Pantanal and Central West
Pousada do Parque
Pousada do Parque is located 4.5 km from the Cuiaba to Chapadas dos Guimaraes National Park road, down a bumpy, unsurfaced track which passes through the park. The lodge is actually located on the border of the park with pleasant views over an impressive canyon. The lodge has its own private nature reserve with trails and a canopy tower.
Situated around the main building, the fairly small rooms are very comfortable with en suite facilities and air-conditioning. There is a lounge with an open fire in the main building, a separate dining room, and a terrace with hammocks and comfortable chairs. Outside you will find a small pool and sauna. A tower on the hill behind the pousada gives 360-degree views across the surrounding countryside – great for early morning birding.
There are trails through the private reserve, and the pousada is well placed for excursions into Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park.
This is a very good location for those wishing to combine the three ecosystems of the Chapada do Guimaraes, Amazonia and the Pantanal, or for those wishing to base themselves in pleasant, natural surroundings from where they can embark on wildlife watching trips.
Facilities
The main building has a lounge with fireplace; all the rooms have en suite facilities, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. There is a separate building for the dining area. There is a swimming pool, sauna, laundry service, and 24-hour desk service, bar and small gift shop.
Local Wildlife
The principal attraction of the Chapada do Guimaraes National Park is the stunning scenery of high escarpments, red sandstone cliffs, bizarre rock formations and majestic waterfalls. Mammals are difficult to see but include maned wolf, jaguar, puma and black-tailed marmoset. Pampas deer and armadillos are occasionally seen along the entrance track to the lodge. There is some good birding within the park and lodge grounds; some of the species regularly seen include black-chested buzzard eagle, king vulture, red-legged seriema, chestnut–eared aracari, blue crowned mot-mot and red-and-green macaw.
Optional Activities
Various hikes in the Pousada's private reserve and Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park. Some of the highlights of the National Park include Bridal Veil Waterfall – the lookout point that marks the geographic centre of South America – the Aroe Jari Cave (the largest sandstone cave in Brazil), Three Point Rock and many other geological attractions.
John Melton
Area Specialist
The dry season is from June to November. It can be extremely hot in August. Pousada do Parque is an ideal stop before visiting Cristalino Jungle Lodge (Amazonia) and the northern Pantanal. The National Park is currently closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
If you have any questions regarding our Brazil tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Accommodations were basic but functional. Staff were all lovely, and the food was absolutely delicious.