Amazon Kayaking Tours 4-10 days
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Many people have dreamed about an Amazon kayak trip- gliding silently through the wilderness, listening to the sounds of primeval nature. These trips can fulfill those dreams of Amazon kayaking! We also offer a 3 day hike/bike/kayak trip
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Manaus is surrounded by the Amazon river and the Rio Negro river but for several reasons we do not normally offer overnight kayaking tours there - these rivers are kilometers/miles wide and during the rainy and windy storms waves get really dangerous. Also it would not be fair to tourists by going less than in a radius of 100 km (60 miles) from Manaus while promising wilderness camping in a non-touristy area. The 2 rivers where we are offering for overnight kayak trips are the Urubu at 100 km (60 miles), and the Jatapu at 360km (225 miles) by asphalt & dirt roads from Manaus.
You will find below a day-by-day approximate itinerary of each trip where all listed activities are placed in a certain order. This order can change according to weather conditions, client's physical conditions and preferences. In general the level of rivers (Jatapu and Urubu) between the months February and September are better for navigation. April - May the river level will be high, so there will be no rapids, the fishing and the caiman spotting will be very difficult. From about July- mid-December, the water levels are down, so there are more places to hike and camp and the fishing is better as you kayak the amazon.
Covid Tests for Return to the U.S.: If you reserve with us, our local agent has contacts with labs in Manaus to help you get tested before returning to the U.S.
- The Amazon kayak tours are operated with Ocean kayaks made to meet the needs of a self sufficient journey where gear like folding chairs, fishing gear, first aid kit, camping equipment, and food can be stored inside them and/or tied up on top.
- a small dry bag is provided to the clients for their objects like electronics and others.
- An open fiberglass Canadian Canoe is going along with one of the staff so a big icebox can fit and last for 7 days.
You will find below a day-by-day approximate itinerary of each trip where all listed activities are placed in a certain order. This order can change according to weather conditions, client's physical conditions and preferences. In general the level of rivers (Jatapu and Urubu) between the months February and September are better for navigation. April - May the river level will be high, so there will be no rapids, the fishing and the caiman spotting will be very difficult. From about July- mid-December, the water levels are down, so there are more places to hike and camp and the fishing is better as you kayak the amazon.
Covid Tests for Return to the U.S.: If you reserve with us, our local agent has contacts with labs in Manaus to help you get tested before returning to the U.S.
Urubu River - 4-6 daysThe Urubu River is a tributary of the great Amazon River located East of Manaus. It is almost 500 km /310 miles long and is the narrowest river we travel- making it the perfect width for spotting animals on both sides. Few people live on this exciting river and you’ll enjoy many peaceful days without seeing another person or hearing a single motorboat. As the current carries you downstream, some days you’ll encounter mild rapids. Kayaking is the perfect way to experience this beautiful, mystic river before mass tourism discovers it!
Day 1 - 08:00 am. Pick up in the lobby of any hotel you choose in Manaus. A van with our staff, all gear, food and kayaks will transfer clients from hotel to the Urubu river's shore by road for 1½ hour drive. On arrival the guide will brief on first practical steps like adjusting pedals, where to store gear and swim to loose fear of this 24ºC (75ºF) black water.
