If Seeing the Olympics in Rio Just Isn’t Enough, Treat Yo’ Self to this Brazilian Jungle Lodge

When I hear eco-lodge, I think camping but in a permanent structure. No electricity, four legged or eight visitors, and mosquitos… Lots of mosquitos. My sister stayed in one in Costa Rica and it was pretty much that. So, I didn’t really know what I was agreeing to back in January. My sister and I planned to attend the Olympic games in Rio, but she wanted to take a side trip to an eco-lodge in the Amazon. She sent me several emails and somewhere in them was a link to Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

Did You Say 3 bars?!

Two days ago Tony met us in the lobby of our hotel, the Intercity Hotel in Manaus, where we began the 3 hour drive to AJL. I later found out that we had the option to take a seaplane and land on the Rio Negro in front of the lodge. Maybe next time!

When we arrived one of the staff members showed us around the property. This place has 3 bars, an infinity pool, lookout tower, hammock room, kids game room and tv lounge, pool table and wifi in the reception area, a dock with several boats, another dock for swimming in the Rio Negro, its own well with purified, cold water and a restaurant. Our room was one of their smaller offerings but still spacious and even had its own separate hammock area, mini bar and snacks (for a fee), en suite bathroom, safe, satellite TV, and plenty of storage space and most important: air conditioning.

If this isn’t paradise, I don’t know what is.

Trying (And Liking) Papaya Mousse

After touring the property, lunch was served. It was buffet style and included all local fare. All the meals and tours were included in the reservation. My favorite dish was the local fish which is a staple for lunch and dinner. Also, try the papaya mousse. I was skeeved out when I first saw it.. I have texture issues. But forget everything you believed about texture, papayas and mousse. It’s similar to the consistency of light yogurt with fresh papaya fruit topped with papaya seeds which give it a nice crunch and tangy kick. I felt a mixture of delight, satisfaction, joy and heartbreak because I don’t know where I’ll find it outside of this place.

 

Sometimes Schedules Are Just What You Need

We stayed 3 days and 2 nights. There was a schedule. Normally, I’m not a fan of a schedule on vacation but it’s the Amazon. You won’t see much of it meaningfully without a guide and a timeline. There was plenty of downtime to relax, nap, or swim in the infinity pool or the Rio Negro which is supposed to have positive effects for skin and hair.

And the guides were top notch. We did a pink dolphin feeding activity and archipelago tour with Krishna who gave thorough explanations in English and Porteguese. Tony took us night spotting on the Rio Negro. We saw a sloth, owls, snake, tarantula, and a fish jumped in our boat!

Treat Yo’ Self (w/ turndown service)

While you’re out getting your nature on, someone cleans the room and even does a turndown service in the evening. They even leave these delicious sweets on your nightstand. As if that weren’t enough, they have afternoon snack time which usually consists of apples, drinks and muffins or a chocolate cake soaked in chocolate condensed milk. Yeah, we were spoiled.

(Photos: Anavilhanas)

I saw families, couples, and travelers of all ages at this lodge. The experience was educational, adventurous, luxurious and most important, eco-friendly. Maybe one day that will describe my life.

Want to go to here?

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
Av. Eduardo Ribeiro, 520 — sl. 304
Brazil

Photo Credits: Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

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