GPS Coordinates: 7°27’31.63″S 52°39’45.78″W
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General Travel Information
There are countless flight options, depending on where you are coming from. You must get to Manaus International Airport. Daily flights to Manaus operate from many cities, most routing through Sao Paulo at the moment. We suggest you arrange your flights with Alicia at Holdy Tours alicia@holdytours.com | (800) 446-1111. She will secure the most efficient and inexpensive route available for you.
Once you arrive in Manaus International Airport, our host will be waiting for you for immediate transfer to the pleasant Juma Opera Hotel located in a very nice part of town.
Charter Flight to Xingu:
Early Saturday morning, our host/driver will pick up all anglers at the Juma Opera Hotel and take them to the domestic airport for their private charter flight to the Kayapo village of Pukararãnkre on the right bank of the Xingu River. The flight from Manaus to Xingu is operated by an 8-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan plane, and normally departs around 6:30 am. The flight duration is 3:30 hours depending on whether a refueling stop is needed. Pukararãnkre village is located 590 miles southeast from Manaus and the plane will land on a dirt airstrip right in the Indian Community.
Xingu Lodge:
Anglers should be of adventurous spirit, but most of all they must respect the Kayapó people and the land they inhabit. This is their territory and river, which they have protected against invasion and destruction by settlers, ranchers, loggers and miners for centuries with warrior tradition.
The Lodge offers 4 double occupancy rooms, with 2 twin beds, full bathroom with hot water showers, flush toilets, ceiling fan and full electricity to charge all of your devices. The lodge is located on the bank of the Xingu River overlooking a gorgeous stretch of water near to the Kamotjam community, where 3 traditional Kayapó families live.
Every evening guests will be delighted by a delicious cuisine made by the Untamed Angling chefs in the dining room. Filtered water, soft drinks and juices will complete the beverage list on the lodge. Included Wi-Fi Satellite services are provided for all our guests, but service can be spotty. Rembert, you are extremely remote! Satellite phone calls are also available at additional cost.
We provide laundry service at the lodge at no additional cost. Just leave your clothes in a designated container, and they will be returned washed and clean, usually within a day.
Every evening guest will be delighted by Untamed Angling chef’s simple but delicious cuisine in a dining room. Filtered water, Soft Drinks and juices will complete beverage list on camp. Included Wi-Fi Satellite service is provided for all our guests. Sat phone calls are also available at additional cost.
Xingu Itinerary
Anglers will enjoy an all-inclusive package (excluding international flights), with 6 days of fishing, plus 7 nights lodging at camp, and the first night’s hotel accommodations at Juma Opera Hotel. The maximum group size is eight anglers, and no groups will ever fish the same water on the same day. The concept is to move every day up or downstream in aluminum boats exploring new waters and following the best fishing, so everyone will be casting at fresh fish in new waters.
Friday – Day 0:
Arrive in Manaus. Our representatives will be waiting for you at the Manaus International Airport (MAO). Transfer from the airport to the Hotel. Overnight accommodations at the Juma Opera Hotel, the night before departure to the Xingu are included in the package. The group will receive all information regarding the next day’s plan for time of departure, typically around 5:30 AM, weather depending.
Saturday – Day 1:
Breakfast Buffet at Hotel. The host will pick up the group at approximately 5:30 a.m. and head to the local airport, to board the private charter 8 person Cessna Grand Caravan plane to Pukararãnkre. After 3:30 hours of flight, guests will arrive at the Pukararãnkre Indian Community landing strip where our guides and staff will be waiting group. There will be a “Meet and Greet” providing anglers time to discover the Kayapo culture, social organization and more. We will present the group to the Indian chiefs and a brief orientation of fishing week will be made. After that, the group will head upstream to the camp (15 – 20 minutes). It’s a great opportunity to the anglers will see great river scenery, birds, animals and some fish in the Xingu clear waters. After the arrival you will be served a lunch. Anglers will use this first afternoon to get situated and ready their tackle for the following day. That evening the fishing team will brief anglers on the daily fishing plans.
