Time to Explore!

Sarah loves these little guys and thinks this is hilarious!

So as most of you know Sarah is in the States and I have been left to my own devices.  So I have decided that I want to surprise Sarah and help her see one of these crazy Sloths in the wild.

So we are going on an adventure into the Amazon in November.  I have been looking and looking for something that would be both exciting and a completely new experience.  So I started looking into trips here in South America.

Well we have been to Rio already and loved it, and so the next most obvious things are the Amazon or Patanal.

I did some research and both look amazing and we haven't been to either, so I decided it's time to check out the Amazon.

Here are the details of our upcoming trip!  I am hoping that Sarah will get to see and hold a sloth during the trip!

Survival Mamori 06days/05nights at Turtle Lodge and Camping

This package is for those who really like adventure. They will be taking part of all activities. Begin tour from the Amazon Turtle Lodge by motorized canoe, with a tour guide and native tour guide from the Mamorí region. To offer the best security possible, during the days of survival we will take some food along (fish, chicken, beef, vegetables and fruits). You will also have to build together with the guide your own shelter, using (wood, twigs and straw of the babaçu tree). Our activities are done in the Tracajá Lake, Juma Lake and Piranha Lake. This is a region that has an ecosystem of low lands (Varzea) and high lands (Terra Firme), the flooded forest (Igapós), small channels (Igarapés) and this channels that are perfect for paddling canoes, this way you will have more chances to see animals and photograph as we approach. A motorized canoe (15HP) will be available for further locomotion as need.

1st day - 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 by the meeting of the waters, where Negro and Solimões River meet (Encontro das Águas). This is where the Amazon River is formed, flowing from this point 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 probably be visited by a few curious river dolphins (Botos) as well. 

After a stop at the fruit market, take a bus or van to the Araça River via the Manaus-Porto Velho highway (50 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 communities. An ideal spot for wildlife watching due to the abundance of many varied species: such as birds, alligators, fish, snakes and monkeys. During this trip to the lodge you can be surprised by a creature at anytime. After 50 minutes boat ride, arrival at Amazon Turtle Lodge is scheduled for around 12:00 p.m. 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 get to know the area better. Throughout the duration of this trip you will experience the pristine and varying 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 Amazon Turtle Lodge at 07:30pm, a delicious buffet including fresh water fish, beef (meat), chicken, salads and exotic fruits from the Amazon.

02-Day – Leave from Amazon Turtle Lodge in motorized canoe to the Tracajá Lake, first camp (tapirí) this is a house made of wood and straw from the Babaçu tree, this camp is situated in the margins of the river making easier for the activities, as the rivers are the only way of transport in this territory. Lunch will be open area on the margin of the river, fresh fish roasted on fire. Explore the region, canoe and fishing trip. Dinner, after go out to listen to the sounds in the jungle. You will sleep in hammock with mosquito net.

03-Day – (05:30am) leave for the sunrise and bird watch, (breakfast). Jungle trek with specialized guide were you will learn how to survival in the jungle, also learning more about our fauna and biodiversity. Lunch, during the afternoon catch fish for dinner, return back to camp, dinner and leave the camp for night tour to  watch for animals.

04-Day – Breakfast and leave for jungle trek on trails, only observing animals and flora take photos in the jungle, return back to the camp, swim in the rivers, have dinner and sleep in hammocks with mosquito net.

05-Day – Breakfast followed by canoe trip, where the clients will be able to paddle in the small channels (Igarapés). As paddling have the opportunity to see fresh water Dolphins (Botos), monkeys, iguanas, snakes, caimans and with luck a sloth. By the afternoon will return to Amazon Turtle Lodge for overnight at lodge and have nice clean room with nice good shower. 

06 -Day - Breakfast (free morning) to relax and enjoy the last day Amazon Turtle Lodge, you can paddle or go on lodge`s Eco Trekking. Lunch at Lodge and at 02:00 p.m. Transfer Back to Manaus, will be back at Manaus around 05:00 p.m. Drop off can be City Center or Airport.