Where to Stay in the Amazon: Uakari Lodge — Your Sustainable Immersion in the Heart of the Rainforest
- Lábia Comunicação
- May 14
- 5 min read
Discover Uakari Lodge, one of the best sustainable lodging options in the Mamirauá Reserve. Experience an authentic stay in the Amazon, with community-based management and immersive forest activities.
Planning an unforgettable trip to the Amazon and looking for the perfect place to stay? Choosing the right location is key to experiencing the rainforest in an authentic and sustainable way. In this article, we introduce Uakari Lodge, a hidden ecolodge in the Mamirauá Reserve that offers a unique experience of immersion in nature—with comfort, social responsibility, and a positive impact on the local community.
Why is Uakari Lodge the Best Option for Your Stay in the Amazon?
Strategic Location: In the heart of the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, a biodiversity sanctuary.
Sustainable Lodging: A floating lodge fully designed to minimize environmental impact.
Community-Based Tourism: Managed by the local riverside community.
Authentic Experience: Immersive forest activities led by local guides in a responsible manner.
Get ready to discover the Amazon in a way you’ve never imagined!
1. Prime Location: Access and Logistics
Uakari Lodge is located in one of the most preserved areas of the Amazon: the Mamirauá Reserve, the largest protected flooded forest area in Brazil—and the world. Covering 1,124,000 hectares, this biodiversity sanctuary lies between the Solimões and Japurá rivers in the state of Amazonas. This privileged location allows guests to experience the forest from a unique perspective: a complex ecosystem of lakes, islands, floodplains, and river channels that remain submerged under 7 to 15 meters of water for up to six months a year.
How to Get to Uakari Lodge:
Via Tefé: The city of Tefé is the gateway to the Mamirauá Reserve. There are 3 ways to reach it:
By air: Azul Airlines operates regular flights from Manaus to Tefé, averaging 1h10.
By river: You can take a regional boat (approx. 36 hours) or fast boats (approx. 15 hours).
Reception in Tefé: The lodge team meets guests at the airport or picks them up from their accommodation in Tefé if they arrive before the check-in day.
River Transport: From Tefé’s port, the journey to the lodge is by comfortable speedboats along the Solimões River (approx. 1h30). During the ride, you can already spot birds, pink dolphins, and typical floodplain vegetation, as well as local riverside communities.
This controlled access ensures the preservation of the reserve and provides an immersive arrival experience, connecting visitors to the forest environment from the very start.
2. Uakari Lodge Structure: Floating Lodging Integrated into the Forest
Uakari Lodge is a floating ecolodge adapted to the seasonal rise and fall of Amazonian rivers. Built on logs called assacus, which float with the water levels, the lodge’s structure minimizes environmental impact and offers guests a seamless experience with nature.
Structure Highlights:
Floating Bungalows: Functional and comfortable accommodations with verandas offering panoramic views of the forest and rivers.
Solar Power: The entire lodge operates on solar energy, reinforcing its sustainability mission.
Natural Ventilation: Bungalows feature wide screened windows and doors, using natural airflow to reduce electricity use.
Private Bathrooms: Simple yet sufficient, aligned with the sustainable lodging concept.
The lodge’s infrastructure was designed to offer a unique and comfortable forest experience, with minimal environmental footprint.
3. Sustainability and Community-Based Tourism
More than lodging, Uakari Lodge is a community-based tourism project, operated in partnership with the riverside communities of the Mamirauá Reserve. This shared management ensures that revenue is directed toward the community and the conservation of the area.
Social Impact and Conservation:
Local Employment: Over 90% of the staff come from local communities, trained as guides, cooks, and managers.
Environmental Education: Guests are invited to attend lectures and activities on biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and sustainable practices.
Research Projects: In partnership with the Mamirauá Institute, the lodge supports studies on fauna, flora, and conservation strategies.
Socio-environmental Fund: Each guest contributes to a fund that supports collective community projects, including lake surveillance during the defeso* period.
*Defeso: seasonal fishing ban to allow species to reproduce and repopulate naturally.
This operational model ensures that each visitor directly supports Amazon conservation and the empowerment of local communities.
4. Immersive Experiences in the Amazon
Uakari Lodge focuses on offering an authentic and transformative experience in the Amazon rainforest—always respecting nature’s limits and the rhythm of local life.
Available Activities:
Interpretive Trails: Walks led by local guides who share knowledge about medicinal plants, wildlife, and riverside traditions—also featuring ecotourism educators who explain the region’s scientific and ecological aspects.
Canoe Excursions: Exploration of igapós (flooded forests), with opportunities to observe birds, pink dolphins, and aquatic vegetation.
Visits to Riverside Communities: Direct contact with local residents, learning about their cultivation practices, community organization, and seasonal adaptations to rising and falling river levels.
Wildlife and Flora Observation: The reserve is home to iconic Amazon species such as the white uakari monkey, pink dolphins, black caimans, and over 300 bird species.
Environmental Education: Talks and presentations by Mamirauá Institute researchers, highlighting conservation efforts and scientific studies.
These activities are thoughtfully organized to provide a respectful and meaningful immersion into the forest, following the principles of ecotourism.
Click here to explore all the experiences offered by Uakari Lodge in detail.
Also Read: How Long to Stay in the Amazon? Mini Guide to Make the Most of Your Trip (Updated for 2025)
5. Gastronomy
Food at the lodge is a highlight on its own. Frequently praised by guests, the meals are simple and nourishing, featuring fresh regional ingredients. Dishes are prepared by local hands with care and practicality, reflecting the forest environment and lifestyle.
6. Why Choose Uakari Lodge?
Uakari Lodge is not just a place to stay—it’s a project that blends comfort, sustainability, and responsible tourism. Key differentials include:
Strategic Location in the Mamirauá Reserve: Access to one of the most preserved ecosystems in the Amazon, featuring flooded landscapes, rare fauna, and rich biodiversity.
Floating Infrastructure Adapted to the Forest: Respecting the natural flood cycle and minimizing impact.
Community-Based Tourism Model: Jointly operated by the Mamirauá Institute and local communities—ensuring income generation, community empowerment, and technical expertise.
Scientific Conservation Partnership: Active collaboration with the Mamirauá Institute on flora and fauna conservation.
Authentic, Immersive Experience: All activities are led by knowledgeable local guides who deeply understand the forest and its stories.
Real Guest Reviews (from Google):
“This is one of the most beautiful places in the world! We had an amazing experience at Uakari. The lodging is comfortable and very clean; the food is excellent and plentiful! The staff is super friendly! We really enjoyed our short stay there! And we learned so much! Thank you!” — Mônica Sá Rego
“You can’t be ready for this place. It’s everything and more. The people are just amazing, the lodge is incredible, and the forest speaks for itself. I hope I can return one day. Long live Uakari.” — Lucas Vilela Souza
“The lodge is comfortable, with homemade and regional food. The local guides are incredible, able to identify every type of animal during tours and explain the local flora as well. The excursions are spectacular. Highly recommend it for anyone who wants to discover the Amazon responsibly.” Milena Kotaki.
“Absolutely incredible experience! They now have satellite internet and stable solar power. My room was practically mosquito-free, with a high-quality net over the bed. The guides were highly qualified and could spot wildlife like superheroes. The service was great, and the food was abundant and truly local.” Anthony Lin.
7. How to Book Your Stay at Uakari Lodge
For more information about availability, packages, and logistics, visit the official Uakari Lodge website.
To go directly to the step-by-step reservation page, click here.
You can also chat directly with our team via WhatsApp by clicking here.
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We look forward to welcoming you at Uakari Lodge!
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