We set off from Manaus, capital of the state of Amazonas, and travel up the Rio Negro towards the area between the Cueiras and Apuaú rivers. It is on these tributaries that we will have a truly intimate, immersive jungle experience, something difficult to achieve on the vast Amazon that runs further downstream, always with more boat traffic and a larger population.
On our expedition, we will travel with guide Enric Marsà, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years and knows the terrain extremely well.
Expedition to the Brazilian Amazon. Travelling 200 miles up Brazil’s Río Negro
Below we give you some of the keys to this trip to Brazil Only one that starts in Manaus.
Our floating home during the expedition: Souza Queiroz VI
Air-conditioned cabins, excellent food, auxiliary canoes and an unbeatable local crew. The best way to travel along the Rio Negro.
Indigenous communities of Brazil
Travelling upriver, we stop at several indigenous communities. Travellers can see the difference in those where NGOs are present.
Peaceful caiman hunters
It is pitch dark, and the canoe sits barely four fingers above the water. The hunter points to two red dots shining on the shore. In an extraordinary feat of balance, he throws the lasso, and in an instant a caiman is tied beside the canoe. Pure adrenaline!
Meeting with Mario “Mucuim”
In ’90, Mario “Mucuim” managed a fazenda on the Rio Negro. It was later abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle. Years later, we will meet him again so he can accompany us to the waterfall where we enjoyed those wonderful swims.
Expedition to the Amazon. Very big, lots of water.
The Amazon is the great transport artery: immense and unstoppable. Away from the main channel, its tributaries and waterways reveal the jungle of our imagination.
Face to face with the nature of Brazil
We anchor in a quiet stretch of the Apuaú River, our ‘base camp’ for three days. At night, those who wish can leave the comfort of their cabin and camp in the jungle: sounds, smells, darkness... a true face-to-face encounter with nature.
The Water Cycle in the Amazon
Low water reveals broad white-sand beaches. As the river rises (cheia), incredible landscapes emerge, including igapós, or flooded forests.
Catch your dinner in the river!
With a rod, net or trident and a torch at night. Dinner tastes better when we have caught it ourselves, and piranhas make excellent soup.
A terrifying word: Piranhas
We ended up going for a swim. The guide explains that piranhas are scavengers and pose no danger. We trust his experience (and the heat overcomes our fear!).
The (mythological) pink dolphin lives here.
A family from Novo Airao began to feed the “botos” (pink dolphins) from their houseboat. Years later, these fantastic animals allow us to swim and play with them in the river.
Jaguars, monkeys and Amazonian wildlife
They are there, but not easy to spot. Dense vegetation and a lack of viewpoints make it difficult to see the animals we hear.
Ángel Cánovas, Amazon specialist
A biologist specialising in the Amazon ecosystem and also a reporter. He has travelled its course from Pico da Neblina to its mouth.
Photos of the expedition to the Amazon – Travel to Brazil
You have more information about the trip up the Amazon River in search of the jungle, of this unique experience in Brazil, on our website.
Informational talk about the trip to Brazil
On 8 June, we will hold a talk about the trip at our offices. We look forward to seeing you!
