PIRARUCU
Destination Overview
Pirarucú is located within the Mamirauá Reserve, about 600 km west of Manaus, a complex of lakes and channels between the Solimões River and Japura River. Mamirauá was the first Sustainable Development Reserve in Brazil, legislated by the Government of Amazonas in 1996, and remains the largest arapaima reserve in the world. The purpose of a Sustainable Development Reserve is to find a balance between biodiversity conservation and the sustainable development of an area inhabited by human populations.
Mamirauá covers an area of 1,124,000 hectares and passes through the municipalities of Uarini, Fonte Boa and Maraã. Other important Amazonian municipalities are also located in its area of influence, such as Jutaí, Alvarães and Tefé, the region's primary urban center and an hour and a half boat ride from Pirarucú.
The water in the core of the reserve is called “black water” in the Amazon, which, despite dark tinting from jungle leaves, is actually quite clear, allowing for sight casting opportunities for a variety of different species.
At a Glance
Target Fish: Arapaima, Arawana, Peacock Bass
Location: Northern Brazil
Seasons: Mid September through December 1st
Lodge Capacity: 6 guests
Nearest Airport: Manaus International Airport, Brazil (MAO), One (1) overnight in Manaus on arrival. You will need to arrange your domestic flights from Manaus to Tefe on Azul Airlines.
Documents Needed: Passport & Visa. An application for a visa can take as much as three months to process so it’s important to plan ahead. Visas will not be issued to those who’s passports will expire within six months of the trip.
Electricity: 110v. but with standard European two prongs.
Fishing Program
Pirarucú is located within the Mamirauá Reserve, about 600 km west of Manaus, a complex of lakes and channels between the Solimões River and Japura River. Mamirauá was the first Sustainable Development Reserve in Brazil, legislated by the Government of Amazonas in 1996, and remains the largest arapaima reserve in the world. The purpose of a Sustainable Development Reserve is to find a balance between biodiversity conservation and the sustainable development of an area inhabited by human populations. Mamirauá covers an area of, 124,000 hectares and passes through the municipalities of Uarini, Fonte Boa and Maraã. Other important Amazonian municipalities are also located in its area of influence, such as Jutaí, Alvarães and Tefé, the region's primary urban center and an hour and a half boat ride from Pirarucú.
Anglers exploring Pirarucú will fish both the inland lakes system, formed in the rainy season from January through June when high water floods the inland jungle areas, and when the waters drop during the dry season, the system of channels that remain to connect them all to the main river.
The anglers fish from extremely comfortable and smooth flat skiffs, custom designed and crafted by Untamed Angling. Each skiff is equipped with two large casting platforms, and an electric trolling motor with remote control, for moving silently within the lagoons. 60HP four stroke Yamaha engines provide the power to cover long distances quickly. GPS and VHF radios are on board to keep guides in communication and aware of each others’ positions.
Best Fly Fishing seasons:
The season at Pirarucú runs from the middle of September to the end of November. The dry season in this part of the Amazon runs from July through January, so this season straddles the middle of the dry season when water should be low and fish congregating in the lakes and channels. November 30th marks the end of fishing due to special regulations from the environmental authorities in Brazil who close any kind of fishing for arapaima throughout the Amazon to protect juvenile fish.
Accommodations
The lodge is very simple but comfortable and beautiful. It is a floating lodge, constructed of local woods. It is utilized during the year as a ecotourism lodge primarily for bird watching and wildlife viewing. It is fact noted as one of the top five bird watching areas in the Amazon. Pirarucu is a perfect destination for non-anglers, as well as anglers, as there are a good number of activities offered like bird safaris, jungle tracks with pro guides, and visit the local communities to see the lifestyle and village. The lodge has 10 floating cabins, each with two en suite rooms, 3 of which are being refurbished to accommodate our angling guests a ceiling fans. The main lodge building features a dining room, living area and kitchen.
Everything is on the water connected by wooden platforms. The lodge is located in the heart of the reserve with very short run times to the fishing no more than 20 minutes and sometimes as short as 5 minutes. Every day guests will return to the lodge for a well-prepared hot lunch and optional nap before returning for an afternoon fishing session at 2:30pm. This allows anglers to get out of the sun and heat, so that they can rest and re-hydrate. Satellite phone and Internet are available.
On Site Amenities and Activities include:
Satellite internet and phone
Wi-Fi/internet access
Laundry
Fly Shop
Swimming Pool
Bar
Pool Table
Gourmet Food
Getting There
The lodge is reached by flying to Manaus Brazil and transferring to a charter that will take you on about an hour’s flight to the lodge. Transfers from the airport in Manaus to your hotel and back to the airport the next morning to catch your charter are included in your package. An onsite lodge representative will meet you at the airport in Manaus to handle transfers. You will want to book your flight from Miami to Manaus on a Friday and your return to Miami on Saturday afternoon or Sunday.
Rates
Rates (Mid September-December 1st)
5 nights/4 days fishing: $5,150. per person
6 nights/5 days fishing: $5,950. per person
Included: All boat transfers / All necessary ground transfers in Brazil/ five (5) days fishing, fully guided / six (6) night, all inclusive: lodging, meals, and beverage (including wine, beer and spirits) / one (1) overnight in Manaus on arrival / Guided-operated 20 foot fully equipped shallow draft skiffs per two anglers / Fishing licenses
Not included: $590 Native Community Fee / International air fare / Domestic Airfare – Manaus-Tefe-Manaus (around US$150) / Brazilian visa / Tips and gratuities for camp staff and guides / Food and beverages in Manaus and private city tours / Airport departure tax / Satellite phone calls ($5/minute) / City tours in Manaus / Extra hotel overnights / Flies (we have an extensive selection of best flies at Camp - $10/each) / Daily laundry at fishing destination.
NATIVE COMMUNITY FEE
This Project was based as a long term social project which supports the preservation of the Indian Culture by improving their quality of life. The project has a significant user fee on all visiting anglers. The funds from the fee will primarily be used for social projects, infrastructure development, transportation, and medical and education projects.
The fee will be $590 per person for the trip. The tax will be payable in (Cash $USD or Brazilian Reals) to our representative at your arrival in Manaus and goes directly to the Indian Association account and anglers will receive a receipt from the association. This fee represents an important step in the continuing effort to protect our ability to continue to share this amazing and unique part of the world.
To book any of our trips give us a call to start the process
