Welcome to the Ancestral Amazon!
This experience is a unique opportunity to live, in an authentic and rare way, one of the greatest secrets of the Amazon, to come into contact with an untouched forest, see countless wild animals up close and learn about the beliefs and traditions of the natives.
The Kendjam is located in the heart of Brazil and has been protected for centuries by the last guardians of the Amazon rainforest: the Kayapó warriors. In addition to the unparalleled opportunity to get to know one of the most isolated communities on the planet, the area of 5 million hectares of native forest brings together a biodiversity of mammals and, mainly, of birds, unique in the entire Amazon.
Spending some time in the village of Kendjam means being open to experiencing a true immersion in the indigenous culture of the Kayapó people. The community is happy to share its knowledge and guides travelers through ceremonies, rituals, hunting techniques and survival in the jungle, in addition to other unique experiences.
All this with comfort and safety. The Kendjam Lodge has 5 wooden cabins with private bathrooms, solar energy, satellite internet and international cuisine. A simple and comfortable accommodation on a deserted beach on the banks of the Iriri River. Everything is meticulously organized to minimize the impact and provide an experience of deep contact with nature.
Kendjam Village
The Kayapó Village of Kendjam is located in one of the most isolated indigenous areas of the Brazilian Amazon: the Mekragnoti Indigenous Territory, in the state of Pará, on the banks of the Iriri River.
A tributary of the Xingu River, the Iriri River is known for its crystal clear emerald green waters, one of the most beautiful in the entire Amazon. It was in the face of its immensity, in the nineties, after decades of negotiations with the Brazilian government, that some indigenous people decided to plant the roots of their community, naming it Kendjam – the word means “raised stone”, in reference to the great hill of granite over 200 meters high located on the outskirts of the community.
With about 900 inhabitants, this huge area – the size of a country like Costa Rica – is made up, especially, of Kayapó indigenous people, who have inhabited the interior of Brazil since immemorial times. The main characteristic of the Kayapó is the warrior tradition. Even though they are very strong, their number has been reduced in the last centuries due to diseases and conflicts. Today there are just over 8,000 Kayapós left, almost all present in the indigenous territories of this region.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Electricity: There are 110V outlets in all cabins. Solar panels generate power throughout the guesthouse.
Telephone and internet: no Brazilian operator offers telephone coverage in this area, however, the lodge has satellite internet for all guests.
Banks: There will be an ATM in Manaus. It may be useful to carry cash on this trip.
Security: As a remote destination, it does not offer any considerable security risk.
This experience is a unique opportunity to live, in an authentic and rare way, one of the greatest secrets of the Amazon, to come into contact with an untouched forest, see countless wild animals up close and learn about the beliefs and traditions of the natives.
The Kendjam is located in the heart of Brazil and has been protected for centuries by the last guardians of the Amazon rainforest: the Kayapó warriors. In addition to the unparalleled opportunity to get to know one of the most isolated communities on the planet, the area of 5 million hectares of native forest brings together a biodiversity of mammals and, mainly, of birds, unique in the entire Amazon.
Spending some time in the village of Kendjam means being open to experiencing a true immersion in the indigenous culture of the Kayapó people. The community is happy to share its knowledge and guides travelers through ceremonies, rituals, hunting techniques and survival in the jungle, in addition to other unique experiences.
All this with comfort and safety. The Kendjam Lodge has 5 wooden cabins with private bathrooms, solar energy, satellite internet and international cuisine. A simple and comfortable accommodation on a deserted beach on the banks of the Iriri River. Everything is meticulously organized to minimize the impact and provide an experience of deep contact with nature.
Kendjam Village
The Kayapó Village of Kendjam is located in one of the most isolated indigenous areas of the Brazilian Amazon: the Mekragnoti Indigenous Territory, in the state of Pará, on the banks of the Iriri River.
