Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls (AM): travel tips – 06/28/2023 – Tourism

The month of July can be synonymous with cold in much of Brazil, but not in Presidente Figueiredo, 107 km from Manaus on BR-174 (or about two hours). Incidentally, it is never cold in the municipality, which usually has maximum temperatures between 29ºC and 32ºC throughout the year. It’s hot enough to be able to take a bath in the waterfall in the middle of the Amazon.

And the month of July has a particularity: it is a time of transition between the period characterized by floods and the beginning of that which is marked by drought —basically, it is as if the region only had two seasons.

Then the rains start to become more scarce, without compromising the walks, and at the same time they are enough to make the waterfalls in the municipality exuberant. And there are more than 140 cataloged waterfalls.

The famous Iracema waterfall, for example, is still quite flowing. In July, in general, it is already possible to get very close to it by swimming, through the natural pool located in front of it. The waterfall is one of the most visited in the municipality of Amazônia, founded during the military government of President João Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo, in 1981.

Iracema is situated in the Iracema Falls Ecological Park and is accessed by a light walk. It has a curious reddish color, explained by the presence of iron ore and the large amount of decomposing organic matter. The disputed rapids located in front of it resemble a natural hydromassage, perfect for those who want to relax.

You can also forget about life at the little wooden bar located right in front, which sells snacks and drinks. The place is even crowded with manauaras on weekends, due to easy access.
A short walk away, the Araras waterfall is also the same color as Coca-Cola, which is even more prominent with the contrast of the white foam. July is a great time to visit, as you can get close to its base, providing a great photo angle.

While the Iracema and Araras waterfalls are accessed via easy trails, the Neblina waterfall requires a 12 km hike, round trip, but the effort is well worth it. The shadows from the trees and the lack of slopes make the route easier. Upon arrival, before seeing the waterfall, the tourist is welcomed by a kind of small beach by the river. As it is a camping area, there are signs reminding you of the importance of collecting garbage, taking only pictures and replacing the bonfire with a gas stove.

When you finally see the waterfall, you understand why many people want to camp there. The waterfall looks alive, vibrant. Want more excitement? So don’t hesitate to glimpse the waterfall from behind — but at this time it’s important to have the company of an experienced guide. From there you have a different dimension of the force of nature.

The incredible experience is quieter in the month of July, as at the height of the rains it would only be possible to access this area with the help of a rope.

Maroaga and Judeia bring instagrammable attractions

July is also a great month to visit the Refúgio do Maroaga Cave and the Judeia Cave, two of the most instagrammable attractions in Presidente Figueiredo. That’s because the middle of the second semester can dry up the two 30-meter-high waterfalls in front of each cave. And the winter rains can inhibit the lighting of the photos in the places.

One of these photos is a classic: the entrance to Maroaga with the reflection of the crevice and the silhouette of tourists in the small river located inside the cavity. It’s worth asking to be clicked by the accompanying guide (a mandatory aid), who knows the exact spot to position the camera. The cave is named after an indigenous man who resisted the construction of the BR-174 highway in the 1970s, says guide Judeilson Sousa Trindade, known as Juju.

The Gruta da Judeia, on the other hand, yields beautiful images of the golden, shallow natural pool located under a crevice. There you can take a peaceful bath, as access is restricted to 126 people per day, avoiding crowds.

Both are located on the same trail, 2.8 km long and very quiet, bordered by moss-covered walls. For those who want to avoid sinking their feet in the mud on the way, it is advisable to rent wellies at the beginning of the route, for R$ 10.

The Salto do Ipy starts to get thinner from July onwards. On the other hand, the clearest days are essential to admire another attraction that appears on the walk: the Ponta da Agulha viewpoint, which causes a slight butterflies in the stomach for the most fearful.

Even from afar, it is chilling to see the green immensity of the rock forest in the shape of a compass needle that is located on the edge of an abyss.

Another unmissable attraction is the Labyrinth of the Caves, with its cave paintings hidden behind the rocks and foliage disorderly distributed by stones and crevices.

Like any self-respecting labyrinth, it can confuse unsuspecting adventurers, hence the importance of having the company of a guide on site.

There is another tour that brings together several attractions: the Circuito da Kira, with three waterfalls and a natural hydromassage accessible by a circular trail of 3 km in Sítio do Careca.

Complexo do Mutum, on the other hand, has a waterfall and curious natural round and deep pools, technically called lunchboxes. July is the reopening month for the site, which was closed in the first half of the year due to excessive rain, which could cause accidents.

During this period, you can still find lakes and wells with an intense blue color. One of them is Fervedouro, which closes for visitation during the dry season.

One of the only lagoons in the city that remains emerald green all year round is Cristalina, due to algae. When you enter, you realize that the water is crystal clear.

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HOW TO GO

Juju Tour
Rua Piquiá, 43B, tel. and WhatsApp: (92) 9190-5100, more information here.

WHERE TO STAY

Hostel da Milla (formerly Local Hostel)
Av. Father Calleri, 60, tel. and WhatsApp: (92) 98447-5713, more information here.

1 Place Hotel
BR-174, km 1004 (former km 120), WhatsApp: (92) 99281-8680, more information here.

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WHAT TO TAKE ON THE TRACKS

• Trail boots or sneakers – closed-toe shoes are even mandatory on some trails to protect your feet from ants, loose branches, dense vegetation, etc.

• Light and thin clothes – these clothes dry on the body after bathing, during the walk

• Bathing suits and towels – you won’t be able to resist cooling off in the waterfalls and lagoons

• Repellent – ​​insects don’t always get in the way, but remember that you are in the Amazon

• Sunscreen – sun exposure is huge as you are so close to the equator

• Snacks – the walk can make you hungry, even if it’s not very long

• Mineral water – essential to stay hydrated, and the guides always ask if it is on hand before heading out on the trails

• Bag – useful to put the wet towel and also the garbage produced on the way

• Cell phone or camera – even if you want to disconnect from the world, you will certainly want to take beautiful pictures

• Backpack – essential to top it all off, and the advantage over the bag is that your hands are free