Transfers

The transfer from Manaus to the Fotel Piranha Rainforest Adventure Station (Eco Lodge) or vice-versa is divided in the following parts:

Daily departures: 01:00pm ( total transfer time is around 3 1/2 hours )
1) Manaus (AIRPORT OR HOTEL) - São Raimundo port: 1/2-hour trip by van or minibus
2) São Raimundo port to Cacau Pereira town by boat, around 30 min
3) Cacau Pereira town to Manacaupuru town by van over paved road , around 60 min
4) Manacapuru town to the Fotel Piranha Lodge by boat,
through channels and lakes , around 1 1/4 hr
Return transfers to Manaus (AIRPORT OR HOTEL) with arrival at noon

Bird Watching

Bird watching is a unique experience here. It is not by chance that it occupies the first place in our "main attractions list" . Those large wetlands , naturally preserved areas due to the difficulty of access in the low season , roughly November and December , are the ideal places for nesting to several dozen different migrating and local bird species.

As a consequence, we dedicate a great deal of time to bird observation with specialized naturalist English speaking guides, using our canoes in one/two hours excursions very early in the morning, 5:30 AM ( sunrise is around 6:00 AM all year around ) , and also very late in the afternoon 5:00 / 6:00 PM , when our winged friends are leaving or returning to their resting places.

A spectacular visual show , it is also a sort of modern cacophonous comic opera , since the number of branches on a designated tree and the space available , is not, most of the time,coincident with the volume of different species landing candidates , resulting in violently aggressive arguments , covering basically all tones in the sound scale ( and this can go for a long time indeed … ) .

It goes without saying that binoculars are mandatory for this type of excursion and ear plugs are optional for those musically sensitive.

Environmental trekking

Recently , and this was not easy since we are basically in a 100.000 ha flooded area , we discovered a pristine rain forest highland area , near the Sacambu Lake ( please see map ) and not far from two small villages " Campinas" and "Castanho".

Therefore we can offer from now on, guided excursions that will leave our Flotel when it is at the mouth of the Piranha Channel with the Great Manacapuru Lake , its nearest point.

Our guides will take you , after a one and a half hours canoe ride , by foot trough the dense high land rain forest ( see photos ) which is totally different from the "varzea" flooded areas.

Here we find the giant brazil nut trees, the red woods, the dry land rubber trees, the medicinal plants , the water vines , the dark mysterious spots and the furtive animals that dwell on it , guessing its presence mostly by the noises, the tracks we find here and there , or the snack remains, proof of its recent presence , since in the jungle , nothing edible stays for long anywhere unless it's alive and in good physical condition.

Incidentally , we customize our walking tours according to the demand , the condition and the interest of our guests ; and since our Flotel is limited to 16 apartments , groups are never very large, which is always a plus regarding any nature observation tour , and of course , your total satisfaction is our main goal.

1.Day
· 13.00 hs depart from aiport or you hotel in Manaus

Transfer time is around 4 hours in 4 stages:
A) Manaus—São Raimundo port ( van )
B) São Raimundo Cacau Pirera port ( speedboat )
C) Cacau Pirera—Manacapuru ( 86 km paved road, van )
D) Manacapuru—Lago do Piranha (speedboat )
· 17.00 hs arrival at the Foltel Piranha Eco Lodge Welcome drinks and reception
· 19.00 hs Buffet style dinner
Overnight

2. Day
· 05.30 hs Depart for early morning birdwatching by wooden canoe
· 06.30 hs Brazilian Breakfast
· 07.30 hs Morning excursion by wooden canoe
· 12.00 hs Buffet style lunch
· Siesta
· 15.00 hs Afternoon excursion by wooden canoe
· 18.30 hs Byffet style dinner
· Overnight

3. Day
· 06.30 hs Brazilian Breakfast
· 07.30 hs Morning excursion by wooden canoe
· 12.00 hs Buffet style lunch
· Siesta
· 15.00 hs Afternoon excursion by wooden canoe
· 18.30 hs Byffet style dinner
· 19.30 hs Caiman watching
· Overnight

4. Day
· 06.30 hs Brazilian Breakfast
· 07.30 hs Full day excursion to terra firme forest (Boat and walking)
· 12.00 hs lunch box
· 18.30 hs Byffet style dinner
· Overnight

5. Day
· 06.30 hs Brazilian Breakfast
· 07.30 hs Departure to Manaus Hotels or Airport
· 4 hours transfer with 4 stages.
· Time to visit the Opera House for 15 minutes
· Estimated time of arrival : 12.00hs

Daily Scheduled Pirarucu Package US $ 949.00 per person in TWN room
Regular Scheduled Pirarucu Package on Wednesdays US $ 799.00 ( min 3 pax )


Observation: The half day excursion in wooden canoes are : Wildlife Observation, Birdwatching,Rainforest Treck, Fishing, comunity visit, depending on weather conditions and clients disposition.Exception is made to the night excursion and the full day Terra Firme visit.