A tributary of the Xingu River, the Iriri River is known for its crystal clear emerald green waters, one of the most beautiful in the entire Amazon. It was in the face of its immensity, in the nineties, after decades of negotiations with the Brazilian government, that some indigenous people decided to plant the roots of their community, naming it Kendjam – the word means “raised stone”, in reference to the great hill of granite over 200 meters high located on the outskirts of the community.
With about 900 inhabitants, this huge area – the size of a country like Costa Rica – is made up, especially, of Kayapó indigenous people, who have inhabited the interior of Brazil since immemorial times. The main characteristic of the Kayapó is the warrior tradition. Even though they are very strong, their number has been reduced in the last centuries due to diseases and conflicts. Today there are just over 8,000 Kayapós left, almost all present in the indigenous territories of this region.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Electricity: There are 110V outlets in all cabins. Solar panels generate power throughout the guesthouse.
Telephone and internet: no Brazilian operator offers telephone coverage in this area, however, the lodge has satellite internet for all guests.
Banks: There will be an ATM in Manaus. It may be useful to carry cash on this trip.
Security: As a remote destination, it does not offer any considerable security risk.
Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas State, is your first stop towards the most untouched part of the forest and an excellent transition to the experience that awaits you in the indigenous community of Kendjam.
Upon your arrival at Manaus Airport, meet your driver and guide. They will take you to your hotel, the Juma Ópera, in the center of Manaus, next to the Teatro Amazonas. If you have time, take the opportunity to learn a little more about the city and its history.
Manaus is the gateway to many journeys in the Amazon. Located at the beginning of the Amazon River, where the translucent and dark waters of the Rio Negro join the muddy waters of the Rio Solimões, the Encontro das Águas is one of the biggest attractions in the region. Manaus also has a rich history marked by the rubber boom, which brought wealth to the capital of Amazonas in the 19th century and transformed it into one of the most important cities in Brazil.
On a walk through the city center, you can see buildings from that era, such as the Teatro Amazonas and the Rio Negro Palace, home to the richest rubber baron of his time, the German Karl Waldemar Scholz.
Manaus is also recognized for its cuisine, which uses ingredients native to the forest in modern dishes. Take the opportunity to taste the flavors of the Amazon this evening in Manaus.
Upon your arrival at Manaus Airport, meet your driver and guide. They will take you to your hotel, the Juma Ópera, in the center of Manaus, next to the Teatro Amazonas. If you have time, take the opportunity to learn a little more about the city and its history.
Manaus is the gateway to many journeys in the Amazon. Located at the beginning of the Amazon River, where the translucent and dark waters of the Rio Negro join the muddy waters of the Rio Solimões, the Encontro das Águas is one of the biggest attractions in the region. Manaus also has a rich history marked by the rubber boom, which brought wealth to the capital of Amazonas in the 19th century and transformed it into one of the most important cities in Brazil.
On a walk through the city center, you can see buildings from that era, such as the Teatro Amazonas and the Rio Negro Palace, home to the richest rubber baron of his time, the German Karl Waldemar Scholz.
Manaus is also recognized for its cuisine, which uses ingredients native to the forest in modern dishes. Take the opportunity to taste the flavors of the Amazon this evening in Manaus.
In the morning, at a previously scheduled time, meet your driver in the hotel lobby and head to Manaus airport to board the chartered flight that will take you to Kendjam.
With a duration of around 3h30, the single-engine aircraft will fly over large stretches of the Amazon rainforest until arriving at the landing strip close to the Kayapó Community. You will be greeted by the community with a special welcome ceremony led by the chief of the tribe. The event takes place in one of the houses in the circular village, with everyone gathering around.
Lunch is served in the village before heading to the lodge about 45 km down the Iriri River. The speedboat journey is an opportunity for a first contact with wildlife and the unique geography of the region, with dense vegetation and rocky terrain.
Upon arriving at the Kendjam Lodge, it is possible to take the first bath in the Iriri River, in its natural pools close to the inn. In the evening, during dinner, get to know the team that will accompany you and the proposed activities for the next few days.
