Mamirauá Reserve: Biodiversity, Ecotourism, and Communities in Harmony in the Amazon
- Lábia Comunicação
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Explore Mamirauá Reserve, a gem of the Amazon where biodiversity, community-based tourism, and science come together. Discover Uakari Lodge and enjoy a transformative experience.
What is the Mamirauá Reserve?
Mamirauá Reserve is the largest protected floodplain area in the Amazon, covering over 1.1 million hectares. Located in the heart of the state of Amazonas, between the Solimões, Japurá, and Auati-Paraná rivers, it is a global example of how biodiversity conservation, responsible tourism, and community leadership can work in harmony.
Established in 1996 as Brazil’s first Sustainable Development Reserve (SDR), Mamirauá combines environmental protection with local development, hosting riverside communities and promoting a pioneering model of community-based tourism.
The Amazon’s Seasons: Flood or Dry?
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mamirauá is its unique floodplain ecosystem, made up of lakes, lagoons, islands, riverbanks, swamp forests, and channels. It is shaped by the annual water cycle, with floods that raise river levels by 7 to 15 meters for about six months each year. This constant transformation completely changes the landscape and the experiences.
Floodplains, or “igapós”, are areas of the Amazon rainforest that are periodically flooded by rising rivers. These ecosystems host flora and fauna adapted to aquatic environments and are rich in biodiversity.
Biodiversity and Iconic Species of the Reserve
Over 300 fish species, including pirarucu, tambaqui, and piranhas
Iconic aquatic mammals like the pink river dolphin, tucuxi, and Amazonian manatee
Big cats such as jaguars and ocelots
Two endemic primates: the white uakari (which inspired the reserve’s creation) and the black-headed squirrel monkey
Other primates like howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and tamarins
Other mammals such as sloths, coatis, anteaters, and squirrels
Over 400 recorded bird species, including toucans, harpy eagles, hoatzins (often seen in flocks), forest herons, aracaris, and aquatic birds
Sustainable Tourism and Local Communities
Although the reserve is home to around 177 riverside communities, with about 11,532 residents (2011 Census), only 11 of these communities are directly involved in co-management. They participate in bimonthly meetings, help define local priorities, take part in decision-making, and are responsible for tourism, monitoring, and natural resource management.
This model of local empowerment is key to long-term conservation success, ensuring that environmental protection goes hand-in-hand with community well-being.
Tourism and sustainable management profits are reinvested in community surveillance, infrastructure, and social projects, generating results such as increased household income, improved public health, and better control of deforestation and illegal logging. Mamirauá Reserve shows that innovative strategies can protect nature while improving people’s lives.
Community-based tourism is one of the pillars of the reserve. Uakari Lodge, a floating lodge managed by local communities, is internationally recognized as a pioneer in this field.
Awards and International Recognition
All this work and success have earned the Mamirauá model major international recognition:
First Sustainable Development Reserve in Brazil
Largest protected floodplain area in the world
Recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
Winner of the Equator Prize (2004)
Featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Smithsonian, and The New York Times
Uakari Lodge: Your Gateway to This Transformative Experience
Set in a landscape of natural beauty, scientific research, and genuine community engagement, Uakari Lodge is built to adapt to seasonal water levels. Its floating structure, supported by Assacu logs that rise and fall with the river, minimizes environmental impact and maintains a close connection to the forest.
Activities include:
Canoe excursions through igapós and channels, offering good chances to spot birds and dolphins
Interpretive forest hikes during the dry season
Visits to riverside communities like São José, Caburini, Boca do Mamirauá, and Vila Alencar
Wildlife observation, nighttime caiman spotting, and traditional piranha fishing (always done safely)
Meetings with researchers from the Mamirauá Institute to learn about conservation projects
For detailed information about the tours and experiences, click here. To book your stay, follow our step-by-step guide here.
How to Get Here
Fly to Tefé (via Manaus, operated by Azul Airlines)
Be welcomed by the Uakari Lodge team
Enjoy a 1.5-hour boat transfer on the Solimões River (included)
Why Visit Mamirauá Reserve?
Immersive experience in a unique ecosystem
Meaningful contact with nature and riverside knowledge
Tourism that conserves, educates, and transforms
Ready for the adventure? Explore our itineraries on the official Uakari Lodge website and find the option that fits your travel goals. Go straight to the booking steps or chat with our team via WhatsApp.
Every day at Uakari Lodge is a chance to learn, observe, and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable development of the Amazon.
Visit our website to plan your unforgettable trip. You can also follow us on Instagram for inspiring photos and stories from the forest.
We look forward to welcoming you!
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