BRASILIAN RAINFOREST Anavilhanas Lodge Sample 4-day/3-night program

ABOUT THE ANAVILHANAS LODGE - in their own words:

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a small charm hotel that brings together nature and comfort in a subtle and harmonious fashion. In our Lodge, you will not find grandiose buildings, vast fields, fiberglass replicas of animals or plastic flowers on the tables. Our allure starts here, for we are in the Amazon and we celebrate the natural beauty of this region, tastefully matching nature and local culture.

Our team is ready to receive guests with the utmost care, safety and attention. Besides the welcome cocktail, when you arrive you will be greeted with a seedling of a native tree, which can be planted around the hotel area. We offer drinks and refreshments made out of regional fruit, and there is always a good wine at your disposal. Whenever that out-of-time hunger strikes, you can find excellent sandwiches at our bar. All of this in the heart of the world’s largest forest, right across from the world’s largest river archipelago, and surrounded by unforgettable activities in and around the Amazon Forest rivers.

ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES:
There are 16 suites in our Lodge, all of them equipped with split air conditioning, box beds, hot and cold water, fridge and an inviting porch. The architecture is in line with the regional tradition: lots of  hay and suspended wooden structures, holding cozy rooms where our guests will find peace and quiet for an invigorating night’s sleep. Throughout the hotel, the homespun atmosphere comes from modern forms and contours which enhance the grace of natural materials and their functions in the structure. It is wonderful to notice how nature is generous when treated with care and skill.

Our restaurant is hidden amidst the trees, but through them it is possible to behold the dark water river, so dark that it has been called Rio Negro (Black River). In the menu, you will find a blend of classic traditional dishes with international cuisine, prepared and served with diligence for an impeccable presentation.

The deck and pool overlook the river and are nested among the trees that provide shade, peacefulness and a perfect spot for contemplation. In the Reception and Bar you will find a rich library, comfortable chairs and gaming tables which invite the guests to relax and take their time in good company. There is also a small floating deck which allows our guests to take a river dive, or to simply contemplate the quietness of the dark waters.

GETTING TO ANAVILHANAS LODGE:
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is located 110 km northwest of Manaus, in the county of Novo Airão, on the right margin of Rio Negro (Black River). We are right across from the world’s largest river archipelago, bathed by the Rio Negro waters and cut by Pato and Monteiro riverbanks. In the region considered as the fountainhead of  the Amazon basin, Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is the perfect place to rest and relax.

The hotel can be reached by land or by water, and all transport is based on the city of Novo Airão. From Manaus, after crossing the majestic Rio Negro in one of the regular ferry boats, you will take a comfortable van across a road that stretches 180km into the woods and leads to the small town of Novo Airão. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the town sailing down the Rio Negro, and the access is not affected by the yearly droughts in the region. Transport takes an average of 3:15hs and is coordinated by the hotel.

TRANSPORT - AT A GLANCE: Transportation from Manaus to the Lodge can be done in the following ways:

A: Regular transfer (included in the package):
1st Stretch (2:45hs – asphalt road): Airport/Hotel to Novo Airão port – Van
2nd Stretch (15 min): Novo Airão port to the Hotel – boat

B: Hydroplane (not included in the package):
Single stretch (35 min): The reservation has to be made in advance for price confirmation.
Caravan Amphibian: holds 8 passengers and the pilot
Lake Amphibian: holds 4 passengers and the pilot

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY:
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is environmentally friendly and complies with all wildlife conservation laws. From its construction to its daily operation, everything follows the principles of sustainability:

• The Permanent Preservation Area was respected, preserving 30m of riverbank vegetation, thus preventing erosion or blockage of nearby rivers
• The construction plans followed the guidelines of an Environmental Control Plan, designed by a team of forest engineers and biologists aiming to minimize the environmental impact and better understand the surrounding region
• All wood used in the construction came from wood extraction reserves, with trees specially grown for this purpose.
• All waste is sent for recycling
• The sewer is treated in biologically treated in septic tanks and never reaches the existing waterways.

