Olá amigos! Welcome to my article on Presidente Figueiredo. My name is Stephanie and I’m from Belo Horizonte in Brazil. I graduated in Veterinary Medicine and have always enjoyed being in contact with animals and nature. In 2020, I discovered the freedom and power of traveling by myself. My maxim became: “traveling solo doesn’t mean being alone”.
From then on in, I didn’t stop. Not long after this realization, I started working a job (which for me isn’t really work, it’s a hobby). It centers around driving people to waterfalls and peaks that I know well in Minas Gerais. For me it’s an immense pleasure, energy renewal and a great way to meet people who feel the same connection with the natural world. I didn’t stop there – I began to plan solo and group trips. I love both styles of travel.
Once I got to know the beauty of other states, I was even more enchanted by my country. The fauna, flora and culture of each state is incredible. It’s something inexplicable. I can say with certainty that I’m crazy about Brazil – a place this beautiful and bio-diverse should be cared for and cherished by all who live here and visit. Fast forward to August, 2022 and I graduated. I decided to give myself a gift following five long years of studying.
The place I chose was the state of Amazonas in northern Brazil. The state is covered almost entirely by the Amazon Rainforest. It was a dream of mine to discover a destination so naturally precious and I managed to do so on a solo trip. I wanted to live and enjoy what only the Amazon can offer. It’s impossible to describe the feeling here, you just have to go yourself.
Five Special Days in Presidente Figueiredo
Upon arriving in Manaus (the capital of Amazonas), I did research on a spot called Presidente Figueiredo. It was recommended because of the waterfalls, rapids and trails. I came across a couple of tour operators that take visitors on day trips to several waterfalls, all departing from the capital of Manaus. My trip to the state lasted 12 days and I spent five of them in Presidente Figueiredo. During those days, here is what I experienced:
- Cachoeira Perema
- Cachoeira da Neblina
- Cachoeira & Piscinas Naturais do Mutum
- Cachoeira do Escondidinho
- Cachoeira da Paca
- Cachoeira da Onca
- Lago de Balbina
- Lagoa Cristalina
- Igarape Vermelho
- Caverna do Maroaga
- Gruta da Judeia
- Cachoeira da Asframa
- Cachoeira da Iracema
- Cachoeira das Araras
- Cachoeira do Sucuriju
Sounds like a lot, right? The experience was surreal. By the way “cachoeira” means waterfall, “lagoa” means lagoon, “igarape” means stream, “caverna” means cave and “gruta” means grotto. I went to these places with three companies: @passeiofigueiredotour, @_natrilha and @figueiredoturismo. I had a great time with all of them and they provided me with comfort and security. Not to mention they welcomed me like they knew me for years.
Presidente Figueiredo is 130 kilometers from Manaus. I preferred to do day trips from Manaus to Presidente Figueiredo because I had plans at night in Manaus. Apart from that, I also camped at a campsite offered by @passeiofigueiredotour and from there we left for the waterfalls. You can stay in the city itself if you want to. This is nice as it saves you time and causes less fatigue. A good option is to stay at a recommended local hostel.
My Favorite Place in Presidente Figueiredo: Cachoeira da Neblina
I had unique experiences in each place I visited, remembering too that my heart beats faster than most. But Cachoeira da Neblina has my heart. It takes 6 kilometers to get to this waterfall and 6 kilometers to return, and this normally scares people away a bit and ends up making the access less crowded (I was happy about that). I always prefer natural destinations with fewer people there. I felt at peace on this trail and at the waterfall.
The fall is gorgeous, the well is huge with a shallow and deep part, and there is a way to go after the fall to see a curtain of water (it’s the only place in Amazonas that’s windy). We stayed at Cachoeira da Neblina all day. Our guides (Vitoria and Matheus from @_natrilha) had meals prepared for us and had camera equipment to take lovely photos. The simplicity of the experience captivated me, which is why it was my number one spot.
As a bonus, Gruta da Judeia and Caverna do Maroaga also left an impression on me. I went to these formations with @passeiofigueiredotour and they were just perfect for taking photos and explaining all the geology. Ray was one of the phenomenal guides with us and she made me smile. Everything was light and playful on the excursion, which was fantastic.
Need to Know Before you Go
The Amazon has a humid climate. It’s hot and stuffy. So I suggest bringing light clothes, repellent and water. Don’t forget sunscreen as well. All in all, my trip to Presidente Figueiredo was epic. I met many special people and the falls surprised me with their beauty. If you are staying in Manaus know that it’s possible to take day trips. I recommend going with agencies or guides, a few of which I mentioned above. Enjoy this untouched paradise!