Anavilhanas Itinerary

Experience a Sensory Awakening in the Amazon

A three-day journey of unforgettable experiences in Novo Airão, with forest hikes, immersion in the culture of traditional peoples, and sunrise over the Rio Negro on a hydrobike.

The Amazon Rainforest, recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is the largest and most diverse tropical ecosystem on the planet. The biome hosts unparalleled biological richness, ancestral cultures, and landscapes that feel straight out of a dream. In addition to its ecological value, the Amazon plays a vital role in global climate balance. It is a true natural treasure!

In this lush setting lies Novo Airão, a municipality in the state of Amazonas, about 180 kilometers from Manaus, which is gaining recognition for offering authentic and sustainable experiences. Publications such as The Guardian, Condé Nast Traveler, and National Geographic have already recommended Novo Airão as a destination for those seeking a genuine connection with the forest and its communities.

The town is the gateway to the Anavilhanas Archipelago, a natural spectacle that seems to have been painted by the Amazon itself. Comprising more than 400 river islands stretching along the Rio Negro, this ecological sanctuary is one of the largest river archipelagos in the world and enchants with its almost surreal beauty. During the flood season, the waters form a labyrinth of flooded forests (igapós) and channels where the forest comes alive—vibrant and mysterious. In the dry season, breathtaking beaches emerge along the riverbanks.

Anavilhanas is not just a destination—it’s a sensory experience where every bend in the river holds new wonders, and every silence in the forest reveals nature in its purest form. And it’s in this paradise that you’ll spend 3 unforgettable days on an immersion that will stay with you forever!

DEEP CONNECTION WITH THE AMAZON

Lasting three days and two nights, the Anavilhanas experience offers a rich journey of contact with nature and local culture. The adventure begins early, departing Manaus between 6:45 and 7:00 a.m. in an air-conditioned vehicle. On the way to Novo Airão, there’s a stop at the historic village of Paricatuba on the banks of the Rio Negro. There, you’ll see the ruins of an imposing early-20th-century mansion—surrounded by centuries-old trees with walls covered in vines creating striking patterns—beautiful beaches, and privileged views of the river.

Arriving in Novo Airão around noon, a regional lunch with grilled tambaqui and tucupi awaits you. It’s time to prepare your palate for the Amazonian immersion. In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable navigation through the Anavilhanas Archipelago, where the igapós reveal their lush wildlife, including squirrel monkeys, giant river otters, and rare birds-of-paradise.

Next, enjoy a light hike (2.5 km) to the Sandwich Rock and the Madadá Caves. There, you’ll encounter sandstone formations over 200 million years old, sculpted by time into gravity-defying shapes. The day ends with a refreshing swim in the Rio Negro as the sun sets, painting the sky with shades of crimson. Time to rest for the next day!

The second day begins with a canoe ride through the igapós at dawn, when the forest awakens in a symphony of sounds. The moderate-level trail (3.5 km) to the majestic Sacred Sumaúma—a 400-year-old tree that the Indigenous people call the “stairway to the sky”—becomes a living jungle survival class led by native guides who share ancestral techniques, such as identifying edible plants, reading animal tracks, and navigating by natural signs.

From there, a visit to the Makuità Indigenous community includes a traditional lunch, setting the stage for an afternoon of profound learning. You’ll dive into the fascinating history of the Lanawa people, guardians of unique knowledge about the forest’s secrets, and join a hands-on medicinal plant workshop, tasting healing teas made from sacred herbs.

Indigenous masters will teach ancestral hunting techniques in a practical class using bow and arrow and blowgun—traditional tools still used in the region. You’ll also create handcrafted bio-jewelry from forest seeds like açaí and tucumã, turning natural elements into true works of art. The day ends with a visit to a traditional manioc flour house, where you’ll witness the entire artisanal process—from root harvest to the golden flour that has nourished riverine communities for generations. Each moment of this day is a window into the deep wisdom of the peoples who best understand the rhythms and secrets of the Amazon.

The third and final day brings an unforgettable experience! At 5:30 a.m., you’ll witness a magical sunrise over the Rio Negro on a hydrobike or stand-up paddleboard. A moment of incomparable peace and beauty! After breakfast, the activities continue with a handicraft workshop with the Baré people, a visit to the renowned Almerinda Malaquias Foundation—an NGO that promotes sustainability through wood reuse and environmental education—and a moving interaction with pink river dolphins at floating platforms.

Before returning to Manaus, there’s still time to discover Waimiri Atroari crafts, taste Sarapó craft beer—made with ingredients from the forest—take a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear igarapé (small river), and savor pure Amazonian açaí prepared fresh. Around 6:30 p.m., you’ll be back in Manaus to enjoy a few more days in the city.

STAY TUNED!

This is a transformative experience, offering a deep immersion in Anavilhanas. Beyond allowing direct contact with the Amazon’s lush nature, it provides authentic learning about Indigenous culture, with knowledge shared directly by original peoples. Exclusive activities—like paddleboarding at sunrise and interacting with pink dolphins—create unforgettable moments. All of this is done with a commitment to responsible tourism, directly supporting local communities and sustainable projects to ensure a positive impact from your trip.

More than just a journey, this expedition through Anavilhanas is an opportunity to truly feel why the Amazon is called the “lungs of the world” and to learn from the true guardians of the forest. In the end, you won’t just bring back photos—you’ll carry stories and memories etched in your soul.

HIGHLIGHTS

UNESCO – Natural World Heritage Site – Central Amazon Conservation Complex
Visit Brazil Showcase Experience: Anavilhanas Itinerary

HOW TO GET THERE

Manaus International Airport – Eduardo Gomes