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 many trips to Itapara, and it remained one of Larry Schoenborn’s favorite trips.
Quick Facts - Itapara Lodge
2026/2027 Rate: $5,400 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: Mid-September through December 31
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.
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.
2027 Season: Itapara's season opens in mid-September, 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 to December 31. Water levels significantly influence your success in peacock fishing, and the dry season can sometimes bring unexpected 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: 6:00 a.m. - Breakfast is served. 6:30 a.m. - You’ll walk to the dock and join your guide for the day. You'll fish the river channels, inland lakes, and lagoons. Midday - Enjoy lunch on the river or at the Lodge. 5:30 p.m. - Return to the Lodge for appetizers and drinks. 7:00 p.m. - Enjoy a family-style dinner buffet.
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 in 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 Baths.
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, and fish, as well as 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 offers free Starlink Wi-Fi at both lodges. An on-site satellite phone is available for $3 per minute.
Itapara Lodge on 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 the baggage weight limit is 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: You must 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 now Required: As of April 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia are required to obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) to enter Brazil. The Brazil eVisa fee is $80.90 for US citizens. • Click here for the Brazil eVisa website.
2026 and 2027 USD Rates
The rate now includes the $950 charter flight. Season: September - December
5 nights / 4.5 days guided fishing
Two anglers per room and boat $5,400 per person
One 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
One angler per room and boat $12,150 per person
The rates are subject to change.
• 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) • Starlink Wi-Fi at both lodges • Laundry service • Guided fishing • Our eBook Fly Fishing for Peacock Bass by Larry and Guy Schoenborn.
The 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.
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ITAPARA LODGE POLICIES:
Mandatory Medical Evacuation Insurance:
It is mandatory that all clients have adequate medical insurance that covers medical evacuation from the point of injury. We strongly recommend Global Rescue.
Required Release Form: All guest must sign and submit their Notice of Acceptance of Dangers and Release of Liability before being allowed to fish at Itapara Lodge. This legal agreement acknowledges the inherent risks of the trip and releases the lodge and its staff from liability for accidents or injuries that may occur during your stay.
Deposit Policy: Bookings require a 50% down deposit within 10 days to confirm the reservation. The remaining balance is due 90 days before arrival at the Lodge.
Cancellation Policy:
● Bookings can be rescheduled up to 180 days before the package date.
● All payments are non-refundable unless the spot is filled.
Travel Insurance: Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes trip cancellation coverage and Global Rescue (medical evacuation coverage). Visit our Travel Insurance page.
Fishing with Larry Payment Options: 1.) Credit Card: A 2.5% convenience fee applies for all credit card transactions. 2.) Check: Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019. 3.) Wire Transfer: Send money electronically. Typical fees are approximately $15–$30 for domestic transfers and $45–$50 for international transfers. Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions. 4. Please review our Travel Terms & Disclaimers prior to submitting your deposit.
