***

• Eco-tours - Forest Treks
• Fishing trips for Peacock Bass
• Bird and wildlife observation
• School offering special education on jungle tours and wildlife
• Base of operations for expeditions into the interior.
• Kayaking, white-water rafting trips on the upper Urubu River

Capt. Donald Reid

MAIN OFFICE - NATAL, RN, BRAZIL

EMBRATUR # 30841.00.41-1 

Andetur Internationald and the Andetur Brazilian Travel Club, AGM (Group Management), and our associates and partners in Brazil and the United States listed this investment when concentrating on plans for '2002', The International Year of Eco-Tourism. Since the beginning of our club, we have supported responsible development activities in the area of Eco-tourism, Cultural, Rural and Soft-Adventure. This lodge is still available although now needs many more repairs.

The Lodge, which would be partially owned by the club members ***, would be actively managed by Andetur Brasil Ltda., Capt. Donald and Edna Reid, 'in-country Brazil' and marketed Internationally in the USA and Europe by Andetur USA LLC. We are still seeking a partner for developing this operation.

The project calls for immediate purchase of the lodge via contract, purchase of a 'tour-boat' and addition to the fleet of fishing boats, planning of various additional tours that will be operated from the lodge, completion of several bungalows on one of the islands and development of school activities related to observation of the rain-forest, related wildlife, and rural life in the Amazon area. Considerable interest has been shown by various groups in using our facility.

The lodge ... was completely refurbished several years ago... and could be ready in a short time for operation with eco-tours and fishing expeditions. Management partners have a completely licensed tour operation, and are Americans resident in Brazil. Complete details of proposed operation is available. The business is already setup and ready for operation.

The lodge is located in a private ecological reserve in one of the region's most beautiful areas on the banks of the Rio Urubu river, approximately 113 kilometers east of Manaus. The area is covered with dense forest and surrounded by small jungle creeks (igarapés), as well as jungle lakes with small isles in the flooded jungle (igapós). It is my understanding that the property includes at least three or more of the islands.

The property consists of:

1. 80 hectares - left side of the river.. (approximately 200 acres)
2. 400 hectares - right side of the river .. (approximately 1,000 acres)
3. Three islands.. one with additional buildings for a fishing lodge under construction, another large enough for a small airfield.
4. A hectare equals 2.5 acres ......

The river is one of the black water rivers and famous for its rare natural beauty. Due to the acidity of the Rio Urubu's dark waters, mosquitos are practically non-existent. The area is covered with pristine forest and penetrated by small creeks ("Igarapés"), lakes with small islands and partly flooded jungle ("Igápo").

From January through the end of April the river's waters are high and from May through the end of January they are decreasing. When the water is high parts of the forest are completely flooded; these are called "várzeas" (temporary flooded land). In the right season orchids and other tropical flowers as well as a variety of exotic plants and trees growing at the river banks can be admired. Seasons and Climate.

The Amazon State has only two seasons. Rainy Season (Amazon winter) between December and June. This happens because of summer time in the Andes mountains and water coming from this mountains increase the level of water in the rivers of Amazon, flooding the forest, forming the "igapós". In Amazonian summer (from July till November) happens the contrary: the level of water start to get down, changing drastically condition of navegability of rivers. Annual average temperature vary between 28ºC in winter till 41ºC in summer, in very hot days.

Animals like dolphins, monkeys and birds can be observed from nearby. When the water is low, we also have the opportunity to land on one of the many white sandy beaches. To cool off we will stop for a refreshing swim in the river without any problems.

Around the lodge you'll get the opportunity to observe a big variation of birds and wild orchids. We can observe birds like the Straight-billed Wood creeper (Xiphorhynchus picus), Black-faced Ant Thrush (Formicarius analis), Ruddy Spinetail (Synallaxis rutilans), Yellow-green Grosbeak (Caryothraustes canadensis), and the rare Crimson Topaz (Topaza pella)- the largest hummingbird of the Amazon. On our expeditions we will find bands of Gold Handed monkeys (Saguinus midas), family groups of Red Howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus), screeching their songs by the twilight that echo for metres through the forest.