With a duration of around 3h30, the single-engine aircraft will fly over large stretches of the Amazon rainforest until arriving at the landing strip close to the Kayapó Community. You will be greeted by the community with a special welcome ceremony led by the chief of the tribe. The event takes place in one of the houses in the circular village, with everyone gathering around.
Lunch is served in the village before heading to the lodge about 45 km down the Iriri River. The speedboat journey is an opportunity for a first contact with wildlife and the unique geography of the region, with dense vegetation and rocky terrain.
Upon arriving at the Kendjam Lodge, it is possible to take the first bath in the Iriri River, in its natural pools close to the inn. In the evening, during dinner, get to know the team that will accompany you and the proposed activities for the next few days.
After breakfast at the lodge, departure for a wildlife trail with Kayapó warriors and a guide specialized in wildlife. On the trail it is possible to see several types of monkeys and other mammals, insects and birds. Along the trail, the Kayapó warrior will share some of his hunting techniques and knowledge of the jungle.
Lunch will be served back at the lodge. In the afternoon, after a period of rest, when kayaks and stand-up paddles can be used on the river, the group will leave for a boat safari on the Iriri River in search of otters, tapirs and macaws. In the evening, after dinner, there will be another boat safari, this time in search of nocturnal animals.
Lunch will be served back at the lodge. In the afternoon, after a period of rest, when kayaks and stand-up paddles can be used on the river, the group will leave for a boat safari on the Iriri River in search of otters, tapirs and macaws. In the evening, after dinner, there will be another boat safari, this time in search of nocturnal animals.
This day will be dedicated to understanding the Kayapó culture in depth. After the boat trip to the village, the Kayapó women will show the most emblematic elements of their body painting culture, using annatto and genipap as dyes. You will have the opportunity to have your body painted like the Kayapó.
The hunters will teach about their hunting techniques, and the whole tribe will share their ancestral dances and ceremonies. On this day lunch will be served in the village.
In the afternoon, before returning to the lodge, there is the option of taking a dip in the river, a favorite activity for Kayapó children, or even climbing the large rock, over 200 meters high, which gives the name to the village, for the more adventurous.
At the end of the afternoon, you will return on a speedboat to the lodge, a great opportunity to look for jaguars and pumas. After dinner, enjoy the bonfire on the beach to hear some traditional Kayapó stories.
The hunters will teach about their hunting techniques, and the whole tribe will share their ancestral dances and ceremonies. On this day lunch will be served in the village.
In the afternoon, before returning to the lodge, there is the option of taking a dip in the river, a favorite activity for Kayapó children, or even climbing the large rock, over 200 meters high, which gives the name to the village, for the more adventurous.
At the end of the afternoon, you will return on a speedboat to the lodge, a great opportunity to look for jaguars and pumas. After dinner, enjoy the bonfire on the beach to hear some traditional Kayapó stories.
After breakfast, set off with your naturalist guide and Kayapó warriors on a wildlife tour, this time downriver in search of other primates and mammals. For lunch, a picnic will be set up on the banks of the Iriri River.
Return to the lodge for sunset and aperitifs before dinner is served. In the evening, your guide will prepare a special astronomy session in front of the incredible night sky of the Amazon.
Return to the lodge for sunset and aperitifs before dinner is served. In the evening, your guide will prepare a special astronomy session in front of the incredible night sky of the Amazon.
After your last breakfast at the lodge, get ready to say goodbye to this paradise. Close your bags and board the speedboat towards the Kayapó indigenous village to say goodbye to the tribe members who were part of your experience.
Board the chartered plane back to Manaus. Upon arrival, you can be taken to your hotel, if you choose to spend another night in Manaus, or stay at Manaus Airport, where you can directly take a flight back home.
Bon voyage!
Board the chartered plane back to Manaus. Upon arrival, you can be taken to your hotel, if you choose to spend another night in Manaus, or stay at Manaus Airport, where you can directly take a flight back home.
Bon voyage!
