A longer paddling expedition with three camp nights and two different rainforest areas
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 Meeting of the Waters and Careiro to Amazon Turtle Lodge. After lunch, check equipment and review safety and paddling technique.
Paddle along the Mamori River towards the expedition’s first camp and set up hammocks beneath rain protection.
Dinner and overnight in the rainforest.
Day 2
Begin around 05:00 with paddling and birdwatching at first light.
After breakfast, walk in the rainforest while the guide discusses navigation, water, plants, cordage and other practical techniques. Everything is taught with normal provisions as the safety foundation.
After lunch, swimming may be possible where the guide considers conditions safe, followed by fishing and a night excursion focused on caimans and forest sounds.
Day 3
After another dawn outing, leave the first camp and paddle towards a new site. The journey brings different lakes, forest margins and small channels.
Once camp is established, walk in another type of forest. Using more than one area broadens the experience of vegetation, birds and insects.
Fishing may be included in the afternoon.
Day 4
After breakfast, paddle through igapó and smaller channels towards Amazon Turtle Lodge. The exact route depends on water level.
Arrive around lunchtime. After several active days, the afternoon is reserved for rest, a light ecological walk or a short optional activity near the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Amazon Turtle Lodge.
Day 5
Use the morning for birdwatching, safe swimming where conditions permit or a short guided outing.
After lunch, return to Manaus with drop-off at the hotel or airport.
Three nights are spent in hammocks with mosquito nets beneath simple rain shelters. Camps have no fixed facilities and are chosen according to safety, water level and route.
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 supplier’s general inclusion text and detailed itinerary are not fully consistent about the lodge/camp split. The overnight pattern shown here follows the itinerary and 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.