Açaí EN - Amazon Turtle Lodge

Açaí

3 days & 2 nights

Package highlights

Package description

Day 1 - Meeting the Mamori river and Tracajá lake

Leave the hotel at 08:00 a.m. by car to the river port Ceasa (20 minutes). Take a speedboat to the village “Careiro da Varzea” (30 minutes). At this point we will be passing the meeting of the waters, where the Negro and Solimões Rivers meet (Encontro das Aguas). This is where the Amazon River is formed, flowing from this area all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. It is truly a magnificent sight to see. The two rivers run side by side without mixing for many kilometers and you will most likely be visited by a few curious river dolphins as well.

After a stop at the fruit market, take a bus or van to the Araça River via the Manaus-Porto Velho highway (40 minutes BR319). By boat we will pass through many lakes and small wildlife abundant creeks, where you will have the opportunity to see the incredible giant Amazon water lilies (Vitoria Regia) with their enormous floating leaves.

You will also pass by native villages and the floating houses of Caboclo`s village. This length of the trip is ideal for observing wildlife due to the abundance of many varied species, such as birds, alligators, fish, sloth, and monkeys. During this trip to the lodge you have the opportunity to stumble on a creature at anytime. Arrival at Amazon Turtle Lodge after 50 minutes ride by boat, it is scheduled arrival around 12:00 pm.

Lunch will be served: fresh water fish, beef (meat), chicken, salads and exotic fruits from the Amazon (buffet style).

After lunch, there is a motorized canoe trip that will allow you to be introduced to the area.
Throughout the duration of this trip you will experience the pristine and varied landscapes of the region, with the opportunity to observe and enjoy the great diversity of animals found in the area.
It is common to see squirrel monkeys, sloth, iguanas, spiders and a wide variety of birds, including the beautiful white egrets that delicately wade amongst the floating grass islands.

Dinner will be served in the restaurant of the Amazon Turtle Lodge at 07:30 p.m., a delicious buffet including fresh water fish, beef (meat), chicken, salads and exotic fruits from the Amazon.

Day 2 - Ecotourism, ecological traisl & amazon contemplation

At 05:30 a.m. we leave at sunrise to go bird watching, a wonderful opportunity to experience the majestic Amazon and all its creatures awaking with the sun. We will return in time for breakfast.

At 08:30 a.m. put on your walking boots and get ready for an exciting trek in the jungle, to learn about jungle survival techniques and medicinal plants with our experienced jungle guides. It is a unique opportunity to learn hands-on about Amazon flora and biodiversity.

After lunch around 03:00 p.m. we will go piranha fishing. Just to let you know, on this adventure you have to catch piranha or else there will be no dinner (just joking!!!).

After dinner at 08:00 p.m. we will embark on a night trip to go alligator spotting. This expedition is very exciting and involves everyone keenly trying to spot the alligators along the banks and in the grasses. Once we locate one the guide will try to catch it with their bare hands. You will have the opportunity to take photos or even to hold it if you want.

Day 3 - Local communities & culture - Return to Manaus

At 8:00 a.m. we will visit a native’s house to learn more about their customs and culture. This is a very special opportunity to experience a completely different way of life.

We will also visit larger native communities where you will have the opportunity to see for yourself a slice of their daily lives. Perhaps you will have many questions to ask them, such as :

What do they normally do during the day and night?
What do they eat?
Where do their kids go to school?
Do they enjoy living in the jungle?

On the way back we will visit a cassava plantation so you can see from start to finish how the local native people make flower from the cassava (farinha de manioc), a staple part of the Brazilian diet, usually eaten with rice and beans or fish.

After lunch we return to Manaus arriving around (05:00 p.m.).

Drop off can be at your hotel or at the airport.

What is included

What is not included

What to bring in the backpack

We recommend a medium Backpack, which will be used during your jungle adventure, with the following items:

Travel insurance

Due to the extreme nature and risks associated with these trips, we strongly recommend that you take individual travel insurance that reflects your personal and family histories
We inspect the vessels we work with regularly, and carry safety, first aid, and emergency equipment on board
We are also connected with logistics for patient removal by helicopter services available in the region if needed
For your trip, we will also be carrying a low refrigeration antidote for snakebites. It is very unlikely that we will need it, but we take every precaution available to us
Manaus has two very good hospitals, one specializing in tropical medicine
We assume no responsibilities for lost or damaged items and personal equipment and gear during the trip, unless it happens by negligence from our part

Passport, vaccinations and health report

We will need copies of the picture page of your passport and vaccination cards. Recommended that you take the yellow fever shot and bring medications for any existing previous conditions you may have. I am personally against taking the malaria pill, and there is no proof of its effectiveness.

The side effects can also be greater than the symptoms sometimes, and there are very few cases detected in a single year, but it this is ultimately your choice. Please let us know of any existing conditions you may have that we should be aware of, such as allergies, diabetes, heart and blood pressure problems. We will keep this information confidential.