A compact paddling adventure with two nights in hammocks and a final lodge night
This is a small-scale active programme for travellers who want to leave the lodge behind and move through the Amazon by kayak.
The route follows the Mamori River, lakes and narrow channels, with camps set in the forest according to water level, weather and safety. Participants help with hammocks and basic camp routines.
Guides introduce practical forest knowledge, but ordinary provisions and safety equipment remain the foundation of the expedition. Fishing and forest resources are part of the experience, not a requirement for obtaining food.
Day 1
Travel from Manaus via the CEASA port, the Meeting of the Waters and Careiro to Amazon Turtle Lodge. After lunch, review the kayaks, paddling technique, life jackets and expedition safety routines.
Begin paddling along the Mamori River towards the first rainforest camp. On arrival, the group helps to set up hammocks and the simple overnight camp.
Dinner and overnight in a hammock.
Day 2
Make a short paddle at first light before breakfast.
During the morning rainforest walk, the guide explains navigation, water and uses of forest materials. These are guided learning activities with carried food and safety equipment as the basis.
After lunch and a rest, go fishing. In the evening, head out again to listen for nocturnal wildlife and look for caimans from a respectful distance.
Day 3
After an early paddle and breakfast, leave camp and follow small channels and, when water levels permit, seasonally flooded forest back towards the lodge.
A visit to a riverside family may be included by local agreement; alternatively, take another rainforest walk.
Dinner and a more comfortable final night at Amazon Turtle Lodge.
Day 4
After breakfast, there may be time for a short morning activity or rest depending on transfer departure time.
Return to Manaus with drop-off at the hotel or airport.
Camp nights are in hammocks with mosquito nets beneath simple rain protection. There are no hotel facilities and participants help with practical camp tasks.
The exact camp location is determined by the guide according to weather and water level.
The final night is at the lodge, providing a shower, rest and time to repack before the return journey. The exact room category is confirmed at booking.
Demanding
Good basic fitness and experience of several hours of physical activity are required. Paddling takes place in heat and high humidity, sometimes with rain, current or headwind.
Participants must be able to carry personal equipment short distances, get in and out of kayaks and sleep in hammocks without fixed sanitary facilities during camp nights.
The programme operates only when weather, water levels and safety conditions allow. Routes and camp locations can change at short notice.
The source programmes differ slightly in how lodge and camp nights are allocated. SambaTravel uses the coherent itinerary shown here, but the final split must be reconfirmed in writing before booking.
Participants need comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers kayaking, rainforest camping and activities in remote areas.
All encounters with wildlife take place on the guide’s terms and without participants handling wild animals.
Luggage should be light and able to cope with moisture. Use a medium-sized backpack and pack clothing and electronics in separate waterproof bags. Cotton dries slowly in rainforest conditions; quick-drying synthetic fabrics are usually more practical.
Participants carry some of their own personal equipment and need closed, well broken-in walking shoes. The final equipment list and exactly what the operator supplies must be confirmed before departure.
We help you assess fitness, equipment and which programme length suits you best.