People all over the world know of the Amazon as one of the most biodiverse biomes on the planet. With an area of almost 4,000 square kilometers, the Brazilian Amazon spreads over eight states and, in addition to the wealth of species of fauna and flora, also presents a diversity of landscapes, communities, gastronomy and culture. What many do not know is that when visiting such a complex destination, it is important to understand the best way to explore each of its regions.
Three REMOTE Community members offer three different points of view which can be combined into a complete panorama of the Amazon. When visiting Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, located on the Anavilhanas Archipelago in the state of Amazonas, Cristalino Lodge in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso or Vila de Alter Pousada Boutique in Alter do Chão, Pará, it’s impossible not to be surprised by the different characteristics and special highlights in each destination.
Tucked away in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is more than a hotel; it’s a complete experience. It is surrounded by Anavilhanas National Park, a magical river archipelago close to the capital city of Manaus comprised of over 400 islands and islets. The Rio Negro, the largest blackwater river in the world, frames the setting of smaller tributary rivers and dense forest, where only 40% of the archipelago is on dry land. The park is open all year round, but the experience is entirely different depending on the season.
During the dry season (September to February), you can enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches that emerge all over the archipelago. During the flood season (March to August), the highlight is to sail the water trails through the blackwater-flooded forests known as igapós . No matter the season, it is possible to tour the archipelago looking for pink and gray dolphins, hike through the forest and rock formations, visit local communities and spot amazing wildlife on nocturnal sightseeing excursions.
Further down, in the state of Mato Grosso, we find the charming Cristalino Lodge , located within a reserve of 11,400 hectares. The proximity to the Pantanal brings different characteristics to the Southern Amazon, including a higher concentration of wildlife. Additionally, because of the region’s higher altitude, between 300 and 450 meters above sea level, the rivers do not generally flood the forests. The dominant vegetation is evergreen forest ( terra firma ) with tall, well-formed trees. When exploring this region, travelers can walk the forest’s trails accompanied by experienced guides, go birdwatching, visit local conservation and educational projects and discover its secrets by boat or kayak. Expect to see a large number of endemic species too, such as the white-cheeked spider monkey, the red-nosed saki, the cryptic forest falcon, the crimson-bellied conure and the black-girdled barbet, which live only in this area. Cristalino Lodge also has observation towers that enjoy outstanding views over the canopies.
Finally, we invite you to experience Alter do Chão, a fishing village located in the state of Pará known as “the Brazilian Caribbean.” During the ebb period, numerous islands with extensive sand bars appear along the Tapajós and Arapiuns Rivers. These are the famous beaches of Alter do Chão which, not being on the ocean, give shape to unique landscapes. All year long, whether when the Tapajós River is low and lined with beaches or gorgeously full, travelers can enjoy ecological expeditions, adventure tourism and even immersions in the riverside communities.
It is in this special corner of the country that we find Vila de Alter Pousada e Boutique , a charming REMOTE Community member with only six bungalows that offers incredible experiences in this “alt” Amazon. From forest trails and beaches to immersions in the riverside communities.
If this makes it too hard to choose the right Amazon for you, how about visiting all three?
Learn more about these amazing lodgings and rivers at the community session of our website and connect with them in our HUB!
