An Amazonian Paradise of Islands and Waters
Imagine navigating a maze of flooded forests, winding channels, and hidden beaches. The Anavilhanas Archipelago, in the heart of the Amazon, is a spectacle of nature, culture, and adventure. Comprising around 400 islands framed by the Negro River, this destination enchants tourists and travelers seeking a deep connection with biodiversity and unforgettable experiences.
1. What Is the Anavilhanas Archipelago?
The Anavilhanas Archipelago is part of the Anavilhanas National Park, created in 1981 and reclassified as a national park in 2008. It covers 350,470 hectares, with 60% being river area across approximately 130 km in length and 20 km in width.
It is the second-largest river archipelago in the world, with over 400 islands, dozens of channels (known as “paranás”) and passages forming an intricate aquatic labyrinth that changes its landscape with the river’s water levels. Nearby are vast formations of flooded forest (igapó), campinarana, dense rainforest, and wetlands — a remarkable ecological mosaic.
2. A Dive into Diverse Ecosystems
The archipelago reveals different faces throughout the seasons:
- Flood season (March to August): Water levels rise by 8 to 12 meters, flooding the islands and forming “enchanted forests” — the igapós — accessible only by canoe or small motorboats.
- Dry season (September to February): The islands emerge as white-sand river beaches like Aracari, Bararoá, Camaleão, Folharal, Iluminado, Meio, and Sobrado — ideal for contemplation and river swimming.
This seasonal dynamic makes Anavilhanas a fascinating destination year-round, always offering something new.
3. Activities and Itineraries for Every Traveler
3.1 Boat and Canoe Tours
The primary way to explore Anavilhanas is by water. Boats and canoes travel through the channels, offering chances to see caimans, birds, pink river dolphins, and the giant macuco birds.
3.2 Flooded Forest Trails (Igapó)
During the flood season, small boats enter the flooded forests, offering close contact with this magical ecosystem — rich in colors and sounds, perfect for wildlife photography and observation.
3.3 Land Trails
On foot, trails like Bariaú and Apuaú (about 4 km round trip, 2.5 h) cross solid rainforest and igapó zones, with opportunities to spot tapirs, monkeys, colorful birds, and small mammals.
3.4 River Beaches
During the dry season, beaches emerge on islands and riverbanks, such as the beach on Novo Airão’s waterfront, where tourists can swim and admire the contrast between white sand and black waters.
3.5 Interaction with Pink River Dolphins
At the “Floating Dolphin Platform” in Novo Airão, you can touch and observe these aquatic mammals in their natural habitat — always under regulations to ensure animal welfare.
3.6 Nighttime Wildlife Observation
Night tours use flashlights to spot caimans, frogs, and nocturnal creatures — an exciting and unique experience.
3.7 Camping and Lodging
There are authorized camping areas within the park (using hammocks) and floating lodges on the river. Pousadas and jungle lodges in Novo Airão offer rustic comfort and regional cuisine — from sport fishing to Amazonian flavors.
4. How to Get There and Move Around
- By car or van: From Manaus to Novo Airão, it’s about 190 km (2.5 h drive). This is the most popular route for visitors.
- By boat: Overnight boats depart from Manaus (São Raimundo port), taking up to 9 hours — sleeping in hammocks is common.
- Inside the archipelago: Transportation is done via boats led by certified guides, navigating channels, trails, and key attractions.
It is advisable to book tours in advance with certified local operators, especially for remote trails or dolphin interaction.
5. Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (Sep–Feb): River beaches appear, land trails become more accessible, and road access improves.
- Flood season (Mar–Aug): Igapós become magical water forests with mystical scenery.
- Year-round: Dolphin interaction, boat rides, and wildlife watching are available all year.
6. Biodiversity and Conservation
6.1 Fauna
The park shelters iconic species such as pink river dolphins, tucuxi dolphins, manatees, caimans, tapirs, giant otters, giant macucos (Aldina heterophylla), rare birds, and fish like peacock bass, piranhas, and bicuda.
6.2 Flora
It features igapó forests (seasonally flooded), terra firme (solid ground), campinarana, and dense rainforest — each with unique flora that shifts with the seasons.
6.3 Conservation and Management
Managed by ICMBio in collaboration with local operators, efforts include:
- Environmental monitoring, education, scientific research, and regulated visitor access based on the Management Plan.
- Responsible tourism, with group limits, animal interaction rules, and waste control.
- Partnerships with lodges and tour companies, like Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, to promote sustainable development.
7. Culture and Local Communities
Riverside and Indigenous communities surrounding the park offer community-based tourism. Visitors can experience traditional fishing, handicrafts, Amazonian cuisine (including tucupi and fish dishes), and ancestral knowledge about medicinal plants and forest life.
The Almerinda Malaquias Foundation (FAM), a local NGO, promotes income generation through crafts, recycling, and environmental education, helping preserve the region’s cultural identity.
8. Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
- Bring: insect repellent, sunscreen, swimwear, light jacket, snacks, and water.
- Safety: wear life jackets on boats, hire licensed guides, and follow rules for dolphin interaction.
- Environmental respect: avoid disposable plastics, do not feed wildlife, pack out your trash.
- Plan ahead: book 1–2 months in advance during peak season.
- Hire a local guide: for safety, interpretation, and community support.
9. Complementary Experiences
- Novo Airão: departure point with tourist infrastructure, inns, beaches, and the dolphin platform.
- Meeting of the Waters Tour: combined tours include Anavilhanas and the Meeting of the Negro and Solimões rivers.
- History and culture: explore local museums and stories from the rubber boom era.
- Floating Lodging: sleep in riverside hammocks or rustic cabins aboard traditional boats.
10. An Inspiring Conclusion
The Anavilhanas Archipelago is much more than a tourist destination — it’s an immersion into the soul of the Amazon. In every river bend lies a new encounter with life: the call of exotic birds, the leap of a dolphin, the presence of a giant macuco, the serenity of paddling through blackwater forests.
This riverine sanctuary invites us to slow down, observe, learn, and transform how we see nature. It offers sensations that blend mystery, beauty, and cultural richness.
If you’re looking for tourism that informs and entertains, reveals science and culture, and inspires while respecting the environment — the Anavilhanas Archipelago awaits you with arms rooted in the water.
