Amazon Day: The Pleasures and Perils of Freshwater Beaches

This Thursday (09/05/24), Amazon Day is marked by discussions about the vital importance of preserving the tropical forest. But it is also important to highlight points that few know.

The Amazon, after all, has beaches. But they are freshwater. Curious tourists are tempted to enter the waters to enjoy the temperature and natural beauty.

But depending on the region, it is important to have guides who know the forest and rivers well. This avoids problems and accidents.

Praia do Tupé, 30 km from Manaus, is one of the most popular. It has white sand, which contrasts with the dark waters of the Rio Negro. And it is located in a Sustainable Development Reserve.

Içatuba Beach is located in Iranduba, 27 km from Manaus, and is considered one of the most beautiful in the region. During the dry season, a long strip of white sand forms and the dark waters of the Rio Negro take on a bluish hue.

Praia Grande, in the municipality of Barcelos, 399 km from Manaus, is one of the main attractions of the city, which also has lagoons, flooded forests, in a very lush island region.

Ponta da Maresia beach, in the municipality of Maués, 276 km from Manaus, is one of the postcards of the Amazon, with its beautiful orange sunset.

Ponta Negra Beach, in Manaus, 13 km from the center of the Amazonian capital, extends for 2 km with a variety of outdoor activities, in addition to the Rio Negro as an attraction.

All the beauty of the Amazon, however, also requires care because of wild animals. There are stretches where tour guides warn, for example, of the presence of the anaconda, a species of snake with extreme strength, both in biting and in immobilizing its prey.

The water may also contain piranhas, carnivorous fish that measure 14 to 26 cm – and in some cases reach 40 cm – with sharp teeth in both jaws.

Another animal present in the Amazon is the electric eel. Called poraquê, it can reach two meters in length and weigh 20 kilos. It provides shocks ranging from 300 to 860 volts. Poraquê, in Tupi, is “that which makes you sleep”, since the person faints due to the electric shock.

Outside the water there are also precautions to take to avoid, for example, bullet ants. Also called the Cape Verde ant, it measures 10 to 25 mm, has a dark reddish color and a sting so painful that the entomologist Justin Schmidt, who classified the stings, said that his is 4+, that is, it exceeds the maximum, which is 4 in the table.

The armored spider, also called the wandering spider or banana spider, is another threat. It is large (as big as a hand) and aggressive. With thick, hairy legs, it is fast. And it is one of the most toxic species. Its venom causes paralysis, intense pain and can kill by preventing breathing.

Among the snakes of the Amazon, a very well-known one is the rattlesnake, a poisonous animal that has become popular because it is easy to recognize, as it has a rattle on its tail.

The arrowhead frog, an amphibian of only 2.5 cm, is also deadly. Available in several bright colors (blue, red, green, etc.), it releases a venom capable of killing 10 men with only 40 micrograms of toxin.

The jaguar – the third largest feline in the world, second only to the tiger and the lion – is very fond of tropical forest environments and enjoys swimming. In other words, danger on land and in water.

With that in mind, here’s a tip. The banks of the Amazon rivers can be explored and serve as a natural environment for leisure. But it is essential not to venture out without the presence of someone specialized.

Led by guides who know this rich and lush region, the trip can be fun and adventurous, but without exposing you to unnecessary risks.