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Amazon Brochure 2025 Compressed

Amazon Adventure 2025

Star Species:

  • Brazilian Tapirs (Guaranteed)
  • Hoatzin
  • Amazonian Umbrellabird
  • Razor-billed Curassow
  • White-nosed Bearded Saki Monkey
  • Gray Woolly Monkey
  • Cotingas and Tanegers

And if you’re lucky…

  • Harpy Eagle (nest, chick and young)
  • Blue and Yellow Macaw
  • Pompadour Cotinga

Overview

This 5-day safari takes you into the heart of the Amazon in a carefully crafted experience to maximize your adventure. The closest thing to an African safari in South America, with guaranteed sightings of rare birds, monkeys, and many other species, and supported by unique-to-SouthWild features that ensure you get breathtaking footage of the wildlife that you encounter. Travel with the choice operator for the world’s top nature, photography, and luxury safari travel companies.
Meet your naturalist guide at Alta Floresta Airport, who will usher you into the Amazon and deliver you back to the airport 5 days later, after you’ve had your fill of rare birds, mammals, flora and the Amazon’s splendor. Enjoy 5 nights in SouthWild’s carbon-neutral Amazon Lodge, surrounded by the enchanting fauna and flora of the rainforest. Every day you will be led by your expert naturalist guide to ensure you spot the best wildlife and plant species. Throughout your trip, you will enjoy delicious French-Brazilian cuisine, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, spacious cozy rooms with split A/C, private road and boat safaris (SouthWild’s exclusive) and Amazon’s best expedition leaders.

Included:

  • Full Board
  • English-Speaking Naturalist Guide
  • Ground and Boat Transfers
  • Boats with extra-cushioned seats
  • Free 24-Hour Wifi
  • Snacks (Cookies and Fruits)
  • Unlimited Filtered Water

Not Included:

  • Bottled Water and Beverages
  • Wine, Beer, Liquor, and Cocktails
  • Separate Private Transportation
  • Laundry Services
  • Meals not Mentioned
  • Insurance, Tips, and other Expenses

*Private room and Meals as noted on the itinerary*

Ways to Travel

Private Departure:

Personalize your adventure by choosing when, how, and with whom you wish to travel. Experience the joy of traveling solo, with your best friends, or with family – it’s your journey, your way. Revel in the comfort of a fully private road safari and a boat that glides through breathtaking scenery, exploring the vibrant flora and serene waterways of one of Amazon’s most beautiful rivers.

At a Glance – Suggested itinerary

DAY Agenda Services

Day Activities Meals Overnight
1 Flight should arrive no later than 1 PM (if arriving this day).
Meet and Greet in Alta Floresta. Hosted Buffet Lunch.
Private transfer to SouthWild Amazon Lodge.
Welcome Dinner and Evening Introduction.
– / L / D SouthWild Amazon Lodge
2 Breakfast at SouthWild Amazon Lodge.
Morning Wildlife Safari along Juruena River.
Lunch at the lodge followed by a brief siesta.
Afternoon Canopy Tower Exploration.
Buffet Dinner and Optional Evening Excursion.
B / L / D SouthWild Amazon Lodge
3 Breakfast at SouthWild Amazon Lodge.
Morning Walk to Fruiting Trees for Bird Watching.
Lunch at the lodge followed by a brief rest.
Afternoon Boat Safari on the Juruena River.
Buffet Dinner and Optional Evening Excursion.
B / L / D SouthWild Amazon Lodge
4 Breakfast at SouthWild Amazon Lodge.
Morning Canopy Tower Exploration.
Lunch at the lodge followed by a brief rest.
Afternoon Safari on Private Rainforest Roads.
Buffet Dinner and Optional Evening Excursion.
B / L / D SouthWild Amazon Lodge
5 Breakfast at SouthWild Amazon Lodge.
Morning Boat Ride among Forest Islands.
Lunch at Cambalacho Restaurant.
Transfer to Alta Floresta Airport for 2 PM flight back to Cuiabá.
B / L / –

MAP

Nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, SouthWild Amazon Lodge is located along the pristine banks of the Juruena River in Mato Grosso, Brazil. This remote sanctuary offers unparalleled access to one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. The lodge is situated within a 10,300-hectare private reserve, a testament to the most successful reforestation initiative in Amazonian history, protected and nurtured by the French government since 1998. Surrounded by lush, untouched rainforest teeming with wildlife, this sanctuary boasts 7 million replanted trees and prohibits hunting, ensuring a thriving habitat for Tapirs, Toucans, Monkeys, and more. Its strategic location provides the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of the Amazon, from towering canopy trees to hidden riverbanks, ensuring an immersive and intimate experience with nature. With seamless transfers from Alta Floresta Airport, your journey into the depths of the Amazon is both convenient and unforgettable.

