Spent a marvelous long weekend in Manaus. The team of Jack really took care of us. From airport transfer to hotel reservation, stadium transfer and the amazing river cruise. They charted a lovely rustic boat for us, the crew was charming and showed us the Amazon wild life. We swam with dolphins, visited an Indigenous tribe, had a nice jungle hike and canoed in creeks. Unfortunately our trip was too short, looking forward to come back.
Manaus Jungle Tours is highly recommended, we booked the promotion 4 days tour, the organization was perfect, good and clean hotel in Manaus and romantic jungle lodge with very good food, we enjoyed the grilled peacock bass. Our guide spoke fluently english and we saw a lot of animals.
We were a group of 4 renting a river boat and did a trip up the Rio Negro. The cabins were spacious and clean. The food was gorgeous we loved the barbecue at the beach. Most we were impressed by the silence up the river near the Anavilhanas Archipelago, hardly nobody is living over there. Marcelo, the guide has a huge knowledge about fauna and wildlife of the Amazon. We spent hours walking through dense forest. The high light was the staying in an indigenous village where nearby Marcelo caught an Anaconda.
Looking for get some impressions from the Amazon I run into Jack on Facebook, he organized a great nature experience into the real Amazon. I was not much fond of lodges and group tour, I was looking for something special. Finally ending up with a local guide called Mario, who spoke few English but was fun, spent a week near his family place somewhere on the Mamori lake. I really loved the fishing in the morning and the canoeing through flooded land. Most days we were camping somewhere and you can´t imagine the sound at sunrise. In spite of the still heavy rain, as he stated rain season is over we had a great time.
Me and my future wife were looking for a perfect honeymoon in the Amazon rain forest. Google recommended Manaus Eco Travel. After some emails we closed a deal with them. We were a little nervous about the accommodations and the mosquitoes, my wife is quite sensitive.
Arriving in Manaus we got 5 star treatment from Jack and his team.
First night we spend in Hostel for Us, a family place in an historic building, Next day we left for the jungle, perfect organization, the lodge is a floating hotel, you can just jump into the river and maybe meet some dolphins.
On our stay we learned a lot about the Amazon rain forest and had the chance to observe monkeys, sloths, a lot of birds, we love the Toucan, and off cause the dolphins. Our guide Marcelo really took care of us. The native family running the lodge serves delicious food, especially the grilled Pirarucu. Not to forget the amazing Alligator spotting at night and the hospitality we received at all.
If you ever have the chance to spend a day in Manaus, their boat tours are a must.
We left the port of Manaus with a 150hp outboard literally flighing over the Negro river with its black water.
After 45 minutes we arrived at a marvelous beach where we met David and his pink river dolphins.
Amazing how those animals are crazy for fish, they jump up nearly 4 feet and be careful not to give them their prey.
Next stop was Tupe beach where we had a marvelous grilled Tucunare (Peacock Bass). After a relaxing swim in the river (like hot tube 80F) we were invited by an Indio of the Dessano tribe to assist their tribal dance.
We really got intoxicated by the sound of drums and flutes.
On the way back we had a great sunset over the Negro river.
Amazing. Fun. Interesting. Just a whole new experience in a beautiful landscape. Mosquitos were really annoying, but very soon you forget to care and get back to being fascinated and relaxed. Our guide Max made it pretty easy to discover and learn a lot in a friendly and funny way. Thanks, mate!
Having decided to set out on an expedition and cover the world in the few years to come, this holiday by Manaus looked very tempting. They have several tours of which this one to Brazil was very appealing. I have used these operators in the past, and have only sweet memories of the trip, and hence jumped at their 3 days offer.
The trip was uneventful, and covers all expenses including meals in the $150 odd dollars. The scenery is splendid and the guide very accommodating and friendly. U cant ask for more! I even spotted pink river dolphins which was the highlight of the trip. Those who know swimming can take a dip with these friendly dolphins too!