Sunday to Friday – Days 2 – 7:
Each day individual teams (2 anglers) will head out for the day, fishing the Xingu River, its channels, rapids, lakes and tributaries. Each two anglers will share a fluent English speaking fly fishing guide along with a local native guide in an aluminum boat. Both anglers are able to constantly fish all day long. Anglers have access to an amazing array of fishing locations each day, optimized with less navigation and more fishing hours.
Typical Day:
- 6:00 am – Coffee is hot
- 7:00 am – Breakfast
- 8:00 am – Head to fishing grounds
- 12:00 – 2:00 pm – Anglers will have a lunch at the camp or on the river
- 2:00 pm – After lunch, fishing will resume until late afternoon
- 6:00 pm – Return to the camp, cocktails and showers
- 7:00 pm – Cocktails and appetizers will be served
- 8:00 pm -Dinners will be served
Saturday – Day 8:
In the morning, guests will be transferred downstream by boat to the Pukararãnkre community landing strip to fly back to Manaus. On the return flight we will stop in Itaituba Airstrip for refuel and then head back to Manaus. You will arrive in Manaus mid/late afternoon, (assuming no flight delays) and transferred to the international airport or for a day use at the Hotel. If you are departing that day, please book flights after 6:00 pm.
Extra Night or Day Use Rooms:
If you would like an extra night accommodation in Manaus at the Hotel on arrival or departure or would like a day room on your departure day, please let us know. All extra nights and day use bookings will be paid direct to the hotel by credit card.
Travel Documents & Brazilian Visa information:
GOOD NEWS! – After June 19th, 2019 Brazil waives U.S. citizens having to secure a visa to enter in Brazil for tourism purposes. You just should carry a valid U.S. passport. For more info check: www.visitbrasil.com
For the address that is required as your destination in Brazil on the visa form, please fill in the following:
Name of Hotel: Untamed Angling do Brasil – Pescadores da Selva Ltda.
Address: Rua Sao Miguel, 34 sala 1
City: Manaus
State: AM
Country: Brazil
Zip Code: 69058-030
Phone number: + 55 11 98181.8703 | Email: rodrigo@uangling.com (Rodrigo Salles)
The camp location is in Pukararãnkre area – City: São Félix do Xingu – State: Pará.
Manaus:
Manaus is a modern, rapidly growing city (2.02 million habitants). It is one of the busiest ports in the Amazon where cargo ships distribute their goods throughout the Amazon basin. There are many interesting places to visit: The Amazonas Theater, The Palace “Río Negro”, the Floating Port, the Municipal Market Adolpho Lisboa, the Forest of Science, the Museum of Natural Science, as well as the Aboriginal Fair, where you can buy items made by the Indians. We strongly recommend you consider visiting the Fish Market, no one that visits regrets it and most say it is the highlight of cultural experiences in Manaus.
Contact Numbers
South America Travel Agent:
Holdy Tours
Alicia Regueiro
(800) 446-1111 | (925) 927-6617 | alicia@holdytours.com
- Can book your air, and any additional hotel rooms you may request.
The Fly Shop®
4140 Churn Creek Road
Redding, CA 96002
(800) 669-3474 | (530) 222-3555 | travel@theflyshop.com
Juma Opera Hotel
Address: Rua 10 De Julho, 481 – Centro – Manaus
District: Manaus – Federation: Amazonas – Brazil
Amazonas – CEP: 69010-060
Name: Debora Motta (Untamed Angling Transfer Agent)
Phone: +5592994034631 | https://jumaopera.com.br/en/
Untamed Angling Brazil Office:
Rodrigo Salles
Nilton Lins, 2274 -610
Manaus Brazil
Office: +55 11 98181-8703 | Mobile Argentina: +54 9 11 5041.7924 / 4415-4404
Rodrigo M. Salles: rodrigo@untamedangling.com | Skype: rodrigo.salles.untamed
Sandra Spina: sandra.daniela.spina@gmail.com | sandra@uangling.com
U.S. Embassy in Brazil (In Case of Emergency):
Emergencies include: death, arrest, stolen or lost passports. Emergency services do not req
MOST IMPORTANT CONTACT
Manaus Hostess & Transfer Agents
Debora Motta: Whatsapp and Skype contact: +55 92 9403-4631
Email: debora@uangling.com
Allan Pereira: Whatsapp and Skype contact: +55 14 99106-2625
Email: allan@uangling.com
Brasilia:
24 hour emergency assistance:
(61) 3312-7000 during Embassy’s working hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
(61) 3312-7400 after hours
U.S. Embassy in Brazil (In Case of Emergency)
Emergencies include: death, arrest, stolen or lost passports. Emergency services do not require an appointment.
