The trip aboard the Belo Shabono includes activities in nature, a visit to an indigenous community, and Egyptian thread sheets at the end of the day.
The idea of traveling through the Amazon can bring out the classic concerns of those more used to asphalt than forest. The main one is perhaps the fear of mosquitoes, in a generous list of perrengues present in the imagination of the traveler who chooses to leave the city for the jungle. This preconceived view falls to land (or rather water) during a river cruise aboard the Belo Shabono. Since the end of 2021, the boat has been sailing on Rio Negro on charming trips, in comfort and without losing the peculiar side of visiting one of the most important ecosystems in the world. Activities in nature and encounters with people along the river and an indigenous community are part of the itineraries, which vary from one to five nights (per day from R $ 1,604 per person with full board). Intended for private group travel only, the boat requires a minimum of five passengers each departure from Manaus.
The activities
The river cruise from the capital Amazon goes towards Anavilhanas archipelago. As the signs of urbanism are left behind, nature takes over the entire field of vision. The smartphone camera also records, but does not translate what you hear in an image.
It does not take extra courage to carry out the planned activities based on the number of travel days. Stand-up paddle boards and kayaks are available at one of the stops for those wishing to traverse the distance that separates the boat from the Great beach, a strip of fine white sand that appears on the banks of the Rio Negro in the dry season, between May and September. Inside there is a sort of “beach club” with sunbeds, umbrellas and cold drinks for the comfort of travelers.
Immersing yourself in tea-colored water is both exciting and scary. You can feel the subtle current that wants you to return to Manaus ahead of time. In the river that joins the muddy Solimões to form the great Amazon, mosquitoes do not proliferate due to the acidic pH. Outside of this scenario, in the forest, the use of repellent is as essential as if you were in Ilhabela in Sao Paulo or Trancoso in Bahia. Sunscreen is also essential. Hydration too.
It is a fact that no tourist escapes the hot and humid climate characteristic of the Amazon all year round. Clothes stick to the body during the forest trail. And visiting Cipia village you are very envious of the scarcity of indigenous clothing. But the greatest concession that the modesty of his white allows is to receive the typical paintings of the community on his white skin. In the shadow of the basin, men, women and children dance to the sound of instruments built by themselves, in a welcome ritual. Based on natural colors, the canvases with characteristic graphics of different ethnic groups acquire the status of a work of art, with the sale value entirely returned to the author. You can also buy necklaces, rings and other handicrafts.
Facing the Acajatuba lake, the Community of Our Lady of Perpetual Help It is also open to tourist visits. Brazilians and foreigners appeared in the village routine, which was the setting for the telenovela The power of the willin 2017. Since the days of the fictional Parazinho, the name of the plot of Glória Perez has been written on a sign of a bar and a panel with photos of global at the entrance of the craft shop.
The tour of the village also serves to learn about sustainable initiatives and actions for the conservation of the local nature, such as the work for the conservation of freshwater turtles. Under the supervision of the community leader, each visitor is invited to bury the turtle eggs in a fenced nest. One way found by the project to avoid the extinction of the species, victim of natural predators and sold as a delicacy for human consumption – the ancestral habit is maintained in the northern region of the country, despite the inspection and control efforts of environmental agencies.
The relationship between man and nature is a delicate point when it comes to tourism in the Amazon. There are advocates that interaction with animals is limited to the visual field. For another stream, close contact helps raise awareness of species conservation. Experience with pink button is an activity present in all Belo Shabono programs. But no one is obliged to enter the water and touch it with the help of the instructor.
The boat
On board the cruise, the perception of the fauna and flora is unique to the characteristics of the ship. Built entirely of wood, in a regional style, Belo Shabono offers sweeping views of the surroundings on its two floors. In the lower part, in addition to the dining table and the cockpit, there are also three boxes with hot showers on one side and as many cabins with toilets in front, as well as two external washbasins and a kitchen.
All the dishes served are prepared in a restaurant-boat which, together with a pair of motorized canoes, forms the support and logistics team during the trips. With full board, the trip includes taking all meals on board. Based on regional cuisine, the menu blends with the flavors of other cuisines, as seen in the cross between the tambaqui, one of the typical fish of the Amazon; black rice, originally from Asia; and the pacovan banana tartare, a tropical and vegan version of this barbaric creation. Natural juices – including taperebá (cajá, in other parts of Brazil) – are among the drinks included, as are water and soda. Of the alcoholic ones, only the Cerpa brand beers are not paid separately. A portable wine cellar will appeal to those who need a glass of wine or sparkling wine. And you can also prepare cocktails.
Two stairs lead to the upper part, where there is a large living area during the day. Sound box, a box with board games and a small library guarantee entertainment. The cell phone signal disappears as soon as the boat leaves the port, contributing to the flow of conversations between travelers. As part of the boat’s sustainability policy, the use of plastic is zero and the services are environmentally friendly. The hooks allow the installation of organic cotton nets.
It is one of the ways to sleep on the boat, which also has an enclosed suite, with two single beds and air conditioning. However, one of the most interesting experiences is staying overnight at the top. After dinner, the crew transforms the lounge sofas into comfortable beds, wrapped in 300-thread-count Egyptian white sheets and pristine duvets. A floating camp on the waters of the Rio Negro.
When the boat’s engine is off and the last light goes out, the stars swell into complete darkness. The sounds of frogs and birds are also detectable by people in large cities. Throughout the night, the breathing of the dolphins around the boat does not stop. A life impulse that seems to summarize a journey guided by all the senses.
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
