Pico da Neblina National Park Expedition

Our Pico da Neblina expedition begins in the remote, vibrant town of São Gabriel da Cachoeira — the most Indigenous municipality in Brazil, 850 km from Manaus (about 2 hours by plane). Arrive by 1:40 pm for the transfer to a cozy guesthouse near the Rio Negro (check-in from 2 pm). The afternoon is free to explore the riverfront; in the evening the group meets for a briefing.

After breakfast we visit the Instituto Socioambiental (ISA) to learn about Yanomami culture, conservation and sustainable travel. In the afternoon we swim in the black waters of the Rio Negro and finalize gear and backpacks — a calm, grounding day before entering the forest.

The expedition officially begins. We leave by 4×4 for 80 km to the South Port, where the road ends, then board motorized canoes for a 150 km journey upriver. We arrive in Maturacá at sunset, warmly received by the local Yanomami association AYRCA.

The day begins with a spiritual ceremony, as Yanomami elders perform a traditional ritual to bless our Pico da Neblina trek. We then continue upriver to the trailhead and hike 8 km through dense vegetation to Camp Irokae, where hammocks await under a canopy of stars.

We leave the lowlands behind, climbing 6 km through humid jungle, slippery roots and thick vines to Camp Gavião at 420 m, beside a clearwater stream — frogs, birds and rustling leaves lull us to rest.

The path winds further into solitude. We trek 9 km through untouched rainforest, every step scented with wet earth and framed by moss-wrapped trees, to Camp Bebedouro Novo at 850 m, where a river cools us before dinner.

A day of challenge: we climb 800 m over just 5 km into the cloud forest. After about 6 hours we reach Camp Laje (1,600 m), where Yaripo appears on the horizon — mysterious, sacred and majestic.

A steep, technical ascent: 2 km to Base Velha, then 2 km more over muddy, exposed terrain to Camp Base at 2,030 m. The vegetation turns alpine and temperatures drop; we gather around a fire and prepare for summit day.

The big day. We set off early from Base Camp with only our daypacks, tackling a demanding trail with sections of iron rungs and ropes. The Montanha dos Ventos (Mountain of Winds) emerges shrouded in mist; after a steep 4 km ascent we reach 2,995 m — the highest point in Brazil. The world opens: endless forest below, clouds at eye level.

We begin the long descent, retracing our steps through mud, forest and fatigue, passing Base Velha and Laje to reach Bebedouro Novo. A 9 km walk that demands patience and care; at the end, the river soothes tired bodies.

The forest feels transformed on the way down. We hike 14 km to Camp Irokae, pausing again at Gavião. That night the Yanomami host a celebration, and each of us receives a symbolic Yanomami name — an honor reflecting the bond built over days of shared effort.

Our last day of hiking: an 8 km stretch to the riverbank where the boats wait. We ride 2 hours to Maturacá for a delicious lunch, then share one last evening at the Yaripo Project headquarters — stories, reflections and the friendships built along the way.

We visit the local handicraft stalls and say goodbye to the Yanomami community, then travel 150 km by boat and 80 km by car (about 2 hours) back to São Gabriel da Cachoeira, where a snack, a warm shower and a real bed await.

A free day to rest, visit the Wariró artisan shop, book a massage or walk around town, integrating the experience. In the evening we celebrate with a farewell dinner and a toast to the peak we reached.

After breakfast we pack up and transfer to São Gabriel airport, marking the end of this Pico da Neblina expedition. You return not only with photographs but with a renewed perspective on the Amazon, the Yanomami and the transformative power of nature.