Rio Marie, Untamed Amazon
Brazil,
The Rio Marie – Fly Fishing the Remote River of Giants in the Brazilian Amazon
Explore the Rio Marie, famously known as the River of Giants, the most remote river in the Brazilian Amazon. Its pristine headwaters lie over 500 air miles northwest of Manaus, deep in the rainforest along the Brazil-Colombia border.
This exclusive fly-fishing destination offers unparalleled opportunities to catch world-record peacock bass and a variety of exotic Amazon jungle species. One special week each year allows both fly and lure fishing, making it a bucket-list adventure for serious anglers.
Stay aboard the luxurious Untamed Amazon, a 92-foot liveaboard vessel, your floating base camp for navigating the untouched waterways of the Amazon and experiencing a true wilderness fishing expedition.
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Rio Marie guides are licensed, English-speaking fly-fishing professionals with deep experience in jungle angling. Each boat is accompanied by two guides — a professional fly-fishing guide and a local indigenous guide — combining modern techniques with generations of knowledge about the river, fish behavior, and hidden trophy spots.
With intimate familiarity of the Rio Marie, guides know the best seasonal flows, structures, and locations for world-class peacock bass. They also provide personalized support for all skill levels, from casting and spotting fish to managing tackle, ensuring every angler has a successful and unforgettable Amazon experience.
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Fly-Fishing Exclusive: Rio Marie is primarily a fly-fishing-only destination.
Limited Lure Fishing: One special week each year allows both fly and lure fishing
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Peacock Bass (Cichla species) – The main attraction and often world-record size.
Payara (Vampire Fish) – Known for its sharp teeth and thrilling fight.
Catfish species – Including large pacu and predatory jungle catfish.
Other Amazonian species – Depending on the season, anglers may encounter tambaqui, piranha, and various tropical predators.
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Comfortable & Spacious Guest Suites
The Untamed Amazon offers 8 well-appointed guest suites on the main deck, each around 18 m² (193 ft²). Six double suites comfortably host two guests, while two single suites are ideal for solo travelers.
Every suite features air conditioning, a private bathroom with hot shower, and ample storage for clothing and fishing gear. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in most suites provide stunning, uninterrupted views of the Amazon River and surrounding rainforest, bringing the jungle right to your doorstep.
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Fly-Fishing Season:
The fly-fishing-only season runs from August to December, during the dry season when water levels are at their lowest, creating ideal conditions for targeting trophy fish. Single hooks are mandatory to protect the river’s ecosystem.Lure & Fly Fishing Week:
The extended season week for both fly and lure fishing is sold out for 2026. The next available week is December 12–18, 2027. -
2026 Rates
FLY-FISHING-ONLY packages:
Include roundtrip floatplane flights between Manaus and the mothership.
8 nights and 6 days guided fishing
Late July through December:
Two anglers per room and skiff:
$8,490 + $740 Native Comm Fee =$9,230per person
One angler per room and 2 per skiff:
$8,490 + $865 + $740 Native Comm Fee =$10,095per person
One angler per room and skiff:
$13,950 + $740 Native Comm Fee =$14,690per person
Non-angler companion:
$5,570 + $530 Native Comm Fee =$6,100per person -
8-weight rod: Versatile all-around option, perfect for smaller peacock bass or long casting sessions.
9-weight rod: The most popular choice, powerful enough for large peacocks and adaptable for both topwater and subsurface flies.
10-weight rod: Offers extra power for bigger flies or trophy fish.
Tip: Many anglers bring two rods — one with a floating line and one with an intermediate or sinking-tip line — to handle varying conditions and fish behavior.
Reel Recommendations
Use saltwater-rated reels with a large arbor and smooth, strong drag to control powerful runs.
Durable reels from top brands designed for tropical big-game fishing are ideal.
Lines & Leaders
Floating tropical lines work best for topwater and popper presentations.
Intermediate or sinking-tip lines are recommended for deeper water or structure fishing.
50–60 lb fluorocarbon leaders are ideal for turning over large flies and handling strong, aggressive fish.
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On a typical week at Rio Marié, the Untamed Amazon accommodates up to 12 anglers, ensuring an exclusive, low‑pressure experience with ample access to the river’s pristine waters.
The vessel can carry a total of 16 passengers, allowing space for up to 4 non‑angling companions who wish to join the adventure without fishing.
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Custom skiffs designed for Amazon jungle fishing.
Dual casting platforms at bow and stern for two anglers.
90 HP four-stroke engines for fast, reliable travel.
Electric trolling motors for silent movement in shallow lagoons.
