Destinations

If you are looking for an incredible Amazonian experience that is relatively easy to reach, I highly recommend Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge just outside of Manaus, Brazil.
 
On the Rio Negro (which joins the Amazon River at Manaus) sits the Anavilhanas Archipelago, the world’s largest fresh water archipelago.  Anavilhanas is host to indigenous species of fish, local crocodiles (Jacaré), freshwater pink dolphins, manatees and hundreds of species of flora and fauna.  Mosquitoes find the naturally high ph of the river disagreeable, so as an added plus - the area is relatively mosquito free!
 
In the midst of the private reserve is the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge. Approximately 3 hours drive from Manaus, this lodge is truly a class-act and the perfect answer for the guest who wants the Amazon experience without having to give up all modern comfort.  The Lodge is relatively new (just one year old) and the only one of its kind in this protected preserve.
 
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is owned and run by a delightful young Brazilian couple who thought of every detail to bring the best combination of nature, beauty and regional flavor to their guests. The local staff are equally wonderful, bringing an additional element of local warmth and friendly, attentive service.
 
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge offers a variety of packages ranging from 3 – 6 days , for approximately $250 per person per day.  The packages (which include all transfers, meals and tour-guided activities) are an unbelievable value.  Each activity gives the guests the opportunity to learn and experience more about the area than they could ever do on their own. The guides are highly knowledgeable – with a unique depth understanding of the area and its history, and each able to communicate in numerous languages (for example one of the guides spoke fluent Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish and German!) The activities include boating excursions, bird watching, piranha fishing, caiman hunting, nature walks, and swimming with pink dolphins - just to name a few.

 The buffet-style meals (three full meals, daily) feature delicious regional dishes, consisting of local fish, chicken, beef and pork dishes, local fruits, vegetables and freshly baked deserts.  After lunch or dinner, the guests may choose to convene in the open lobby area for conversation, to play pool or some of the table games provided (chess, checkers etc). This area also has a computer, Cable TV and a wonderful collection of books to study more on the Amazonas’ flora and fauna. 

I spent three days at the Anavilhanas Lodge and came away with one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The time went far too quickly – I am already planning my return to this hidden paradise!

After a few days in the city, take off for the Amazon!  There are a number of rainforest eco-lodges, all of which offer excellent opportunities for hiking, birding, canoeing, and exploration.  La Selva Jungle Lodge is a 2 hour boat ride away from Coca (the small city that serves as a gateway to the Amazon), and offers a variety of packages that include accommodation, guided excursions, and meals.  The private bungalows are comfortable (mosquito-netted beds, porches with hammocks, and bathroom with shower), the guides are fantastic, and the food is incredible.  Any trip to the rainforest is an unforgettable experience, and this lodge does an exceptional job of ensuring a wonderful stay; no more than 40 guests will be visiting the lodge at any given time, and excursions are limited to 8 people per guide.

For those with a real taste for adventure and a keen interest in wildlife, a trip out to the Galapagos will be unforgettable!  The islands, located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are home to a variety of wildlife—these sea lions, penguins, birds, turtles, and iguanas have spent the duration of their lives with no natural fear of man.  As a result, you can literally come face-to-face with these incredible animals (you can even snorkel with the sea lions)!  There are a variety of companies that operate tours throughout the islands.  The smaller boats are preferable, simply because group size is more limited.  The guides that lead the excursions must go through rigorous certification processes, and are all very knowledgeable and speak excellent English.  Each boat has a separate itinerary that is approved by the government of Ecuador, so that not too many people are visiting a particular island at any given time.  Be forewarned–this is an active destination (and a bit pricey)!  Passengers should be prepared to spend several hours a day hiking and snorkeling—there are also some early mornings on the boat.