The Meeting of the Waters is one of the top natural attractions you will see in the Amazon. It is a wonderful sight, where the dark water of the Rio Negro and the milky sand – coloured water of the Amazon (Rio Solimões) run side by side for Kilometres, but never mix! It is a wonderful experience and a favourite amongst visitors to the region to swim with the friendly “botos” (the famous pink Amazonian dolphins). They are very friendly towards humans especially if you share some fish with them! You should also take some time to visit some of the Indigenous communities that live along the river´s edge known as “cablocos.” These visits are organized by your guide and are a very fulfilling experience, a great chance to experience a way of life completely different from your own. You may also learn some secrets of the rainforest, (plant and herb medicines for example) from your new friends!
Another favourite activity by visitors to the Amazon is to try your hand at piranha – fishing. Despite their ferocious behaviour, it is possible to safely fish for them and they make for a surprisingly tasty lunch! If you are feeling particularly courageous, take a night tour with your forest guide to see the caimans on the river, with the help of a bright light you can spot them, catch them and even hold them in your boat. Not to be missed!
Lodges
To experience the rainforest in the best possible conditions, we would recommend staying in an Amazon rainforest lodge. Depending on your tastes, these range from eco – lodges with a focus on the preservation of the surrounding eco – systems to grand accommodations with high class facilities. The advantage of staying in a lodge is that you can safely and comfortably explore the rainforest with the qualified guides, also activities and excursions are tailored to your needs in terms of language and the time of the year.
One of our favourite lodges amongst others is the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge. Situated on the famous Anavilhanas archipelago opposite the Rio Negro, this lodge combines luxury with ecology and uses materials from the surrounding forest for its decoration. One of our favourite features of the Anavilhanas jungle lodge are the fantastic wall – size windows, which really give the feeling of true immersion in the jungle. Watch the rainforest go by as you lounge in your Brazilian hammock! There are excellent excursions available from the lodges, most of which are included in your stay.