Anavilhanas, Brazil

The Anavilhanas Islands are located on the Rio Negro river, between Manaus and Novo Airao in Brazil. They are situated approximately 70km upstream from Manaus; at this point, the river becomes 27km wider. The islands form the biggest fresh water archipelago in the world, with about 400 islands, extending over 90 kilometres, with hundreds of lakes, channels and watercourses.

In the rainy season the river is high and islands are almost all flooded with only around 180 emerging from the water. During this period they are populated by a variety of birds, monkeys, reptiles and amphibians. When the waters subside, larger animals such as jaguars, pumas, tapirs and deer return to the islands.

Things to see and do

* Manaus
* Beaches
* Novo Airao
* Kayaking
* Wildlife viewing

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Real (R$) (BRL)
Language - Portuguese
Land Area - 37,771 km² (Novo Airao)
Population - 8,000 (Novo Airao)
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus four hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 55

Port Location - Ships dock at the main port in Manaus directly downtown. Just about everything of interest is within walking distance. Manaus has a very modern cruise terminal and you will find everything you need to make your way around Manaus.

Transport Links - Manaus is about four hours by air from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian airline TAM also flies once daily direct Miami - Manaus which takes less than 5 hours in a Boeing 767-300. Copa Airlines also flies to Miami-Manaus by way of Panama in a Embraer 190. Delta Air Lines now has direct service from Atlanta. Spirit also flies from Fort. Lauderdale to Manaus, TAME flies from Quito to Manaus once a week.

Manaus is a major destination for boats on the Amazon River. From Belém on the Atlantic Coast, it takes about five days. Boats go to Porto Velho two-three times per week. Tabatinga on the border with Colombia can also be reached by boat from Manaus, with connections further on to Iquitos in Peru.

Due to road conditions, there is very little (if any) long-distance bus service originating from major cities in Brazil. There are daily buses to Boa Vista in the north and to destinations in Venezuela. The bus from Caracas in Venezula takes about 36 hours, but it is air-conditioned, has comfortable reclining seats and a toilet.