Very nice Amazon jungle experience. The resort itself is basic and has definitely seen better days,but you’re here for the natural environment.There was a fully reasonably clean pool which was a nice touch.The staff are all friendly and helpful but no one speaks English..exceptour guide..Google translate is my friend! The meals were repetitive so I personally reccomend 3 nights 4 days otherwise you’ll never want to see spaghetti, beans and rice again. Proteins were chicken and fish. No shortage of watermelon! Roman our guide was great and Andre our boat driver went to extreme lengths to find us crocodiles! But the top jungle survival guy was our overnight jungle guide.Brilliant!
We were a group of three women and had an amazing stay at the Ipanema Lodge. It was the perfect mix of rustic and comfort that I needed to have an immersive Amazon experience. We especially enjoyed the alligator boat ride, bbq in the forest, and fishing piranhas.
A few things to note before:
– The trip to get to the lodge requires two boats and a kombi ride.
– Bring repellent and incense
– WiFi is available for 10r/day but it’s limited
– Food is great! There is also some refris/snacks for sale
– It’s more on the rustic side so be prepared to experience bugs, sweat, camp life. It’s part of the experience!
Many thanks to our guide David, canoeiro Luís, and chef Anny! Those three made the trip so fun!
Experience Overview: Staying at Alligator Lodge was an unforgettable adventure, offering a perfect balance of wildlife exploration and rustic charm. Nestled in the heart of a swampy region, the lodge truly immerses you in nature, with alligators, birds, and other wildlife practically at your doorstep.
Wildlife Encounters: The main attraction of this lodge is its proximity to wildlife, particularly the alligators that give the lodge its name. On the very first day, I spotted several alligators basking by the water right outside the lodge. The guided boat tours through the swamp were fantastic—we saw alligators, turtles, and even some rare bird species, like herons and egrets. The knowledgeable guides made the experience even better, sharing insights about the ecosystem and the behaviors of the wildlife we encountered.
Eco-Friendly Approach: The lodge promotes eco-tourism and sustainability, which was a big draw for me. Solar panels provided energy, water was sourced sustainably, and the staff was dedicated to preserving the delicate wetland ecosystem. It was clear that they were committed to protecting the local environment, while still offering a comfortable stay.
Accommodation & Comfort: The lodge has a rustic charm, but don’t expect luxury. The cabins were clean, well-maintained, and cozy, with all the basic amenities, though somewhat minimalist. My room had a great view of the swamp, which was a big plus. The only downside was that it got a bit too hot during the day, and the cooling systems could be more efficient. There’s limited Wi-Fi, which didn’t bother me much as I came to unplug and enjoy nature.
Activities:
Boat tours: Highlight of the trip, with excellent chances to spot wildlife.
Night walks: These were thrilling! We went on a night tour to spot nocturnal wildlife, and hearing the alligators moving through the swamp under the stars was a surreal experience.
Fishing and kayaking: Great options for guests who want a more hands-on experience with the environment.
Birdwatching: The lodge’s location is perfect for birdwatchers, with several viewing platforms and trails dedicated to observing local bird species.
Dining: Meals were a highlight, featuring fresh, local ingredients, often with a focus on regional cuisine. Breakfast was hearty, and dinner typically included fresh-caught fish or other local specialties. While there wasn’t a huge variety, the food was tasty and satisfying after a long day of exploring.
Staff & Service: The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, from the guides to the lodge’s cooks and cleaning staff. The service felt personal, and everyone made sure I had a great experience. The lodge manager was particularly attentive, ensuring all the guests were comfortable and arranging any extra activities we were interested in.
Challenges:
Heat and Humidity: The swampy environment can get very hot and humid, and while the lodge provides some relief, it’s important to be prepared with light, breathable clothing.
Mosquitoes: As expected in a wetland, mosquitoes were a constant presence. I recommend bringing a strong insect repellent, although the lodge provides nets and some insect-repelling measures.
Limited Connectivity: There’s limited Wi-Fi, which is fine if you’re looking to unplug, but it might be inconvenient for those who need regular internet access.
Final Thoughts: Alligator Lodge is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the wild. The close encounters with alligators and other wildlife, combined with the eco-friendly approach, made this stay truly memorable. While the lodge isn’t for those seeking luxury, it offers an authentic, immersive experience in a unique environment. I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in eco-tourism, wildlife photography, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature.
