Mr. Nicholas and Marcia Cunha (from UK)

My wife and I stayed at Dolphin Lodge on the Parana do Mamori about 4 hours south of Manaus by boat, mini-van and boat.

They offer stays from overnight to 5 nights in comfortable, simple accommodation above a sweeping bend of the river with dolphins jumping below and monkeys and butterflies in the trees above. Parties of up to about 20 can be catered-for using hammocks in the round sitting-room and there are also 2 lodges with about a dozen double bedrooms and bathrooms. The per-day price included everything with the exception of drinks.

Electricity is limited to a fairly weak generator for a couple of hours in the evenings. But, with activities starting at day-break or earlier and finishing at dusk, early nights are never a problem.

Meals are taken in the dining room/bar overlooking the panorama, carefully set out and using local produce - the fish and fruit are particularly fine of course - supplementing this with standard Brazilian staples such as salads, chicken, rice, beans and pasta.

The programs can be varied, but will include watching the extraordinary wildlife in small paddled canoes through the flooded igarapes and into the endless networks of lakes and rivers, fishing for fun (what you catch ends up as that evening's dinner in our case), cayman spotting at night, visiting a local manioc plantation to see the production of this vital local staple, and investigating the rubber plantations of old. Overnight trips into the forest - much of which locally is primary jungle - can be arranged.

This is not a luxurious resort hotel. But neither is "extreme". It is not for visiting families with very small children - I would say 8 years old and above. Dolphin Lodge itself is family run. The highly experienced guide speaks perfect English, his brothers and sisters work as boatmen and Lodge staff. We were made to feel like family. Every arrangement was completely reliable and punctual from collection at our hotel in Manaus to our delivery back there a week later.

We have no commercial interest in Dolphin Lodge. These are exceptional people doing a very good job, with a way of life and in a part of the world that they are proud to show you. And I think we were privileged to visit. In our family rating it gets six stars out of a possible five.

Yours sincerely,

Nicholas Goodyear, Marcia Cunha.

Ryan Romero (from - USA)

What I have learned in Brasil goes beyond just how long the Amazon River is and the scientific names of plants; I've learned more about myself in those eighteen days than my entire life. I learned that patience is a great attribute to have while traveling internationally. I can not put it in words what I have received from this trip because it was so overwhelming to me in every way possible. The most important thing I've received is simply an understanding and vision of an entirely different culture. People in Brasil, were generally very laid back and were never in a hurry. Most of the people were very welcoming and generous. I think ALL Americans can learn a little from their culture and their ways of living.

My traveling friends were wonderful. They made every situation enjoyable. In order make our trip pleasant and safe we had to trust and rely on one another. We all had to adjust to each others unique personalities and made the best of every adventure.

The initial preparation was the most difficult and time consuming. Vanetta Perry made sure we all had a little knowledge in the areas of the Portuguese language, the culture, math conversions, the currency exchange, and any health risks we may encounter. Being prepared really alleviated a lot of problems that we may have faced.

I personally would encourage any student to participate in a trip where he/or she can experience a new culture and bring the culture and their experiences back to incorporate in their own lives.

In returning home from the trip, the most important change in my life is definitely the appreciation of what I have and realizing that we take a lot for granted such as our living conditions, our education, and our well being.