Brasilia: 24 hour emergency assistance:
(61) 3312-7000 during Embassy’s working hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
(61) 3312-7400 after hours
Fishing & Fish Species
Catch & Release:
All fish caught should be released without exception and please avoid unnecessary handling of the fish. Barbless hooks are mandatory. Handling these fish requires precaution, not only to avoid hurting them but also to prevent injuries to you.
Fishing Season:
The fishing season runs during the dry season from late September through late November in the Xingu and Iriri region. The dry season is characterized by lack of rain, low water levels and clear water that allows for great fishing throughout the entire river system, including its numerous tributaries. We will operate the Xingu project during the lowest water months when Payara fishing is best as this species prefers the deepest parts of the river bed; at other times of high water the fish spread into flooded forest and became difficult to find. The best fishing season for Payara in the Xingu runs from September to November.
Rainy season in southeastern Amazon begins in late November/early December and the rivers reach their highest levels in March. After the rainy season ends, water clarity improves and river levels start to drop. Millions of fish begin their migration upstream to find food (tropic migration) in the most oxygenated waters on granite base, riffles and rapids. Predatory fish follow this migration and the pulse of life comes back to the headwater system.
The dry season is characterized by hot and breezy days, cool nights and very few mosquitoes and black flies. This is a pleasant time of year that the Kayapó refer to simply as “nice”. In contrast, the rainy season is characterized by torrential rain, the inundation of rivers and creeks and annoying clouds of biting insects.
Kayapo Community Fee & Conservation:
Untamed Angling partners with the local Kayapo non-governmental group, the “Protected Forest Association”, to manage sustainable sport fishing enterprises to the benefit of all community members living inside the project areas on the northern sections of the Xingu and Iriri rivers in Kayapo territory. The PFA and their partners are working hard to grow and diversify a portfolio of sustainable conservation-based enterprise that generate equitably distributed benefits, and to strengthen territorial monitoring and surveillance over a vast roadless area. Untamed Angling’s Xingu and Iriri sport fishing projects are making a critical contribution to Kayapo capacity to continue protecting 250 km of the Xingu River and virgin rainforest territory that spans over 22 million acres.
In addition to work for guides and other support staff, Kayapó communities benefit from an entry fee charged to angler guests. Communities use these funds for social projects such as infrastructure development, transportation, and medical and education projects. Clients will pay this fee to our representative upon arrival in Manaus and these funds will be deposited directly to the Protected Forest Association which administers the fees for the Xingu communities. Anglers will receive a receipt from the PFA.
Less tangible but nevertheless just as important as income generation, angler/guests bring a new view and influence from outside society, one that values traditional Kayapó culture and the natural ecosystems on which their culture is based. Guests demonstrate to the Kayapó the value of their culture and territorial protection services to the world. This cultural valuation contrasts starkly with the dominant view of frontier society to which the Kayapó are normally exposed: a view to exploit the Indians for their natural resources and denigration of traditional culture.
For more information on the Kayapo fight to protect their lands and their international conservation organization partners, please see: National Geographic Magazine – January 2014 issue.
The Kayapo Nation’s Xingu River is hands down the #1 destination on earth to target trophy Payara. The impressive and ferocious looking Payara, aka the “Vampire Fish”, are nicknamed for the two 4+ inch enormous fangs protruding from their bottom jaw and penetrating through their forehead. There may not be a more savage looking game fish swimming in freshwater. If you want to pick a fight with one, there is really no place else to consider. Nothing else compares.