11:00 am. Let's go! Time for kayaking for some hours and pass through a high luxuriant rainforest where yellow & blue macaws belong. This will be your first taste of the Amazon jungle, the river and it’s beautiful surroundings. In your first stop, you’ll be able to stretch your legs with your first hike through the rainforest to see an interesting bat cave often used in their reproduction period. You have to squeeze yourself through a low/narrow rock passage, then, soon enough, you’ll make your entrance in the spectacular main chamber where runs a little waterfall through a hole in the center roof. Sometimes, a little caiman/alligator is resting in the shallow rocky bottom pool. Swimming is not recommended here. (there is not enough time to do this on the 4 day tour) Before leaving for another little stretch of kayaking, we will have a nice fresh fruit snack and be on our way to the first campsite. This camp is located in front of a 25 meters (80 feet) high cliff where tiny orchid plants grip the vertical rocky wall. Camp will slowly be set up as you enjoy the famous Brazilian drink, the Caipirinha (sugar cane liquor with lime, sugar and ice). Your hammock will be covered by a mosquito net and a large tarp on top in case of rain. Your guide will make a little demonstration of techniques to make better usage of your hammock, then, it’ll be your turn. A nice dinner will eventually be served. Day 2 … onward: In talking with your English-speaking guide, you can adapt the timetable of the next days, working around the activities described below. Some can be repeated while others skipped. Factors to be considered are the number of days you have, the water level, the security, your pace and remembering that it is YOUR expedition. You normally arrive back in Manaus at around 6pm. ACTIVITIES ON THE URUBU RIVER KAYAK EXPEDITIONS 1. SCENIC KAYAKING The Amazon jungle and the Urubu River will open its beautiful surroundings to you while kayaking for your first 2 hours through Its luxuriant rainforest. Through the whole expedition, you will spend time kayaking through a variety of waters. Some will be shallow, relaxing areas with flat rocks and others will be mixed with the excitement of the tip or do not tip in the rapid spots. Early morning kayaking (6:00 am) may be a good choice since leaving from this specific area, will give you the best chance to see rare animals like tapirs, electric eels and the magnificent harpy eagle. Then, night kayaking is always exciting, as you head for your Nocturnal Animal Observation*, including the alligator spotting. In the lower part of the Urubu river, adventurers will go through a different rainforest ecosystem. In this area, the river will be larger with a few small lakes entrances on the sides. There won’t be any more rapids, but very quiet streams where we may see monkeys, coatis (raccoon family) and white herons. 2. HIKES THROUGH VIRGIN, UNINHABITATED JUNGLES Some areas of the Urubu River are in the higher land ecosystem with hundreds of plant species and trees up to 60 meters high (200 feet). In this ecosystem, the intertwined canopy in some areas can totally block the passage of light making the area extremely humid, obscure and with little ventilation, yet, amazingly beautiful. This activity will have you trekking in the higher land rainforest. As needed, we will clear trails and stop frequently when we find interesting medicinal plants, resins to make torches, water vines and much other fascinating information from our guide’s vast knowledge. He will also show you how to live from the rainforest with some basic survival techniques. 3. PIRANHA AND PEACOCK BASS FISHING Around 15:30 (3:30 pm), it will be time for the piranha or peacock bass fishing excursion that will continue until dusk. Sometimes, fresh water pink and/or gray dolphins come close during this fishing activity (when the river is high since there is a waterfall along the way of the main open wide river where the dolphins live) attracted by the same noise (splashes on the water) made to attract the piranhas. This is a perfect time to see couples of green parrots flying back home to sleep. Back at the camp, the guides will prepare two options for dinner: a classical meal or, if the fishing was successful, a piranha fish soup – a famous aphrodisiac. 