The cottages, restaurant and reception were geographically distributed so as to minimize the impact on the region, keeping the landscape in line with the forest. We believe that ecotourism is one of the main allies to the preservation of plant and wildlife in the Amazon. The conscious tourism generates income, gives economic purpose to the preservation of native wildlife, helps the control of public offices and encourages environmental education among the native population and visitors.

ABOUT ANAVILHANAS ARCHIPELAGO:
Greatest river archipelago in the world, the Estação Ecológica de Anavilhanas contains about 400 islands which extend for over 90 km of untouched native forest. It is a veritable maze of lakes, rivers and riverbanks which are the home to a very rich plant and animal life. Located on Rio Negro, the archipelago is a paradise for biologists, ecologists and tourists.
The archipelago is directly affected by the water cycle and its landscape changes in accordance to the river level. During the drought season, normally from September to December, the visitor can find beaches of thin sand on the margins of the islands, as well as some sand banks in the middle of the rivers. During flood season, vast forest areas are flooded, providing a unique possibility to explore the forest in canoes. At the high point of the flood season, entire islands are submerged, granting access to otherwise isolated lakes.

TOURS & ACTIVITIES:
Our tours through riverbanks, river margins, islands and woods are an adventure in their own right. How to describe the sensation of taking a journey in wooden canoes and regional watercraft through oceans of fresh water that flow through the maze of islands in the world’s largest river archipelago? The natural beauty of Anavilhanas, of its macaws, parrots and Amazonian dolphins will surprise the visitor at all times. During drought season, we offer tours to white sand beaches, lost amidst the waters of the woods. During the flood season, it is thrilling to sail in small canoes through the submersed forest and find some of the lakes that are formed within the islands.

1) Tour through Anavilhanas (approximately 3hs)
The numerous canals (paranás), lakes and islands of the largest river archipelago in the world are explored in regional watercraft. Visitors disembark in one of the islands to examine its unique ecosystem, observing regional plant and wildlife.

2) Hike through the woods (approximately 2hs)
Led by experienced local guides, the tourist will explore the mainland forest, where it is possible to observe some of the greatest Amazonian mysteries. The visitor will also receive instructions on trees, wild fruit, herbs and jungle survival. The trail can be done entirely on foot, but you can also return to the Lodge in a delightful canoe ride.

3) Theory and practice of bow and arrow (approximately 2hs)
Indian descendants reveal to the visitors all skill and materials used to make bow and arrow, and explain about their manufacture and sue, teach handling techniques and invite the tourist to a fun practice.

4) Alligator sightseeing (approximately 2hs)
The unique sensation of living and feeling the forest at night is experienced in canoes during the exploration of riverbanks in search of alligators.

5) Piranha fishing (approximately 2hs)
A fun fishing expedition in wooden canoes through regional riverbanks, where the tourist will be able to catch some piranhas as well as other fish while admiring the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.

6.) Visit to the local community (approximately 3 to 4hs)
Visit to an isolated community in the Rio Negro (Black River) to get in touch with its lifestyle, social structure and customs, such as flour production. Residents are always receptive. During the trip, we will cross Anavilhanas and Rio Negro, in a trip that is a spectacle in its own right.

7) Handcraft studios in Novo Airão (approximately 3hs)
The tourists will visit two regional craft centers, where they can get in touch with the work of local craftsmen in their workplace, and later visit a shipyard of regional wooden watercraft.

8) Canoeing in rivers and riverbanks of Monteiro and Pato (approximately 2 hs)
The tourist will explore the most beautiful riverbanks around the lodge in wooden canoes that hold up to three people, enjoying the sounds and landscape that arise after every curve and in every waterway in the woods.

9) Visit to river beaches (Available from September to March, approximately 3hs)
The tourist will have the unique opportunity to bathe in a white sand beach in Rio Negro and enjoy the sights and beauty of the place.

10) Sunrise and sunset contemplation (approximately 2hs)
Leaving before dusk or right before dawn, the tourist will be led to a lake in Anavilhanas where it will be possible to observe birds and other animals in transit and contemplate the colors and nuances of Amazonian skies.