Are piranhas dangerous if we go swimming?
While present in all Amazonian waters, piranhas do not attack swimmers. Usually only injured or bleeding fish are the prey of these verocious predators. But great care must be taken when removing piranhas from hooks on the boat!
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Where will I be sleeping at night?
On board our Amazon River Boat. Traditionally hammocks are the best way to get shuteye in the Amazon.
What are the health concerns?
Malaria is endemic in the Brazilian Amazon - but not nearly as prevalent as in other parts of the tropics. Because we fish the Rio Negro, which is a black water river, there are very few mosquitoes, and very little insect-borne disease. The sun in the Amazon is even stronger than in the Caribbean and protection from the sun at peak hours is important. To find out more about health concerns, see our Preparations section.
Is there medical help available while I'm on the trip?
Medical help, should it be required, is never far away. We are in constant radio contact with the towns of Sao Gabriel and Barcelos, where medical help is available.
Are there ever problems with customs, or local law officials?
Brazilian customs agents are used to visitors coming just for the fishing season - and tourists are rushed through the process of entering the country. And, unlike Colombia and Venezuela, leaving the country is never a problem.
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The last phone you will see is in the city of Manaus. There is radio contact with Barcelos and Sao Gabriel, but phoning home is difficult from there. Rented satellite phones (available in the US) function well in the Amazon - should you choose to bring one.
What will we eat?
Our boats have a full-time cook on board. All supplies must be taken along so we try to vary the meals as much as possible. We bring rice, potatoes, meats (Brazil has some of the best meats in the world), chicken, and a variety of drinks. Locals will supply fresh fruit daily, and of course we will catch many delicious fish!
Can you accommodate a special diet?
Finding specific foods in the Amazon can be difficult. However, if you have a very specific diet that you must adhere to, our cook will be more than happy to accommodate you.
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Where is the airport? How do we get around? Transportation is provided by what means?
The flight to the Amazon is from Manaus airport. Our minibus will pick you up and bring you to the airport at all times. Help is available to get the gear from the plane to the boat once we arrive in the jungle at Sao Gabriel de Cashoeira.
Can we bring any of the fish back with me?
Brazilian law forbids you from bringing fish back with you to the US. However we are able to eat any fish we choose not to release during our expedition
Do you have any customer testimonials I could read?
Yes, make sure to read our Amazon Adventure Customer Testimonials.
Is the Brazilian Amazon safe?
While Brazil has a serious crime problem in all of its major cities, the Brazilian Amazon is the safest region in South America. The Caboclo people (descendants of the Indios and Portugese settlers) are among the kindest and most knowlegdeable fishermen in the world. Also, the Amazon capital of Manaus has none of the problems associated with the larger Brazilain cities.
I am afraid of snakes - will I see many?
As we spend nearly all of our time on the boats it is just about impossible that you will even see a snake - let alone encounter one. To see snakes, serious trekking in the forest at night is required.
Do you have a checklist of things I should bring with me on the trip?
Yes, make sure to read our Amazon Adventure Checklist - which will help you pack your bags with things you may need!
