great place for close viewing of howler monkeys, as these have taken to sheltering beneath the viewing platform on the tower. Canoeing is an excellent way to explore the rivers, riverbanks and backwaters, while horse riding enables guests to enjoy the grasslands, floodplains and forests.
Araras Eco Lodge has excellent eco credentials. It is working to reforest large areas with the Acuri palm, the main food source for the haycinth macaw, as well as distributing nesting boxes and, as a result the macaw population is increasing significantly. They are also involved in a monitoring giant river otters. The lodge also works to support the local culture - music, folklore and handicrafts. Araras Eco Lodge is just 82 miles south of Cuiaba and is accessible all year round.
