rural road · Careiro da Várzea, AM
Estrada do Cambixe
A road of about 21 kilometers that crosses the municipality's floodplain, paved in concrete and popular with cycling groups. Along the way you see kapok and munguba trees, egrets and caimans, as well as cattle ranches.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Estrada do Cambixe
The Estrada do Cambixe is a rural road that crosses the floodplain of Ilha do Careiro, in Careiro da Várzea, starting from the town center. It is a narrow road used every day by local residents and farmers, and it has become a destination for cycling groups who come from Manaus to ride through the floodplain landscape.
Part of the route is paved in concrete, a good stretch for cycling, and part is still dirt, better suited to mountain bikes. The paving was done in stages, so it is a good idea to ask locally how far the concrete goes before you set out.
Along the way, the landscape is floodplain fields with kapok, munguba and aninga plants, scattered houses, orchards and vegetable gardens raised on wooden platforms. You also often see birds such as egrets, ducks and hawks, and caimans in the flooded areas. From some spots you can see the shores of Lago do Rei (lake).
The road is in a floodplain area and follows the rhythm of the rivers. In years of major flooding, water can cover much of the island. The ride suits cyclists and anyone who enjoys birdwatching and rural Amazon life. Bring what you need, because the route is rural and has few houses.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A bike ride along the road takes a morning or a full day, including the crossing from Manaus.
Best time
Outside the high-water season, when the road and fields are dry. Start early to ride in cooler temperatures and see more birds.
How to get there
The road starts in the town of Careiro da Várzea, on Ilha do Careiro (island). The island is reached only by water: boats leave from the Ceasa port in Manaus, and the crossing takes about half an hour. You can bring your bike on the boat.
Tip
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent, and use a bike suited to dirt roads if you want to go beyond the paved section.
A look at the place
Estrada do Cambixe in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Estrada do Cambixe
Where is the Estrada do Cambixe?
In Careiro da Várzea, in the state of Amazonas. It starts in the town center, on Ilha do Careiro (island), and crosses the rural floodplain.
How do I get to the Estrada do Cambixe from Manaus?
By boat. Boats leave from the Ceasa port in Manaus, and the crossing to Careiro da Várzea takes about half an hour. Cycling groups usually bring their bikes on the boat.
Is the Estrada do Cambixe paved?
Part of it is paved in concrete and part is still dirt. The paving was done in stages, so ask locally how far the paved section goes.
Can you cycle on the Estrada do Cambixe?
Yes, it is a well-known cycling route from Manaus. The concrete section is fine for any bike; the dirt section calls for a mountain bike.
What wildlife can you see on the Estrada do Cambixe?
Floodplain birds, such as egrets, ducks and hawks, and caimans in the flooded areas, as well as trees such as kapok and munguba.