Dry
season - From June to end of October:
This
is a perfect season for the adventure travel programs, since the
lack of rain allows camping in the forest. During this period,
we have cooler nights and star-filled skies. It is an excellent
period for birding because the forest gets very dry, especially
during August and September, and terrestrial species are more
easy to detect. Butterflying is also very popular at this time,
in part because , from July until late October the Cristalino
river becomes very dry, and rocks and the wild beaches are exposed.
This allows the observation butterflies and mammals along the
river. In this period swimming in the rapids is a must!!
Refreshing season - November to January:
This
is the period at the beginning of the rainy season, when short,
heavy rain falls are often followed by beautiful sunny weather
with crystal clear visibility. The forest recovers its beauty
and the ornamental plants, such as ferns and philodendros, regain
their original beauty after withering during the dry season. These
are very good months for the observation of mammals inside the
forest. There is less bird activity but birding is still very
good (see Frederic Vanhove's trip report). The river begins to
rise and canoeing along the river is an exciting experience. Fewer
tourists visit the lodge, and it is the most peaceful time to
visit.
Photographic
season - February and March:
The
longer periods of rain that typically occur during this season
are often followed by a sunny day. The forest continues its recovery
from dryness, and it is an excellent period in which to observe
and photograph Amazonian flora. The forest understory is adorned
with the marvelous exotic red flowers of heliconias, architecturally
beautiful ferns and philodendros, and brightly colored fungi.
Many orchids flower and the many species of frog present in the
forest become more conspicuous. The river reaches its highest
level, invading the forest, and fish can be observed swimming
amongst the forest trees. Mammals that normally hide near the
river can more easily be seen away from the river, including Capybara,
which often feed in the early hours on the grass in the lodge
clearings. One of the world's least-known waterbirds, the Zigzag
Heron, is most easy to see during this season since they breeds
in several territories known to the lodge guides.
Spring
Season - April and May:
These
months are at the end of the rainy season and have the most beautiful
mornings of the entire year. A thin layer of mist often lies just
above the forest, below the level of our 50m tower, gradually
lifting as the sun heats the forest. Sunsets observed from the
Teles Pires River, the tower and the Serra Trail are often spectacular.
Birds and animals are very active and conspicuous, in an explosion
of life as many species start to breed. It is also a very good
time to observe butterflies, and tapir are regularly seen from
the Saleiro tree house. The river level slowly starts to fall,
providing excellent conditions for canoeing.