While the Payara are considered the primary angling target at Xingu, fly fishermen will enjoy the pursuit of a plethora of other superb gamefish in this clear water fishery. Big Wolfish can be targeted in the shallow lagoons and pocket water, and several different ultra-colorful varieties of Peacock Bass are caught routinely, as well as big Bicuda, Pacu and more! This high fish species diversity can be attributed to the nutrients and food entering the river from the forest combined with minerals in the river that support prolific plankton growth. The clear water transmits sunlight to podostemaceae plant development further contributes to lower levels of the food chain. Several fish species eat these plants and are then consumed by other fish species higher up the food chain. The Xingu offers many different habitats for fish: meanders, pools, channels, lakes, lagoons, riffles, rapids and waterfalls. The consequence is unparalleled fish species diversity.
When Untamed Angling scouted the waters of Xingu River and its tributaries, we found a magnificent clear water system with many fish species, especially for big Payara on the fly.
| Common Name | Scientific Name – Species |
| Matrinxã / Jatuarana | Brycon falcatus Müller & Troschel, 1844 |
| Bicuda | Boulengerella cuvieri (Spix & Agassiz, 1829) |
| Cachorra-larga / Payara | (Vampire Fish) Hydrolycus armatus (Jardine, 1841) |
| Trairão Hoplias aimara | (Valenciennes, 1847) |
| Piranha-preta | Serrasalmus rhombeus (Linnaeus, 1766) |
| Piranha-chupita | Serrasalmus manueli (Fernándes-Yépez & Ramírez, 1967) |
| Pacu | Myloplus rubripinnis (Müller & Troschel, 1844) |
| Pacu-de-seringa | Myloplus rhomboidalis (Cuvier, 1818) |
| Pacu-borracha | Tometes sp. Valenciennes, 1850 |
| Pirarara | Phractocephalus hemioliopterus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) |
| Tucunaré (Peacock Bass) | Cichla cf. melaniae Kullander & Ferreira, 2006 |
| Jacundá | Crenicichla lugubris Heckel, 1840 |
General Information
Insects:
Have your bug spray ready for the moment you get off the plane on the airstrip! Otherwise, the No-seeum’s will pound you before you ever even get to the lodge! The jungle can get buggy at dusk, but strong bug sprays with DEET will keep them from chewing on you in the evenings in camp. No-seeums can eat your exposed arms and legs very fast. Apply bug spray as soon as you get out of the shower after fishing in the evening! Some mosquitoes may be present as well, but far less than the no-seeums, in our experience.
As for the rest, we remind you that this is a virgin rainforest where all kind of spiders, scorpions and strange insects live. We recommend guests do not to go deep into the Jungle, pass through dense vegetation or turn logs over, fallen leaves etc. We strongly recommend wearing long sleeve shirts and pants and buff facemasks during your fishing week.
Gratuities:
We suggest a tip of approximately 10% – 15% of the package cost. Tips are split evenly among the guides and support staff. You do not need to leave any additional tips. Tips are left to the discretion of the angler. The head guide will collect the tips. Please bring cash $USD for the gratuities.
Alcoholic Beverages:
No Alcoholic Beverage will be allowed during the fishing day in the river according FUNAI regulations and also a decision of the Kayapó communities. They are very cautious with the use of alcohol and want to protect the future of their young warriors. You also may not have alcohol in your rooms, outside of the main dining room. If you bring your own liquor, give it to the Lodge host to store it in the main lodge. Some fine wines, and spirits will be served at lodge during appetizer hour and dinner. There is NO beer in camp!
Water:
Through a partnership with YETI we have design a program that focuses on reducing the use of plastic bottles in Xingu to an absolute minimum. As a result, we have built last generation filters to provide pure potable water in our lodges. The lodge has a complete water filtration system, of 5 elements (Sediment, Micro Filter, and Bacterial Filter and Reverse Osmosis units). The quality of our water is regularly checked by a renowned Manaus (Brazil) laboratory—you will find the pertaining certificate in the living room. All bathrooms have filtered water in taps and shower.
Electricity:
Electric generators will provide full electric power every night running during peak hours. Please remember to bring your 110V to 220V converter if needed. You will also need an adapter to make your US flat prong plugs convert to standard European two prongs. You do not need the 3 prong version, just like in the US! You can charge batteries and devices every evening after fishing.
