Ariau Amazon Towers, Manaus, Brazil
The Largest Treehouse Hotel in the World

The Ariau Amazon Towers are perched in the treetop-level of the Amazon jungle - the largest tropical rainforest on Earth and a World Natural Heritage site. It is the largest treehouse hotel in the world, an ideal place to experience many rainforest adventures.

The Anavilhanas Archipelago is the largest fresh water archipelago in the world, and the Lodge sits on the right bank of the glassy black Rio Negro The hum of the rain forest will lull you into sleep.

Dr. Francisco Ritta, inspired by Jacques Cousteau, built the original treehouses and the lodge was inaugurated in 1987. His intention was to provide an eco-friendly resort to teach visitors about the value of the fragile eco system and rich diversity of flora and fauna that the jungle has to offer.

It is built with techniques of native Amazonians. Apparently, he only used recycled materials and trees that had naturally fallen down so as not to interfere with the "lung of the World".

The buildings are connected by over 5 miles (8 km) of wooden catwalks on stilts - some even paved, where one can bicycle around or drive with electrical golf carts.

Countless species of fish, birds and mammals share that hot and humid environment that is responsible for the largest biodiversity on Earth. The rare pink dolphin inhabits the mighty waters of the Amazon, and swimming with these rare species is one of the favorite activities at the tower.

Friendly monkeys, macaws, capuchins, sloth and parrots share their life in the treetops with visitors. They treat everybody the same and don't care if you are the Queen and King of Sweden, Bill Gates, Susan Sarandon or one of the many famous world leaders that have visited that adventure packed resort. Anaconda was filmed here as well as part of the TV show "Survivor".

One of the Tarzan Treehouses

The tropical climate is hot and humid, but there are surprisingly little mosquitoes due to the high acidity of the water. Still, take precaution and bring insect repellent with you as well as long sleeved shirts and pants for jungle treks.

Rainy Season: April to October - most islands are submerged, forming a boundless floating forest.

Dry Season: November to March - the receding waters reveal white sand beaches for swimming and sunbathing.

The Ariau Amazon Towers don't call themselves for nothing the biggest Resort on tree top level. It has grown to a huge complex with meeting facilities for corporate events and provides 268 rooms plus staff quarters, helicopter landing pad and a fleet of noisy motorboats. I am not sure how eco-friendly one can call an operation like that.

Standard room

Even though it's advertised as luxury boutique resort - don't expect 5* accommodation - it has more of an unconventional summer camp feeling, albeit a unique one. It's built of wood in a humid area and the upkeep is tricky, bottomless and expensive.

There's much controversy about the resort - some visitors call it the best experience of their life, others are less enthusiastic about it. Do your research before you go so you know what to expect.

Different packages are available that include a variety of activities. Additional excursions can be booked directly at the hotel.

Suite

Suite

• Located 35 miles (60 km) northwest of Manaus, Brazil - the capital of the Amazonas
• Ariau Towers: 40 miles from Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes International Airport.
• he Ariau Amazon Towers transfer service provides access by boat and helicopter.

View Ariau Amazon Towers in a larger map

Area Attractions

• Wiki site of the Jungle metropolis Manaus
• Specials and packages organized by Ariau Amazon Towers

Video

Photos: Ariau Amazon Towers

Note: The information provided here was correct when published, though rates and details can change without notice.

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