Amazon Adventure Experience Overview

Embark on Day 1:

A Symphony of Amazon Wonders Unfolds. Your naturalist guide welcomes you at Alta Floresta Airport, setting the tone for an extraordinary journey. Savor a delightful buffet lunch near the airport, a prelude to the diverse flavors of the Amazon. At 2 pm, we head to the east bank of the mighty Juruena River, a kilometer-meter-wide tributary of the Amazon. Cross the river in our private wildlife boat, making a detour to meet the captivating Hoatzins—the charming “punk chickens.” On the west bank, choose a quick 10-minute drive to the lodge or extend the adventure to track a favorite spot of Brazilian Tapirs at dusk. End the day with a buffet dinner and find your air-conditioned haven at SouthWild Amazon Lodge, promising yourself a night filled with the sounds of the rainforest. Rest well to prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.

Unveiling Day 2:

Navigating the Enchanting Waters of Juruena. Begin your day with an optional dawn serenade amidst the forest’s melodies. Indulge in a sumptuous buffet breakfast, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring 4-hour wildlife voyage along the breathtaking Juruena River. Embark on the river’s narrative, where encounters often unfold with Amazonian Umbrellabirds, whimsical Hoatzins, distinctive Razor-billed Curassows, monkeys, and the rare, uniquely adorned, notably misnamed White-nosed Bearded Saki, which boasts an absurd hot pink nose! Following a delightful lunch at the lodge and a brief siesta, experience the global exclusive activity of SouthWild Amazon: an open-top safari truck excursion on our private rainforest roads, spanning 50 km within the lodge’s extensive 26,000-acre property. Visit one of our four canopy towers nestled in the primary rainforest, offering a unique perspective. Conclude the day with a remarkable buffet dinner before retiring to the comfort of your air-conditioned room.

Day 3:

Harmony of Wildlife Exploration. Begin your day with an early, hearty breakfast, paving the way for a journey into the heart of nature. Traverse our exclusive forest roads, followed by a short walk to discover two of the day’s most wildlife-rich fruiting trees. Our diligent research team monitors extensive forest trails, ensuring encounters with the most vibrant inhabitants. Witness the lively congregation around the fruiting trees, unveiling seven toucan species, vibrant cotingas, and tanagers. Observe the elegance of the velvety Gray Woolly Monkeys and the uniquely adorned White-nosed Bearded Saki, boasting a distinctive hot pink nose. Relish a satisfying lunch at the lodge, rejuvenate with a brief rest, and set out on an afternoon wildlife adventure along the unparalleled Juruena River. For enthusiasts seeking more glimpses of Tapirs, an option may await at the Tapir Palm Grove. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and retire to the coziness of SouthWild Amazon Lodge for a restful overnight stay.

Day 4:

Immerse Yourself in the Lush Canopy Biology of the Amazon. Embark on Tower Day, a symphony of Amazonian wonders. Breakfast precedes an exploration amidst strategically positioned towers, offering an unparalleled perspective. SouthWild Amazon provides unrivaled four towers for canopy access, a testament to our commitment to immersive experiences. A culinary interlude at the lodge is followed by further exploration of additional towers, each unveiling a canvas adorned with myriad species. With four towers at your disposal, the delightful predicament of abundance unfolds. Low-rise, wide stairs from front to back ensure ease on the legs. If they’re around in the season, you may get beautiful images of the rare Harpy Eagles, their nests and their young. As night falls, surrender to the allure of an Amazonian evening. A sumptuous dinner concludes another captivating day, leaving you in awe of rainforest wonders.

Day 5:

The Final Check on your Bucket List Amazon Adventure. In the soft morning light, relish a hearty breakfast before embarking on a tranquil hour-long boat ride among the captivating forest islands of the Juruena. Encounter nature’s finale—a dance of Giant Otters and the vibrant hues of macaws and Umbrellabirds. The boat gently docks, signaling a transition to the next chapter. Board our air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic 3.5-hour drive back to Alta Floresta, reflecting on the echoes of the Amazon’s grandeur. At Cambalacho Restaurant, a final celebratory lunch awaits, a culinary ode to the flavors of our journey. With hearts full and memories cherished, we guide you to the airport for your 2 pm flight back to Cuiabá. Soar into the sky, carrying the spirit of the Amazon—an indelible part of your own odyssey.

Amazon Birds Species List

A grand total of diverse species have been recorded in the South Amazon, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. We feature some attractive species below, as well as offering the best chance at viewing species that are rarer, shyer, or simply harder to photograph well.

