Anavilhanas National Park, the archipelago of the Amazon in Brazil

Learn everything you should know about the Anavilhanas in the Amazon Rainforest, including its history, how to get there, the best time to visit, what to do, and more!

Anavilhanas National Park is home to the second largest river archipelago in the world. Located on the Rio Negro in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil, it holds more than 400 islands and 60 lakes, with up to 60% of its area submerged during the wet season, transforming the landscape every year.

The Anavilhanas archipelago safeguards unique ecosystems of várzea (a flat, fertile, and extensive terrain, usually located on the banks of Amazonian rivers) and igapó (flooded forest) while promoting sustainable tourism. This shift boosted the economy of the city of Novo Airão and made it the most visited national park in the Brazilian Amazon.

To help you understand the national park, PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, has put together a complete guide on where it is, how to visit, the best activities, and much more. Check it out below!

The History of Anavilhanas National Park 

The name Anavilhanas is believed to have originated from the Aneuene or Anauini River, which was once called Anaviana and later Anavilhena.

Its origins trace back to 1981, when it was created as the Anavilhanas Ecological Station, a category aimed at scientific research and environmental education. However, this designation conflicted with the reality of the region, which was better suited for sustainable tourism. In 2008, ICMBio reclassified the area as a national park, expanding its boundaries to 350,000 hectares and opening it to responsible visitation.

The change also helped curb illegal logging, which had previously been common in the Rio Negro basin, and gave local communities new opportunities through ecotourism. Today, most of Novo Airão’s population relies directly or indirectly on tourism, from guiding to crafts and hospitality.

👉 Read more: Best places to visit in the Amazon, Brazil 

Worldwide Recognitions

Since 2000, the Anavilhanas archipelago has been part of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes Jaú National Park and the Mamirauá Reserve. 

It is also recognized as a Ramsar Site, a wetland of global importance, designated by the Ramsar Convention—an international treaty signed in 1971 in Iran, aimed at the conservation and wise use of wetlands (swamps, mangroves, lagoons, etc.) with the participation of more than 160 countries.

These recognitions ensure international visibility, long-term protection, and support for responsible tourism that benefits local communities while safeguarding biodiversity.

How to Get to Anavilhanas National Park? 

The main gateway to Anavilhanas is Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state. Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO) receives direct flights from Miami (MIA), Bogota (BOG), Panama City (PTY), and Curaçao (CUR), as well as numerous daily connections from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and other Brazilian cities.

From Manaus, the most popular way to reach the park is by road to Novo Airão, a small riverside town located 180 km away. The drive takes around 2–3 hours along the AM-070 and AM-352 highways. 

Visitors can also hire private shuttle services, rent a car, or even charter a hydroplane to land directly on the Rio Negro. Novo Airão is considered the main access point to Anavilhanas, with boats departing every day to explore the islands.

Another option is arriving by river. Boat transfers from Manaus to Novo Airão take 8–12 hours and allow travelers to witness the famous Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Rio Negro and the muddy Solimões flow side by side without mixing.

For those looking for a faster option, speedboats can make the same journey in around 3–4 hours, depending on river conditions. Many itineraries combine this journey with river cruises, which gives visitors a complete experience of the region.

👉 Read more: How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

Best Time to Visit Anavilhanas National Park, Brazil

The park is a year-round destination, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. In fact, this is a feature that makes Anavilhanas even more unique! 

• Dry Season (September–February): White-sand beaches emerge across the islands, providing ideal conditions for swimming and birdwatching. Some species even nest in the sandbanks during this period. Trails through the flooded forests can be explored on foot.
• Wet Season (March–August): Water levels rise up to 16 meters, flooding 60% of the park’s area. This is the time to explore the igapó by canoe and observe aquatic animals like giant river otters and river dolphins.
• Transition Months: From October to December, prolonged droughts may reduce access to some areas, but conditions improve again by January.

👉 Read more: Best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest

Fauna, Flora, and the Protected Systems of Anavilhanas in the Amazon

The biodiversity of Anavilhanas National Park is astonishing. The igapós flood seasonally, creating habitats for unique plants and wildlife. Visitors may spot giant macucu trees, orchids, and fruiting species like açaí and cupuaçu. Among the most emblematic Amazon animals are the pink river dolphin, giant river otters, sloths, howler monkeys, and black caimans. 

Birdwatchers will be delighted with sightings of toucans, macaws, and even the majestic harpy eagle. In the rivers and lakes, more than 300 fish species thrive, including pirarucu, piranhas, and dourada.

Scientific research in Anavilhanas is vital and already brings important discoveries. A recent INPA (National Institute of Amazonian Research) study found that ant communities on the islands differ from those on terra-firme (non-flooded forest), with seasonal flooding driving changes in species composition. Some ants adapt by moving to tree canopies, while others struggle to survive.

All of this (and much more) reinforces the park’s role in protecting biodiversity and in advancing ecological knowledge.

👉 Read more: Best Brazil Wildlife Tours and Destinations 

Fun Facts About Anavilhanas

Discover more fascinating facts about Anavilhanas that further highlight why the park is considered one of the most captivating places in the Amazon:

• 3 Bocas (Three Mouths): one of the most scenic spots in the archipelago, where three channels meet, creating mirrored waters and lush vegetation.
• The Madadá Caves are nearby: sandstone formations over 700 million years old, accessible by trails that start at the edge of the park.
• No mosquitoes: thanks to the acidity of the Rio Negro, the area is far less affected by mosquitoes than most tropical regions.
• Visitor numbers: Anavilhanas welcomes up to 40,000 visitors annually, making it the most visited national park in the Brazilian Amazon.
• Around 60 lakes: in addition to the 400+ islands, the archipelago shelters dozens of lakes that sustain a wide variety of wildlife.