Spent a marvelous long weekend in Manaus. The team of Jack really took care of us. From airport transfer to hotel reservation, stadium transfer and the amazing river cruise. They charted a lovely rustic boat for us, the crew was charming and showed us the Amazon wild life. We swam with dolphins, visited an Indigenous tribe, had a nice jungle hike and canoed in creeks. Unfortunately our trip was too short, looking forward to come back.
Manaus Jungle Tours is highly recommended, we booked the promotion 4 days tour, the organization was perfect, good and clean hotel in Manaus and romantic jungle lodge with very good food, we enjoyed the grilled peacock bass. Our guide spoke fluently english and we saw a lot of animals.
We were a group of 4 renting a river boat and did a trip up the Rio Negro. The cabins were spacious and clean. The food was gorgeous we loved the barbecue at the beach. Most we were impressed by the silence up the river near the Anavilhanas Archipelago, hardly nobody is living over there. Marcelo, the guide has a huge knowledge about fauna and wildlife of the Amazon. We spent hours walking through dense forest. The high light was the staying in an indigenous village where nearby Marcelo caught an Anaconda.
Looking for get some impressions from the Amazon I run into Jack on Facebook, he organized a great nature experience into the real Amazon. I was not much fond of lodges and group tour, I was looking for something special. Finally ending up with a local guide called Mario, who spoke few English but was fun, spent a week near his family place somewhere on the Mamori lake. I really loved the fishing in the morning and the canoeing through flooded land. Most days we were camping somewhere and you can´t imagine the sound at sunrise. In spite of the still heavy rain, as he stated rain season is over we had a great time.
Me and my future wife were looking for a perfect honeymoon in the Amazon rain forest. Google recommended Manaus Eco Travel. After some emails we closed a deal with them. We were a little nervous about the accommodations and the mosquitoes, my wife is quite sensitive.
Arriving in Manaus we got 5 star treatment from Jack and his team.
First night we spend in Hostel for Us, a family place in an historic building, Next day we left for the jungle, perfect organization, the lodge is a floating hotel, you can just jump into the river and maybe meet some dolphins.
On our stay we learned a lot about the Amazon rain forest and had the chance to observe monkeys, sloths, a lot of birds, we love the Toucan, and off cause the dolphins. Our guide Marcelo really took care of us. The native family running the lodge serves delicious food, especially the grilled Pirarucu. Not to forget the amazing Alligator spotting at night and the hospitality we received at all.
If you ever have the chance to spend a day in Manaus, their boat tours are a must.
We left the port of Manaus with a 150hp outboard literally flighing over the Negro river with its black water.
After 45 minutes we arrived at a marvelous beach where we met David and his pink river dolphins.
Amazing how those animals are crazy for fish, they jump up nearly 4 feet and be careful not to give them their prey.
Next stop was Tupe beach where we had a marvelous grilled Tucunare (Peacock Bass). After a relaxing swim in the river (like hot tube 80F) we were invited by an Indio of the Dessano tribe to assist their tribal dance.
We really got intoxicated by the sound of drums and flutes.
On the way back we had a great sunset over the Negro river.
Amazing. Fun. Interesting. Just a whole new experience in a beautiful landscape. Mosquitos were really annoying, but very soon you forget to care and get back to being fascinated and relaxed. Our guide Max made it pretty easy to discover and learn a lot in a friendly and funny way. Thanks, mate!
Having decided to set out on an expedition and cover the world in the few years to come, this holiday by Manaus looked very tempting. They have several tours of which this one to Brazil was very appealing. I have used these operators in the past, and have only sweet memories of the trip, and hence jumped at their 3 days offer.
The trip was uneventful, and covers all expenses including meals in the $150 odd dollars. The scenery is splendid and the guide very accommodating and friendly. U cant ask for more! I even spotted pink river dolphins which was the highlight of the trip. Those who know swimming can take a dip with these friendly dolphins too!
