River people
Manaus is located on the left banks of the black water Rio Negro river and about 18 km from meeting with the waters of the claylike white water Rio Solimões, at which point both rivers join into the great Amazon river. The 'Jungle Metropolis' is the gateway to the inner Amazon region and has been of significant importance for the conquest of the whole region, a fact for which, the jungle theater and the harbor among others, deliver rich testimony. Founded by the Portuguese military during the 17th century, the significant economic development of Manaus took place at the end of the 19th century, with the worldwide demand for rubber or caoutchouc, at an all time high. At that time Brazil had the monopoly for the commodity which was extracted from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree.
Ariaú igarapé
Satéré Mawê chief and medicine woman
Our excursions, tours and expeditions to the nearer and deeper Amazonian environment start in Manaus. So does our tour to the Ariaú River. The purpose of this journey is to introduce you to the miracles of Amazonia, one of the last great natural environments of the planet and cradle of the species. Furthermore, during a stay with the Sateré Mawê indigenous people you will get a glimpse of how this tribe manages to maintain most of its culture and traditions.