Aniyami News October

october news

The Cycles, Challenges, and Power of the Amazon

The Brazilian Amazon is a magical place where nature unfolds in all its glory. With vast expanses of relatively unexplored rainforest and rarely visited indigenous communities, this ecosystem is a biodiversity paradise. Here, chance encounters with fascinating species, pioneering explorations of flora and fauna, and the opportunity to meet local communities are countless.

Amazon Cycles: Dry and Flood Seasons
The Amazon has two distinct faces during the dry and rainy seasons, offering different experiences to travelers. During the rainy season, rivers swell, and exploration is done by boats and canoes, while the dry season allows for more jungle walks and access to previously flooded areas. Tourist infrastructure is adapted to welcome visitors in both seasons, providing unique opportunities.

Current Challenges
It is true that in recent times, the Amazon has faced more intense droughts due to climate change, causing hardships for its inhabitants and impacting the ecosystem. Some areas have had to halt their tourism operations and have been forced to change their daily routines. It is essential to remember that we all share the responsibility of caring for this piece of Earth because it is clear how much this region has the power to regulate the health of the planet. Getting to know the Amazon, participating in expeditions, staying in the jungle, and experiencing the lifestyle of local communities make us reconsider and expand our relationship with nature. Furthermore, when we do it consciously and sustainably, we contribute to initiatives that aim to support the conservation of this vital ecosystem.

The Power
Some members of the Aniyami team have traveled and experienced various parts of the Amazon up close. Experiencing it firsthand motivates us to create wonderful journeys together with its inhabitants so that travelers can also establish an intimate connection with the jungle and its rivers. It can be a journey aboard a traditional Amazonian boat, sleeping in hammocks or cabins and interacting with riverside communities. Or it can be in the middle of the forest, visiting family lodgings that aim to promote the conservation of this delicate environment. Nature walks, bird-watching excursions, encounters with pink dolphins, piranhas, and monkeys, kayaking on the river, caiman spotting, and visits to communities are just some of the possible activities on this journey. These are completely immersive experiences, where travelers will be embraced by the vastness of the Amazon and deeply touched by the wild power of nature.

We will keep you informed about travel conditions in the Amazon and operations in the region. We hope that the extreme conditions of the current dry season will soon subside so that the residents can return to their activities and the ecosystem can restore its balance. If you are interested in helping the most affected communities in any way, you can contact us, and we will provide guidance.

As told by Meghan, the interesting story of Lindblad/NatGeo group in Brazil

In October, from the 7th to the 16th, Aniyami had the privilege of hosting and managing ground operations for Lindblad Expeditions travelers aboard the National Geographic Explorer cruise. Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic cruises focus on exploring captivating destinations, both near and far, in search of discoveries, sharing the excitement of unraveling the wild secrets of the world with adventurous travelers. Meghan Doiron, our North American market sales manager, designed and organized the itinerary with complete dedication and passion. Here is her account!

“Since I can remember, long before I began my career in the travel industry, I have been fascinated by other cultures, languages, lifestyles, and nature, and have had a yearning to travel and explore. I didn’t want to just visit other places, I wanted to live them and truly experience them in all their depth. A big part of this early influence came from National Geographic Magazine. I had a subscription and even began collecting older editions (among the most prized in my collection are two editions from 1957). It made me realize just how small my universe was and how much more there was to see and learn about in this big world. This desire to explore led me to study international development and geography, which provided opportunities to spend extensive periods living and working with riverine communities in the Brazilian and Peruvian Amazons while doing research, before eventually settling on Brazil’s northeast coast.

Now, as both a professional in the tourism industry and a resident of Brazil, it was like a dream come true to be able to prepare a trip for Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions. It was wonderful to work with local teams in each destination to establish how best ship guests could experience the uniqueness of each of these stops in Brazil. Moreover, being in touch with the expedition team provided some greater insight into these unique tours. Naturally, coordinating ground operations had its challenges, with so many tiny details to be attentive to and a lot of moving pieces in a dynamic environment, with elements out of our control (such as wind patterns and ocean currents) that sometimes led to last-minute changes. But overcoming these challenges presented an additional learning experience that I am grateful for. Finally, the best part of all of it, no doubt, was seeing happy travelers dive into the Brazilian culture!”

Meghan Doiron

The journey with Lindblad Expeditions aboard the National Geographic Explorer was a captivating exploration of Brazil's diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unique moments. Hopefully the group left with cherished memories and a profound connection to the wonders of this country.

Belém do Pará

Our journey began with a stop in the Amazonian city of Belém do Pará. This vibrant and densely populated city is renowned for its unique gastronomy, lively rhythms, and is home to one of the world's largest religious processions, the Círio do Nazaré.

The heart of the Círio do Nazaré celebration beats on the second weekend of October every year, a tradition dating back to 1793. The National Geographic Explorer graced Belém on October 7, precisely on the day of the Círio do Nazaré events, including the Círio Fluvial: a fluvial procession escorting the statue of the Saint of Nazareth, brought by navy boat from the nearby city of Ananindeua. The statue embarked on a remarkable journey between the Belém city district of Icoaraci and Guajará Bay, where it was met by hundreds of boats eager to accompany it on the final leg of its journey to the Port of Belém. Upon reaching the port, the statue continued its path on foot in a solemn procession. It was a unique and significant event that our Lindblad National Geographic Explorer visitors were fortunate to witness, a true highlight of their Brazilian adventure.

During their stay in Belém, some Lindblad Expeditions travelers had the opportunity to visit the riverine community of Boa Vista do Acará and the Organic Producers Association. Leaving Belém, our journey continued as the ship set sail south along Brazil's northeastern coast, making stops in Fortaleza, Recife, and Salvador.