Depending on the time of year, we will be able to observe a flock of Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola rupicola) - considered by some ornithologists the most beautiful bird in Brazil, making displays in its arena and nests for use by females; the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), which migrates from the cold regions of the Americas to the Amazon, the legendary Musician Wren (Cyphorhynus aradus), to whom the Indians attribute magical powers for bringing good luck and happiness to those who hear its admirable song. Close to the lodge, we will be organizing special outings to other interesting areas on the Rio Urubu: Other bird watching and protected nature areas:

The municipality of Presidente Figueiredo in the state of Amazonas is situated 107km from the Amazon capital, Manaus, on the edge of Highway BR-174, which integrates the Amazon to the Caribbean and North America. Close to 30km including the governmental seat are located on sandstone of marine origin, and thus the area is recognised as Marine Amazon responsible for the existence of innumerable corridors, tunnels, caves, caverns, lakes, rivers, forests, and archaeological sites, with more than 350 species of wild birds catalogued.

The Environmental Protected Area of the Urubu River is comprised of a strip of forest that goes from the start of the city at KM100 to KM122 of Highway BR-174. Our bird watching will be done at various protected, private farms, included in a Private Reserve of Natural Property (Portuguese acronym "RPPN")- reproductive areas of the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola rupicola), with various nests that are used every year by the birds. In the reproductive season it’s possible to observe various males next to the arena preparing to make displays for the females.

Environmental Protection Area of Maroaga. Inside this EPA our bird and natural wildlife watching will cover two areas to know:

1. Route AM-240 which connects the Highway BR-174 to the village of Balbina, at a stretch of the road in search of the Crimson Topaz (Topaza pella) and the Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors), visitors from the Northern Hemisphere that, when migrating to South America, pass through this region (September to March) every and frequent a small lagoon on the edge of the road.
2. Maroaga Cavern. Archaeological site located on Highway AM-240 that connects Highway BR-174 to the village of Balbina, along a 500m section. The access to the cavern is difficult, by means of a steep wooden stairway of 80
   degrees. The cavern has a height of 14 metres and a depth of approximately 380 metres. Its interior is inhabited by animals that live in a shadowy environment, like bats, insects, caterpillars, and small fishes of atrophied vision that swim in a small stretch of water that springs from the interior of the cavern. The bats are important agents in the maintenance of the cavernous fauna. It is said that this site takes the name of a great warrior of the Waimiri Atroaris Tribe that, after the opening of the Highway BR-174, took refuge for many years in the cavern. But as soon as the first colonisers arrived to inhabit the region he immediately fled.

 

FISHING FOR THE FAMOUS PEACOCK BASS

The lodge management will be rebuilding the original camp on the island which will be dedicated as a fishing lodge. Special fishing gear will be provided at the lodge for Peacock Bass fishing.. Undoubtedly, one of the world's greatest freshwater game fish is the Peacock Bass or Tucunare as locally known. So few people know that this fighting fish is found in most of the Amazon basin and that only the most well-known areas offer fishing tours for this fish. Local guides are hired that know where and when to find this fish. Luxury accomodations are not available but the basic ammenities are there. If you want to experience great fishing in a little-known location...then the Amazon, the Rio Negro,and the Urubu is the place and we're the ones to make your dream tropical fishing trip come true.

		Tucunare - Peacock Bass
		Pintado

It is also possible to fish in an authentic Indian way. Within the earth's largest freshwater hydrographic system, reside two thousand species of fish. The notorious Piranha patrols beneath the surface, while alligators maintain watch topside. The noble Tucunaré, Surubim and a variation of Catfish can also be caught here.

The lodge presently offers 16 comfortable guest rooms with double and single beds, hot shower, private bath and a verandah overlooking the river. All built in a charming bungalow style. There is room for additional expansion with an additional 6 rooms under construction. Also 8 rooms or bungalows are presently being reformed on the island that is part of the property. There are apartments for employes and their families behind the lodge on the property.

Electric energy is presently provided by a 70 KW light plant, but it is noted that regular electric power should be available within the next two years. Communications is by special radio and cellular service with the office in Manaus, included in the deal. Air conditioning is not necessary .. natural ventilation (note the open windows), but we are considering offering A/C as an option. Cooking is with bottled gas. Room lighting is electric with kerosene lamps in each room. Fresh water is by artisan well pumped to a large storage tank that is part of the observation tower structure. Live with nature .....

The lodge is actually some 180 KM east of Manaus .... 113 KM by good paved roads .... half an hour by motorboat.

The restaurant is spacious and offers typical food from the Amazon region as well as delicious dishes specially prepared to suit your taste. All furniture is natural hardwoods from the region ... hand carved.

Rooms are presently designated with Indian names: (Tupi-Guarani)

Restaurant and meeting room

New Lounge to be built

Motorized canoes with capacity for 10 persons will take guests on exciting trips through the Amazon jungle. The lodge would also make a good base for our kayak tours and we plan to construct our own kayaks on the property.

