The most complete stay with the Rio Negro, Madadá and the lodge’s remote base
Six days is the most complete programme and suits travellers who want less transfer time relative to their stay and a chance to venture farther from the lodge.
Alongside the archipelago, forest walk, paddling, riverside community and full day on the Rio Negro, the programme includes a longer excursion towards the Madadá formations and the lodge’s remote base about 50 kilometres away.
The hike adds a more active element and passes through rainforest to distinctive rock and cave formations. Lunch is served at the lodge’s remote base before returning.
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
Spend the day aboard a traditional regional boat. The journey travels farther out on the Rio Negro and gives a sense of the river’s scale and the region’s long reliance on boats and waterways.
When weather and water conditions permit, there is a swimming stop. Hammocks are available for relaxing on board, and grilled fish is served for lunch.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon or early evening.
Day 5
Today’s excursion travels about 50 kilometres from the main lodge to a more remote forest area. From there, make a longer hike through the rainforest towards Madadá’s distinctive rock and cave formations.
The guide explains the area’s geology and forest environments. The ground can be uneven and the pace is adapted to the group and conditions.
After the hike, lunch is served at the lodge’s remote base before returning to Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge.
Day 6
After breakfast, leave the lodge on the selected scheduled transfer. With a later departure, there is time for lunch and relaxation before returning to Manaus.
Drop-off is at the agreed point in Manaus, coordinated with your onward travel.
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.
Moderate
Most lodge activities are easy to moderate, but the Madadá day includes a longer forest walk on natural, uneven ground in heat and humidity.
Normal fitness and comfort walking outdoors are recommended. Tell SambaTravel about mobility limitations or relevant health conditions before booking.
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.
The Madadá excursion has a more active character than the lodge’s standard excursions and depends on local trail and weather conditions.
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.
Six days add Madadá and the remote base while keeping time for the Rio Negro and the lodge’s core excursions.