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Hiking & Trekking
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Manaus
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Manaus
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Hammocks
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English, Portuguese
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Meals Included
- Hassle-Free Booking
- Handpicked Local Partners
- Sustainable Travel
- Book with Flexibility
About the adventure
Hidden deep in the northwest Amazon, Pico da Neblina National Park is not just a destination, it’s a mythical frontier. Pico da Neblina has a height of 2,995 meters, making it the highest point in Brazil. Yaripo (its Yanomami name) towers above the rainforest canopy, cloaked in clouds and reverence. This vast protected area is Brazil’s second-largest national park and one of the last truly remote regions of South America.
This Pico da Neblina Expedition isn’t for the faint-hearted! Considered the most demanding trek in Brazil, the journey to the summit spans 70 km round-trip through dense rainforest, mud-laced trails, river crossings, and high-altitude cloud forest.
It’s not only a physical challenge, but a rare cultural encounter: we are guided every step of the way by Yanomami leaders, guardians of this sacred land. Along the trail, you’ll share rituals, stories, and daily life with one of the most ancient Indigenous cultures on the planet.
In this place, the unexpected is expected. The only certainty is transformation. To walk in the Pico da Neblina National Park is to let go of control and embrace the rhythm of the forest: slow, raw, and humbling. The Pico da Neblina trek is a deep journey into nature and culture, where each day brings new challenges and revelations. Ready for an adventure? Pack your bags and let’s go!
Note: All activities are subject to change due to weather, river conditions, and guidance from Yanomami leaders. This Pico da Neblina expedition is demanding and requires strong physical
Highlights of the adventure
- Explore Brazil's second-largest park, rich in diverse landscapes.
- Trek to Pico da Neblina, Brazil's highest peak at 2,994 meters.
- Engage with the ancient Yanomami tribe throughout the trail.
- Experience the Amazon's unpredictability and raw beauty.
- Includes visits to indigenous communities and cultural immersion.
Day by day
📍Departure from São Gabriel da Cachoeira airport at 1.40 pm
Our Pico da Neblina expedition begins in the remote and vibrant town of São Gabriel da Cachoeira, nestled deep in the Amazon and known as the most Indigenous municipality in Brazil. The town is located 850 km from Manaus, and there are three options to get there: by plane (approximately 2 hours), by conventional boat (3 days), or by speedboat (24 hours).
If you choose to travel to São Gabriel da Cachoeira by plane, make sure to arrive by 1:40 pm, as a transfer will be waiting to take you to a cozy guesthouse near the Rio Negro. Check-in is available from 2 pm.
The afternoon is free to explore the riverfront, take in the atmosphere, and mentally prepare for the days ahead. In the evening, the group meets for a brief introduction and orientation.
- Manaus → São Gabriel da Cachoeira: 850 km, approximately 2 hours by plane
After breakfast, we visit the Instituto Socioambiental (ISA), where we learn about Yanomami culture, conservation efforts, and sustainable travel in the region. This deepens our understanding of the journey ahead.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a swim in the black waters of the Rio Negro and finalize our gear and backpacks. A calm, grounding day before entering the forest.
The expedition officially begins! We leave São Gabriel by 4×4, heading 80 km to the South Port where the road ends and the Amazon rivers begin. From there, we board motorized canoes and begin a 150 km journey upriver, passing through the Ya-Mirim, Ya-Grande, Cauaburis, and Maturacá rivers.
The 150 km journey by water is a sensory immersion: giant trees, mirrored waters, and the distant echo of howler monkeys. We arrive in Maturacá at sunset, warmly received by the local Yanomami association AYRCA.
- São Gabriel da Cachoeira → Maturacá: Approximately 230 km, around 7 hours (car + canoes)
The day begins with a spiritual ceremony: Yanomami elders perform a traditional ritual to bless our Pico da Neblina trek. It’s a sacred moment that connects us to the land and the people who protect it.
We then continue upriver and disembark at the trailhead. From here, the forest closes in. We hike 8 km through dense vegetation to Camp Irokae, where hammocks await under a canopy of stars.
- Total hiking distance: 8 km
Today, we leave the lowlands behind on our Pico da Neblina expedition. A 6 km trek takes us up toward Camp Gavião, rising gradually through humid jungle, slippery roots, and thick vines.
At 420m, we reach a shaded camp beside a clearwater stream. The forest here is alive with sounds of frogs, birds, and rustling leaves lull us into rest.
- Total hiking distance: 6 km
The path winds further into solitude on our Pico da Neblina adventure. We trek 9 km through untouched rainforest, where every step is accompanied by the scent of wet earth and the sight of towering trees wrapped in moss.
Camp Bebedouro Novo awaits at 850m altitude. We cool off in a river, share stories over dinner, and fall asleep to the rhythm of the forest.
- Total hiking distance: 9 km
This is a day of challenge on this Pico da Neblina expedition. We climb 800 meters over just 5 km, ascending into the cloud forest where light filters in dappled patches through the mist.
After about 6 hours, we arrive at Camp Laje (1,600 m). From here, Yaripo appears on the horizon: mysterious, sacred, and majestic.