4. NOCTURNAL ANIMAL OBSERVATION This activity will be done after sunset using spotlights to locate the animals by the reflection of their eyes. The guide will try to catch a caiman/alligator without hurting himself or the animal using his experience and techniques. For the brave ones, it is possible to hold the caiman, assuming it is not over a meter (3 foot) long. After some explanations and a few pictures, the guide will slowly set the caiman free. Other nocturnal animals, like spiders, snakes, owls or giant frogs could also be seen. IMPORTANT NOTE (activities 3 & 4): Fishing and caiman-spotting are dependent on the season. Specifically, the low-water season (September - February) provides better chances to encounter these animals, while at high water the rivers (and the aquatic fauna) spread into the flooded forest, making them harder to find. 5. OVERNIGHT CAMP DEEP IN THE JUNGLE Late in the afternoon, the rainforest tracker will guide trekkers as far as they wish for the overnight camping in the deeper rainforest. Basic camping gear, smaller hammocks and prepared food will be put in everyone’s daypacks and carried into the mysterious rainforest. This is a once in a lifetime experience, to be in the middle of the deep Amazonian rainforest, in total darkness, listening to and trying to view nocturnal animals. Most animals are not seen during the day, as 80% are nocturnal. Sometimes, animals may come very close to the camping place since we do not make any fire as to better welcome our night visitors. This is a safe and mysteriously thrilling experience. 6. SUNRISE AND SUNSET OBSERVATION Sunrise and sunset in the Amazon are around 6:00am and 6:00pm. A spectacular mix of yellow, orange and reddish colors in the sky blending in the waters and the different shade of greens from the forest, it’s enchanting. When still, the reflection effect is so perfect that you have to look twice to see where the water, forest or skyline is. It’s one of the most beautiful and photographic landscape the Amazon has to offer. The sound of the birds waking up or going to sleep also complements this unique atmosphere. 7. MEET LOCAL DWELLERS FAMILIES AND/OR SMALL VILLAGES Locals are very friendly and receptive; you can experience firsthand, part of their reality and the way of life of the people of the Amazon. You can learn about the traditional manioc plant processing, a staple crop, and discover how they extract the poisonous liquid from the roots. If you are lucky, you may see local people carving a canoe or a home made 15 meters (50 feet) motorized wood fishing boat. In exchange for the visit, sometimes clients like to give gifts of school supplies like colorful crayons, perfumes, soccer ball. 8. OVERNIGHT IN A FAMILY’S HOME (BY REQUEST) If you’d like to extend this cultural encounter, an overnight can be arranged, normally done in the last night of the trip when everyone is a bit tired and want to take it easy. 9. WHITE WATER RAPIDS (in season) In this seasonal activity, the guides will drive you in a challenge adventure of passing through the rapids formed by the shallow waters in contact with some plates of rocks in the bottom of the river. It is a fun and refreshing experience to feel the splash of the water against the kayak. 10. EXPLORE A BAT CAVE (except on the 4 days tour): For this activity, we will hike through the rainforest for some 30 minutes until we reach an interesting bat cave used in the breeding season. After squeezing yourself through a low/narrow rock passage, you'll emerge in a spectacular main chamber where a little waterfall runs through a hole in the center of the roof. Sometimes small caiman/alligators rest in the bottom of the shallow rocky pool. Swimming is not recommended here. 11. HIKE TO A REMOTE AND RARELY SEEN WATERFALL A less than 30 minute hike will bring you to a very remote, non-touristy waterfall. It's possible to swim, climb a small cliff on the side of the falls and go behind the waters in a tiny cavity that olds up to 3 people, it’s awesome! Then, climb a few more meters, holding to roots & rocks and arrive on the second level area. Here you can go behind some more falls and then enjoy the top view of this heaven-like setting. 12. CANOPY TREE-CLIMBING: (at extra cost) This activity usually takes half a day from start to finish and can be incorporated in the first day of your trip so, it’s not necessary to add another day into your trip. An excellent choice to put your overall experience literally to the top. This is not the common tree-climbing. In this sport adventure place you add not just the tree climbing but Zip-line, Canoe, Slip’N Slide, Amazonian knowledge Track and more. This is an authentic experience in the rainforest very close where we start the Kayaking trip. For security reason we hire professionals for this service, you'll be in secure hands and we guarantee, the sensation going up to the canopy is breathtaking. LAST DAY: On the final day, you will kayak for three hours or so to get to the final destination, a dirt road owned by the Government Agriculture Research Center. We’ll be met by our van and all the gear will be packed up while you have lunch. Afterwards, it will be a 2-3 hour ride through the government’s experimental Dendê biodiesel plantations to get to the asphalt road. Finally, there will be an opportunity to stop for cold beers / soft drinks to celebrate the up to 175 km (109 miles) kayaking journey before arriving in Manaus one hour later. DIFFERENCES IN THE NUMBER OF DAYS - 4,5 or 6 ?
