Juma: An Authentic Rainforest Immersion
Escape to a world of pristine nature at Juma Amazon Lodge, an enchanting and fully sustainable hotel built entirely on stilts deep within the Amazon rainforest. Located 100 km southeast of Manaus in a remote and preserved region, Juma Lodge offers a true disconnection from the outside world and a profound connection to the jungle.
Designed to exist in perfect harmony with its environment, the lodge is built over the treetops, respecting the natural rise and fall of the Juma River. This is not just a place to stay—it’s an award-winning eco-experience designed for the conscious traveler.
A Model of Sustainable Tourism
Juma Lodge’s commitment to the environment is at the core of its identity. The entire structure is built with sustainably sourced local wood and rests on stilts, preserving the forest floor and adapting to the seasonal water levels. Key eco-friendly features include:
- Solar Power: Clean energy is used to generate electricity and heat water.
- Waste Management: A specialized sewage treatment system ensures minimal impact on the local ecosystem.
- Integration: The design prioritizes natural ventilation and blends seamlessly with the forest canopy.
How to Get There
Segment 01 (45 minutes): Departing from Ceasa Port in Manaus, you’ll board a speedboat to the village of Careiro. During this journey, the boat passes by the breathtaking Meeting of the Waters, where the Negro and Solimões rivers converge.
Segment 02 (1 hour): From the village of Careiro, the trip continues by minibus along the BR-319 highway, from Manaus to Porto Velho, heading towards the Maçarico River.
Segment 03 (1 hour): From the Maçarico River, a speedboat will take you to Juma Amazon Lodge. During this leg, you’ll experience your first close encounter with the rainforest, navigating through small channels and streams.
Juma also offers, through its partner CTA, a special aerial transfer by seaplane (30 minutes), providing a unique opportunity to admire the Amazon from above.
Explore Our Tour Packages
Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Discover our diverse range of tour packages, designed to cater to every traveler’s desires.
ECOTOURISM
· Meeting of the Waters
En route to Juma, we stop to observe the magnificent Meeting of the Waters, where the muddy waters of the Solimões River meet the black waters of the Negro River. At this crucial junction point, the two rivers – with different speeds, temperatures and consistencies – run side by side for several kilometers without actually mixing, ultimately joining to form the great Amazon River. Passengers will feel the difference in temperature between the two distinct rivers.
· Canoeing
Our canoeing tour provides an in depth / up close exploration of the igarapés (Amazonian creeks) and the igapós (flooded forest), an experience made possible only by paddle canoes.
· Night Tour
We depart on an evening expedition to observe frogs, birds and most importantly, caymans. Our guide uses only his flashlight to help spot them, making the tour very exciting. The night noises are also impressive, as well as the starry sky.
· Dawning at Juma River
Early in the morning we will observe the beautiful change in the sky’s color and the sounds of the waking birds. Our guides are equipped with binoculars in order to complement this experience with ample bird watching.
· Piranha Fishing
We will board a motorboat to fish and learn more about the infamous piranha as well as other Amazonian fishes. Fishing is easier in the dry season as the fish cannot hide in the flooded areas as they tend to do in the wet season.
· Jungle Hike
In this educational jungle walk, our expert guide will introduce the wildlife of the Amazon. He will show plants and describe their uses, as many are edible or medicinal. The paths implemented in exploration walks are constantly changed to avoid damaging the forest.
· Lecture
Enjoy the insight of one of our highly trained and skilled local guides as he gives an informal lecture on everyday life in the Amazon, local tales and legends, and the overall culture of the region.
· Jungle Hike with barbecue
After hiking (this one a bit longer, but with fewer stops), we will have lunch (regional cuisine baked over a fire) in a nice hut in the forest and subsequently rest in hammocks, as the natives do.
· Seedling Tree Planting
In order to make our tourists more involved with the preservation of the Amazon Rainforest, we will take them to plant their own tree, a unique experience in the largest forest on the planet!
· Visiting local Inhabitants
An Amazonian native will share his knowledge regarding traditional medicinal plants and will demonstrate, among other things, how manioc flour, one of the region’s principal exports and drivers of the economy, is prepared.
· Visiting a Sumaúma Tree
We will visit a giant Sumaúma tree, approximately 100 years of age. The Sumaúma tree is recognized as the Amazon’s largest tree species in both height and diameter, reaching up to 40 meters (130 ft).
· Tree Climbing
Juma Amazon Lodge maintains a parternship with Amazon Tree Climbing, a specialized chartered company known for pioneering recreational tree climbing in Brazil. Tree climbing provides a unique opportunity to explore the tree tops of the Amazon’s largest trees. This tour is available only upon request prior to travel and must be confirmed via email.
