Manaus in 4 Days for Friends - Multi-leg river transfer: speedboat, car, then motorized boat into the Mamori waterways
In Collaboration with Joshuas Amazon Expeditions . Updated on February 12, 2026.
An immersive 4-day Amazon survival-style expedition leaving from Manaus into the Juma / Paraná do Mamori area. All nights are spent camping in hammocks with mosquito nets. Activities include motorized-boat transfers, jungle hikes, canoeing in flooded forest channels, caiman-spotting at night, a visit to a local family, and piranha fishing.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Joshuas Amazon Expeditions , inspired by the tour Amazon Survival Tour 4D/3N . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Multi-leg river transfer: speedboat, car, then motorized boat into the Mamori waterways
- Overnight hammock camping with mosquito nets
- Sunrise canoe trip and guided jungle walk focusing on medicinal plants and wildlife
- Night-time caiman-spotting and piranha fishing
- Visit to a local riverside family to learn traditional forest living
Itinerary
Day 1
Group meet and start of the expedition from Manaus (hotel pickups operated in the morning).
Meet & hotel pickup — Manaus
Local pickup from hotels in Manaus and short briefing before transfer to the port.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your hotel name & address with the operator in advance so the pickup team can find you quickly.
- Have a small dry bag ready for personal items you need during morning transfer (documents, small camera, meds).
- Keep movement-light clothing and walking shoes accessible — you'll board boats shortly after pickup.
Day 1
Boat and road transfers through the river system to reach the lodge area.
Transfer: hotel → CEASA port → Encontro das Águas → Careiro da Várzea → Paraná do Mamori
Pickup by vehicle to CEASA port, speed-boat to the Meeting of Waters (Encontro das Águas), crossing to Careiro da Várzea and then road transfer followed by final speed-boat leg to the lodge area. Expect a mix of boat and road travel; total transfer time until lodge arrival is approximately mid-morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sunscreen and a hat for exposed sections on the speed-boat — sun is strong on open water.
- Use a secure, water-resistant bag for electronics; boats can spray or splash during transit.
- Carry any required personal medicines in your carry bag; pharmacy access is limited once outside Manaus.
Day 1
Lunch served at the lodge on arrival.
Lunch at lodge (regional dishes)
Lunch served shortly after arrival at the lodge; regional dishes typically include fresh fish, chicken, rice, vegetables and manioc.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary restrictions, confirm them with the guide on arrival so the kitchen can accommodate where possible.
- Keep a refillable water bottle — mineral water is included, but having your own bottle is convenient.
- Carry a small towel or wipes; facilities at remote lodges are basic compared to city hotels.
Day 1
Afternoon transfer from lodge to the jungle camping site and camp setup.
Motorized boat to camping site & hammock setup
At 14:30 the group departs by motorized boat to the designated camping area. On arrival guests set up hammocks with mosquito nets and learn basic camp routines.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a lightweight headlamp and spare batteries for hands-free light during setup and night activities.
- Wear quick-dry, closed-toe shoes for landing and brief walks at the campsite.
- Keep valuables and extra clothes in waterproof bags while on the boat; the guide will advise where to store gear at camp.
Day 1
Dinner in camp (regional meal).
Dinner (camp kitchen)
Evening meal prepared with regional ingredients — typically fish, chicken, rice, vegetables and manioc.
Tips from local experts:
- Meals are prepared over local facilities; bring any personal condiments you prefer (e.g., salt-free alternatives) in small containers.
- If you require a specific meal plan (vegan/vegetarian), notify the operator before the trip start so the cook can prepare suitable options.
- Expect basic dining seating; a portable water bottle and lightweight utensils are useful for camp dining.
Day 1
Overnight in hammock with mosquito net at the jungle camp.
Hammock night — camp
Sleep in hammocks equipped with mosquito nets. Guides supervise safety and camp security.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a sleeping liner or light sleeping sheet if you prefer extra warmth and comfort inside the hammock.
- Store clothes and electronics in sealed dry bags inside the hammocks to keep them free of condensation and insects.
- Follow guide instructions on hammock setup and altitude — do not attempt to re-hang hammocks after dark without checking with staff.
Day 2
Camping in the forest — full day of early canoeing, jungle walk and afternoon canoeing.
Sunrise canoe trip & morning jungle walk
Very early canoe at 05:30 to watch sunrise and listen to the forest wake up. Breakfast around 07:00. Jungle walk 08:00–11:30 with explanations about medicinal plants, trees and possible wildlife sightings.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear long sleeves and long trousers for the jungle walk to reduce insect exposure and protect against undergrowth.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a wrist strap for wildlife and birdwatching from the canoe and trail.
- Apply insect repellent after breakfast and keep some repellent in a pocket for reapplication during the day.
Day 2
Breakfast / mid-morning refreshment.
Breakfast (camp)
Breakfast typically includes crackers, eggs, coffee, tea, and fruit.
Tips from local experts:
- Fill a reusable bottle after breakfast to carry water for the morning walk and canoe.
- If you drink coffee, bring sugar/creamer preferences if you are particular — remote locations use basic supplies.
- Eat a good breakfast even if you feel full — morning activity is physically active and requires energy.
Day 2
Lunch at camp (regional dishes).
Lunch (camp kitchen)
Lunch usually prepared with regional fresh fish, rice, vegetables and manioc.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have food allergies, remind the guide at breakfast so the kitchen can avoid cross-contamination.
- Portions are typically filling; take smaller portions first and ask for seconds if needed.
- Keep a small snack (energy bar) handy if you prefer extra energy between meals during long walks.
Day 2
Afternoon canoeing in flooded forest channels and evening caiman spotting by boat.
