Anavilhanas National Park
Anavilhanas National Park
An archipelago of 400 islands on the Rio Negro, Anavilhanas National Park protects flooded forests, black-water beaches and Amazonian wildlife, 2.5 hours from Manaus.
The Anavilhanas National Park protects a river archipelago of approximately 400 islands scattered along the Rio Negro, in the State of Amazonas. Spanning the municipalities of Manaus and Novo Airão, it covers 350,470 hectares over 130 kilometres in length, of which 60% is river surface. It is one of the densest concentrations of river islands in the world.
Why visit Anavilhanas
Anavilhanas combines three rarely unified environments: a river with dark black water reflections, seasonal flooded forests (igapós), and white sand beaches that emerge in the dry season. This mix allows you to observe river dolphins, sloths, caimans, exotic birds and dense Amazonian flora within a few days. Management by the Chico Mendes Institute (ICMBio) regulates access and limits tourism pressure.
History and protected status
The Amazonian rainforest established itself in this basin several tens of millions of years ago, long before Amerindian peoples inhabited the banks of the Rio Negro. Some residents of Novo Airão descend from these lineages and maintain knowledge related to fishing and forest pharmacology.
The site was initially recognized as a strictly protected area, then reclassified as a national park. The Anavilhanas National Park was created on 6 February 1981, and is now managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). It forms part of the protected ensemble of the central Amazon region, some components of which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
What to see and do
White sand beaches
When the Rio Negro level drops, the beaches of Meio, Tiririca and Folharal emerge. They offer swimming areas in black water, free from mosquitoes (the acidity of the Rio Negro repels them).
Trails and hiking
- Barro Branco Trail: a walk through primary forest, among tauaré, cedrinho, jacareúba, sapucaia and utucurana trees.
- Bariaú Circuit: a route along the river of the same name, with rapids, swimming areas and the possibility of spotting tapirs, pacas, wild boar, otters and sloths. Night excursion to spot caimans.
Water and caves
- Flutuante dos Botos: a floating platform dedicated to supervised encounters with river dolphins.
- Igapó water trails: canoe navigation through the flooded forest.
- Grutas do Madadá: caves accessible by guided excursion.
Aerial view
A seaplane flight from Manaus allows you to take in the archipelago and mosaic of islands, particularly spectacular during high water season.
When to visit
Two seasons shape the visit:
- September to February: low water level, exposed beaches, swimming possible, terrestrial trails passable.
- March to August: high waters, flooded forest accessible by canoe, navigation through the trees, ideal for igapós.
To combine hiking and beaches, aim for the October–December window. For igapós, prioritize May–July.
Practical information
- Access: free, open year-round.
- Registration: visit the ICMBio headquarters, Antenor Carlos Frederico Street in Novo Airão, for trail information and referral to local guides.
- Accommodation: hotels and lodges in Novo Airão, to be booked in advance.
- What to bring: insect repellent, sunscreen, waterproof jacket, swimming costume, long trousers, hiking socks and shoes, waterproof bag for fragile items.
How to get there from Manaus
The park is reached from Manaus by road or river, by heading to Novo Airão.
By bus
The Master and Entram companies depart from Manaus coach station, with a stop in Manacapuru. Count on approximately 4 hours of travel.
By lotação (shared taxi)
The lotação links Manaus to Novo Airão in approximately 2.5 hours, ideally in early morning or early afternoon. Booking recommended through a local operator; the vehicle accommodates up to four passengers.
By car
A journey of approximately 193 km: cross the Rio Negro bridge from Manaus, follow the AM-070 towards Manacapuru for approximately 85 km, then turn onto the AM-352 to Novo Airão.
By boat
A regional boat departs from the São Raimundo port in Manaus in early evening to reach Novo Airão. Bring a hammock, as is customary in the Amazon.
Nearby
- Manaus: gateway to Brazilian Amazonia and logistics base for Anavilhanas.
- Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park: to extend your experience of Brazil's great protected spaces.
- Buraco das Araras: macaw observation in a spectacular sinkhole in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Including Anavilhanas in a trip to Brésil
The park fits naturally into an Amazon circuit from Manaus, whether an immersive nature experience or an itinerary combined with the Northeast or Pantanal. To build your project, consult our trips to Brésil.
Interested in this visit?
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