OVERVIEW OF THE AMAZON TEFÉ
In the Mamiraua Reserve it is possible to admire concentrations of Amazonian fauna never before recorded. This is the Amazon of long ago. Thousands of caiman can be easily observed in the dry season along with a concentrations of up to 15,000 cormorants and herons are seen fishing in the lakes. In the trees, numerous groups of monkeys share the branches with sloths and with beautiful bromeliads and orchids. River dolphins, legendary creatures in the flooded forest, enchant all who see them. Mamirauá is also home to approximately 400 species of bird and at least 45 species of mammal.
One of the strangest is probably the White Uacari Cacajao calvus, a monkey of 4 kilos which feeds almost only on the seeds of unripe fruits. Uacaris live in bands of up to 50 individuals, and travel many kilometers every day, in search of their favourite foods.
WHEN TO GO
ALL YEAR LONG AVAILABLE
There are two different “seasons” in the Amazon: dry and wet. Traveling in the dry or rainy seasons provides completely different experiences, so it is so important to choose the date of travel. It is recommended also that you visit the Amazon in the two seasons, so you can see live the impressive change in river levels.
Get ready for high temperatures in any season, especially in September, the terror of locals when the temperature passes 40ºC. The average annual temperature is around 27ºC, but the humidity and sultry weather, make the thermal sensation higher.
Heat and humidity are present all year; during the dry season, from June to November, it rains less. The dry season (winter) is when the rivers has the lower water level and form the river beaches. The rainy season (summer) is from December to May and reflects on the level of the rivers, causing it to be very full and forming the flooding forest. The level reached vary about 15 meters between flood and drought, so the construction are adapted to changes – very interesting to watch and experience indeed.
GETTING THERE
The access to Tefé is by air. They are 2 flights per day operated by AZUL airline connecting Manaus and Tefé. Upon arrival, the team of the lodge will welcome you at the airport and will transfer you to the lodge by car and by van. The return to Tefé will be operated considering the flight departure time.
| FLIGHTS | AIRLINE NAME | DEPARTURE TIME | ARRIVAL TIME |
| Manaus (MAO) > Tefé (TFF) | Azul airlines | 12h18 | 13h28 |
| Tefé (TFF) > Manaus (MAO) | Azul airlines | 14h00 | 15h07 |
WHAT TO DO IN AMAZON TEFÉ
All jungle lodges offer a large variety of tours which are relatively the same for each lodge. Few variations of tours can be offered due to location in the jungle.
Visit of a local community. Get to know their lifestyle, traditions, agriculture and social organization. Depending on the village, you might have the opportunity to buy locally produced handicrafts.
TRAVEL TIPS
What to consider before traveling?
- Drinking water is very important when visiting the jungle to avoid dehydration and malaise.
- It is very hot in the Amazon, so put many light clothes in the bag, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- The Amazon has a delayed time relative to the time zone of Brasilia; stay tuned and change the time on your watch not to miss appointments and flights. UTC/GMT -4 hours
- Take your repellent always with you.
- Be sure to try fish, fruit or guarana – which has a very different flavor from the rest of Brazil. The Amazon flavors are an attraction in itself, always startling.
What to bring?
- Light clothes
- Sneakers or closed shoes
- Towel and bathing suits
- Raincoat
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent to insects
- Cash for drinks and souvenirs
- Happiness
- The transfers to the different lodge can take between 40 minutes and 4 hours.