Poling platforms let guides quietly reach hidden fish spots.
These boats provide stability, power, and versatility, ensuring every angler can fish effectively in the remote Rio Marié waterways.
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Arrive in Manaus early: Friday night recommended. Transfer to a boutique hotel included; double-occupancy room shared with another angler.
Morning transfer: Early breakfast, then drive to the local airport for a 3.5-hour Cessna Caravan flight to the Untamed Amazon. Two planes for groups of 12 anglers.
Baggage limit: 10 lb carry-on + 30 lb soft duffle bag per angler (rigid rod cases allowed). Total 40 lb.
Arrival: Light lunch and orientation; no fishing on arrival day. Prepare tackle and settle in.
Departure: After breakfast, return floatplane to Manaus (stop in Tefé to refuel). Same-day departure possible; final hotel night not included.
Brazil eVisa required: US, Canadian, and Australian citizens need an eVisa ($80.90 for US citizens) as of April 2025.
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The Packages Include:
• One night (double occupancy) at a hotel in Manaus upon arrival
• All necessary ground transfers in Manaus
• Roundtrip floatplane flight between Manaus and the liveaboard*
(One-way only for Extended Season - lure fishing)
• All necessary local boat transfers
• 7 nights lodging on liveaboard
• All meals on the liveaboard
• Wine, beer, and spirits on the liveaboard
• Daily laundry and maid service
• Starlink Wi-Fi on the Liveaboard
• 6 days guided fishing
• Fishing license
• Use of fly fishing outfits upon requestThe Packages Do Not Include:
• International airfare
• A Brazilian eVisa, $80.90
• Private charter flight transfers*
(if you should miss the weekly charter flight)
• Native Community Fee paid in cash upon arrival in Brazil
• Gratuities for guides and staff
(10% of the trip cost in total is recommended)
• Fishing equipment
• Flies, $15 each
• Premium liquors, wine, and cocktails
• Food and beverages in Manaus
• City tours in Manaus
• Satellite phone calls, $5 per minute
• Extra hotel nights
• Airport taxes
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• For the Extended Season (Lure) package, the return charter flight to Manaus, about $250 per person
• Anything not listed under inclusions.
The Rio Marié River & Amazon Jungle
The Rio Marié, often called the River of Giants, is the most remote river in the Brazilian Amazon, with headwaters more than 500 air miles northwest of Manaus, nestled in the rainforest between Brazil and Colombia. This pristine river winds through dense jungle, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, flooded forests, and hidden lagoons, offering a true wilderness experience far from human development.
The river is a biodiversity hotspot, home to world-class peacock bass, payara, catfish, jungle snook, and other exotic species, while birds, monkeys, and other wildlife are commonly seen along the riverbanks. Its meandering channels, clear backwaters, and shallow flats create ideal conditions for fly fishing, and seasonal water level changes concentrate fish in specific areas during the dry season.
Fishing the Rio Marié feels like stepping into another world. Anglers enjoy untouched Amazonian jungle, remote fishing beats, and wildlife encounters in total isolation. Carefully managed and protected, the river allows sustainable fishing in one of the last truly wild fisheries of the Amazon.
A Typical Fishing Day
5:30 a.m. – Coffee is ready to start the day.
7:00 a.m. – Breakfast.
8:00 a.m. – Depart for the day’s fishing grounds.
Noon – Picnic-style lunch on the river.
1:00 p.m. – Fishing resumes until late afternoon.
5:30 p.m. – Return to the Untamed Amazon, which anchors in a new location each day.
6:30 p.m. – Cocktails and appetizers on the covered top-deck patio.
8:00 p.m. – Dinner in the liveaboard’s air-conditioned dining room.
About the Untamed Amazon, liveaboard
The vessel combines modern comfort with environmental responsibility, offering climate control, reliable electricity, potable water, and solar-powered systems where possible. Its thoughtful design delivers a luxury experience in the heart of the Amazon, allowing anglers to explore remote waters safely and in style. Public spaces include a spacious lounge and dining room, a covered top-deck patio for cocktails and relaxation, and a fully stocked fly shop. Onboard, a professional chef prepares meals that blend fresh Amazonian ingredients with international cuisine, while wine, beer, and cocktails are served throughout the trip. 8 beautifully appointed guest suites on the main deck, including six double suites for two guests and two single suites for solo travelers. Each suite features air conditioning, a private bathroom with hot shower, and generous storage for clothing and fishing gear. Many suites boast floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, delivering uninterrupted views of the Amazon River and surrounding jungle.