Exciting birds that birders want to photograph:

  • Hoatzin
  • Amazonian Umbrellabird
  • Razor-billed Curassow
  • Black-necked Red Cotinga
  • Pompadour Cotinga
  • Blue and Yellow Macaw
  • Scarlet Macaw
  • Red-and-Green Macaw
  • Red-bellied Macaw
  • Toucans, araçaris, and toucanets
  • Red-necked Araçari
  • White-throated Toucan
  • Chestnut-eared Araçari
  • Lettered Araçari
  • Curl-crested Araçari
  • Gould’s Toucanet

The SouthWild Amazon Lodge is the place where you’ll encounter more monkeys, including rare species, than any other site in the world. Featured mammals include the Gray Woolly Monkey, Tapir (GUARANTEED), and the White-nosed Bearded Saki.

A SPECIAL HOME TO HARPY EAGLES

During specific seasons, Harpy Eagles (nest, chick, and young) can be found near our lodge. Inquire in advance to check if your desired travel dates coincide with this occasion.

Why We Love It:

A year-round accessible oasis with effortless arrival from Alta Floresta Airport, making your journey stress-free at any time of the year.
Spectacular wildlife featured in award-winning programs.
Carbon-neutral lodging and certified sustainable by the French government conservation initiative.
The perfect immersion into a natural haven, this charming lodge sits beside the pristine Juruena River, surrounded by lush rainforest and vibrant wildlife. Enjoy seamless transfers from the airport to the lodge, ensuring your journey is smooth and fully immersive in the rainforest.

Included Amenities:

  • 24-Hour Free Wifi
  • Split A/C & Fan
  • Filtered Water Refill Station
  • Mosquito Nets
  • American Outlets & Converters
  • Daily River Safari
  • Road Safari with Private Car
  • Daily Housekeeping

Amazon Rooms

BEDS: 1 Queen or 2 Twins

OCCUPANCY: 2 adults, or 1 adult

SIZE: 32 sq. m.

VIEWS: Large windows with authentic wooden shutters, opening out to the lush Amazon rainforest. Let in the sounds of the jungle.

BATHROOM: Ensuite bathroom with hot shower, toilet, and sink.

UNIQUE FEATURES:

  • Seven purpose-built guest rooms, each providing a haven of relaxation and repose in the heart of the rainforest.

  • 24-hour electricity and Split A/C ensure comfort amidst the Amazon’s untamed beauty.

  • Free Wi-Fi available 24/7, a luxurious rarity in the Amazon.

  • Wooden window shutters original to the lodge, providing full blackout for a restful sleep and thick insulation during cooler nights.

Amazon Adventure 2025 Investment

To obtain pricing information for the SouthWild Amazon Tour, please inquire directly with us by clicking below.

The cost may vary depending on your preferences and specific requirements, ensuring that your experience is tailored to meet your unique interests and needs. Our team is ready to provide detailed information and assist you in planning your perfect Amazon adventure.

Recommended Pairings for Amazon Adventure 2025

The Amazon Adventure is only 5 days of your vacation, so why not bookend it with more adventure? Take a morning flight from any major Brazilian airport and be on the road into the Amazon by the afternoon on day 1. On day 5, arrive back at that airport by midday to hop on an afternoon flight to another special experience in Brazil. Whatever you’re in the mood for next, we’ve got a trip for you.

SouthWild Iguassu Falls (Iguaçu,Iguazú)

Ideal for all groups and interest levels in nature, including families, birders, and fine diners. Highlights include witnessing the splendor of Iguassu Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy anything from adventurous to luxurious lodges, and let us guide you to secret spots in the lush Atlantic forests for close, amazing shots of hummingbirds, toucans, coatis, and more.

SouthWild Bonito

Ideal for families and groups seeking more intimate experiences with nature, as well as photographers of all levels. Highlights include seeing beautiful wildlife up close: photographing macaws at eye level or flying beneath you, approaching wild Giant Anteaters who are blissfully unaware of your presence, and snorkeling through a natural lazy river with crystal-clear waters filled with a glorious rainbow of tropical fish.

Recommended Pairings for Amazon Adventure 2025

SouthWild Jaguar Extreme

Ideal for serious photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to experience the thrill of spotting jaguars in their natural habitat. Highlights include one of SouthWild’s flagship tours, the Jaguar Extreme, which guarantees sightings of wild jaguars along the riverbanks. Our expert guides and specialized boats ensure you are in the best position to capture amazing photographs of these magnificent big cats.

SouthWild Birding in the Atlantic Forest

Ideal for birders and photographers. Highlights include a location just 2 hours from São Paulo airport, where you can immerse yourself in the lush Atlantic Forest, a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Spot and photograph rare species such as the Green-headed Tanager, Streamer-tailed Tyrant, Brassy-breasted Tanager, Blue Dacnis, and hundreds more. Not quite what you’re looking for? Let us help you craft a customized experience that meets your goals.

Our Commitment to Nature

The pace of conservation efforts is not keeping up with the rapid loss of biodiversity. To reverse this trend before it’s too late, we must transcend individual sector interests and unite toward a shared mission: saving our natural world now.