Very nice Amazon jungle experience. The resort itself is basic and has definitely seen better days,but you’re here for the natural environment.There was a fully reasonably clean pool which was a nice touch.The staff are all friendly and helpful but no one speaks English..exceptour guide..Google translate is my friend! The meals were repetitive so I personally reccomend 3 nights 4 days otherwise you’ll never want to see spaghetti, beans and rice again. Proteins were chicken and fish. No shortage of watermelon! Roman our guide was great and Andre our boat driver went to extreme lengths to find us crocodiles! But the top jungle survival guy was our overnight jungle guide.Brilliant!
We were a group of three women and had an amazing stay at the Ipanema Lodge. It was the perfect mix of rustic and comfort that I needed to have an immersive Amazon experience. We especially enjoyed the alligator boat ride, bbq in the forest, and fishing piranhas.
A few things to note before:
– The trip to get to the lodge requires two boats and a kombi ride.
– Bring repellent and incense
– WiFi is available for 10r/day but it’s limited
– Food is great! There is also some refris/snacks for sale
– It’s more on the rustic side so be prepared to experience bugs, sweat, camp life. It’s part of the experience!
Many thanks to our guide David, canoeiro Luís, and chef Anny! Those three made the trip so fun!
Experience Overview: Staying at Alligator Lodge was an unforgettable adventure, offering a perfect balance of wildlife exploration and rustic charm. Nestled in the heart of a swampy region, the lodge truly immerses you in nature, with alligators, birds, and other wildlife practically at your doorstep.
Wildlife Encounters: The main attraction of this lodge is its proximity to wildlife, particularly the alligators that give the lodge its name. On the very first day, I spotted several alligators basking by the water right outside the lodge. The guided boat tours through the swamp were fantastic—we saw alligators, turtles, and even some rare bird species, like herons and egrets. The knowledgeable guides made the experience even better, sharing insights about the ecosystem and the behaviors of the wildlife we encountered.
Eco-Friendly Approach: The lodge promotes eco-tourism and sustainability, which was a big draw for me. Solar panels provided energy, water was sourced sustainably, and the staff was dedicated to preserving the delicate wetland ecosystem. It was clear that they were committed to protecting the local environment, while still offering a comfortable stay.
Accommodation & Comfort: The lodge has a rustic charm, but don’t expect luxury. The cabins were clean, well-maintained, and cozy, with all the basic amenities, though somewhat minimalist. My room had a great view of the swamp, which was a big plus. The only downside was that it got a bit too hot during the day, and the cooling systems could be more efficient. There’s limited Wi-Fi, which didn’t bother me much as I came to unplug and enjoy nature.
Activities:
Boat tours: Highlight of the trip, with excellent chances to spot wildlife.
Night walks: These were thrilling! We went on a night tour to spot nocturnal wildlife, and hearing the alligators moving through the swamp under the stars was a surreal experience.
Fishing and kayaking: Great options for guests who want a more hands-on experience with the environment.
Birdwatching: The lodge’s location is perfect for birdwatchers, with several viewing platforms and trails dedicated to observing local bird species.
Dining: Meals were a highlight, featuring fresh, local ingredients, often with a focus on regional cuisine. Breakfast was hearty, and dinner typically included fresh-caught fish or other local specialties. While there wasn’t a huge variety, the food was tasty and satisfying after a long day of exploring.
Staff & Service: The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, from the guides to the lodge’s cooks and cleaning staff. The service felt personal, and everyone made sure I had a great experience. The lodge manager was particularly attentive, ensuring all the guests were comfortable and arranging any extra activities we were interested in.
Challenges:
Heat and Humidity: The swampy environment can get very hot and humid, and while the lodge provides some relief, it’s important to be prepared with light, breathable clothing.
Mosquitoes: As expected in a wetland, mosquitoes were a constant presence. I recommend bringing a strong insect repellent, although the lodge provides nets and some insect-repelling measures.
Limited Connectivity: There’s limited Wi-Fi, which is fine if you’re looking to unplug, but it might be inconvenient for those who need regular internet access.
Final Thoughts: Alligator Lodge is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the wild. The close encounters with alligators and other wildlife, combined with the eco-friendly approach, made this stay truly memorable. While the lodge isn’t for those seeking luxury, it offers an authentic, immersive experience in a unique environment. I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in eco-tourism, wildlife photography, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature.