General Info
Weather
Although our fishing season is in winter, the weather here is considerably hot. During the day, temperatures can range from 22 to 35 Celsius (68 to 95 F). Usually, the climate is not as humid or hot as in other parts of Amazon because we are in the Southern part of Amazon in a mountainous area This also means that the nights are cooler (59 to 74).
Insects
This jungle is surprisingly friendly. Some no-see-ums and some mosquitoes may be present, but very few in our experience. We suggest that guests bring bug spray in case bugs are present in the early evenings and late afternoons. As for the rest, we remind you that this is a virgin rainforest where all kinds of spiders, scorpions and strange insects live. We recommend guests do not go deep into the Jungle, pass through dense vegetation or turn logs over, fallen leaves etc. We strongly recommend wearing long sleeve shirts and pants and buff face masks during your fishing week.
Currency
The Brazilian Real is about 5 R$ per 1 U.S. dollar. Dollar bills in Brazil are only accepted in perfect condition, or new, without breaks or marks. Most places accept credit cards.
Credit Cards / Money Exchange
We strongly suggest you contact your Credit Card company and request a new CHIPPED card for your travel in Brazil and elsewhere around the world. More and more foreign countries are switching to chipped cards, which are far more secure and more difficult to steal info from. The old magnetic stripped cards are frequently declined or do not work, leaving travelers in a very tight spot. Regardless of the type of credit card you have, be certain to call your credit card company (800 number on the back of the card) to notify them that you will be traveling outside the country. Once in Brazil, there are a couple of options to get Brazilian “Reals”:1) there is an ATM machine close to the hotel, or 2) you can exchange $USD for Reals at the Hotel Concierge. Ask our hostess the best way to exchange to Brazilian Reals
Manaus is a modern, rapidly growing city (1.4 million habitants). It is one of the busiest ports in the Amazon where cargo ships distribute their goods throughout the Amazon basin. There are many interesting places to visit: The Amazonas Theater, The Palace "Río Negro", the Floating Port, the Municipal Market Adolpho Lisboa, the Forest of Science, the Museum of Natural Science, as well as the Aboriginal Fair, where you can buy items made by the indigenous. We strongly recommend you consider visiting the Fish Market, no one that visits regrets it and most say it is the highlight of cultural experiences in Manaus.
The Rivers Amazon
Alex Shoumatoff, Sierra Club Books, Copyright 1986
Summary: Great starter Amazon ecology book written about the Amazon Basin and its settlement and changes.
The Ecotraveller’s Wildlife Guide Brazil, Amazon and Pantanal
David Pearson and Les Beletsky
Summary: The definitive guide for Amazon bird and wildlife. This is a must for anyone traveling to the camp.
Tropical Nature
Adrian Forsyth and Ken Miyata New York: Scribners, Copyright 1984
.Summary: Introduction to rain forest ecology. Excellent read!
The River of Doubt
Candice Millard, Doubleday, Copyright 2005
Summary: Follow America’s greatest President as he explores the Amazon Basin and faces tests that challenge his formidable spirit.