*As seen in The Logbook
A triumph for eco-tourism, Pousada do Parque Ecolodge was founded in 2003 by Oswaldo Murad, a lawyer and environmentalist who deactivated an old rice farm and livestock grow and replanted the local vegetation to support this vision.
This was part of the inspiration behind the project and played a large part in the preservation of local fauna and flora and significantly aided the National Park of Chapada dos Guimaraes by refocusing the land usage to something less destructive and wasteful. It now stands as a symbol of eco-tourism allowing guests to savour the natural beauty that occurs when people just allow themselves to stop and admire it.
THE LOCATION
The lodge is a National Park’s neighbour and to get there visitors need to cross the Parks Gate and drive in for 5km. Strategically located on the border of Chapada dos Guimarães National Park and at an altitude of 750m, the lodge sits in 500 hectares of private land. This land holds its own gems, including two seasonal waterfalls, amazing views over the entire Park, and several trails for the enjoyment of nature lovers. If that isn’t cool enough, also keep in mind that there are no fences between the Lodge and the 35,000 hectares of the National Park so you are truly in the thick of it.
THE ECOLODGE
There are ten staff at the lodge maintaining the eight separate rooms, communal areas and serving the guests during their stay. The rooms are split into six double suites and two triples and all the accommodation follows a rustic design that makes use of local woods and sustainable resources. This includes things like roof tiles that are made of recycled milk boxes and water that his solar heated.
According to Oswaldo the whole idea was to use the local material and hand crafts made by locals, to promote sustainable preservation among the region.
Pousada do Parque Ecolodge has hit the perfect balance between sustainability and high-end hotel luxury. All of the rooms come with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. The leisure area features a veranda, swimming pool, mini gym, seated area, sauna and hammocks.
There is a lounge area with fireplace and the restaurant and bar “Teta da Loba” offers a delicious and varied local menu.
WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT
You won’t find any televisions or minibars in the rooms because Pousada do Parque Ecolodge is not suitable for people wanting to stay inside. Surrounded by such pristine nature, visiting here offers the chance to get out and explore, enjoying the many walking trails around the lodge or the opportunity to hang around in the hammocks before going for a swim.
GETTING THERE
The closest airport is in Cuiabá, 70 Km away from the lodge, from there guests can either drive to the lodge which is 15 km from the city of Chapada dos Guimaraes, or by bus. Either way it is important to let the ecolodge staff know when you will be arriving so that they can arrange access to the National Park, as the gate is otherwise closed.
PRICE: R$ 490/ US$ 125 Average price range per person, double room.
ADDRESS: Estrada do Parque Ecológico s/n – Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso, Brazil. – ZIP code 78195-000
TELEPHONE NUMBER: +55 65 99671-6876
EMAIL: pousada@pousadadoparque.com.br
WEBSITE: www.pousadadoparque.com.br