Health & Medication:
We ask you to let us know if you have any medical conditions we should know about. Be sure and bring all needed prescriptions with you, as you will be in an extremely remote area. We strongly recommend that our guests visit their doctor prior to this trip, for any suggestions they may have for you regarding health care matters. Typically, no vaccinations are required if you’re traveling directly from the United States to visit any part of the Amazon. All Brazilian Amazon is considered a Dengue Fever influenced area, as well. You can always check with the Center for Disease Control for up-to-date recommendations on vaccinations and medications needed for the Brazilian Amazon:
Center for Disease Control
1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: (404) 639-3311 | Website: www.cdc.gov
Special Dietary Requirements:
Please let us know whether you have any kind of dietary restriction or food allergies (nuts, almonds, flours, etc.) so we can prepare.
Baggage:
Please do not bring unnecessary gear to the camp. We use small planes for air transfers to and from the camp and we strictly enforce weight limitations. You will be able to leave items not needed in camp with the hotel concierge in Manaus if you are returning to the hotel at the end of the week. We recommend this for travelling clothes, etc. The camp has daily laundry service, so bringing a lot of clothing is not necessary. There is a strictly-enforced 40 pound weight restriction per person for the charter flights. Please avoid HARD BODY LUGGAGE.
Jungle Trip Policy:
Fishing in the Amazon jungle represents one of the last frontiers in the fly fishing world. As with any such hyper-remote destinations, there can be challenges associated with offering a first-class experience in the ‘back of beyond’. In the Amazon, water level conditions will, on occasion, present such challenges.
The Amazon River annual water level cycles are not a simple equation, even for the most experienced local experts. Normally, high and low water levels here follow a fairly predictable monthly cycle, but climate changes and the effects of stronger or weaker El Niño and La Niña cycles can directly and immediately affect those levels.
Specifically, these El Niño and La Niña events tend to impact the amount of rain in the headwaters of Amazon Rivers, which in turn affects the entire Amazon basin.
The Xingu system has more than 400 kilometers of rivers and tributaries. This unique and extensive water system allows for incomparable flexibility. Though Xingu season has been chosen to coincide with the best water conditions annually, especially for Payara fishing; it’s difficult to predict water levels, and this is one of the risks associated with fishing the Amazon. If you are not comfortable with the risk of the river levels being too high or low during your trip, then it is probably not the trip for you. You will not be refunded for water conditions that may not meet your expectations.
Final Note:
All of us involved will be doing everything we can to ensure your enjoyment on this unique expedition. However, travel to Amazonia wilderness on an exploratory trip in a new destination can present unforeseen problems. Weather can cause flight delays in and out of the camps and possible missed connections, imposing additional costs or delay in your return home. This is beyond our control and in the realm of responsibility. Safety is always our primary concern. Please accommodate the possibility of delays in your planning and your state of mind.
The key is to be open-minded and tolerant, knowing that some things are done in a different way deep inside jungle communities. Nothing works fine all the time anywhere. Take things in stride, relax, and make the most of every day.
We know you’ll be well received at Xingu communities (Pukararãnkre) and that everyone will be doing his or her best to provide a most memorable experience.
Recommended Equipment
Fly Rods:
For the Payara, you will want to fish 8 to 10 weight single handed rods. You can bring a smaller rod like a 6 weight for other smaller species, if you like. It is best to have two or maybe three rods rigged with different lines and/or flies in the boat at all times. Please plan on bringing extra backup rods. Powerful rods with a strong butt section are recommended. All of the saltwater series of the top rod brands are considered good choices. Your favorite big Saltwater rods in 8 – 10 weights will do great for Payara. We recommend rigging one 6 or 7 weight saltwater rod for Matrinxas, peacock bass, Pacu and Bicudas with floating line. Some of our favorite brands of rods are Scott, Winston, and Sage.
Fly Reels:
As with rods, reels that have been designed for saltwater fly-fishing are the best choice. These jungle fish will test your stripping fingers more than your reel, but in the event you can get them on the reel before they get into the snags, reels with strong smooth drags are recommended. Bring trusted reels that you feel comfortable with as you will be casting a good bit. We recommend Hatch PE 8-braid Premium Backing, rated at 68-pound test. Some reel manufacturers that we would recommend are Abel, Galvan, Hatch, Ross, and Hardy.
