Rio Curicuriari Peacocks
Brazilian Amazon
The Curicuriari River in northwest Brazil is a remote blackwater fishery where only a small number of anglers are permitted each year, preserving its untouched character and exceptional trophy potential.
Accommodation
Liveaboard Lodge
Season
October – November
Species
Peacock Bass
Style
Bait-casting, Spinning
Trophy Peacock Bass Territory
Highlights:
- Record-class Peacock Bass: This is one of the last untouched trophy fisheries in the Amazon, home to Cichla temensis that regularly push past 15 pounds, with genuine 20-pound potential. Anglers come here chasing not numbers, but monsters.
- True Amazon Wilderness Access: With over 300 km of preserved river deep inside indigenous territory and strict angler limits per year, the Curicuriari offers rare exclusivity. This is a raw, remote setting where jungle silence is broken only by macaws, howler monkeys, and explosive topwater strikes.
- Premium Comfort in the Jungle: Despite the wild location, guests stay in a surprisingly refined riverside lodge featuring air-conditioned private suites, hot showers, daily laundry, Starlink internet, and chef-prepared Amazon cuisine. It delivers wilderness adventure without sacrificing comfort.
8 DAY PACKAGE
$7,980 per angler
- Eight nights accommodation.
- All meals, snacks & select drinks in camp.
- Six full days guided peacock bass fishing.
- Tackle, equipment, & lures.
- Round-trip domestic charter flights, ground & river transfers.
Fishing on the Curicuriari River targets primarily Cichla temensis, the largest species of peacock bass. The river system offers a combination of main channels, backwater lagoons, and flooded forest, which provide stable habitat and year-round forage for predatory species. Anglers typically use medium-heavy to heavy casting setups with braided line, working large hard baits, jigs, and topwater lures along structure. The fishery is strictly catch and release, and daily fishing is conducted from shallow-draft aluminum boats suitable for navigating remote and narrow sections of the river.
Productivity on the Curicuriari is closely tied to seasonal water levels, which is why the fishing season is limited to October through mid November. During this low-water window, fish are more concentrated and accessible, resulting in consistent catch rates. In addition to peacock bass, anglers may encounter species such as piranha, bicuda, and wolf fish in certain areas. Local guides rely on daily river observations to adjust techniques and location strategy, ensuring effective coverage of productive zones throughout the week.
Accommodation for this program includes one night in Manaus at the beginning of the trip in a single hotel room before departure to the Curicuriari region. From Manaus, travelers fly to São Gabriel da Cachoeira and transfer by boat to the lodge. The main camp on the Curicuriari River is a permanent lodge facility designed for remote operations, offering private rooms equipped with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms with hot water. The lodge has reliable power, running water, and daily housekeeping services, along with laundry service to support weeklong stays in the Amazon environment. Meals are prepared on site, and the program includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
The lodge also features a common dining and social area, along with an upper deck lounge and bar used for evening briefings and relaxation after fishing. Communication from the camp is maintained through satellite internet, allowing contact with the outside world when needed while still operating in a remote area. Boats depart directly from the lodge each morning, making daily logistics efficient. Capacity is limited to small weekly groups in order to manage pressure on the fishery and maintain consistent service levels. The overall standard of accommodation is functional and comfortable rather than luxury focused, designed to meet the needs of visiting anglers in a remote setting.
The Curicuriari River is located in the northwest region of the Brazilian Amazon, less than 100 kilometers from the border of Colombia and approximately 130 kilometers from Venezuela. It forms part of the upper Rio Negro basin, a blackwater system known for stable water chemistry and high biodiversity. The surrounding area is sparsely populated and remains largely preserved due to its isolation and indigenous territorial protection. The fishery spans more than 300 kilometers of remote river, including main channels, tributaries, and lagoon systems, making it one of the least pressured peacock bass destinations in the Amazon.
Travel to the Curicuriari begins in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas State in Brazil and the regional entry point for Amazon expeditions. From Manaus, guests take a scheduled domestic flight to São Gabriel da Cachoeira with Azul Linhas Aéreas. Upon arrival, ground assistance coordinates a transfer to the river where a boat is used to reach the main lodge. The total travel time from Manaus to camp is approximately four and a half hours, combining flight and boat navigation. One hotel night in Manaus is included at the start of the trip to ensure proper staging before departure, and return logistics follow the same route back to Manaus at the end of the program. All internal transport is hosted and coordinated, minimizing logistical complexity for travelers.
ChatGPT said:
Day 1 – Arrival in Manaus
Arrive in Manaus, Brazil. Transfer to hotel and check in. Overnight in Manaus in a single room (included).
Day 2 – Travel to Curicuriari River Lodge
Transfer from hotel to Manaus Airport for domestic flight to São Gabriel da Cachoeira with Azul Linhas Aéreas. Continue by river boat to the lodge. Orientation, gear preparation, and lodge briefing.
Days 3 to 7 – Fishing
Six full days of guided fishing on the Curicuriari River. Two anglers per boat with a dedicated guide. Fishing covers river channels, backwater lagoons, and structure areas. Lunch is taken on the river each day. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and planning for the next day.
Day 8 – Return to Manaus
Depart the lodge by boat to São Gabriel da Cachoeira. Fly back to Manaus to conclude the itinerary or connect with onward travel.
Rates per angler:
$7,980 per angler
Included:
- Accommodation in Manaus on the first night
- Round-trip domestic flight between Manaus and São Gabriel da Cachoeira
- Boat transfer from São Gabriel da Cachoeira to the lodge and return
- Accommodation at the Curicuriari River lodge
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in camp
- Guided fishing with two anglers per boat
- Fully equipped fishing boats
- Basic camp services including housekeeping and daily laundry
- All logistical support during the itinerary
Not Included:
- International airfare to and from Manaus
- Fishing license
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance
- Personal fishing equipment unless otherwise specified
- Alcoholic beverages beyond the standard camp offering
- Personal expenses and items of a personal nature
GALLERY
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil for this trip?
Visa requirements depend on nationality. Travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the EU, and South Africa may require an e-visa depending on current Brazilian entry regulations. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
What kind of physical condition is required for this trip?
This is an active fishing expedition in a remote Amazon environment. While no advanced fitness level is required, guests should be prepared for long fishing days in hot and humid weather. Boarding boats, walking on uneven riverbanks, and casting heavy lures repeatedly are part of the daily routine.
Is malaria or other vaccination protection required?
The Curicuriari River region is located in the Amazon basin where mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue exist. Travelers should consult a medical professional for recommended vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis before departure. Insect repellent and lightweight protective clothing are also strongly recommended.