- Total hiking distance: 5 km
The Pico da Neblina trek continues with a steep, technical ascent. We hike 2 km to Base Velha, then another 2 km over muddy and exposed terrain to reach Camp Base at 2,030m.
The vegetation becomes alpine and the temperatures drop. We gather around a fire, eat a hot meal, and prepare for summit day.
- Total hiking distance: 4 km
The big day has finally arrived! We’ll set off early from Base Camp, leaving our heavy backpacks behind and carrying only our daypacks. Ahead lies a demanding trail, with sections equipped with iron rungs and ropes. As we gain altitude, the surrounding mountain ranges begin to reveal themselves in spectacular fashion.
At the top, the Montanha dos Ventos (Mountain of Winds) emerges shrouded in mist, creating a magical atmosphere. After a steep 4 km ascent, we’ll reach 2,995 meters above sea level, the highest point in Brazil!
Here, the world opens — endless forest below, clouds at eye level. It’s the ultimate moment of this Pico da Neblina expedition, a triumph of body, spirit, and connection.
- Total hiking distance: 4 km
On our Pico da Neblina expedition, we begin the long descent, retracing steps through mud, forest and fatigue. From Camp Base, we pass Base Velha and Laje, finally arriving at Bebedouro Novo.
It’s a 9 km walk that demands patience and care. At the end, the river soothes our tired bodies.
- Total hiking distance: 9 km
The forest feels different on the way down, familiar, yet transformed by our experience on this Pico da Neblina adventure. We hike 14 km to Camp Irokae, pausing again at Gavião.
That night, the Yanomami host a celebration. Each of us receives a symbolic Yanomami name, an honor that reflects the bond built over days of shared effort.
- Total hiking distance: 14 km
Our last day of hiking! After breakfast, we set off on the final 8 km stretch towards the riverbank, where the boats are waiting to take us back. The physical tiredness is evident, but so is the pride of completing the Pico da Neblina expedition.
We board the boats for a 2-hour ride to Maturacá, where a delicious lunch awaits us.
At the Yaripo Project headquarters, we share one last evening together, filled with joy, stories of the journey, reflections on all we’ve overcome, and the strong friendships we’ve built along the way. The trek may be ending, but the bond remains.
- Total hiking distance: 8 km
- Gavião → Maturacá: Approximately 2 hours (boat)
On our last day in Maturacá, we took time to visit the local handicraft stalls and say goodbye to the Yanomami community that made our journey so meaningful. We then begin our return, traveling 150 km by boat along the Maturacá, Cauaburis, Ya-Grande, and Ya-Mirim rivers.
This stretch gives us time to absorb everything we’ve experienced. After disembarking, we continue by car for another 80 km (about 2 hours) until we reach São Gabriel da Cachoeira. Back in town, we check into the guesthouse, where a snack, a warm shower, and the comfort of a real bed await us.
- Maturacá → São Gabriel da Cachoeira: Approximately 230 km, around 7 hours (boat + car)
A free day to rest, visit the artisan shop Wariró, book a massage, or walk around town. Many use this moment to integrate the experience.
In the evening, we celebrate with a farewell dinner and toast to the peak we reached, and everything we learned along the way.
On the final day of the adventure, travelers will enjoy breakfast before packing up. The group will then be taken to the São Gabriel airport, marking the end of this Pico da Neblina expedition.
You’ll return not only with photographs but with a renewed perspective, a deeper understanding of the Amazon, the Yanomami, and the transformative power of being immersed in nature.
- São Gabriel da Cachoeira → Manaus: 850 km, approximately 2 hours by plane
🏁Departure is arranged according to the flight schedule, ensuring all travellers arrive on time for boarding.
What is included?
- Transfer in/out in S. Gabriel da Cachoeira;
- Accommodation in São Gabriel da Cachoeira during the itinerary, in double or triple rooms, as described in the day-to-day.
- All transfers (road and river) during the expedition, from the departure from S. Gabriel da Cachoeira to Maturacá, Yanomami community;
- Full board from São Gabriel da Cachoeira to Maturacá – and during the expedition – round trip:
- First aid kit;
- Basic structure of camping;
- Hammocks with mosquito nets
- Yanomami guide with a representative of the Company;
- Staff for collective equipment (logistics);
- Reservation of the period of travel with AYRCA and competent bodies.
What is not included?
- Air tickets Manaus/São Gabriel da Cachoeira – round trip;
- Food in S. Gabriel da Cachoeira;
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory - contact us);
- Expenses with meals in São Gabriel da Cachoeira;
- Snacks on the trail (the package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner);
- Extra transfers during your stay in São Gabriel da Cachoeira;
- Additional activities on extra days (in addition to the itinerary) in S. Gabriel da Cachoeira;
- Equipment for personal use;
- Personal porter (we offer advice if you want to hire);
- Differentiated food, other transfers, and tours.
Accomodation
During the stay in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, travelers will be accommodated at Pousada Bawary in shared rooms (maximum of 3 people). The guesthouse offers a comfortable place to rest at both the beginning and end of the journey.
