A once in a lifetime experience. Operating deep within the Yanomami indigenous territories in the remote Northern Amazon, the Pico da Neblina expedition offers an epic 16-day experience combining unique cultural encounters with the Yanomami people, navigating wild rivers by boat and trekking through pristine rainforest. With what purpose? It gets you to basecamp 1, at the foot of Pico da Neblina: starting point for the challenging ascent up to the 3000m summit of Brazil’s highest peak. The expedition not only delivers an extraordinary and awe-inspiring mountain experience, it’s also a means of finding oneself, of achieving personal goals, of testing one’s limits, and of immersing in raw nature. The expedition, which has fixed departure dates, is set in the upper reaches of the Rio Negro, in the midst of vast indigenous territories managed by FUNAI, Brazil’s National Indian Foundation. Participants may rest assured that the expedition has been tailored in full
Trip Details
Tour Highlights
Unique interactions with the Yanomami people in their indigenous territories.
Navigate wild rivers by boat and trek through pristine rainforest.
Conquer Brazil's highest peak, Pico da Neblina, reaching the 3000m summit.
Small groups led by highly experienced, English-speaking expedition leaders.
Expedition proceeds benefit local community associations, developed in partnership with the Yanomami.
Daily hikes of 6 to 10 hours on moderate to steep slopes, requiring good physical condition and trekking experience.
What to expect
Travel Style: Cultural Immersion, l-cant-believe-we-did-that moments
Lodging: Basic
Transportation:
4x4 expeditions on epic roads
Physical Rating:
Excellent fitness level required and a good acclimatation
Next Departures
Invalid Date Format
Invalid Date Format
Invalid Date Format
Invalid Date Format
Thematics
Adventure
Culture
Expedition
Trekking
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Manaus
Upon your arrival at the international airport in Manaus, free time to discover the historical city centre of Manaus on your own accord. We recommend a stop at the Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market and the Opera House. Thi...
Upon your arrival at the international airport in Manaus, free time to discover the historical city centre of Manaus on your own accord. We recommend a stop at the Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market and the Opera House. This is also an opportunity to purchase anything you may still need or want to take along on the expedition. (Transfer and Hotel Not Included)
Read More
Villa Amazônia (or similar)
DAY 2
São Gabriel da Cachoeira - Swim in Rio Negro
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for an 11:00 a.m. flight to São Gabriel da Cachoeira (SGC not included), flying along the Rio Negro. This remote town, accessible only by air or water, is the most indigenous town...
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for an 11:00 a.m. flight to São Gabriel da Cachoeira (SGC not included), flying along the Rio Negro. This remote town, accessible only by air or water, is the most indigenous town in Brazil. Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshing indigenous lunch and a briefing on upcoming activities before transferring to Bawary Guest House. Explore the lovely orchid garden around the guesthouse. In the afternoon, take a guided walk to discover São Gabriel’s highlights, including the arts and crafts market supporting women artisans. Swim in the Rio Negro as locals do, visiting Praia Grande, a 500-meter strip of white sands emerging during the river’s dry period. Enjoy candlelight dinners followed by campfire reflections each night at the guest house.
Read More
B, L, D
Pousada Bawary (or similar)
DAY 3
Down the Ya-Mirim stream on speed boats
We will rise early and go on an approximately two-hour (85km) drive by 4×4 to the boat ramp at Ya-Mirim stream. Here we will board our speed boats where the Yanomami from the Cauaburis River and Tributaries Association w...
We will rise early and go on an approximately two-hour (85km) drive by 4×4 to the boat ramp at Ya-Mirim stream. Here we will board our speed boats where the Yanomami from the Cauaburis River and Tributaries Association will be waiting for us. We will have a leisurely lunch stop and picnic lunch on the way. We will cruise for approximately six hours, going down the Ya-Mirim stream until we meet the Ya-Grande stream, we head down to its mouth on the Cauaburis river and go up the Cauaburis to the mouth of the Igarapé Maturacá. Along the way, catch glimpses of some of the most important mountains within the Yanomami Territory, such as Opota. We then enter the Maturacá and go up until we reach our first basecamp at *AYRCA’s headquarters. There will also be a special dinner prepared by the Yanomami cooks to welcome us.
Read More
B, L, D
Base Camp Maturacá (or similar)
2h
DAY 4
Trekking to Camp 1 Irokae (101m)
After breakfast, prepare and review backpacks, and then start our trekking to Camp 1 Irokae after travel by speed boat for two hours. After walking 2-3 hours on easy terrain, we arrive at Camp 1 (101m). This is a good op...
After breakfast, prepare and review backpacks, and then start our trekking to Camp 1 Irokae after travel by speed boat for two hours. After walking 2-3 hours on easy terrain, we arrive at Camp 1 (101m). This is a good opportunity to familiarize yourself with the camp and
Read More
B, L, D
2h
Camp 1 Irokae (or similar)
2h
DAY 5
Climbing the "Pirambeira" steep path to Bebedouro Novo (866m)
After breakfast, we will begin our second approaching day trekking to Bebedouro Novo. Early in the morning we will start our walk and slowly gain altitude. After 8-9 hours hiking and climbing up through a very steep path...
After breakfast, we will begin our second approaching day trekking to Bebedouro Novo. Early in the morning we will start our walk and slowly gain altitude. After 8-9 hours hiking and climbing up through a very steep path “Pirambeira” (meaning Rugged Slope), we reach Bebedouro Novo at 866m. By the end of the day most of us will feel the heat. It’s time to arrange and extend clothes to dry in case of sun exposure and rest. We then rest and have dinner.
