Brazil’s Pantanal – the world’s largest wetland – has been likened to a cheaper safari than what you can experience in Africa. While some of this might be true, the wildlife is definitely different. You won’t see elephants, lions, leopards, zebras, or giraffes in Brazil’s wetlands. But what you will see is one of the largest concentrations of jaguars, abundant caiman, tropical birds, giant anteaters, tapir, capybaras, giant river otters, and perhaps the nocturnal ocelot.
But it’s not easy to get there. First, you must fly to Cuiaba (Mato Grosso), Brazil, where it is best to overnight by the airport before taking the 4–5-hour road to the Pantanal.
Then, for about 2 hours on your way to the Pantanal, you will travel on a paved road, and then for the rest of the journey, you will travel on dirt roads that can be quite bumpy. But the sightings of jaguars and bird life are amazing and well worth the inconvenience. For jaguars, the Pantanal is perhaps the best place in the world for close-up viewing and photography.
Location
Located only 1.9 mi from Marechal Rondon International Airport, the Amazon Aeroporto Hotel is near attractions such as Arena Pantanal (4.3 mi), Museum of Dolls and Toys (5 mi), and Eurico Gaspar Dutra Stadium (3.7 mi). The location is extremely convenient and very close to the airport.
The Hotel
Hotel Amazon Aeroporto is located about 5 minutes from the airport, proving to be very convenient for those traveling to the Pantanal the next day. A shopping mall across the street has a Western Union where you can change your currency into local money (Brazilian real). Plus, there are places to eat and many stores where you can buy souvenirs as well as any forgotten items needed on your trip.
A complimentary shuttle will pick you up at the airport with prior arrangements. Best to request shuttle service at the time of booking reservations.
Back at the hotel, you can enjoy a fitness center, a year-round outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, and a garden. The hotel provides free high-speed internet, a restaurant, a bar, and a 24-hour front desk. Additional amenities include an electric vehicle charging station and paid on-site private parking.
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a universal plug adapter
Breakfast options include continental, buffet, and à la carte, featuring local specialties, warm dishes, fresh pastries, cheese, fruits, and juice. Room service is available for added convenience.
The Room
Rooms are immaculate and are both convenient and comfortable with air-conditioning and room controls. Bathrooms are outfitted with standard amenities, with a dependable shower with hot water. (Sometimes, the availability of hot showers can be challenging in some jungle areas.)
The Rates
For the best rates online as well as special packages, book directly with Amazon Aeroporto Hotel Cuiaba. You can also email them at: reservas@hoteisamazon.com.br or call at 65 2121-3000. Or check Booking.com or Expedia for competitive prices. Depending on day of the week, season, and room type, rates run from around $118 USD per night, including breakfast, taxes, and fees.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
The Bottom Line
The hotel is very convenient to the airport and provides comfortable luxury.
It is full of amenities and lounge space in the common areas, so it is welcoming for both business and personal travel.
However, the challenge will be to find English-speaking staff at reception. As Portuguese is the national language of Brazil, you will find Portuguese as well as Spanish more commonly spoken. English is not widely spoken, though there are usually one or two individuals on duty who can understand basic English. Some are more fluent than others.
The breakfast buffet is ample and provides many delectable choices to meet the most discriminating palate.
The hotel is considered pet-friendly.
Karin Leperi Pezo is a writer and photographer living part-time in Peru and part-time in Nevada. She paid full fare for three (3) nights as part of a trip to the Pantanal with Aaron’s Photo Tours. All photos are by Karin Pezo, unless otherwise noted. As always, all opinions are those of the author and are based on an actual overnight stay(s) at the property. This authentically contrasts against AI-generated text that is strictly based on second-hand research.
