Manaus, Brazil
Two eco-lodges in Manaus, the capital and gateway of Brazil’s Amazonas State, have taken advantage of their pandemic break to become even more environmentally friendly.
Juma Amazon Lodge is about 50 miles from the city and now has a $400,000 solar power plant. Its 268 double panels reach nearly 40 feet above the canopy, meaning no trees were cut. The biogas system has also been built to improve the efficiency of organic waste disposal, which reduces annual carbon emissions by 8 tons.
During the pandemic, Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge located northwest of Manaus, on the Rio Negro River, opened a “advanced” base that was 30 miles away from the main lodge, and only accessible by river.
The hotel is located in the Amazon rainforest, one of the most remote areas. Guests can go on long jungle treks and see jaguars and pumas, or relax by the pool. The lodge plans to offer overnight stays for small groups in 2023.
Manaus is worth a visit – eating Amazonian behemoth fish outside of the pink 1896 Opera House is an experience to add to your bucket list. JB