MANAUS, Brazil - Day 2 HIKING 1 of 3

The only major bridge across the Amazon is the Ponte Rio Negro and its11,795 ft long, linking Manaus with Iranduba in the state of Amazones in Brazil. Its quite a site but unfortunately it’s a “bridge to nowhere” since there is very little in the small town and area on the other side and does not connect to the rest of Brazil.

We arrived at “Gads Area”, an area 45 minutes by fast boat from where we docked in Manaus and of course we were still in the jungle. Our guide immediately pointed out the water line on the trees …50’ over our heads. The water shifts 55’ from dry to rainy season.

We proceeded to climb the makeshift steps up to the hill where we were to enter the jungle. Our first encounter (see photos) was the clove vine and we tried its tea for relaxing. Then we tried tea made from the carnauba tree which is used to treat malaria and liver issues. Then we found the café arabica plant with its berries … which is the source of its coffee. The resin of the next tree we found on our hike was the branco palm which produces a resin that is used for treating headaches.

Our tour guide told us about his 3-7 day treks through the jungle https://www.amazonasnature.com/. Our one-day version was great. The Inacia plam was great for making hats, belts, baskets and was strong enough to tie together to climb a tree, which was quite a site to see. The water vine was a “life-saver” as we got drinking water from the vine. The Amira tree produced sap that is used as an expectorant and also is used to prevent tuberculosis. The tukum palm is used for cosmetics, soap, wine and ice cream as well as in many foods. In addition to demonstrations of building a trap, making fire without a match, making a bow and arrow that was quite deadly as demoed there were many other tips for exploring the jungle. Not to mention poisonous ants and tarantulas. The guide told us about the coming of age for 12 year old boys and the military orientation where you are taught survival training and must prove it at the end of the training. It was quite a day.

See photos and 2 videos here.Read more