Tour Boats - launchs (To be constructed locally) · Ubá Una - black boat · Ubá Tinga - white boat · Ubá Ajubá - yellow boat · Ubá Aquitã - small boat · Ubá Antã - strong boat · Ubá Açu - big boat

 

Leisure facilities include: small canoes, hammocks and even a soccer field.

Our aim is to provide a truly personalised type of service and ecological instruction base!

Clients should bring along: Comfortable clothing, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, caps, sunglasses, solar protector, personal medicines, photographic equipment, plenty of film and adventurous spirit. They should try to limit their baggage to 5kgs (10lbs).

The various dependencies, islands, boats and dishes have been named in "Tupi-Guarani", the original indian language of most of Brazil, although the Tupi-Guarani were not a local tribe.

PHOTOS

Report from Paul Dohr, our representative in Manaus in 2002 who inspected the property.

"For our visit to the LODGE, we left Manaus by car at 9am and traveled on the Manaus - Itacoatiara highway (BR-010) for approximately 2 hours, past the small town of Rio Preto da Eva, where we also crossed the Rio Preto da Eva. The highway offers a pleasant, scenic drive, is in quite good condition and can be traveled without restrictions by any type of vehicle. Rio Preto da Eva offers a well-equipped gas station as well as shops where all types of goods can be bought.

We finally arrived at the small village of Vila da Lindoia, where we parked the car and boarded a 6-seater, metal-hull boat with an outboard engine (property of the hotel). We traveled upstream on the Rio Urubú for approx. 45 minutes. The Rio Urubú is very wide at this point and the current is slow and the waters calm, resembling a lake rather than a river. The water is dark, similar to the Rio Negro, and, due to the acidity of the water, the area is generally free of mosquitoes.

As we approached the Lodge, we passed the 3 islands; one is quite large and the others medium-sized. The owner of the property, Jean Paul Doessegger, had begun the construction of a landing strip for aircraft on the larger island, which holds an unfinished construction. A spa was planned on one of the smaller islands.

We finally arrived at the peninsula on which the lodge itself is built. The boat docks along a floating platform and after walking up a few wooden steps, a roofed reception area with a desk is reached. This desk holds radio equipment used to communicate with the nearby village (some of the villagers are employed by the hotel to assist the guests and coordinate the boat shuttle). From the reception desk, all parts of the complex can be visited via a wooden walking path.

The structure of the lodge is in excellent condition and is constantly maintained by the resident staff who are anxiously awaiting change of ownership of the property.

On arrival, we inspected the entire area: - the restaurant, a circular construction (wooden), with superb finishing, and an adjacent, very well- equipped and clean kitchen. The restaurant could hold an estimated 80 guests and has a stage for shows and a podium for speeches. One side of the restaurant overlooks a small creek, with sandy beaches, and large trees with wide branches hanging over the water, ideal for canoe trips into the jungle as well as fishing.. The other side overlooks the river, with the islands in the foreground, offering a delightful setting in the late afternoon at sundown..

The staff caught some fresh fish, prepared them and served them with white wine. Sitting in the restaurant after lunch, sipping coffee, far from civilization and surrounded by pristine nature was a most relaxing and unique experience..

• - the guesthouses, consisted of a long house with 6 double rooms and 5 well-structured wooden cabins. Each unit holds 2 fully-equipped guest rooms with verandas offering a wide view overlooking the river (resembling a lake rather than a river), individual bathrooms, toilets and ventilators, comfortable twin and double beds. Electrical plugs are also provided (110V).

 

• - the observation tower, a approximately 30 foot wooden tower, with a staircase and a roofed observation platform, with a impressive view of the entire area (ideal for nature photographers). The observation platform (capacity - 5 to 6 persons at a time) was built on top of a large, covered water tank.

 

• - the employee's quarters, detached from the main guest complex, consist of eight comfortable, fully equipped wooden cabins for the lodge's staff. In front of the employee's quarters there is a small patio, with a small, circular and covered meeting point holding seats and tables, entirely constructed in wood.

 

• - the power generators (diesel-oil powered), are located in a covered area behind the employee's quarters, recently acquired and brand new. capacity: 70KVA ... it is reported that regular electrical power will be available within the nrest two years. Telephone service is promised by August 2001.

 

• - the lodge area, is very spacious and features various walking lanes, offering the opportunity to explore the surroundings."