• From Manaus to Barcelos

• An intense river and forest experience traveling where no one else goes

• Completely private, just you, your companions, and your guide

• Introduction to the Amazonian rainforest, the planets greatest biodiversity in flora and fauna
• Rainforest trekking far off the beaten tracks,
• Discoveries and identification of flora and fauna in the deep rainforest
• Great fishing experiences on big, medium, small, and smaller rivers
• Silent canoe rides on igarapés and tributaries
• Wildlife observation in jungle and rivers
• Night safaris
• Basic Survival Technics, if desired

Covering an area of 5,849,808 acres of untamed rain forest the Jáu National Park is the biggest National Park in Brazil and the biggest continuous tropical rainforest on the planet. Its name derives from one of the biggest fishes in the Amazonian rivers. Because of its unparalleled biodiversity in flora and fauna it was declared Natural World Heritage in 2000 by UNESCO. Southern Cross Tours & Expeditions has pioneered tours into and around the Jaú National Park for over 20 years. We have acquired intimate knowledge of the region including the adjacent Anavilhanas National Park and have made valuable relationship with the native habitants of that area. Our tours provide intensive and genuine rainforest and river experiences, close-up contact to nature and humans unaffected by modern life amenities. Authenticity is the magic word that describes best our tours to the Jaú National Park.

Our contact with the Sateré-Mawé tribe started some 10 years ago in their village at Iranduba, one hour and half by car distant from Manaus. Unfortunately the situation there has developed in a way that does not coincide with our philosophy of authenticity, as the Sateré-Mawé there had become increasingly touristy. So when we were asked by the editor and host of the German TV Series “Galileo” if we could help them to film the rites of the bullet ant dances, we looked at the roots of that tribe and found them at the Marau river in the municipality of Maués, about 1 hour by private air charter from Manaus. 12 villages are scattered over the Reservation. Since our filming in the village Ipakup Ekatup Hap ,now called Nova Esperança  in Portuguese, we have made friends with the tribe and can offer stays from 4-8 days during which the performance of the rite and the with the bullet ant Paraponera clavata is the highlight. In company of the Sateré we will discover other secrets of the Amazon and the Sateré which is their tradition of cultivation and harvest of Paraponera clavata, the Guaraná plant, a high grade stimulant.