Read More
B, L, D
8-9h
Camp 2 Bebedouro Novo (or similar)
DAY 6
Ascent from Bebedouro Novo to Laje (1619m)
After breakfast we will start our ascent to Camp 3. After walking 5-6 hours on difficult terrain, we will arrive at Camp 3 (1619m). You will be rewarded with a breath-taking first view of the rainforest that you will nev...
After breakfast we will start our ascent to Camp 3. After walking 5-6 hours on difficult terrain, we will arrive at Camp 3 (1619m). You will be rewarded with a breath-taking first view of the rainforest that you will never forget. We will assemble the camp, time to organize and extend clothes to dry in case of sun, rest and have dinner.
Read More
B, L, D
5-6h
Camp 3 laje (or similar)
DAY 7
Muddy and Rocky paths from Laje to Areal (2022m)
Climb for about 5-6 hours through muddy terrain and rocky paths. On this day, we move from Laje to Areal at 2022m. This is when we start enjoying the real beauty of high altitude, surrounded by a spectacular view of the ...
Climb for about 5-6 hours through muddy terrain and rocky paths. On this day, we move from Laje to Areal at 2022m. This is when we start enjoying the real beauty of high altitude, surrounded by a spectacular view of the Serra do Imeri. It is very important to control the adaptation of our body to altitude and continue to monitor our acclimatization.
Read More
B, L, D
5-6h
Camp 4 Areal (or similar)
DAY 8
Reaching the summit of Pico da Neblina (2994m)
This is the summit day, and it begins at six a.m. Today is the most challenging day of our expedition. We continue on the way up to Pico da Neblina, which takes about 4 hours. As we ascend, we may encounter severe gusts,...
This is the summit day, and it begins at six a.m. Today is the most challenging day of our expedition. We continue on the way up to Pico da Neblina, which takes about 4 hours. As we ascend, we may encounter severe gusts, even on calm days at lower altitudes. The Pico da Neblina, Brazil’s highest mountain, is visible straight underneath us. As we reach the summit at 2994, we have an incredible sense of accomplishment.
Read More
B, L, D
8h
Camp 4 Areal (or similar)
DAY 9
Start descending back to Bebedouro Novo (866m)
We have breakfast and then start the descent to Bebedouro Novo.
We have breakfast and then start the descent to Bebedouro Novo.
B, L, D
Camp 2 Bebedouro Novo (or similar)
DAY 10
Bebedouro Novo to Gavião Midway Camp
We have breakfast and then start the descent to Gavião Midway Camp.
We have breakfast and then start the descent to Gavião Midway Camp.
B, L, D
Gavião Midway Camp (or similar)
DAY 11
Gavião Midway Camp to Irokae (101m)
We have breakfast and then start the descent to Irokae.
We have breakfast and then start the descent to Irokae.
B, L, D
Irokae (or similar)
DAY 12
Irokae to Maturacá (90m)
We have breakfast and then start the descent to Maturacá.
We have breakfast and then start the descent to Maturacá.
B, L, D
Base Camp Maturacá (or similar)
DAY 13
Back to São Gabriel da Cachoeira on speed boat
We have breakfast and then start the return journey from Maturacá by speedboat
We have breakfast and then start the return journey from Maturacá by speedboat
Read More
B, L, D
Guest house in São Gabriel da Cachoeira (or similar)
DAY 14
Reserve day / rest day / optional excursions
The last two days in São Gabriel da Cachoeira are always (reserve) rest days.
The last two days in São Gabriel da Cachoeira are always (reserve) rest days.
Read More
B, L, D
Guest house in São Gabriel da Cachoeira (or similar)
DAY 15
Reserve day / Rest day / Optional excursions
The last two days in São Gabriel da Cachoeira are always (reserve) rest days.
The last two days in São Gabriel da Cachoeira are always (reserve) rest days.
Read More
B, L, D
Guest house in São Gabriel da Cachoeira (or similar)
DAY 16
Flight back to Manaus
Breakfast at the guest house. Leaving the rainforest behind, we fly back to Manaus.
Breakfast at the guest house. Leaving the rainforest behind, we fly back to Manaus.
Read More
Price Details
Included
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
4 nights in São Gabriel da Cachoeira in shared rooms up to 3 pax; 2 nights at Yaripo Project (sleeping in hammocks); 8 nights in campings (sleeping in hammocks); Breakfast (except on day 1); Lunch and dinner from day 3 to day 12; English speaking guide; Return transfers São Gabriel da Cachoeira airport / guest house. Each guest is required to bring their own hammock.
Not Included
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
airline tickets to/from São Gabriel da Cachoeira; personal equipment; personal porter service; general travel insurance covering issues such as loss of baggage, delay and any costs incurred as a result of abandonment of the expedition; personal expenses (tips, laundry, drinks and meals other than mentioned. E.g.: snacks, lunch and dinners not specifically mentioned in the itinerary; extra hotel costs in case of early arrival and/or late departure; mandatory medical Insurance for extreme sports; any other service not specifically mentioned as included.
Minimum Deposit
30% (The last payment must be completed 45 days prior to the start of the trip.)
Price Base
Price from 5 to 6 people:
4.550 USD
Price from 7 to 8 people:
4.550 USD
* Price is indicated per person
Terms & Conditions
The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information .
Recommendations
Expedition leaders will always put safety first and have the authority to change the itinerary in case any security issues arise (adverse weather conditions for example). To this end, day 14 and 15 of the expedition are reserved to make up for (eventual) lost time. Unutilized, these days will be spent in the pleasant settlement of São Gabriel da Cachoeira.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
MEALS
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:
