A short river expedition from Manaus through the Meeting of the Waters to the vast Rio Negro archipelago
Katerre’s four-day journey is a rewarding option for travellers who want more than a day trip but do not have time for the longer expeditions into Jaú.
The route begins in the nutrient-rich Amazon system and at the Meeting of the Waters before continuing up the Rio Negro towards Anavilhanas. Landscapes shift between broad rivers, blackwater channels, islands and riverside settlements.
Nature is combined with human perspectives through community visits, manioc preparation, handicrafts and local environmental and educational initiatives in Novo Airão.
Day 1
Board after collection in Manaus and begin travelling through the great river systems. At Lago Janauari, explore by small boat through wetlands with birds, reptiles and, in season, giant water lilies.
Continue to the Meeting of the Waters before heading upstream on the Rio Negro towards Anavilhanas.
Day 2
Begin with a morning excursion. Later, encounters connected with pink river dolphins and pirarucu may be combined with a cultural presentation in a riverside community with roots in the upper Rio Negro.
After lunch, explore Rio Ariaú by smaller boat through blackwater forest, with possible fishing. After dinner, guides search for caimans and other nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3
At low water, the morning may include a white-sand beach, swimming and stand-up paddle. At high water, this is replaced by a route through flooded forest.
Visit a caboclo community to learn about manioc processing, fruit cultivation and local crafts. Canoeing or swimming in a forest lake may be included when conditions allow.
Day 4
After breakfast, visit Novo Airão with a focus on local crafts and initiatives such as Fundação Almerinda Malaquias and the AANA craft association.
After a farewell lunch, return to Manaus by the scheduled transport for the departure.
Katerre’s vessels are inspired by regional wooden boats used on Amazon rivers but offer air-conditioned en-suite cabins, full board and smaller support craft for excursions.
Jacaré-Tinga is the smallest, with three cabin suites and capacity for up to eight guests. Jacaré-Açu has eight cabin suites and carries up to sixteen. La Jangada is a larger steel catamaran with twelve suites and more common areas, normally for about 24–29 guests depending on the operation.
The vessel used is stated in the booking confirmation. Interiors, cabin size and common areas differ, but all are designed for locally rooted river expeditions.
Easy to moderate
The programme includes short walks, boarding small boats and optional swimming or paddling.
Surfaces may be uneven or slippery, but most activities can be adapted. Tell SambaTravel about mobility limitations before booking.
Katerre routes are strongly influenced by the Rio Negro seasonal cycle. Beaches, rapids, waterfalls, flooded forest and navigable channels vary between high and low water, and the programme is adapted accordingly.
The exact vessel depends on departure, group size and booked category. Jacaré-Tinga carries up to eight guests, Jacaré-Açu up to sixteen, and La Jangada is used for larger groups, charters and selected departures.
The captain and expedition team may change the route or activity order according to water level, weather, safety and local conditions.
Katerre works closely with riverside communities, craft groups and conservation projects. Visits take place on the community’s terms and may be replaced if circumstances change.
There is normally no mobile 4G coverage along the routes. The vessels have standard satellite Wi-Fi, but capacity is limited and should not be compared with a normal hotel connection.
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 SambaTravel’s proposal.
Some departures start directly in Manaus while others use transport to Novo Airão. Always follow the confirmation for the booked departure.
Light, informal clothes are suitable on board. Long trousers, socks and closed shoes with good grip are recommended for forest walks and shore visits.
Excursions often use small boats or canoes. Rain, spray and high humidity occur year-round, so cameras and electronics should be kept in waterproof bags.
We help you choose between the archipelago, Jaú and remote Jauaperi, and plan the rest of the journey around the selected departure.