Brazil

A trophy arapaima from the fabled water of Pirarucu. Photo: Rafael Costa

Agua Boa Amazon Lodge Located in northern Brazil, the Agua Boa is remarkably clear, with white sand beaches more reminiscent of the Florida Keys than what most would expect of the Amazon jungle. Overlooking the river is the Agua Boa Amazon Lodge, the world’s first operation dedicated exclusively to pursuing peacock bass and other jungle species on the fly. Brazilian guides take anglers up and down the 77 miles of river in 18-foot Jon boats. The water is clear and in many cases allows anglers to sight fish for bass, arowana, pacu, and a host of other jungle species. The lodge provides anglers with a high level of comfort in the Amazon. Guests stay in private air-conditioned bungalows with two queen beds, a sitting area, a private bathroom, and a porch overlooking the river. Home to world-class bird watching and wildlife viewing, the lodge also features a swimming pool and additional amenities such as an entertainment room, satellite TV/DVD player, and an extensive movie library for those interested in other vacation activities. With over one hundred miles of private water, this is a premier peacock bass destination for discerning fly fishers. Rate: $6,400 per person for a 7 night/6 ½ day package

Rio Marié Deep within the Brazilian rainforest near the border of Colombia lies one of the most remote and exciting peacock bass destinations in the world. After five very successful seasons, Rio Marié has lived up to its claim of being the greatest trophy peacock bass destination in the fly fishing world. Anglers enjoy true luxury accommodations on a purpose-built mothership that moves to unfished water each week. The fully air-conditioned yacht is equipped with large guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms, a fully appointed dining room, and an upper deck for enjoying evening cocktails. An Argentine chef will prepare quality dishes including freshly caught fish, fresh daily-baked bread, and pastries.

With over 600 miles of private water and seasoned English-speaking Brazilian guides, this is the place to target well-rested, double-digit monsters. Be one of the first to experience this wild region that the locals refer to as “Rio de Gigantes.” Their season runs from early September through late January. Rate: $7,325 plus $670 native fee per person for an 8 night/6 day package

Kendjam If the massive Amazon basin were to have an Eden, it would be on the banks of the Iriri River. Home of the noble Kayapo people, the Iriri River, with its clear green waters, countless braids, and rocky islands is a surreal, bountiful, and friendly place that defies what most envision the jungle to be. From the comfort of a deluxe, safari-style camp, groups of eight anglers will explore the riches of the Iriri by boat and on foot. Using 6- and 7-weight rods with floating lines, anglers will sight cast to a host of exotic jungle gamefish including a unique species of peacock bass, wolf fish, pacu, and jaturana. For anglers, adventurers and lovers of the wildest and most remote reaches of our planet, this epic journey into the Amazon’s most pristine jungle paradise is truly without equal. Rate: $6,250 plus $530 native fee per person for an 8 night/ 6 day package

Pirarucú Lodge Pirarucú is a Brazilian destination that focuses on catching an unprecedented number of arapaima—the huge, elusive, prehistoric, tarpon-like gamefish that many consider the ultimate jungle trophy. Here, anglers will fish in the Mamirauá Reserve, Brazil’s first Sustainable Development Reserve, which totals more than 1 million hectares and was created to preserve arapaima and their habitat. In addition to the hard-fighting and aerial arapaima, the reserve offers great fishing for tambaqui, a large pacu-like fish, the exotic arowana, and yellow peacock bass. Long chains of lakes and interconnected channels character

ize this region. During the wet season it is a world-renowned destination for birders. When the water levels drop in the fall, the angling opportunities reach their peak. Guests stay at a simple floating solar-powered eco-lodge built from native hardwoods. The lodge features 10 floating cabins. The lodge is also very suitable for travelers looking for a range of general ecotourism activities. This trip pairs well with Rio Marié and packages less than a full week are available. Rate: $4,995 plus $490 native fee per person for a 5 night/ 4 ½ day package

Xingu Lodge NEW The Xingu River sport-fishing project is located in the spectacular wilderness territory of the Kayapo indigenous people in Brazil’s southeastern Amazon basin. Xingu Lodge is the first of our offerings dedicated exclusively to targeting payara, the elusive and hard-fighting vampire fish. For years this has been one of the hardest fish for fly anglers to target, as there are very few safe regions where they can be found in numbers. With the recent development of the Xingu Lodge, located near Untamed Anglings’ popular Kendjam Lodge, the playing field has changed, offering intrepid anglers the best opportunity in the world to target these savage fish. This eight-person camp will run from September through October when flows are lowest and anglers will target fish with heavy sinking lines while casting from both the bank and boats. If you have ever wanted to target these remarkable gamefish, this is the place. Rate: $6,490 plus $530 native fees for an 8 night/6 day package