Fly Lines:
Payara fishing is done predominantly in deep water pools. Weight Forward lines designed specifically for the tropics and saltwater are what you want. Scientific Anglers Jungle Custom Tip Express are great fast sinking lines for Payara. We strongly suggest you bring at least one back up sinking fly line. They can get beat up on rocks, snap under the weight of a monster, or get shredded in the trolling motor. You do not want to fish the rest of the week with a compromised sinking line.
- Deep Sink – Scientific Anglers Jungle Custom Tip Express. This bad boy is 35 feet of T-14, integrated into an intermediate core. It will get you down faster and further than any other line we know.
- Floating – Scientific Anglers Mastery Titan Taper, great popper line.
- Light Sink-Tip – Scientific Anglers Sonar 30’ Intermediate, awesome streamer line.
Rarely, you may find Payara feeding shallower and need a line than does not dredge as deep. A great line to always have ready at Xingu is the Scientific Anglers Jungle clear intermediate tip line. Full floating Jungle Tapers are excellent for effortlessly throwing giant wind resistant poppers.
All of the other species are also targeted with this INT line, or the full floater, such as Peacocks, wolfish, bicuda, pacu, matrinxa, and others.
Do not bring cold water floating lines, as the hot weather makes these lines soft and gummy.
Leaders:
Most fish are not really leader shy but the very clear water situation can spook some big fish so fluorocarbon leaders make line invisible under water. Leaders should be strong and heavy enough to turn over big wind resistant fly, so heavy-strong butt leaders are important. Spools of Fluorocarbon should include 20, 30, 40 and 50 pounds. 20 pound mono, which floats better than Fluorocarbon can be used for those dry fly situations. Leaders will vary in size depending on the species from Trahira with 6’ leaders to Matrinxa at 9’-10’. Bring at least 3 spools of 40 – 50 lbs. knotable wire leader for the toothy Payara.
Flies:
Flies tied specifically for Payara are very unique and difficult to find. Even the few custom tied Payara flies we found out there ended up not being our favorites when we tested them out at Xingu. Payara require tandem hooks: Two hooks, big size 5/0+, riding about 6 inches apart. Nobody mass produces tandem Payara flies like this… So, we do what we have to do!
The guides at Xingu have been testing and experimenting for over 5 years now. They have found that the best flies are actually ones that they created from pre-existing flies in visiting anglers fly boxes!
They will take 2 different flies and connect them with 40lbs bite wire and crimps. The “Frankenflies” that they create may look crazy, but have proven extremely productive. The Fly Shop® can get you a selection of these base flies, and then the guides will construct their masterpieces when you jump in the boat with them. Bring some bare hooks #5/0 (TMC 600SP) as well, to just add a second trailer hook to some patterns.
All hooks need to be extremely good quality and extremely sharp. You will need a good number of flies for Xingu. Payara destroy flies like no other gamefish! Flies that are tied with synthetic material are far more durable and can combed out, so don’t forget a metal fly comb as well!
The other species will take smaller streamers with standard hooks, no tandems. Bring some very large rubber leg dry flies like Chernobyl Ants in #6 or larger should be included for the Matrinxa and Pacu.
Be sure to show up with a good selection! The lodge is very remote, they cannot provide gear for everyone, and are thousands of miles from the closest fly shop to restock at. You can order our custom Xingu selection before you leave. If you tie flies, bring your material! We will discover a lot of new effective patterns during the trip!
Free Use of Fly Fishing Equipment:
If you don’t have the appropriate fly-fishing equipment, or are just worried about having backups, Untamed Angling can provide free use of T&T Fly Rods, Nautilus Fly Reels and Scientific Anglers Jungle Tapered Fly Lines. They also have conventional gear for those anglers that want to fish for catfish only. This being said, we strongly suggest that you bring your own equipment. The Lodge cannot guarantee that their equipment is not all going to be broken by the group before you…
We wrote a great Blog Post on the “Essential Gear for Fly Fishing for Payara”. This will help you get prepared for your amazing jungle holiday at Xingu.