lake · Careiro da Várzea, AM
Lago do Rei
A floodplain lake on Ilha do Careiro, surrounded by riverside communities and known for its giant water lilies and abundant fish. Access is by water only, on boats leaving from the Ceasa port in Manaus, with a transfer to smaller boats.
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 Lago do Rei
Lago do Rei is a large system of floodplain lakes on Ilha do Careiro, in the municipality of Careiro da Várzea, very close to Manaus. In fact, it is not a single lake: it is a complex of dozens of interconnected lakes, surrounded by riverside communities that live mainly from fishing. The area is part of the Ilha do Careiro/Lago do Rei Environmental Protection Area.
The name dates from colonial times. The lake became known as the old royal fishing ground, a kind of natural pantry for the Portuguese crown. To this day it is one of the most traditional fishing areas near Manaus, famous for the mapará catch, which brings together hundreds of fishermen in canoes right after the closed fishing season ends.
The landscape is calm water, with giant water lilies, flooded forest and shores covered in aquatic plants. The lake changes a lot throughout the year. At high water, the level rises several meters, floods the floodplain and the lakes merge into a single sheet of water. In the low-water and dry seasons, the lake gets shallow, the fish gather in smaller spaces and sand and mud banks appear, where you often see groups of caimans.
It is not an organized tourist park. It is a place where people live and fish, with no confirmed network of lodging or restaurants at the lake itself. The trip is by boat and suits anyone who enjoys nature, watching riverside life and photographing the floodplain. Be respectful of residents' routines and privacy.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow a full day, including the crossing from Manaus and the boat trip on the lake.
Best time
It depends on what you want to see: at high water the boat goes deeper into the flooded floodplain; at low water the lake gets shallow and the shores appear. Mornings are usually cooler, with softer light.
How to get there
It is on Ilha do Careiro, in Careiro da Várzea, near Manaus. Access is by water only: boats leave from the Ceasa port in Manaus and cross the river to Careiro; from there you continue in smaller boats to the lake. Arrange the route with a local boatman or guide, because boarding points and routes change with the river level.
Tip
Wear a life jacket and bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, a dry bag and cash, because cell signal and facilities are limited.
A look at the place
Lago do Rei 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 Lago do Rei
How do I get to Lago do Rei from Manaus?
By water only. Boats leave from the Ceasa port in Manaus for Careiro da Várzea, and from there you continue in smaller boats to the lake. It is worth arranging the route with a local boatman or guide.
Why is it called Lago do Rei?
Because it was a royal fishing ground in colonial times, a kind of natural pantry for the Portuguese crown. That is why it is also called the old Pesqueiro Real.
Are there giant water lilies at Lago do Rei?
Yes. Giant water lilies are part of the lake's landscape, along with the flooded forest and the aquatic plants along the shores.
Does Lago do Rei change between the high-water and dry seasons?
A lot. At high water the level rises several meters and covers the floodplain; in the low-water and dry seasons the lake gets shallow and the fish gather in smaller areas.
Is there a hotel or restaurant at Lago do Rei?
There are no confirmed tourist facilities at the lake itself. It is an area of riverside and fishing communities, so bring water, snacks and cash.