We just returned to Toronto a few days ago and we really enjoyed the Amazon excursion. Our flight from Sao Paulo to Manaus arrived late by an hour but your staff was there greeting us and he was very pleasant and helpful. The next day we waited at the lobby a bit and only found out there was an hour difference between Sao Paulo and Manaus time. The guide arrived on time and led us to the dock and we actually started our activities early at the lodge Amazon Riverside after checkin – fishing at the dock and caught a few cat fish for dinner.
The 2 days were packed with activities and there was never a boring moment. I think we were a little lucky too that when we arrived at the lodge, a group of tourists just left and so we got all the staff’s attention. We could move a lot in the boat when fishing pirahnas and caught about 20 in an hour. We were sorry for some people in a canoe we passed by, with about 15 people sitting 2 feet from each other, each dangling a fish line. I feel some jealousy in their eyes when looking at us and we definitely feel safer on a wider boat than on a canoe which rocks with the waves. The pirahnas and the cat fish we caught were fried and served in the dinner and it was amazing.
For the alligator spotting, it was quite a surprise this fellow jumped into the river to manhandle this 8-year-old Cayman and brought it on board the boat for us to take pictures. The tour through the flooded forest was a surprise as well. And I was able to hold a sloth too.
The guide and the lodge staff Amazon Riverside have been very professional and having been on many trips to many countries, I’ve got to say these 2 days had been the most exciting vacation ever. The lodge and service was excellent and I have no issue whatsoever.
Attached is a couple of pictures we took, a cayman and fried pirahnas we caught. Thanks again for your prompt service and response before and after the booking.
Paul