We stayed with Lucas and Marina for a week in August as part of a larger tour in brazil. It wasn't only the highlight of this holiday but is probably one of the best places we have stayed. It's not so much a game-lodge in the African style as a house-party. It's small - only 4 rooms - which means you get a very personal level or service (wrong word really). You get to choose the type/ length of excursion each day and it never fails to live up to expectations. Rather than the rushed feel of an African or Indian safari (i know its a tiger you're watching but we have to get back for breakfast) you have breakfast before going out and then stay out till you want to come back - one day we were out till lunch photographing Jabiru storks on thier nest, then back out again at 3. You get canoeing trips, boat trips, riding. Make sure you fit in piranha fishing, complete with resident caiman waiting to eat your catch!!!

The main reason of course for going is the wildlife - its spectacular. Between landing (make sure you fly in rather than drive) and getting to our room (500 yards away) we'd already seen ibis, hyacinth macaw, rhea and roseate spoonbill!! Over the week we saw almost 200 hundred species of birds (the guides are all brilliant at spotting and identifying), both species of anteater, tapirs, foxes, bats, the armadillo that lives in the garden and lots more. Lucas is a photographer and if that is your interest you will not be disappointed with the opportunities he can put your way - giant anteaters down to 10 feet, river otters by the side of your boat, birds of all complexion.
The lodge itself is extremely comfortable, the rooms are generously sized, but you wont spend much time in them. The food is all home-cooked, varied, plentiful and tasty.
Any downsides - no, not really. One hint if you do go though - take some warm clothing. We were there when a cold-front moved up and the temperature plummeted.
In summary - if you go to Brazil and are interested in wildlife on any level (or even if you're not) then fit in a stay here.

Very professionally run at all levels.
Warm & friendly.
Multiple, varied & interesting activities.
Great food.
Simple, but good rooms.
Would recommend, & return.

My partner and I have just got back from a 5 night visit to the lodge, which was definitely the best part of our holiday in Brazil. The hosts and guides were very friendly and knowledgeable making us feel totally at home and making each trip out from the lodge a unique experience. We saw lots of wildlife, including being lucky enough to have two separate encounters with pumas and several close-ups with giant and more regular-sized (!) otters, and Lucas and Marina (the hosts) and Carol (a biologist/guide) were all full of facts about the wildlife that we saw. Special mention also to Fernando who consistently managed to spot wildlife under seemingly impossible conditions making each night drive an adventure. A great team.

There was plenty to do, including going out in kayaks, on horseback and on drives around the property and we were free to wander around the whole farm as we wished. The total number of guests is kept small (maximum of 8 or so I believe) and we went out in a group of 4 for the various trips, so it was not like other places we have been where the experience has been spoilt by having too many people around. Mealtimes were great, with good food and good company.

We took the option of being driven out and back from Campo Grande, which is a long drive, around 4 hours of it on dirt tracks each way, but we saw lots of wildlife and our driver, Carlos, stopped whenever we saw anything interesting, giving us time to look more closely and take photos.

The myriad species of birds were spectacular and everywhere. Just one highlight of our trip that gives a good example of what you can expect - on one of our horseback rides (just me, my partner and Carol) we were accompanied by a couple of huge (1m long) red and green macaws that flew alongside us for a while as we cantered around one of the many lakes. The sort of memory that will stay with us forever.

We visited this lodge during trip to Brasil in 2007 and still it is one of most memorable spots in world I've ever been and cerainly will go back there some day. Location of place is unbeatable if you are seeking for pure nature, far away from civilisation and still having good comfort level. Owners and guides/workers are wonderful and knowledgable, wildlife like macaws, otters, caymans, lots of birds, etc, are guaranteed to see. And all time you've feeling that you are in natural ranch, not something specially built for tourists. Food is home made and very tasty (even if made from ingrediants that I usually dont like) and atmosphere is awesome...we were lucky to be there at Easter and experience celebrations...it is almost not explainable and you just have to be there! Highly recommended to go there, you will not regret!