Your Health

Those who have known serious health problems should understand that they are going to a remote location with limited access to medical attention. In the case of a health emergency, a plane will be flown in as soon as possible, but this can take up to half a day (night flights are not feasible). All the operations have internet access at the main accommodations. This allows the staff to communicate with Global Rescue, key staff members in Brazil, and our team in the US.

Please consider downloading WhatsApp or Telegram App and have your loved ones at home do likewise. These apps only need a Wi-Fi signal for communication.

Please let us know before your trip if you have any serious health problems. You can enter any important health or dietary information directly via your portal.

Please consider giving a list of emergency contact numbers to the host in the event of emergency including loved ones and your doctor.

Remember these emergency contacts will need WhatsApp or Signal on their smartphone.

If you cannot swim, please let the host and guide know before fishing.

Drinking Water

You cannot drink the water in Brazil. North American and European individuals and the water from their regions have a different flora than the South American flora. These two bacterial communities don't like mixing - when one meets the other, they go to war - the result is significant discomfort for the person whose intestines are being fought over. Commonly called Montezuma's revenge, this discomfort can cause you to miss fishing time.

Be careful about ordering drinks with ice or drinking fresh juices. If they are not made in our operation, there are no guarantees about how they are made. Do not drink tap water in any hotel rooms, restaurants, or public areas. Always brush your teeth with bottled water.

Dietary Restrictions or Needs

If you have certain dietary needs, please email Acute Angling and Eddy Wala. He will coordinate with the fishing operation for any menu changes that need to occur.  

Insects

The blackwater regions we fish are almost completely devoid of mosquitos and most other biting insects, beyond the occasional bee or horsefly. The rivers and lagoons are too acidic to support mosquito reproduction. Mosquito larvae require the neutral or alkaline waters found in rainwater puddles or non-blackwater systems to develop properly. As a result, we rarely encounter biting insects during our trips. Because the Amazon is such a vast and complex ecosystem, however, it can be possible for unexpected variations to occur. Therefore, the following information is designed to enable you to be prepared for any possibility in the Amazon.

Mosquitoes

As mentioned, black water rivers systems such as the Rio Negro do not have mosquitoes. However, it is possible to encounter them on clear water river systems and in Manaus.The Rio Aripuanã is a clear water river system. In our experience the mosquito populations have been none to low. However, we recommend keeping a bottle of bug spray in the fishing boat and one near the lodge just in case. Same goes for Manaus where the nearby white water Solimoes river (looks more like a tan/light brown) mixes with the Rio Negro. Again, in our experience we only occasionally see a mosquito, but it never hurts to be prepared.

We have never had an instance of a mosquito transmitted disease, but that does not mean it isn’t possible. Your physician, who knows your personal health status should advise you regarding his/her opinion of the risk in consideration of your personal health status. If you choose to bring anti-malaria pills, then we suggest larium or malarone (but of course listen to your doctor). Please do not use Doxycycline Hyclate as it can cause serious reactions to the strong sun.

No-see-ums

Depending upon water levels and precipitation, a few rivers in the Amazon (certain tributaries of the Rio Branco or Rio Demeni) can have populations of biting gnats. Although it is extremely rare that we operate in these areas, it is not impossible. These annoying critters pose no health threat, however, some individuals can have a strong reaction, with considerable itching and discomfort. These no-see-ums can turn up unexpectedly, so play it safe by bringing at least one set of socks, long pants, long sleeves and a small bottle of repellent with DEET. Bring anti-itch (cortisone) cream - just in case you encounter these pests before covering up.

Horseflies, Wasps, and Bees

Like everywhere in the world these exist throughout the Amazon. If you are allergic to stinging insects, be certain to bring proper medication (EpiPens if needed). Please advise the camp host about your allergies when you arrive.