Throughout the Pico da Neblina expedition, travelers will sleep in rustic camps, with 8 overnights distributed among Irokae, Gavião, Bebedouro Novo, Laje, and Base camps. The first three camps offer more comfort, with simple wooden shelters where hammocks are set up. At the higher camps, the infrastructure is more basic due to the difficult terrain.
There are no conventional bathrooms along the trek. The lower camps have wooden latrines, while in the higher ones, small tents are used for waste disposal. It’s a fully immersive experience in nature.
All camps are located near freshwater streams, which are used for drinking and cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
To get to Pico da Neblina, you need to travel to the city of São Gabriel da Cachoeira, located about 850 km from Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon. The main way to get there is by plane, with a flight time of about two hours. Flights depart from Manaus, operated by Azul Airlines, and are available only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. We recommend booking in advance to ensure the best prices.
It is also possible to reach the city by speedboat or conventional boat, but these options are more expensive and take between 24 hours and 3 days.
Preparing for the expedition to Pico da Neblina requires careful planning. You will face long trails, humid weather, and cold nights. Here’s a complete list:
Clothing and Personal Items
- Hat or cap
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Clothing
- Light towel
- 1 pair of long pants for hiking
- 2 long-sleeved T-shirts
- 1 warm sweater (preferably fleece)
- Sleeping clothes
- 5 pairs of socks
- Bathrobe
- 1 pair of comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes
- 1 pair of hiking sandals
- Raincoat or waterproof jacket
Backpacks and Camping Equipment
- 50- to 70-liter backpack
- 10- to 20-liter daypack
- Individual hammock with mosquito net
- Sleeping bag rated for 0°C
- Hiking poles
Other Essential Items
- Water bottle (minimum 1.5L)
- Trail snacks (cereal bars, nuts, energy gels)
- Camera and/or cell phone
- Biodegradable toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap)
- Personal first aid kit (each traveler is responsible for their own medications)
Important: In some parts of the trail, there is no access to stores or outside support. Therefore, it is essential to bring everything you may need.
Yes, the trail to Pico da Neblina is quite challenging. We are talking about the highest point in Brazil, at an altitude of 2,995 meters, located in one of the most remote areas of the Amazon.
Access is difficult: to reach the start of the trail, you must travel for days through the interior of the forest. The hike demands physical endurance, mental preparation, and the ability to handle varied terrain, including dense forest, steep slopes, flooded sections, and sudden weather changes.
In addition to the physical effort, this expedition requires complex logistics, respect for the environment, and adaptability to basic camping conditions. In short, it is not a trail for beginners, it’s recommended for those who already have experience with long hikes and who enjoy challenges in wild environments.
During the expedition to Pico da Neblina, you will spend eight nights in five camps: Irokae, Gavião, Bebedouro Novo, Laje, and Base.
The camps are rustic, with simple structures made of huts covered with tarps or leaves. This is where we set up our hammocks and store our belongings.
The first three camps — Irokae, Gavião, and Bebedouro Novo — offer slightly more comfort and space, as they are located in more accessible areas. The higher camps, Laje and Base, are more basic due to the challenging terrain and dense vegetation.
The camp infrastructure is simple and functional, designed for expeditions in remote areas with a focus on total immersion in nature. All camps have access to natural water sources used for drinking and cooking.
During the trek to Pico da Neblina, there are no conventional bathrooms. At the first three camps (Irokae, Gavião, and Bebedouro Novo), there are rustic wooden bathrooms with a seat and latrine. After each use, lime is applied to neutralize waste.
At the higher camps (Laje and Base), there is no fixed structure. A portable tent is set up instead, with a seat, a toilet lid, and a waste bag. After use, lime should be sprinkled inside the bag.
Each traveler is recommended to bring their own shittube (a portable tube or container) to store waste bags until they can be properly disposed of.
Conditions are basic and adapted to the forest environment. Our commitment is to minimize environmental impact while offering a real immersion in nature.
During the trek to Pico da Neblina, bathing is done in waterways near the camps.
All streams and creeks are located no more than 300 meters from the overnight camps. However, the water level may vary depending on the time of year, and sometimes the pools can be quite shallow.
Improvised bathrooms are always set up at least 50 meters away from water sources to prevent contamination.
Important: Always use biodegradable soaps and shampoos to minimize environmental impact and preserve water quality.
We recommend that each traveler bring at least R$ 600 (BRL) in cash to cover meals not included in the itinerary, extra transportation, drinks, snacks, tips, handicraft purchases, and other personal expenses.
In São Gabriel da Cachoeira, there are Banco do Brasil and Bradesco branches, but we cannot guarantee that you will be able to withdraw money before the start of the expedition. Ideally, withdraw the necessary amount in Manaus or in your city of origin.
Internet access during the expedition to Pico da Neblina is very limited.
In the city of São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Wi-Fi is available at the inn, and there is a 3G signal in the city center. In Maturacá, travelers will have access to electricity and Wi-Fi, both powered by generators.
During travel by car, boat, and especially along the trails, there is no cell phone signal or internet access. The team will carry a satellite phone for emergency use only, but travelers should not expect to communicate with family or friends during the expedition.
We recommend that travelers inform their contacts about the lack of communication before departing from Maturacá, which is the last point where a connection will be possible.
