The lodge sits on the Formoso River, roughly 16km down country roads from Bonito, Brazil's cave-diving, river-snorkelling capital, close enough to reach its excursions without sharing a table with the coach parties. Chalet suites face the water, and the river itself does most of the entertaining: fall-free stretches for kayaking and paddleboarding, a ninety-minute trail to the island where two rivers meet, and a swim in water clear enough to explain the fuss. It's a small, informal sort of place.
The main lodge sits above an infinity-edge pool and a run of decks onto the Formoso River, hammocks strung along every rail, with a garden filling the ground between lodge and water. It's a small-scale operation rather than a polished resort, with a restaurant and bar covering breakfast and dinner, and a lounge for evenings when the day's excursion has worn you out. Billiards, sand volleyball and bicycles fill the gaps, but the river, forested and startlingly clear, is really what you're here for.
Chalet-style suites are simple and comfortable rather than showy: air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a minibar, a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi, plus a hammock-strung shared balcony looking straight into the forest canopy and, below it, the river. Bathrooms are private and functional, decor plain rather than styled, furniture more practical than photogenic. This is a nature lodge first, and the rooms know it – no boutique-hotel flourishes here, just a comfortable, unfussy base to return to between long days spent on the water.
Pousada Boyrá is a private, natural playground, offering kayaking and stand-up paddling on the longest fall-free stretch of the Formoso River, zip-lining through forest canopy, and hiking on the island itself. Wildlife watching requires no special tours – araras, toucans, tapirs, and countless tropical birds treat the property as their personal stage - but guided wildlife tours can be arranged for more structured exploration. The proximity to Bonito's famous attractions also allows easy visits to the underground caves and waterfall hikes if the mood strikes.
Having your own private river access. Three exclusive decks lead directly to the Formoso River's clearest stretch, where you can kayak, SUP, or simply float in the transparent waters.
Book the Island Trail for your first afternoon (it's usually included), a 90-minute walk to where two rivers converge, ending at a natural pool most guests never think to ask about.
It's out on a limb - 16km from Bonito on rural roads, with half-board built in, so dinner happens at the lodge. The suites are comfortable and simple rather than plush.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Pousada Boyrá can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Brazil trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Brazil trips featuring Pousada Boyrá or get advice and suggestions from one of our Brazil specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Pousada Boyrá start from around $120, or US$120, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
With its turquoise rivers and voluminous caves, Bonito will quickly become a personal playground.
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