On a 4 day trip, you paddle 90km (55miles). In 5 days the you can choose to cover 175km (109miles) by kayaking or 90km (55miles) - the difference of the trips is the point where the vans come to pick up you up.. In 6 days, you may repeat some activities, relax and perhaps leave the door open for more surprises. If you try to do the whole 175km, but can't make it, the motorboat can pull you part of the way. 2024 Price per person in BR$ (minimum of 2 people, maximum of 8): (final price to be determined in US$ on day of payment) 6 days/ 5nights = BR$3636 per person 5 days/4 nights = BR$3486 per person 4 days/3 nights = BR$3311 per person There is a 30% supplement if there is only 1 person on the trip. 
Wilderness Camping
Camps are set up by the staff at a different place about everyday as they go further into deep rainforest by the water streams. Clients do not need set up camps, make food or carry stuff, as we want them to enjoy their stay, so while our staff is preparing it their guide can go do activities with clients. Toilet facilities are in the rainforest and until now there's been no problems with this. Bathing/Showering is in the rivers/creeks as camps are set up by the water during all the journey with the exception of 1 overnight in deep rainforest we offer during the trip -some clients are willing to go for this and others not - where there is usually no water stream. Camps are with hammocks as tents are too risky for termite attacks and snakes attracted by the heat. Sleeping in a hammock is very comfortable if the person knows how to lean so the back is straight. The first night clients should learn it from our staff. Hammocks are covered by mosquito net and tarps for rain protection. Participants need a basic level of physical ability -- for example, they should be able to hike and paddle a small boat -- but no special skills. Road & dirt road transfers are by 4X4 Pickup, Kombi and Vans and are private for our clients. "The trip was great. Our guide, Erikes, was excellent, as were the back-up guys, Alex & Sid. The hammocks were terrific and we were very comfortable in them – so much better than ones we have tried before." Jonathan "Erikes was fantastic. His fellows Alex and Sid were great also. The food was really good. Hammocks were surprisingly excellent. It was a grueling,tough,magnificent trip, like we had asked for. Erikes went out of his way to make sure that we had a great experience." Graeme "The trip was fantastic thanks - a good group of people, Erikes the guide was lovely, and the supporting logistics and team was likewise very good. The Amazon itself was just superb - great kayaking and jungle trekking. Airport transfers etc all worked well. And Go Inn Manaus was also a good recommendation - a good and modest yet very clean hotel in a central location. In terms of the trip, each day was very flexible according to who we met, weather, wildlife, etc, and our plans routinely changed a lot in order to capitalise on this. Which was great, as we saw and did all sorts of unexpected and interesting things. Worth making that point to future travellers - if people expect a rigid programme and schedule for each day, then they will probably grow uncomfortable. Versus having an open mind which is ready to flex/adapt as they go along - in which case all sorts of great things happen!" Fiona "Thank you Jorge for organising such an amazing trip. We LOVED it! So so GREAT! Thank you for all your patience and help! We will be recommending to friends.Be well. " Hannah "It was a wonderful trip and we enjoyed every minute of it. The rainforest and birdlife were fantastic, as was the kayaking. A little rain on a couple of days, but all part of the Amazon experience, as were the hammocks, which (to me) were surprisingly comfortable. The team were great as well: Andreas the guide, Alex the masterful chef (and seemed to be the one taking charge) and Sid. An experience of a lifetime." Richard July 2017 "It was wonderful! We had an amazing time, even if it was hard work! Seeing the dolphins on the Saturday was the perfect way to end our time in the Amazon. Thanks for all your help." Bethan "It was absolutely incredible. An unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. I am definitely going back for another trip in the next few years. I've just just written a massive and very complimentary review on trip advisor. It's pending at the moment but would be visible soon. Thank you so much for all of your help with booking the trip." Maria "I spent 2 weeks in July and could not have hoped for a better host. Erikes and his colleagues could not have made me anymore welcome and provided an adventure to suit my aspirations and capabilities. I saw wild life, caught Parana and tracked a Jaguar and her cub. Slept under the stars and met some of the most interesting people I have ever met." Wilson |
Jauaperi River |
