Anavilhanas, the Madadá caves and a first immersion in one of the Amazon’s great protected blackwater forests
The five-day programme is Katerre’s shortest journey that goes fully into Jaú National Park and gives a clear sense of leaving the more visited parts of the Rio Negro behind.
After Anavilhanas, continue via the Madadá caves and historic Airão Velho into Jaú, a vast protected system of blackwater rivers, igapó and terra firme forest.
Excursions change with the water level: high water opens routes deep into flooded forest, while lower water exposes beaches, rapids and waterfalls, especially along Rio Carabinani.
Day 1
Scheduled transport takes you from Manaus to Novo Airão, where you board and have lunch. Begin exploring Anavilhanas among islands and lakes, with a chance to swim in the Rio Negro.
Continue towards Madadá. On selected departures an optional hammock night at a viewpoint may be offered; otherwise sleep in your cabin.
Day 2
After a regional breakfast, take an approximately three-hour return walk through primary forest to the cave formations.
After swimming and lunch, continue towards Praia do Sono and visit Mirituba for insight into local traditions and everyday life.
Day 3
Visit the ruins of Airão Velho before registering at the ICMBio base to enter Jaú National Park. A short walk leads to a giant samaúma.
Continue along Rio Jaú and Rio Carabinani, following the season: flooded forest at high water and rapids or waterfalls as levels fall.
Day 4
Visit the community of Cachoeira do Rio Jaú and its school, part of local education work supported by Fundação Almerinda Malaquias.
Travel by regional canoe towards Ilha dos Macacos in search of wildlife before beginning the journey out of the national park.
Day 5
In Novo Airão, the programme may include the pink river-dolphin site, followed by local crafts and projects associated with FAM and AANA.
After lunch, scheduled transport returns to Manaus or the airport according to the departure timetable.
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.
Moderate
The Madadá walk takes about three hours return in hot and humid conditions. Other excursions use shorter walks, small boats and canoes.
Normal fitness and secure footing on uneven ground are required. The optional hammock night can be declined in favour of the cabin.
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.
The optional hammock night at Madadá is offered on selected departures and is not compulsory.
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.