Ferry from Belem to Manuas (Brazil) - Info required !
 

Hey guys

Does anyone have any information about the ferrys up the Amazon from Belem to Manaus.

We are trying to book a cabin in advance for this 5 day cruise but cant find any current data or websites.

The travel guides say to just turn up in at the quayside but its a little vague for us..

All info gratefully accepted !!

Chug Chug Chug - ooh look a dolphin!
 

Ted, it's a while since I did this trip, but I did just turn up on the quayside, and booked for later that afternoon. I got two boats, changing at Santareme. I slept in a hammock, as there were no cabins and to be honest sharing space and mealtimes with the 250 or so other passengers was what the trip was all about for me.

I presume there are larger vessels with cabins, but I am sure you will pay for the extra comfort. Also, BEWARE - I met someone who had been sold a ticket for a cabin on my boat, but in fact there were none. Watch out for the touts on the main esplanade too, where I think the bigger boats go from. On my boat, the bike was loaded into the hold which required a bribe/tip to have her extracted. If you are too precious about your bike, then this is not the experience for you. I know someone who turned back at this point, and headed for the airport

If you need it, I may be able to dig out a contact name for you. Don't sweat, if you have a few days something will turn up. Lots of traveller-friendly hostels in Belem and it's worth hanging out there for a while.


http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tst...ugh/001131.php

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tst...ugh/001132.php



Chao Wacker

I recommend getting a hold of Alex alexreisxt600 at hotmail dot com.. he has hosted many moto travellers, has a bike shop and probably can host you at his apt.

he helped me book the ferry to manaus. I did book a cabin and was very happy to do so. A couple people got all their stuff stolen when the ferry stopped in the middle of the night at a port... and by day 4 of 7 a LOT of people got stomach sick... so it was nice to have a private bathroom and cabin where to lock your stuff...

make sure to take extra food, drink and candy... especially some gift if you can for the kids at the different ports that are looking for donations...

it an amazing experience that boat ride...

S.

fotos...
 

6 days banana-shaped:

Hi,

I took the riverboat from Belem to Manaus in 2005. I booked at Macamazone in Belem. I booked the Nelio Correa which is an old fashioned river boat. It has not only hammocks but cabins too. I recommend the cabin: you have some privacy, the cabins are more or less airconditioned and food is better for cabinpassengers. There are also faster ships like the Amazon Star but I liked to travel with the Nelio Correa. You can get an idea of the ship and the trip on my website Welcome to Wonderful Travels. The best time to travel by ship from Belem to Manaus is just after the rainperiod, at the beginning of july. It is high water, everything is flooded, no musquitos. Have fun!

Mart,

I had a peek at your site. I like your style, like what you say about "travelling". It's kinda spiritual. You have it right. I think many people who travel, including those by bike don't "get it" like you do.

Good luck with Africa.

Hi Tedmagnun,

Five or more days in a boat is too boring!!!
If you have time to spend, you can stay in the middle of your boat travel and stay some days in Santarém, there are some beautiful beaches there (one of them in Alter do Chão Village), then you river-up till Manaus.

Have a nice ride by boat, by bike!!!
Best wishes,

Reginaldo Rohden.

I also took the Nelio Correa. Nice enough little boat and the cabins were fine. Booked at the normal quayside booking office for all the riverboats just a day or so in advance. Loading the bike took place at a more remote location and it was pretty simple - was advised a time when the tide was at a sensible level and then rode the plank!

Other travelers who stayed in the hammocks had trouble with stuff being pinched. I was glad to have the cabin and keep my gear safe.

Keep an eye open for the pink river dolphins.

Matt