What to Do in Anavilhanas National Park?

Anavilhanas offers a wide range of activities that change with the seasons:

• Boat tours: through water channels and lakes, with chances to see pink river dolphins, caimans, and many bird species.
• White-sand beaches: when the rivers shrink, many beaches appear. Perfect for swimming and relaxing in the dry season!
• Igapós (flooded forests): ideal for canoe or kayak trips through waterways during the wet season.
• Jungle hikes: see giant trees, orchids, and even prehistoric rock carvings by hiking in the forest when water levels drop.
• Visit the ICMBio bases: visitors can stop at research and monitoring structures to learn about ongoing conservation measures and the protection of this fragile ecosystem. In the surrounding areas, during nighttime spotlights and near some ICMBio bases, large caimans also make occasional appearances.

👉 Read more: Top things to do in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil 

Best Tours in the Anavilhanas Archipelago

Some of the best experiences in the Amazon Rainforest take place in Anavilhanas National Park, Brazil. Discover the trips available on PlanetaEXO!

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

One of the best ways to experience the park is by staying at the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, an award-winning ecolodge located in Novo Airão. Blending comfort with sustainability, the lodge offers guided excursions such as piranha fishing, nocturnal wildlife tours, canoeing, and visits to local communities.

Guests can also learn about scientific projects supported by the lodge, including biodiversity monitoring with researchers from INPA (National Institute for Amazonian Research) and innovative studies on fungi for “mycotourism,” which highlight the lesser-known but fascinating world of the Amazon’s fungi.

With luxury bungalows overlooking the Rio Negro, a pool with panoramic views, and Amazon-inspired cuisine, the lodge is both a refuge and a hub for conservation.

Amazon River Cruises

Another great way to experience the park is on an Amazon river cruise in Brazil, departing from Manaus and sailing through the Rio Negro. Mixing adventure and comfort, the itinerary includes canoeing through igapós, piranha fishing, jungle hiking, and close encounters with pink river dolphins. 

Travelers also visit Indigenous and riverside communities, explore hidden lagoons, and spot wildlife such as macaws, sloths, and pirarucu fish.

On board, guests enjoy air-conditioned cabins, local cuisine, and leisure areas like a solarium and lounge, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination of Anavilhanas. 

👉 Explore the adventure: 4-day and 7-day Amazon cruises in Brazil

Mirante do Gavião

Staying at the Mirante do Gavião is one of the best ways to discover Anavilhanas. From the its privileged location on the Rio Negro, guests set out on daily tours through the archipelago, whether hiking to the Madadá Caves, exploring flooded forests by canoe, or relaxing on the white-sand beaches during the dry season.

The lodge also connects travelers with the local culture, including visits to riverside communities, craft centers, and conservation initiatives. At sunset, boat rides across the Rio Negro provide unforgettable views of the park’s islands, followed by nocturnal excursions to spot caimans and other animals.

Between adventures, Mirante do Gavião offers comfort and exclusivity, making it the perfect base to combine relaxation with the best tours in the Anavilhanas National Park.

👉 Read more: Best Amazon Jungle Lodges in Brazil

Luxury Amazon Cruise

The Luxury Amazon Cruise aboard the Zaltana is a 5-day journey through the Rio Negro and the Anavilhanas archipelago. Guests explore hidden lakes and igarapés (narrow water channels), hike to giant trees, try piranha fishing, and meet pink river dolphins while also visiting Indigenous and riverside communities.

With 10 suite cabins, panoramic views, and Amazon-inspired cuisine, the Zaltana offers one of the most comfortable and exclusive ways to experience the rainforest.

👉 Read more: Best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil

Comparative price table for each Anavilhanas tour

TOUR	HIGHLIGHTS	DURATION	STARTING PRICE*
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge	Luxury accommodation, visits to local communities, Madadá Caves, guided tours (canoeing, hiking, wildlife watching, night tours, etc.)	6 days	US$ 3,330
Amazon River Cruise	Accommodation aboard (private ensuite cabins), Lake Janauari, visits to indigenous groups, guided tours (piranha fishing, hiking, canoeing, wildlife spotting, etc.)	4 days 7 days	US$ 2,605
Mirante do Gavião	High-end accommodation, Rio Negro, Madadá Caves, visits to riverside communities, guided tours (hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching, etc.)	4 days	US$ 2,000
Luxury Amazon Cruise	Accommodation on a luxury riverboat, Meeting of Waters, Lake Janauari, visits to local communities, guided tours (wildlife watching, night spotting, hiking, piranha fishing, etc.).	5 days	US$ 3,920

*Per person, based on double occupancy in group departures. Prices may vary depending on season and availability. Exchange rate as of May 14th, 2026; subject to change.

Traveling to Anavilhanas National Park, Brazil, with PlanetaEXO

At PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, the trips to Anavilhanas are designed to connect travelers with nature while supporting local communities and conservation projects. By booking with us, you ensure that your vacation contributes to keeping the Amazon forest standing.

We help travelers find the perfect balance between leisure, adventure, and sustainability. Our difference lies in offering authentic experiences guided by the best local operators who know the forest better than anyone. Contact us now!