Amazon Xplor

Fishing at Amazon Xplor is centred on trophy peacock bass in the Arirarrá River and Rio Negro system, with anglers exploring the main river, connected lagoons, narrow channels and secluded backwaters. The operation uses 15 purpose-built bass boats powered by 115 hp engines, allowing guides to cover substantial distances and adjust the day’s plan according to water levels, fish movement and recent activity. Fishing is generally arranged for two per boat, with artificial lures used to work shoreline structure, submerged timber, sandbanks and likely ambush points.

The main target is the giant temensis peacock bass, including the açú and paca colour forms, with butterfly peacock bass also present throughout the system. Some days focus on aggressive surface fishing, while others require slower presentations around deeper structure or quieter lagoons. Support boats are positioned in more isolated lakes, extending access beyond the areas reached directly from the lodge and giving the guides additional options as conditions change.

Large Amazonian catfish provide a second side to the fishery, with pirarara, piraíba and caparari available during the season. These fish are usually targeted with heavier conventional tackle and add variety for anglers who want to split their time between casting for peacock bass and fishing deeper water. The programme is operated on a catch-and-release basis, with full fishing days designed around mobility, local guide knowledge and access to a broad range of water.

Amazon Xplor is located at the mouth of the Arirarrá River where it enters the Rio Negro, approximately 105 kilometres upriver from Barcelos. The lodge sits in a remote fishing area with limited outside access, placing anglers close to the water and reducing the need for long daily transfers.

Trips begin in Manaus, where anglers spend one night at a four-star hotel before continuing into the Amazon. The following day, the group transfers to the airport for a shared charter flight to Barcelos, followed by a short ground transfer to the river. From Barcelos, anglers travel to the lodge aboard a comfortable express boat, with the journey taking approximately one hour and twenty minutes. The transfer vessel includes a restroom, Wi-Fi, waitstaff service and an all-inclusive bar.

The standard package includes the Manaus hotel night, scheduled ground and air transfers, the boat journey to the lodge and the Barcelos sport-fishing fee. Return travel follows the same route in reverse at the end of the week. Charter schedules and baggage allowances should be confirmed before departure, particularly for groups travelling with large amounts of fishing equipment.

Rates Per Angler:
Starting from  $6,250.00 per person

What’s Included:

What’s Not Included:

Day 1: Arrive in Manaus
Arrive at Eduardo Gomes International Airport and transfer to a four-star hotel in Manaus. The remainder of the day is free to rest, organise fishing equipment and prepare for the journey into the Amazon.

Day 2: Travel to Amazon Xplor
Transfer to the airport for the charter flight from Manaus to Barcelos. On arrival, continue by road to the river and board the express transfer boat for the approximately one-hour-and-twenty-minute journey to Amazon Xplor. Settle into your chalet, meet the lodge team and attend a fishing briefing before dinner.

Days 3 to 8: Six Full Fishing Days
Fish the Arirarrá River system, including the main river, connected lagoons, narrow channels and secluded backwaters. Two anglers normally share a high-performance bass boat with a professional local guide, while the individual package provides private guiding. Daily plans are adjusted according to water levels, fish movement and recent activity, with giant peacock bass as the main target and opportunities to fish for large Amazonian catfish. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments and drinks are provided throughout the day.

Day 9: Return to Manaus
Depart the lodge by express boat and return to Barcelos for the charter flight to Manaus. On arrival, continue to the airport or an independently arranged hotel, depending on the timing of your onward travel.

How long does it take to reach the lodge from Manaus?
Anglers spend the first night in Manaus before taking a charter flight to Barcelos. From Barcelos, there is a short ground transfer to the port followed by an express boat journey of approximately one hour and twenty minutes to Amazon Xplor.

Will I have Wi-Fi and electricity at the lodge?
The chalets have air conditioning, electricity and Wi-Fi is available around the property. The transfer boat also advertises Wi-Fi. As the lodge is in a remote part of the Amazon, occasional service interruptions should be expected.

What personal items should I pack for the fishing days?
Bring lightweight, quick-drying clothing, polarized sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a light waterproof jacket. A small waterproof bag is useful for a phone, camera and medication, while comfortable closed footwear is recommended for boat transfers and time around the lodge.

What are the luggage restrictions for the charter flight?
The charter aircraft has stricter baggage limits than most international flights. Anglers should use soft-sided luggage, compact rod cases and avoid unnecessary equipment. The weight-limit will be confirmed pre-trip, as excess baggage may need to be stored in Manaus or carried at an additional cost.

What happens if water levels or weather affect the fishing?
Fishing conditions in the Amazon are closely linked to seasonal water levels and local rainfall. Guides may travel farther, change lagoons or move between the main river and backwaters according to current conditions. Charter flights and boat transfers can also be delayed by weather, so anglers should avoid tight onward connections and carry suitable travel insurance.

What fishing experience is needed?
Amazon Xplor is suitable for both experienced anglers and newcomers, although repeatedly casting large artificial lures can be tiring. Guides help with lure selection, retrieve speed and boat positioning, but some practice with baitcasting or spinning tackle before the trip will make the fishing more comfortable and productive.