At Itapara Lodge, most guides primarily speak Portuguese and have limited English. Despite this, they are experienced in working with international anglers and can effectively give basic fishing directions, advise on casting, and assist with techniques. Occasionally, a guide with some English ability may be available, but fluency is uncommon among the team.

Anglers can fish for peacock bass using both fly rods and spinning (lure) gear. Guests are free to use flies, lures, or a combination of both throughout the day on the Itapara River and nearby lakes, maximizing their chances for trophy fish.

Giant Peacock Bass
The lodge’s star attraction and primary trophy species, the giant peacock bass is renowned for its strength and acrobatic leaps. Specimens can weigh over 25 lb, with some exceeding 30 lb.

2. Other Peacock Bass Varieties

• Speckled Peacock Bass – Common in the region, this variant is often found near flooded forests and riverbanks, displaying a unique color pattern as it matures.

• Butterfly Peacock Bass – Easily recognized by a distinctive spot on its tail and striking body markings.

3. Pirarara (Red-Tailed Catfish)
A formidable Amazon catfish, the pirarara can grow up to 5 ft long and weigh over 100 lb, making it an exciting challenge for anglers.

4. Pirarucu (Arapaima)
Among the largest freshwater fish in the world, arapaima can reach 6.5–9.8 ft in length and 220–440 lb, offering an epic fight for any fisherman.

5. Other Occasional Species
Anglers may also encounter bi‑cuda (pike-like fish), piranha, and various Amazon catfish species. On some trips, larger trophies such as arapaima have been caught using heavier gear.

The main lodge features air‑conditioned guest rooms thoughtfully designed for relaxation after full days on the river.

• Double occupancy rooms come with two twin beds, making them ideal for couples or solo anglers.

• Each room includes a private bathroom with a hot water shower, a much‑appreciated comfort in this remote Amazon setting.

• The rooms are simple yet comfortable, emphasizing rest and practicality over luxury — perfect for anglers who spend the majority of their time fishing.

• October – November: The low-water season begins, with fish concentrating in rivers and lakes. Giant peacock bass are active and aggressive, making for productive early-season fishing.

• December – January: Peak low-water conditions. Fish are highly concentrated, offering the best chances for trophy-sized peacock bass, as well as red-tailed catfish (pirarara) and arapaima (pirarucu).

• February – Late March: Water levels slowly rise, but fishing remains excellent. Peacock bass and large catfish are still accessible, especially in remaining channels and lakes.

2026 Rates (USD)
All rates now include the $950 charter flight.

5 Nights / 4.5 Days Guided Fishing

• Two anglers per room and boat: $5,400 per person

• Single angler per room and boat: $8,100 per person

10 Nights / 9.5 Days Guided Fishing

• Two anglers per room and boat: $8,000 per person

• Single angler per room and boat: $12,150 per person

• Rod: 8‑weight or 9‑weight fly rod (9‑weight is ideal for larger flies and bigger fish).

• Reel: Large arbor reel with a smooth, strong drag, capable of holding 100–150 yd of 30 lb backing.

• Line: Tropical floating line, with an optional intermediate clear-tip or tropical sink-tip for versatility.

• Leader/Tippet: Heavy 40–60 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon to handle peacock bass teeth and abrasive jungle structure.

‍ ‍Spinning / Casting Gear

‍ ‍For lure or bait fishing:

• Rod: Medium-heavy to heavy power, ~5.4–6 ft, medium/fast or fast action.

• Line: 50–65 lb braided main line with a 60–70 lb fluorocarbon leader.

• Reel: Low-profile baitcasting or spinning reel with a smooth, strong drag and sufficient line capacity (80–120 m of braid).

Heavy Gear for Catfish:

• For targeting pirarara (red-tailed catfish) or other large Amazon catfish, use 80–100 lb class rods with high-capacity reels (150–200 m of heavy line).

Itapará Lodge maintains a limited guest capacity to ensure a focused and personal fishing experience. The main lodge accommodates up to 18 guests, while the lower lodge base can host an additional 8, bringing the total capacity to approximately 26 anglers during peak season.

17-foot aluminum boats built for Amazon sport fishing, each with two swivel seats and powered by a 25 HP outboard motor plus an electric trolling motor for quiet, precise positioning. Stable and comfortable, the boats allow anglers to stand and cast with flies or lures, carrying two anglers plus a guide.

1. Arrival in Manaus: After clearing customs, a lodge representative will greet you and escort you to the Blue Tree Premium Manaus Hotel (or a similar property, if necessary) for an overnight stay. Your first and last hotel nights in Manaus are included in the package.

2. Charter Flight to Itapará Lodge: The following morning, between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m., you’ll be driven to the local airport for a 90-minute charter flight (Navajo or Caravan, 10-seater) to Itapará Lodge. This roundtrip charter flight is included in your package. Please note there is a baggage limit of 18 kg (39.5 lb). You will arrive at the lodge’s 1,100-meter paved runway around 9:00 a.m.

3. Fishing Begins: After a late breakfast at the lodge, you’ll enjoy a half-day of guided fishing to start your Amazon adventure.

Important Notes:

• It is essential to arrive on time for the charter flight. Missing the flight will require rescheduling at a minimum cost of $2,000 USD.

• Brazil eVisa Requirement: As of April 2025, travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia must obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) to enter Brazil. The fee for US citizens is $80.90 USD.

Packages Include:

• Ground transfers in Manaus to the hotel
  and to the charter flight
• First and last night at Blue Tree Hotel
• Domestic charter flights between Manaus and the Lodge
• Lodging
• Meals at the Lodge
• Alcohol at the Lodge
  (except for import brands)
• Wi-Fi at the Main Lodge
• Laundry service
• Guided fishing

Packages Do Not Include:

• Airfare to and from Manaus, Brazil
• Meals in Manaus
• Satellite telephone calls ($3 per minute)
• Imported alcohol
• Fishing gear or tackle
• Fishing license, $12
• A Brazilian eVisa, $80.90 for U.S. citizens
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance, like Global Rescue
• Travel insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.