The most balanced programme with a full day on the Rio Negro
Five days is our first recommendation for most travellers: enough time to experience the forest at different rhythms while still enjoying the lodge’s comfort.
The programme includes all the main activities of the four-day stay and adds a full day on the Rio Negro aboard a traditional regional boat. There is time for swimming, resting in a hammock and lunch on board.
The combination of shorter nature excursions and a complete day on the river gives a broader picture of Anavilhanas than excursions close to the lodge alone.
Day 1
Travel with the lodge’s scheduled road transfer from Manaus to the Rio Negro and Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge. The journey normally takes about three hours on paved roads.
After arrival, check in and receive an introduction to the stay. Depending on transfer time and the lodge’s planning, the first activity takes place in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge.
Day 2
The day may begin with sunrise on the Rio Negro before breakfast. On a guided walk in terra firme forest, a local guide explains trees, fruits, birds, insects and ecological relationships.
Later, paddle through narrow igarapés and, when water levels allow, among tree trunks in seasonally flooded igapó forest.
After dark, take a boat trip in search of nocturnal birds, caimans, sloths and other wildlife active after sunset.
Day 3
Explore part of Anavilhanas’ vast system of islands, lakes and channels by motorboat. River dolphins may be seen along the route, although all wildlife encounters depend on natural conditions.
Visit a riverside community where residents themselves describe fishing, cultivation, handicrafts and how everyday life follows the river’s seasonal rhythms.
The programme also includes an introduction to bow-and-arrow technique and recreational fishing when the season is suitable. In drier periods, fishing may be replaced by a walk in the igapó forest.
Day 4
Today, leave the shorter excursions behind and spend a full day on the Rio Negro aboard a type of boat long used in the region.
The journey gives time to experience the river landscape at a slower pace. When conditions are suitable, there is a swimming stop, and hammocks are available for resting on board.
Lunch with grilled fish is served during the excursion before the boat returns to the lodge later in the afternoon.
Day 5
After breakfast, leave the lodge on your selected scheduled transfer. With the later departure, there is time to relax and have lunch before travelling back to Manaus.
Drop-off is at the agreed transfer point. SambaTravel coordinates onward travel with the chosen departure.
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a small, comfortable rainforest lodge overlooking the Rio Negro and islands of the archipelago. Between excursions there are pools, a floating bar, lounge, viewpoint, restaurant, gym and massage facilities.
The regular room categories are Cottage, Bungalow and Panoramic. Villa Bacurau can be offered separately for families or two couples wanting more space and privacy. The exact category is confirmed in the SambaTravel proposal.
Easy to moderate
The programme is generally relaxed but includes a forest walk, paddling and a full day by boat. Ground can be uneven and slippery after rain.
Average basic fitness is normally sufficient. Anyone who prefers not to paddle or take part in a specific activity should advise this before travel so the lodge can assess possible alternatives.
The lodge guarantees the activity content for each length of stay but sets the order locally in response to the weather, water levels, group size and other conditions. The day-by-day programme is therefore an illustration rather than a fixed timetable.
Regular excursions and road transfers are shared with other guests. Private excursions and private transfers can be arranged at a supplement, subject to availability.
Rio Negro water levels vary greatly through the year. At high water, canoes can enter flooded forest; at low water, beaches emerge and some activities are adapted.
Wildlife sightings take place in the wild and can never be guaranteed.
The programme can be booked on its own or combined with flights, a Manaus hotel and other parts of a tailor-made journey. Exact inclusions and price are stated in the SambaTravel proposal.
Five days / four nights is the length SambaTravel normally recommends for a well-balanced first stay at Anavilhanas.
The climate is warm year-round and weather can change quickly. Light, breathable clothing works at the lodge, while long trousers and closed shoes are needed for forest walks.
Bring swimwear for the Rio Negro and lodge pools as well as a light rain or wind layer. Cameras and binoculars should be kept in a waterproof bag during boat excursions.
We help you choose the right length of stay and combine the lodge with Manaus, flights and other parts of your journey.