park · Novo Airão, AM
Parque Nacional do Jaú
Created in 1980, it protects the entire basin of the blackwater Jaú River, in an area shared with Barcelos, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Visits, with prior authorization, include the Carabinani River, rapids, beaches and rock carvings.
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 do Jaú
The Parque Nacional do Jaú is the second-largest national park in Brazil. It is on the Rio Negro, in the state of Amazonas, on land belonging to Novo Airão and Barcelos, and it protects the basin of the Jaú River, a blackwater river. It is managed by ICMBio.
The park was created in 1980. In 2000 it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, and in 2003 it became part of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex, along with Anavilhanas, Mamirauá and Amanã.
You visit by boat, with tour operators from Manaus and Novo Airão, and an ICMBio entry permit is required. Tours include the Jaú and Carabinani rivers, with rapids and waterfalls, trails in the forest and the igapós (flooded forests), giant kapok trees, birdwatching and canoeing. Near the mouth of the Jaú River there are petroglyphs, carvings made in stone by ancient peoples.
Each season shows a different park. In the dry season, white-sand beaches appear on the Rio Negro, the waterfalls are easier to reach and the petroglyphs can be seen by canoe. At high water, you canoe right through the flooded forest.
It is a destination for nature lovers who do not mind hours on a boat. The trails and canoe trips require some stamina.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow at least a full day; many visits are boat expeditions lasting several days.
Best time
In the dry season, usually between September and February, for beaches, waterfalls and petroglyphs; at high water, between March and August, for canoe trips through the flooded forest.
How to get there
The park is on the Rio Negro, upstream from Novo Airão, which is linked to Manaus by road and by boat. There is no regular transportation from Novo Airão to the park: you go by boat hired from tour operators.
Tip
Request an entry permit from the ICMBio office in Novo Airão before your trip, and bring all your trash back to town.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Nacional do Jaú 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 Parque Nacional do Jaú
Do I need a permit to visit the Parque Nacional do Jaú?
Yes. You request the entry permit from ICMBio, by email or at the park office in Novo Airão, before your visit.
Is there an entrance fee for the Parque Nacional do Jaú?
According to ICMBio, there is no entrance fee, but the permit is mandatory. Check the current rules on the official website.
How do I get to the Parque Nacional do Jaú?
Only by boat. The base is Novo Airão, linked to Manaus by road; from there, there is no regular transportation, and you go with tour operators from Novo Airão or Manaus.
What is the best time to visit the Parque Nacional do Jaú?
It depends on the trip. In the dry season, usually from September to February, beaches, waterfalls and petroglyphs appear; at high water, from March to August, tours are by canoe through the flooded forest.
Is the Parque Nacional do Jaú a World Heritage Site?
Yes. It was recognized by UNESCO in 2000 and is now part of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex.