We had a wonderful time at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge! Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. The food and accomodations were very good, and the service was always prompt and friendly. The highlight of our visit, of course, were the excursions — to the caboclo, the river dolphins, the igapo and the jungle hike — though there was also plenty for the kids to do in the resort (the swimming pool and the recreation room were favorites). The guides were especially helpful — knowledgeable, friendly, fluent in several languages — they made our experience of the Amazon river and forest intense and memorable. I especially appreciated their openness to go beyond the basic tours to answer our unusual questions. Raimundo, Hans, and Joao were especially helpful. Raimundo responded to my interest in the construction techniques of the river boats and canoes, to the point that I am confident I will be able to bring the design back to my students in America, allowing us to replicate at least the “canoas de flaca batidas”. Hans was so knowledgable of the variety of trees and medicinal plants, and Joao was a true guide to the river and the life in its archipelago. Even the service crew were open to our questions. My boys had an amazing experience, with a lifetime of memories in just four packed days of adventure and exploration.
If I have any suggestions for improvement, I would be brief. First, our visit to Novo Airao was unexpected — we had dressed for the boat ride and the boto swim, but were not prepared for the long walk to the artisans’ factory. The walk was well worth it, as the work of the artisans is now part of our treasured memories. But it would have helped if we had been warned to wear shoes appropriate for such a long walk. Second, we really enjoyed meeting our fellow visitors, from various parts of the world. During the excursions and free time we were able to enjoy getting to know them a bit, but I wish we could have sat together for meals. With our assigned tables I felt we were not permitted to share meals with these new friends. Surely a way could be found to keep track of drinks and rooms with open seating. Third, the shower in room 15 (peixe-boi) had no hot water… which, given the general heat was not really a problem. Fourth, though we had no problem with the simple accomodations of the chalets, there was very little space to keep our luggage — perhaps simple folding suitcase stands would have helped so we did not need to leave our suitcases on the floor. Fifth, we got soaking wet on our last afternoon — an exciting canoe ride in the rain. We had to pack some very wet and very heavy clothes, wishing there were some way to dry these clothes before packing them (a challenge in the rain forest to be sure!). Finally, our little boy got car sick in the van on the way back to the van — made a mess of himself (right before our plane trip) and the van. Perhaps it would have helped had we been driving a bit slower, even if it would make the trip longer.
These are only simple suggestions to improve on what was overall a very enjoyable and memorable stay. We would have no reservations recommending your ecoresort to anyone interested in a relaxing but exciting exploration of Brazil’s rain forest and the Rio Negro. Thank you again for your wonderful hospitality.
Sincerely,
Roger Davis