national park · Novo Airão, AM
Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas
A river archipelago with hundreds of islands, igapós (flooded forests) and navigable channels on the Rio Negro. It is one of the best places in the Amazon to see river dolphins, caimans and birds.
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 Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas
The Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas protects a river archipelago of about 400 islands on the Rio Negro, between Novo Airão and Manaus. Between the islands there are lakes, channels and igapós, the forest that floods during high water. The park is managed by ICMBio and is part of the Central Amazon area recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site.
The area was protected in 1981 as an ecological station and became a national park in 2008. The base for tours is Novo Airão, a town on the bank of the Rio Negro where the boats depart.
The landscape changes with the river level. In the dry season, white-sand beaches appear between the islands, good for swimming in the dark waters of the Negro. At high water, boats and canoes enter the igapós and glide among the treetops. Tours include watching river dolphins, birds and caimans, forest trails and visits to riverside communities.
Almost everything is done by boat, without much physical effort, which suits families and travelers of all ages. The trails and beaches require you to get off at the bank and walk on sand or through the forest.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow at least a full day for boat trips from Novo Airão.
Best time
In the dry season, from September to February, beaches appear between the islands; at high water, from March to August, you can canoe through the igapós.
How to get there
The park is on the Rio Negro, upstream from Manaus. From Manaus to Novo Airão you go by road, crossing the bridge over the Rio Negro and following the AM-070 and AM-352 highways. Boat tours with local operators depart from Novo Airão.
Tip
Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and a light rain jacket. To go into the igapós, choose the high-water season and agree on the route with the operator before setting out.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas
Where is the Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas?
On the Rio Negro, in the state of Amazonas, between Novo Airão and Manaus. Tours depart from Novo Airão, which you reach from Manaus by road.
How many islands does Anavilhanas have?
About 400 islands, plus lakes, channels and igapós (flooded forests), forming one of the largest river archipelagos in the world.
What is the best time to visit Anavilhanas?
It depends on what you want to see: in the dry season, from September to February, beaches appear; at high water, from March to August, boats go into the igapós.
Can you see river dolphins in Anavilhanas?
Yes. River dolphins, birds and caimans are among the tour highlights. In Novo Airão there is also the Flutuante dos Botos, with interaction monitored by ICMBio.
Who manages the Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas?
ICMBio, which has a base in Novo Airão. The park was created as an ecological station in 1981 and became a national park in 2008.