Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

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5 Star
The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge offers the best of two worlds, the primitive beauty of the Amazon Rainforest and all the comforts of an international class lodge. During these Amazon tours, guests spend their days on exotic guided adventures. Nights are all about delectable cuisine and relaxation surrounded by the sounds of nature.

The Anavilhanas Archipelago
Comprised of 350 to 400 islands, Anavilhanas is the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. This picturesque maze of lakes, rivers and shorelines supports a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for biologists, ecologists and tourists. The landscape of the archipelago changes with the river level. During the dry season, normally from September to December, beaches of thin sand emerge on the margins of the islands as do sandbars in the middle of the rivers. During the wet season, vast forest areas flood, providing a unique opportunity to explore the rainforest in canoes. At the height of flood season, entire islands are submerged, granting access to otherwise isolated lakes. The pH of the region’s black river waters is inhospitable to insects, acting as a natural bug repellent, much appreciated by guests who schedule their travel to the Amazon here.

The location
The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is located on the shores of the Rio Negro (Black River) adjacent to the archipelago. Transport from Manaus to the lodge takes about 3¼ hours and is coordinated by the hotel. After crossing the majestic Rio Negro by ferry, guests travel by van to the small town of Novo Airão. From there, it takes approximately fifteen minutes down the Rio Negro to reach the lodge.

The lodge
Charming Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a small hotel that was designed to harmonize with its setting. Here you will not find grandiose buildings, vast fields, fiberglass wildlife replicas or plastic flowers on the tables. Rather, the lodge reflects the natural beauty of the Amazon and its local culture.

The lodge staff treats guests with utmost care and attention for their comfort and safety. Drinks and refreshments are prepared with regional fruit. Good wine is always available and the bar serves delicious sandwiches. On arrival, guests are welcomed with a cocktail plus a native seedling to plant in the vicinity.

The guestrooms
The lodge complex contains twenty suites, configured as combined cottages and individual bungalows. Each is equipped with air conditioning, hot and cold water, a mini-fridge and an inviting deck. Regional architecture and the use of natural materials give the hotel a homespun atmosphere with cozy rooms.

The amenities
The lodge restaurant is set in the rainforest and offers a blend of traditional Amazonian dishes with international cuisine, presented impeccably. Nestled in the trees, the deck and pool overlook the river, offering shade and a place for contemplation. The lobby and bar contain a rich library, comfortable chairs and gaming tables. A small floating deck allows guests to take a river dip or simply observe the quietness of the dark Amazon waters.

Safety and infrastructure
The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge adheres to strict safety protocols. Passengers are briefed on boating safety procedures and are required to wear life vests during canoe rides. During all excursions, guides carry long range radio communicators. A power generator and emergency lights are available in case of an electrical interruption. Hotel drinking water is provided by a proprietary artesian well.

Environmental awareness
Policies of the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge are environmentally friendly and comply with all wildlife conservation laws. From its construction to its daily operation, the hotel follows principles of sustainability:

Construction: To minimize environmental impacts, the construction of the hotel followed the guidelines of an Environmental Control Plan that was designed by a team of forest engineers and biologists. All wood used in construction came from timber extraction reserves where trees are specifically grown for this purpose. An eighteen mile stretch of riverbank vegetation was preserved to prevent erosion.

Operations: The cottages, restaurant and reception area are spread out in the forest. All waste is recycled. Biologically treated in septic tanks, human waste never reaches waterways.