· Hike to a Cedar Tree
We will take a shorter walk in an area with other species of trees, especially a huge Cedar, one of the largest trees in the Amazon.
· Overnight in the Jungle
Following dinner, we will take the guests to an overnight stay in the jungle, where they will sleep in hammocks. It is a truly fascinating and unforgettable experience sleeping among the trees and listening to the nearby animal sounds.
Private Bungalows Over the Treetops
The 20 private bungalows are intimately connected to the jungle, offering rustic comfort and breathtaking views. Each bungalow features a private balcony with a hammock, a fan, and a bathroom with hot water.
- Forest View Bungalows: Tucked away in the lush greenery, offering an immersive jungle atmosphere.
- River View Bungalows: Gaze out upon the dark, tranquil waters of the Juma River.
- Panoramic Bungalows: Located at the highest point of the lodge, these offer spectacular, sweeping views of the forest canopy.
Forest ViewBungalows
Very spacious with 41 square meters (441ft²) each, these bungalows are located between the lobby patio and the restaurant. Their location allows for easy access for the elderly or anyone with any mobility issues. Because they are closer to one another, they make for an excellent choice for families with small children.
River ViewBungalows
With 32 square meters (344ft²), these rooms are located in a more secluded and exclusive area of the lodge, nestled into the canopy of the trees and reaching 15 meters (49ft) above the ground during dry season. Ensuring the utmost level of privacy, the river view bungalows were designed to be fully integrated into the forest.
Family
Bungalows
These bungalows also overlook the Juma River, but they are larger, with 55 square meters (592 square feet). They have a king size bed and two single beds, making them perfect for families.
Panoramic
Bungalow
Located in the treetops, 96 square meters (1,033ft²) in size, this bungalow is equipped with a king-size bed, hammocks, lounge chairs, outdoor shower and a panoramic balcony with a complete and breathtaking view of the Juma River.
Juma
Bungalow
Our largest bungalow, with 165 square meters (1,776ft²) was built in a remote area of the hotel, with plenty of privacy. With its breadth and sophisticated decoration, this bungalow provides unique and stunning accommodation in the middle of the forest. Ideal for honeymoon couples.
Unique Lodge Amenities
Beyond the bungalows, Juma Lodge provides unique spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.
- River Pool: A safe, enclosed swimming area built directly in the Juma River allows you to cool off while being surrounded by nature.
- Authentic Amazonian Cuisine: The lodge’s restaurant serves delicious meals prepared with fresh, regional ingredients and local fruits.
- Museum & Observation Deck: Discover more about Amazonian flora and fauna at the small museum, or climb the observation deck for stunning panoramic views.
Guided Expeditions into the Wild
The all-inclusive packages feature a thrilling itinerary of guided tours that showcase the Amazon’s incredible biodiversity.
- Forest Trekking: Hike through the rainforest with a local guide to learn about medicinal plants, jungle survival, and the area’s wildlife.
- Recreational Piranha Fishing: Try your hand at fishing for piranhas and other Amazonian fish.
- Night Safari by Canoe: After dark, explore the riverbanks to spot caimans and other nocturnal creatures.
- Amazon Tree Climbing: A truly unique and safe activity where you can ascend to the top of a giant Samaúma tree for a bird’s-eye view of the canopy.
- Overnight in the Jungle: For the truly adventurous, spend a night camping in the rainforest, sleeping in hammocks just like the locals do.
- Sunrise Tour & Birdwatching: Witness the jungle awaken with a spectacular Amazonian sunrise.
- Visit a Local Community: Learn about the culture and daily life of the caboclos (river people).
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get to Juma Lodge from Manaus? The journey is an adventure in itself, taking approximately 3 hours. It involves a combination of van and boat transfers, organized by the lodge, that take you deep into the remote jungle.
What makes Juma Lodge eco-friendly? Its primary feature is the stilt construction, which preserves the environment and adapts to the river’s flood cycle. Additionally, the lodge uses solar power, has an advanced waste treatment system, and was built with sustainably sourced materials.
What is the best time of year to visit? The Amazon is a year-round destination with two distinct seasons. The high-water season (March-August) is ideal for exploring the flooded forest (igapó) by canoe. The low-water season (September-February) is better for jungle treks and seeing the river beaches.
Is there internet or cell phone service at the lodge? No, and this is a key part of the experience. Juma Lodge is a place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. There is no Wi-Fi or reliable cell service.
Are the activities physically demanding? The activities are designed for people in good physical health but cater to various fitness levels. Hikes are generally moderate, while activities like tree climbing are more challenging but optional and conducted with high safety standards.
Ready for an Authentic Eco-Adventure?
Discover the wild heart of the Amazon in a lodge that truly respects it. Book your stay at Juma Lodge today and create memories that will last a lifetime.