After five hours of sailing, we arrive at the place known as Igarapé Preto. The village is a very good sample of the life led by the Riverside population in Amazonas. Life in a Riverside community adds to the farm life, the harvest of typical fruit and seeds, the manioc flour production, a product with such high esteem everywhere up North. Counting on our luck, we will be able to witness part of their process, perhaps get to know their ways of harvesting or even the planting of the very Brazilian fruits like Cocoa, Passion Fruit, Genipap, Annatto…
Rubber trees are also found here in the area, tall trees where for so many years in the past offered latex for the rubber production, such item brought on the riches and fame to the area, and it was responsible for the last state lines dividing the states of Acre, Rondônia e Amapá that produced rubber as well. An economic and cultural mark to the region.
Our expedition continues, now by canoe, crossing the community towards a place known as the Enchanted lake, the opportunity here is to witness the magic of nature by observing a floating forest, very unlike the flooded forests seen in different parts of the Amazon, this ecosystem is unique. A place with beauty like no other, a sample of the Amazon biodiversity at its best, with the force of nature producing its own substrate to thrive, the montrichardria form a base with other plants, water and detritus, a sort of organic floating platform that uses hydroponic culture to raise trees, not as tall as they usually can be, but still tall trees are found there, swaying as the Waters sway, species such as the Açai tree finds in this rich environment a place to grow. Words are not near enough to describe such grandeur of nature’s work, and yet, a place risking extinction if not properly cared for. Preservation is a necessity here!
Return for lunch and, at the end of the afternoon, we will continue on our journey now towards a region known as Janauacá, the option of recreational fishing or a canoe trip to watch for wild life in the area is available. On this day, if we are lucky, we might be able to spot a very beautiful Bird, typical to this region, the Hoatzin.
At night, further in Janauacá, by the end of Miuá, we will go for another wildlife spotting for the observation of local fauna and flora, and those of night habits, we usually spot sloths and other animals in this area.
Moving on, we sail during the night towards Ariaú River.