Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve

Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve Review

The largest wildlife reserve in Brazil, Mamirauá is about 1,050 km (650 mi) west of Manaus on the Rio Solimões. The reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, including the endemic, and endangered, red-faced uakari monkey. Guided tours (from Pousada Uakari) take you through the várzea (flooded forest) in canoes during the rainy season (January-April) and on foot the rest of the year. Plan to get muddy if you're hiking. Frequent animal sightings include three species of monkeys, colorful birds, and pink river dolphins. Dry season is the best time to see caimans and fish. Since Mamirauá encompasses several communities, cooperation and assistance of local inhabitants in the areas of research, ecotourism, maintenance, and fiscalization help make it successful as a sustainable development reserve.

To get to the reserve, you'll need to fly to Tefé (a one-hour flight from Manaus) and take Mamirauá's boat from there. It's a bit of an effort but well worth it.