Afternoon canoeing & night caiman spotting
Afternoon canoe trip from 15:00 exploring small channels and flooded forest to observe flora and fauna. At night the group leaves by boat for caiman spotting using lights.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a waterproof flashlight or headlamp for the night caiman-spotting activity; guides use spotlights but personal light helps when moving around camp.
- Wear insect-repellent-treated clothing or reapply repellent before dusk — mosquitoes increase at twilight.
- Keep cameras and phones secured with straps during canoeing to avoid accidental drops into the water.
Day 2
Dinner at camp.
Dinner (camp kitchen)
Evening meal prepared with regional ingredients (fresh fish, rice, vegetables, manioc).
Tips from local experts:
- Expect simple seating and basic tableware — bring a small personal cutlery set if you prefer.
- Drink the mineral water provided; avoid untreated river water.
- If you prefer a light supper, request smaller portions when meals are served as portions can be generous.
Day 2
Overnight in hammock with mosquito net.
Hammock night — camp
Sleep in hammocks under mosquito nets at the jungle camp.
Tips from local experts:
- Dry clothes inside the hammock or in waterproof bags to keep them fresh for the next morning.
- Keep small valuables in an inner pocket of your dry bag and secure it to hammock supports.
- Respect quiet hours to allow everyone to rest after long activity days; guides will brief on timings.
Day 3
Day spent in camp with a visit to a local family in the morning and piranha fishing in the afternoon.
Morning visit to a local family
From 08:00 to 11:00 visit a local riverside family to learn about traditional life in the forest.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring small, practical gifts (school supplies or non-perishable goods) only if pre-arranged with the guide; always ask before giving gifts.
- Wear modest, respectful clothing for village visits and follow the guide's instructions about photography.
- Carry insect repellent and hand sanitizer for short walks between houses and riverbanks.
Day 3
Breakfast in camp.
Breakfast (camp)
Light breakfast with crackers, eggs, coffee, tea and fruit.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack any morning medications where you can reach them quickly at breakfast time.
- Have a light snack in your daypack for the mid-morning village visit in case meals are delayed.
- Use biodegradable soap sparingly around water sources; guides will direct where washing is appropriate.
Day 3
Afternoon fishing trip for piranha and other species; return to camp to prepare the catch for dinner.
Afternoon fishing (piranha) and fish preparation
Leave by boat in the afternoon to fish for piranhas and other local species. Return to camp and assist or observe the preparation of the catch for dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small towel and plastic bag to keep wet/smelly items separate after fishing.
- Follow guide instructions strictly when handling fish and fishing gear for safety.
- If you are sensitive to fish smells, store clothing in sealed bags until you can wash them.
Day 3
Dinner at camp featuring the day's catch.
Dinner (camp)
Evening meal often includes fish caught during the afternoon trip, prepared by camp staff.
Tips from local experts:
- If you ate the fish, consider rinsing hands with provided sanitizer before sleeping to remove odors.
- Ask about the fish species served if you have dietary concerns or allergies.
- Keep a small zip-lock bag for wet or odorous items until you can change at the lodge the following day.
Day 3
Overnight in hammock with mosquito net.
Hammock night — camp
Second night camping in hammocks under mosquito nets.
Tips from local experts:
- Charge cameras and devices during daylight at the lodge power point if available; power at camp is limited.
- Keep earplugs handy if you are a light sleeper — the forest has natural nighttime sounds.
- Double-check hammock closures and mosquito-net zips before settling in for the night.
Day 4
Final full day: early jungle hike, channel navigation, return to lodge for lunch and departure back to Manaus.
Morning jungle hike & channel navigation
Early morning hike to explore additional forest areas. After breakfast, boat navigation through channels and small creeks to spot birds and wildlife (depending on water level).
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a small daypack with water, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Expect wet or muddy sections on trails; gaiters can help if you have them.
- Keep a notebook or app handy if you want to record species or plant names the guide shares.
Day 4
Breakfast in camp before transfer to lodge and lunch.
Breakfast (camp)
Final morning breakfast with staples: crackers, eggs, coffee, tea and fruit.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack a small backpack with essentials for the return boat ride (rain jacket, camera, ID).
- Secure hammocks and personal gear as instructed by guides prior to departure.
- If you have laundry needs, ask staff at the lodge about options once back at the lodge before returning to Manaus.
Day 4
Return to lodge for lunch and final relaxation before departure to Manaus.
Boat to lodge & lunch
Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest period before departing for Manaus. Lunch served at the lodge.
Tips from local experts:
- Store wet or dirty clothing separately for transport back to Manaus to keep other luggage dry.
- Take short rest and rehydrate before the boat/car transfer; travel can be tiring after four days in the field.
- Confirm any required drop-off details (airport or hotel in Manaus) with the guide during lunch.
Day 4
Departure from lodge and arrival back in Manaus.
Departure to Manaus (approx. 13:30) — arrival around 16:30
Board the return boat and road transfers to Manaus. Drop-off to airport or hotels in town is provided; expected arrival in Manaus around 16:30.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep travel documents and personal ID in an easy-access dry bag for drop-off or airport transfer.
- Expect multiple transfer modes (boat + road); pack snacks and any motion-sickness remedies you may need.
- Double-check pickup/drop-off points with your guide on the morning of departure to confirm exact timing.
Day 4
Included final meal details and end of services.
Included meals & drop-off
Tour includes breakfast, lunch and dinner during the program, mineral water, hammocks with mosquito nets, tourist insurance and drop-off to Manaus airport or hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm with the guide which meals are included on the final day and any last dietary requests before departure.
- Check you have all personal belongings before leaving the lodge — dry bags and hammocks can trap small items.
- Plan on arriving in Manaus with enough daylight for transfers; if you need immediate onward travel, notify guides beforehand for timing.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 4 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Total Activities | 19 |
| Total Places | 19 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Meal, Experience, Outdoor, Culture |