At SouthWild, we have been at the forefront of developing innovative strategies for impactful conservation. Leveraging our expertise in evolutionary biology and animal behavior, we have pioneered responsible, reliable, and effective wildlife experiences. By focusing on rare and charismatic umbrella species, we catalyze broader habitat conservation efforts.

Our specialty lies in providing comfortable access to unparalleled wildlife encounters. We ensure high-quality experiences with rare and remarkable species in their stunning natural habitats. Each year, we refine our offerings to remain the top choice for naturalist travelers, luxury safari operators, birders, photographers, and professional wildlife film producers, continually enhancing the transformative power of our wildlife adventures.

Our Origin Story

In 1977, a young biologist from Princeton was studying mixed-species bird flocks in the Peruvian Amazon inside the newly established Manu National Park. During his subsequent master’s degree research at Oxford, he learned of a devastating plan to kill all the animals in the 600,000-acre Manu Reserved Zone, adjacent to the park. The government’s official plan was to capture monkeys to sell to biomedical labs as test animals and to kill fish, caimans, and peccaries for their meat and skins.

A lifelong advocate for animals, he began petitioning the government to try non-consumptive use before implementing the slaughter. He had previously visited another Amazonian reserve that, despite its remote location and limited wildlife viewing, still attracted many tourists. He reasoned that if a lodge were built in the Manu Reserved Zone—which had far more wildlife—ecotourism could prevent the impending slaughter.

To prove his case, he surveyed every lake in the national park and the reserved zone, confirming that the reserved zone held greater potential for ecotourism than the more remote park. He repeatedly visited the national park service headquarters in Lima, presenting reports that highlighted the tourism potential. Eventually, the park service relented, accepted his proposal, and shelved the “kill and capture” plan in favor of giving tourism a chance.

Determined to ensure the experiment’s success, the biologist took a young hotelier from Cusco into the Reserved Zone, showing him the abundance of wildlife and suggesting potential lodge sites. The idea was simple: if you build it, they will come. He even lent the hotelier the funds to construct the first lodge. Though the jungle lodge lacked private bathrooms and was hours from civilization, it worked. Tourists came, the lodge thrived, and the hotelier repaid the loan in full.

As that first lodge gained a foothold, others followed. Tourism expanded, firmly taking over the territory, and the animal harvest plan disappeared permanently. By the 1990s, tourism had grown so significantly that the entire Manu Reserved Zone was incorporated into the park.

Despite the remoteness of Manu, tour operators managed to turn a profit because visitors encountered so much wildlife that the journey felt worthwhile. This 25-year-old biologist—through lake surveys, detailed species reports, and relentless lobbying—succeeded in stopping the plan to hunt and trap wildlife in 600,000 acres, while also helping expand the national park. The experience convinced him that saving wildlife from slaughter was achievable with solid data and persistence.

The Inspiring History of SouthWild Amazon

Nestled deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the SouthWild Amazon Lodge stands as a beacon of hope for wildlife conservation and a testament to the power of international collaboration. Spanning 10,300 hectares with 12 kilometers of pristine riverfront, it is a living legacy of preservation.

The story of SouthWild Amazon began in 1998, when the French government recognized the urgent need to protect and restore the Amazon’s fragile ecosystems. They launched a groundbreaking reforestation project, which, over 25 years, has successfully planted 7 million trees. This monumental effort has transformed former cattle pastures into lush rainforest, creating thriving habitats for tapirs, toucans, monkeys, and countless other species.

Backed by the ONF (French National Forestry Office) and major contributions from Peugeot, this initiative is one of the most successful reforestation projects in Amazonian history. It has not only restored forests but also reduced carbon emissions—equivalent to removing 58,000 cars from the roads. For over two decades, a strict no-hunting policy has ensured that wildlife flourishes in safety.

At the heart of this regenerated paradise lies the SouthWild Amazon Lodge, offering unmatched access to the rainforest with 40 kilometers of private roads and exclusive canopy towers. Here, visitors can experience the majesty of the Juruena River, vibrant birdlife, and elusive mammals up close.

Chosen by the French government as their ecotourism partner, SouthWild has played a pivotal role in conservation. Under the leadership of Dr. Charles Munn, a renowned Amazon research biologist, SouthWild has pioneered responsible, reliable, and effective wildlife experiences. Their approach not only delivers unforgettable adventures but also supports local communities and ensures a sustainable future.

SouthWild Amazon Lodge is more than a travel destination—it is a living example of conservation in action. With modern amenities such as permanent electricity, air conditioning, WiFi, and spacious rooms, guests enjoy comfort while immersing themselves in the wonders of the rainforest.

As guardians of this extraordinary place, SouthWild continues to uphold the highest standards of wildlife preservation and sustainable tourism. A visit here is not only an adventure but also a contribution to the ongoing mission of protecting the Amazon for future generations.