Fortaleza

Fortaleza, one of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast, is a gateway to stunning beaches bordered by dunes and mangroves, characteristic of the region's coastal ecosystem. The coastline from Fortaleza to São Luis in the north and Natal in the south is famous for its ideal coastal winds, perfect for wind and kite surfing. In Fortaleza, the Sabiaguaba Dunes and Conservation Unit provide a taste of this unique Brazilian ecosystem. The Sabiaguaba area remains rustic and lesser-known. The park, covering 480 hectares, encompasses the mouths of the Rio Cocó and Rio Pacoti rivers, as well as the Abreulândia and Sabiaguaba beaches. It also features mangroves and coastal tablelands, typical of this region of Brazil. Our National Geographic Explorer visitors had the privilege of exploring this area, witnessing a breathtaking sunset from the dunes' summit.

The following day, our group ventured around 100 kilometers away from the coast and the city of Fortaleza to reach the Maciço de Baturité, a geological area in the heart of Ceará. This region is famous for its remarkable humid forest, extending from 600 to 1100 meters in altitude. This lush forest stands as an island amidst the dry Caatinga vegetation that dominates lower elevations below 600 meters. With its unique characteristics, it serves as a refuge for numerous humid forest species in Ceará, including various bird species. Here, our travelers had the chance to hike, observe native birds, and savor lunch at a typical farm while gazing upon the rolling hills.

Recife

Continuing our journey, the ship arrived in Recife, arguably one of Brazil's culturally richest cities. One of the highlights was a visit to the neighboring city of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Olinda is celebrated for its picturesque views from Alto da Sé, its colorful colonial houses, baroque churches, convents, and monasteries, and its vibrant culture, especially its lively Carnival, famous for its frevo dancing and giant paper maché dolls. Our visitors were welcomed with the joyful beats of Frevo music and dancing before embarking on a walking tour of Olinda's historic center.

Salvador

Our final destination, and where our passengers disembarked, was Salvador, one of Brazil's oldest cities and a former capital. Today, Salvador serves as the capital of Bahia, the country's most afro-Brazilian state. Bahia is renowned for its rich blend of religions and traditions, stemming from African, Indigenous, and European roots. This vibrant fusion is evident in the wide array of rhythms, colors, foods, dance, capoeira martial art, and rituals.

In Salvador, our explorers walked around the historic center of Salvador, known as 'Pelourinho,' which boasts the largest collection of colonial buildings in Latin America and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. They also had the chance to witness a live dance performance by the Topázio Folklore group, showcasing a medley of African traditions underpinning Bahian culture, including sacred dances.

Sustainable Partners to Sustain Our Values. Today with the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

This year marks our 20th year of operations in Brazil, and we can say that part of what gave rise to Aniyami was the desire to contribute something positive to the world. Being travelers ignited the desire to share incredible places and adventures with other humans. Realizing that by coming into contact with different territories, our minds and hearts opened, making us feel more love for the planet and a greater desire to care for it. That's why from the very beginning to this day, we have invested our energy in ensuring that this business generates a positive impact for everyone involved: the destination, communities, travelers, our team, partners, and suppliers.

Every year, we take new steps toward this goal that drives us. We learn, measure, adjust, integrate, and continually update our practices to align with the needs of the moment.

One of these practices is the care we put into selecting our partners and service providers. Whenever possible, we work with accommodations that align with these sustainability values and share Aniyami's vision. Today, we want to highlight one of them, the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, one of our selected accommodations for travelers who want immersive experiences in the Amazon.

The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge stands as a beacon of sustainability, community commitment, and environmental respect in the Amazon. Its focus on culture, health, and education has allowed tourism to be a positive force for the region's development while demonstrating that it is possible to enjoy the natural beauty of the jungle responsibly.

Every time people from around the world visit us with a desire to explore the Amazon, we feel calm and happy to be able to offer them accommodation like this, because we know it is in harmony with our values, but above all, because we share the same passion for the jungle and a deep desire to care for it.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a small and exclusive lodge located in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, standing out as an example of sustainability and a commitment to the environment and the local community. Beyond being a place for immersing in nature, this lodge is an impressive example of how culture, health, and education can merge with responsible tourism practices.

One of the cornerstones of the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge's philosophy is the recognition of education as a tool for social transformation. That's why they have designed projects in collaboration with local populations aimed at improving the quality of life and infrastructure of communities. Each project is developed in close communication with the community, actively involving its members in planning and execution.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

One of the most notable examples is the partnership with the communities of Santo Antônio and Tiririca, where the lodge supports cultural appreciation and the D. Pedro II school. The partnership with the Aracari community is another inspiring model, where a new school has been built following permaculture principles and ecological solutions, addressing challenges such as the lack of electricity and basic sanitation.

The Anavilhanas team is primarily composed of people from the local communities, which contributes to raising awareness about responsible tourism management in the Amazon. This has resulted in increased education, conscientious land use, the reuse and recycling of materials, the generation of additional income, and an appreciation of local culture.

Anavilhanas Jungle lodge

In terms of energy and waste, the lodge generates 100% of its electricity through a photovoltaic power plant and uses solar energy systems on its boats, reducing noise and the burning of fossil fuels. Wastewater management is carried out in an ecological manner, and waste is separated and disposed of differently.

The lodge maintains a policy of not interfering with wildlife during excursions, respecting conscious tourism rules. It has significantly expanded the area of preserved native forest in its surroundings, contributing to the protection of biodiversity in the region.

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