Anavilhanas National Park
Arriving in Novo Airão
The Anavilhanas National Park is accessible from Novo Airão, making it necessary to book lodging in the city. From Novo Airão, travelers can schedule tours of the Anavilhanas National Park. However, it's first necessary to arrive in Novo Airão. The most popular travel methods include a speedboat or seaplane, each of which requires a few hours. An overnight boat trip is also available, which takes about 30 hours and provides visitors with a unique overnight journey through forest formations and a maze of river and lake ecosystems.
Best Time to Visit Anavilhanas National Park
The Anavilhanas National Park offers visitors a natural haven year-round, with unique views of wildlife and plants regardless of the season. Those interested in lounging on white sand beaches will find the dry season (September - February) the most enticing, as the low tide reveals pristine shorelines along with additional islands.
In the wet season (March-August), the forests flood with water from the Negro River, creating an exciting, fairytale-like landscape. Once the blackwater-flooded forests appear, it's the optimal time to explore the National Park Anavilhanas by boat.
What animals can I find in National Park Anavilhanas?
From the plantlife to the wildlife in Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas, the park is known for providing breathtaking views with diverse offerings. Visitors will be wowed by the various wildlife species found within the park. On land, travelers will view mammals such as jaguars, anteaters, gian armadillos, white-bearded peccary, and ocelots.
In the water, otters, pink river dolphins, and manatees can be seen. Within the national park, numerous bird species exist, creating the ideal destination for birders. Some visible bird species in Anavilhanas include hummingbirds, Andean cock-of-the-rocks, toucans, and macaws. Reptiles and amphibians are also residents of the national park, with an impressive 22 species of snakes, 19 species of lizards, and 50 species of frogs at Anavilhanas.
How far is National Park Anavilhanas from Manaus?
Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas, lies approximately 111 kilometers from the National Park Anavilhanas. Because of its proximity to the park, along with its airport, it has become a hub for international visitors who wish to uncover the secrets of the Amazon Rainforest. Many fly into the Manaus Airport before boating, flying, or riding a bus to Novo Airão before frequenting the Anavilhanas National Park.
What to do in Anavilhanas National Park?
National Park Anavilhanas provides an exciting excursion for travelers with a wide range of interests, from adventurous to leisurely. Regardless of the season occurring during a visit, a journey to the Anavilhanas National Park provides ample activities.
Anavilhanas River Cruise
For a comprehensive exploration of the Anavilhanas National Park, an Anavilhanas River Cruise is a top choice. Depending on the cruise selected, this boat excursion will last about five days and include an array of activities, such as discovering the various Amazon rivers coursing through the park, canoeing, visiting with local tribes, and more. Often, these excursions include lodging aboard the boat, which provides stunning nighttime views of the sky.
Swimming with Pink Dolphins
One of the most popular activities while in the national park is swimming with the pink river dolphins. Because of their unique color and appearance, many legends and myths have been created surrounding these magical dolphins. Depending on the tour chosen, visitors can swim and interact with these unique marine animals while in the park.
Those interested in a more leisurely activity involving the dolphins can visit the Dolphins Floating Deck, a location within the park that provides access to the legendary pink dolphins. While on the floating deck, travelers can feed and touch with friendly pink river dolphins, who have grown comfortable with human interactions along the floating deck.
Piranha Fishing
Another exciting offering is piranha fishing, which is typically performed in the igarapés (small river channels). Equipped with a small fishing boat, gear, and bait, travelers can float along the channels, catching piranhas and other wildlife along the way.
Trekking in the Jungle
Perhaps one of the most exciting methods for uncovering the wonders of Anavilhanas National Park is strolling through the jungle via tour. While trekking, visitors can spot local flora and fauna, including medicinal herbs, alongside the sediment-rich waters of the Rio Negro. During the trek, lush forestry and abundant wildlife are visible.
Among the rich landscape of the Amazon region lies Anavilhanas National Park, a natural treasure boasting the second-largest river archipelago worldwide and 400+ islands. With its exciting wildlife offerings and a barrage of unique flora and fauna, this protected area transports visitors into a mesmerizing labyrinth of river channels, lakes, and narrow pathways.
Anavilhanas National Park: Enchanting, Diverse Landscapes
How to Get to Anavilhanas National Park
A holiday to Anavilhanas National Park will typically require multiple transportation methods, especially for those outside of the country. The first step to getting to this incredible national park is by scheduling a flight to Manaus, the two closest cities to Anavilhanas Archipelago and National Park.
Once in Manaus, one will find the trip to Novo Airão, the host city of Anavilhanas National Park, to consist of a few hours to a full day, depending on the method selected for transportation. Options include arriving to Novo Airão, the nearest city, via boat, plane, or land.
