Rio Aripuana

Multi-Species Fishing in the Southern Amazon

Fangs, Whiskers & Wild Waters

Set deep in the untouched southern Amazon, the Rio Aripuanã is a haven for anglers chasing fierce Payara, massive Amazon catfish, and a wide array of exotic gamefish. Shielded from outside pressure by rapids and waterfalls, this remote and richly biodiverse region is one of South America’s most pristine freshwater ecosystems—and one of its most exciting.

Anglers explore two tributaries, two lakes, and the river itself, encountering a stunning variety of habitats: clear creek mouths, rocky rapids, swirling eddies, and boulder-strewn pools. Each one offers a shot at something different—explosive topwater strikes, deepwater ambushes, and heart-pounding runs. If you’re looking for a true Amazon rainforest fishing adventure, complete with remote beauty, fierce predators, and unforgettable battles, this trip delivers.

Join us july 22nd, 2025

Great Variety,

Trophy Potential

  • Species: Payara, Peacock Bass, Bicuda, Black Piranha, Pacu,
    Matrinxã, Jatuarana, Arowana, Red Tails, Sorubim, Dourada, Palmito, and Jundiá

  • Starting Point: Manaus, Brazil

  • Location: Southern Amazon Basin

  • Season: Mid July to Mid Sept. & Mid Nov. to Mid Dec.

  • Accommodation: Cabanas (5 double occ. & 2 quadruple occ.

  • Operator: PiraAcu Lodge

The Fishing

The Aripuanã is all about variety, power, and the thrill of the unknown. At the top of many anglers’ lists is the Payara—a ferocious predator known as the “vampire fish” for its saber-like fangs. These fish attack with speed and violence, often launching clear of the water during the fight. Their strikes are sudden, their fights explosive, and their looks unforgettable.

But they’re just the beginning.

This fishery is one of the best places to target giant Amazon river catfish species. From the deep, current-rich bends come some of the heaviest hitters in the jungle: redtail catfish, sorubim, dourada, jundiá, piraíba, and the truly massive jaú. These brutes offer raw, relentless fights that test strength, stamina, and gear.

Alongside them swim bicuda, matrinxã, black piranha, arowana, and two species of peacock bass, offering nonstop variety. From twitching surface lures to bouncing bait along the river bottom, every day is a new adventure—often with a new species on the end of your line.

This is Amazon rainforest fishing at its wildest.

Payara fishing
Multi-species fishing
Giant Catfish Fishing

The Lodge

Tucked into the forest’s edge, PiraAcu Lodge offers a comfortable, well-equipped basecamp surrounded by jungle. Anglers stay in private cabanas with A/C, comfortable beds, and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers—perfect for recovering after long days on the water.

The central dining area is air-conditioned and features a TV and internet. Meals are hearty and freshly prepared, with packed lunches available to maximize fishing time. A cooler stocked with drinks rides with you on the boat daily.

For the adventurous, a satellite camp lets you spend a night or two upriver, extending your reach even deeper into Amazon jungle fishing!

The Itinerary

DAY 1

Transfer from Manaus to Aripuanã

DAY 2

Fishing

DAY 3

Fishing

DAY 4

Fishing

DAY 5

Fishing

DAY 6

Fishing

DAY 7

Fishing

DAY 8

Transfer from Aripuanã to Manaus

What's Included

  • Charter flight to/from the Aripuanã River

  • All ground transfers and transportation in Brazil

  • One night at our 4-star hotel in Manaus before and after the trip

  • All meals and beverages, including beer, wine, and select liquors

  • All tackle and bait: conventional rods, lures, and gear provided

  • Daily laundry service

  • Starlink internet at the lodge and Wi-Fi at the hotel

What's Not Included

  • International flights to/from Manaus, Brazil

  • Travel, medical, or evacuation insurance (not required but strongly encouraged)

  • Gratuities for guides, support staff, and the Manaus host

What's Included

What's Not Included

  • Charter flight to/from the Aripuanã River

  • All ground transfers and transportation in Brazil

  • One night at our 4-star hotel in Manaus before and after the trip

  • All meals and beverages, including beer, wine, and select liquors

  • All tackle and bait: conventional rods, lures, and gear provided

  • Daily laundry service

  • Starlink internet at the lodge and Wi-Fi at the hotel

  • International flights to/from Manaus, Brazil

  • Travel, medical, or evacuation insurance (not required but strongly encouraged)

  • Gratuities for guides, support staff, and the Manaus host

Season & Pricing

The Rio Aripuanã fishing season runs from mid-July to mid-September and mid-November to mid-December, with changing water levels offering unique opportunities throughout. Payara fishing is typically best in August and early September, while catfishing conditions often peak in late November through December.

Single Occupancy:

$7,695

Double Occupancy:

$7,195

Single Boat Supplement:

$1,000 (1 angler to 1 guide)

Our standard setup is two anglers per boat and guide. If you prefer to fish solo, simply add the single boat supplement to your package.

This is one of the most immersive Amazon rainforest fishing locations—but also one of the most diverse, exciting, and rewarding fishing experiences available anywhere in the world.

Whether you're testing your strength against a monster catfish, or watching a Payara explode out of the water, this trip delivers the wild, the remote, and the extraordinary.

Book your adventure or call (866) 832-2987 to reserve your spot today!

Add-On Option:

Arapaima Day Trip

If you have an extra day in Manaus, ask us about our Arapaima day trip add-on—an unforgettable chance to fish for one of the Amazon’s most iconic species.

TESTIMONIALS

What others are saying

“My father and I caught over 13 different species of fish! Total slam dunk.”

- James F.

“Trip of a lifetime! Don't hesitate!”

- Bret A.

“This experience was way beyond my expectations! I would recommend it to everyone that likes fishing.”

- Mark S.

(866) 832-2987

(866) 832-2987