Brazil
Itapara Lodge

Itapara Lodge - Brazil Peacock Bass Fishing

Itapara River - Flies or Lures

Itapara Lodge is located 250 miles north of Manaus on the Itapara River, a tributary of the Rio Blanco and part of the mighty Rio Negro system. Known for producing some of the largest Peacock Bass in Brazil, the river consistently delivers fish in the 15-25 pound range. Unlike most Amazon destinations, anglers here can fish with either flies or lures, making Itapara especially versatile. Over the years, we’ve hosted countless trips to Itapara, and it remained one of Larry Schoenborn’s favorite trips.

Quick Facts - Itapara Lodge

2026 Rate: $6,450 for 5-nights & 4.5-days guided fishing.
Charter: Flight between Manaus & Lodge (included in pkg.)
Location: 250 miles north of Manaus, Brazil
Species: Peacock bass (flies or lures), catfish, and more
Season: Early October - late March
Capacity: 18 anglers at the Main Lodge; 8 at the Lower Lodge
Packages: 5-night / 4.5-day or 10-night / 9.5-day guided trips
Highlights: 62 miles exclusive river access, peacocks to 25 lbs.

See Rates & Dates

Fishing Itapara Lodge - Brazil

Itapara's two Lodges allow guests to fish about 75 miles of the river without runs over 45 minutes. (The Lodge has exclusive access to 62 miles of the river.) A five-day package offers one or two days at the Lower Lodge, and the 10-day package offers two to four days at the Lower Lodge.
You’ll primarily be fishing the Itapara River and some lagoons that form when the river drops during the dry season. Five or more lakes with boats are reachable by short hikes from the river.
At Itapara, you may use lures or flies for peacock bass.

Fishing Season: Itapara's fishing season opens in early October, after the rainy season, when the waters recede into the riverbed. At this time, the peacock bass roam in shoals and attack everything in sight. The Lodge season extends into late March. Peak fishing is between Christmas and mid-March. When water levels are low, peacocks roam in schools and attack everything in sight. Occasionally, the dry season fails to adhere to schedules and may include mid-season downpours.

The Fishing Program:

Boats: 17-foot aluminum boat with swivel seats, 25 HP Mercury motors, and electric trolling motors. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides: Experienced Portuguese-speaking guides.
Methods: Techniques include fly fishing, fishing with live bait, shallow diving minnow baits, jigs, and topwater prop plugs. Barbless hooks are mandatory and help ensure the best survival rate.
Fishing Equipment: No equipment is provided. A comprehensive tackle and gear list is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: is not provided. You will purchase online for about $12 USD. The fishing license is free for women over 60 and men over 65.

A Typical Fishing Day
Breakfast is served at 6:00 a.m. You’re on the boat by 6:30 a.m. You'll fish the river channels, inland lakes, and lagoons. Midday, you may choose to have lunch on the river or at the Lodge. You’ll arrive back at the Lodge at about 5:30 p.m. for appetizers, drinks, and a family-style dinner buffet at 7:00.

Larry Schoenborn with Itapara Peacock Bass.

Larry Schoenborn with Peacock Bass from Itapara Lodge in Brazil.

Brad Staples's Latest Trip Report.

Click here for Brad Staples' 2020 Trip Report.

About Itapara Lodge

Click here to view the Itapara Lodge Video.
Itapara Lodge is remote. It’s a five-hour fast boat ride from the main lodge to the nearest village. The main lodge features air conditioning and accommodates 18 guests. The Lodge has a satellite TV the lounge area. There is also a small swimming pool. Free daily laundry service is provided.
The Lower Lodge is 40 miles downstream from the main lodge, about a two-hour boat ride. It has duplex-style cabanas that can accommodate up to eight guests.

Air Conditioned Bedrooms with Private Bath.

The Main Lodge has air-conditioned, double-occupancy rooms with two twin beds and a private bathroom.
Meals: Breakfast is served at 6:00 a.m. and features fresh fruit, home-baked bread, pastries, juice, pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Anglers can return to the lodge for lunch or have the guides grill fish for a shore lunch on the river. Sack lunches on the boat include beer, soda, or bottled water. After you return to the Lodge and enjoy a hot shower, appetizers and drinks are served before dinner. A buffet-style dinner is served at 7:00 p.m., featuring entrees such as chicken, beef, pork, fish, vegetables, potatoes, and rice. Plus delicious desserts.
Alcohol: The open bar with local drinks is open all day and included in the package. (Imported drinks are not included.)
Communications: The Lodge has free Wi-Fi available in the common areas of the Lodge. Too many users at one time can make it difficult to connect online. An onsite satellite phone is available for $3 per minute.

Itapara Lodge on the Itapara River

An aerial view of Itapara Lodge in Brazil, overlooking the Itapara River.

Getting to the Lodge:

1.) After you pass through customs in Manaus, you’ll be greeted by a Lodge representative and driven to the Blue Tree Premium Manaus Hotel (or a similar hotel, if necessary) for an overnight stay. (Your first and last hotel nights in Manaus are included in the package.)
2.) 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 Itapara Lodge. (This roundtrip charter flight is included in the package.) Please note that there is a baggage weight limit of 18 kg (39.5 pounds). You’ll land on the Lodge's 1,100-meter paved runway around 9:00 a.m.
3.) After a late breakfast at the Lodge, you'll get in a half-day of guided fishing.
Important Note: It is crucial that you arrive on time for the charter flight to the Lodge. If you miss the flight, rescheduling another one will cost at least $2,000 USD.
Brazil eVisa Required: As of April 2025, travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia will need a visitor visa (VIVIS) to enter Brazil. (The visa fee for US citizens is $80.90.)
• Click here for the Brazil eVisa website.

2026 USD Rates

The rate now includes the $950 charter flight.
Season: January 3 - March 24.

5-nights / 4.5 days guided fishing
Two anglers per boat and room $6,450.00 per person
One angler per room / 2 per boat $7,450.00 per person
One angler per room and boat $10,950.00 per person

10-nights / 9.5-days guided fishing
Two anglers per boat and room $9,900.00 per person
One angler per room / 2 per boat $10,900.00 per person
One angler per room and boat $14,900.00 per person

2027 USD Rates

5-nights / 4.5 days guided fishing
Two anglers per boat and room $6,600.00 per person
One angler per room / 2 per boat $7,600.00 per person
One angler per room and boat $11,100.00 per person

10-nights / 9.5-days guided fishing
Two anglers per boat and room $10,050.00 per person
One angler per room / 2 per boat $11,050.00 per person
One angler per room and boat $15,050.00 per person

The rates are subject to change.

Request an Itapara
Information Packet.

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
• Our eBook Fly Fishing for Peacock Bass
  by Larry and Guy Schoenborn.

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.