This time, I embarked on an unforgettable journey from São Paulo, Brazil, to a secluded cabin nestled deep within the Amazon rainforest for three incredible days. I booked my stay at an Amazon lodge, which meticulously arranged the entire itinerary. On the final day of this whirlwind adventure, I explored the vibrant city of Manaus.
Believe it or not, the schedule was incredibly packed—perhaps even more hectic than a three-day trip to Xinjiang! In total, I took four days off, which I’ll refer to as Day 0, Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3.
On the evening of Day -1, I hopped into a car for a one-hour ride to GRU airport and caught a midnight flight that soared through the night for about five or six hours. I touched down at Manaus airport around 3 or 4 AM (no, I didn’t miscalculate due to time differences). 😅
After spending some time at the airport until 7 AM, a representative from the lodge finally arrived to pick us up. We then spent over an hour navigating the bustling streets of Manaus. At 8 AM, after collecting everyone, we headed to the boat, where we cruised past the mesmerizing Meeting of Waters—a journey that lasted about half an hour.
By 9 AM, after our scenic boat ride, we reached Island 1. There, we boarded a rickety bus with no air conditioning and endured a grueling four-hour journey under the scorching sun, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius and zero phone signal. By 1 PM, after passing through countless towns, we finally arrived at a river in the heart of the Amazon. We disembarked from the bus and boarded Boat 2, which took another 30 minutes.
Just after 1 PM, we finally reached the pre-booked Tupana lodge—a hidden gem tucked away in the Amazon rainforest. After an exhausting 13 hours, I had finally made it from São Paulo to the Amazon.
One important note: In the Amazon, there’s no Wi-Fi, and there’s absolutely no phone signal.
On Day 0, in the afternoon, I ventured out to explore the surrounding area. Later that evening, armed with nothing but a flashlight, I went on a thrilling hunt for alligators. Summary: It was hot, sunny, and utterly exhausting—I desperately longed for a refreshing shower.
On Day 1, I indulged in the wonders of the jungle: fishing for piranhas, spotting enchanting pink dolphins, trekking through dense foliage, and watching the breathtaking sunset. Summary: That night, I shared my bed not only with cockroaches but also with various other uninvited insect guests—one of whom boldly invaded my suitcase!
On Day 2, they woke me up at the crack of dawn (5 AM) to witness the sunrise. We then visited a local family, where a mischievous little boy repeatedly called me “feia” (ugly) in Portuguese. Despite my best efforts to reason with him for two solid hours, he stubbornly stuck to his opinion even as I departed. In the afternoon, I returned to Manaus. Summary: The little boy in the Amazon may not recognize a diamond in the rough when he sees one—but I jest!
On Day 3, I immersed myself in the lively charm of Manaus, exploring its bustling markets. The city was vibrant, colorful, and surprisingly safe—certainly a welcome change from São Paulo!
The most profound emotion that lingers is the sheer awe-inspiring, yet terrifying power of nature—a force both beautiful and fearsome.
The scene that remains etched in my memory took place on the very first night, around 10 PM. I had just arrived at the lodge’s dock when I looked up—and there it was: a sky ablaze with countless stars, the Milky Way glowing so vividly it seemed close enough to touch. It felt as though I were floating in a dream, unsure whether the heavens mirrored the water or if my boat drifted through a celestial river brimming with constellations.
Words like poetry came to mind, but no verse could fully capture the magic of that moment.
And yet, alongside this wonder, there was an undeniable sense of fear. Nature’s raw power is humbling, even overwhelming. At night, the jungle swallowed all light, leaving only darkness—an impenetrable void. There was no cell signal, no sound except for the rustling leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures. In that vast wilderness, I felt infinitesimally small, like a mere ant beneath the shadow of a colossal giant.
Even though I joke that this trip to the Amazon will definitely be my last—200% sure—I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world. 🥹🥹
