2022 DEPARTURES
March 16-31, 2022 / May 25-June 09 / July 06-21 / September 14-29 / November 16-December 01

GROUP SIZE LIMIT
Group size is limited to 6-10 participants. At extra costs, it is possible to privatize the expedition.

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. The expedition has been tailored in full partnership with the Yanomami, and part of the expedition proceeds are forwarded to several local community associations. The expedition team comprises small select groups under guidance of highly experienced, English-speaking expedition leaders. Above all, their positive mindset is highly contagious – ensuring everyone feels safe, confident and welcome.

The expedition is designed for those with good physical condition and unimpaired mobility. Ideally, participants have experience in trekking and hiking at higher altitudes. The expedition routine involves early morning rise (and shine!) and hikes on moderate to steep slopes between 6 and 10 hours a day during at least 10 days of the experience. Participants should be prepared for swimming in moderate currents. Yanomami Porters will assist at all times, including transportation of some of the gear during the trek. Staff will be on standby to assist anyone down the mountain in case of inability to reach the summit.

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1 Manaus: Altitude 92m.Reception at the airport; PCR-testing; transfer to the hotel; group meeting and general introductions; afternoon free or a guided excursion of Manaus, including the Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market and the Opera House; overnight in Manaus (Villa Amazonia or Juma Ópera). No meals included. 

DAY 2 Manaus / São Gabriel da Cachoeira: Altitude 93m.After breakfast; flight along the Rio Negro to São Gabriel da Cachoeira; transfer to the guest house; meet and greet with the Baniwa people at the Itacoatiara-mirim community; indigenous welcoming ceremony; afternoon spent inside an authentic indigenous maloca (longhouse); time for spiritual teachings and stories. After lunch in the community, check-in at the guest house and depart on an afternoon guided discovery of Sanga’s highlights. The excursion includes a meet and greet with indigenous residents and a visit to the arts and crafts market; time on the (river) beach for a refreshing dive before returning to the guest house. Overnight in São Gabriel da Cachoeira. Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

DAY 3 São Gabriel da Cachoeira: Altitude 93m.Morning visit to the São João Community and immerse in the daily lives of several ethnic groups, including the Baniwa, Tukano, Wanano, Cubeu, Siriano, and Desana; after lunch at the community, last minute purchases and organization of expedition equipment in São Gabriel da Cachoeira. Overnight in São Gabriel da Cachoeira. Meals: Breakfast and lunch. 

DAY 4 São Gabriel da Cachoeira / Base Camp Maturacá: Altitude 90m.Early morning rise, followed by a two-hour (85km) drive to the boat ramp at the Ya-Mirim river; board speed boats for a six-hour river journey, with stops along the way;  after navigation of the Ya-Mirim, Ya-Grande, Cauaburis, Maturacá rivers, arrive at the basecamp at *AYRCA’s headquarters; welcome dinner prepared by the Yanomami cooks. Overnight in hammocks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner.

DAY 5 Maturacá – Trekking to Camp 1 Irokae: Altitude 101m.After breakfast, 02-hour speedboat trip followed by a 2–3-hour hike to Camp 1; medical check-up, reorganize and review the equipment; assemble camp. This is the time to get to know the climbers from other parts of the world and to meet the people that work in the camps. Overnight in hammocks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner.

DAY 6 Ascent to Camp 2 Bebedouro Novo: Altitude 866m.Early morning rise, followed by a 8-9 hours hike through a very steep path “Pirambeira” (meaning Rugged Slope) to Bebedouro Novo at 866m; assemble camp. Overnight in hammocks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner.

DAY 7 Ascent to Camp 3 Laje: Altitude 1619m.After breakfast, 5-6 hour demanding ascent to Camp 3 (1619m); breath-taking views over the rainforest canopy below; assemble camp; acclimatization.  Overnight in hammocks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner.

DAY 8 Ascent to Camp 4 Areal: Altitude 2022m.After breakfast, further ascent to Camp 4 Areal at 2022m; spectacular view of the Serra do Imeri mountains; assemble camp; acclimatization. Overnight in hammocks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner.

DAY 9 Summit Day: Altitude 2994m.This is the most demanding day of the expedition. At 6:00 am, a 04-hour hike to the summit; climbers should expect strong winds, even on calm days; plenty of time to enjoy the 360° panoramic views; return to Camp 4 Areal; assemble camp. Overnight in hammocks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner.

DAY 10 Descent to Bebedouro Novo: Altitude 866m.Return from Camp 3 to Camp 2; assemble camp. Overnight in hammocks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner.

DAY 11 Descent to Irokae: Altitude 101m.Return from Camp 2 to Camp 1; assemble camp. Overnight in hammocks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner.

DAY 12 Return to Maturacá: Altitude 90m.Return from Camp 1 to Base Camp Maturacá; assemble camp. Overnight in hammocks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner.

DAY 13 Return to São Gabriel da Cachoeira: Altitude 93m.Return from Maturacá to the guest house in São Gabriel da Cachoeira; special reception and celebration dinner. Overnight in the Guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner.

DAY 14/15 Rest Day at São Gabriel da Cachoeira: Altitude 93m.The last days in São Gabriel da Cachoeira are rest days. These days should also be considered as spare days in case of bad weather. Free time to enjoy São Gabriel da Cachoeira. Overnight in the Guest house. Meals: Breakfast.

DAY 16 São Gabriel da Cachoeira – Manaus: Altitude 92m.Check-out after breakfast and flight back to Manaus; transfer to the hotel and back to the airport, or remain at the airport for flight out. For convenience (as many prefer to stay an extra day in Manaus and depart the following day), we have booked an additional overnight in Manaus. Day-use or overnight in hotel (Villa Amazonia or Juma Ópera) in Manaus. Meals: Breakfast.

Contact Boutique Travel Experts for more info and a quote.