The Xingu River (pronounced Sing-goo River) is a southeastern tributary of the Amazon River, and it’s one of the largest in the Amazon Basin, accounting for around 5% of its total water. Flowing for more than 250 kilometres through over 22 million acres of virgin primary forest, it offers one of the most prolific multi-species fisheries in the Amazon and probably of all the freshwater environments on earth.
Thanks to our partners, the ‘Jungle Experts’ at Untamed Angling, an exciting new partnership has been developed with the Kayapo indigenous community of the region, with the support of the Brazilian Government, to offer an exclusive sport-fishing programme for a handful of travelling rods.
Across this spectacular wilderness territory, the protected, mythological Xingu River, much like the Iriri River at Kendjam, flows over granite bedrock, running clear and allowing for sight-fishing opportunities for a wide variety of species. But what sets Xingu apart from anywhere else in the Amazon are the impressive numbers of large Payara. These species, also known as ‘vampire fish’, are famous for their remarkable orthodonture. While they make incredible photos, they are also one of the hardest-hitting and strongest fighting fish in the Amazon Basin and South America. They’re also one on the bucket lists of many adventurous fly anglers from all around the globe.
The Xingu basin offers some of the most prolific, explosive multi-species fishing in the entire Amazon and probably on earth. With a high level of nutrients and food entering the river from the forest, combined with minerals already in the water, the river supports massive plankton growths, providing an unlimited larder of food for the fish species that inhabit its waters. Flowing over granite and running clear, unlike many other muddy rivers in the region, its clear water transmits sunlight to support plant development.
With its vast array of different habitats, from waterfalls, rapids, pools, lakes and lagoons, it’s easy to see how and why the quality of the fishing is so unparalleled and the fish species so diverse. Anglers who visit this incredible destination will have the opportunity to target multiple different species on the fly on any given day, many of which most have never even heard of, let alone caught. The Xingu is mainly famed for its incredible Payara fishing, but it also offers some stunning Pacu, Peacock Bass and Bicuda fishing, to name a few.
The whole experience within the Xingu basin is far more than just a fishing trip; it is a cultural odyssey beyond compare. With the Lodge and fishing all based in the middle of a highly remote tropical jungle area, anglers must be physically and mentally prepared. They must also have an exploratory mind and soul, but most of all, respect for the Kayapó warriors land.
The Xingu or the ‘Butire’ as it’s known in the Kayapo language means the River King – and its protected clear waters are a freshwater fly fishing paradise, offering a multitude of different species all willing to take a well-presented fly.
The main species the Xingu Lodge and river is famed for is the hard fighting Payara, which is without doubt one of the ultimate jungle predators. Also known as ‘vampire fish’, they are known for their remarkable orthodonture and highly aggressive behaviour and are known to reach more than 20lb in weight. For years they have been one of the most challenging fish for fly anglers to target, as there are very few safe regions where they can get found in concentrated numbers. However, with the recent development of the Xingu Lodge, the playing field has changed, offering intrepid anglers the best opportunity in the world to target these savage fish.
A unique species of Peacock Bass endemic to the Xingu basin, and one which, over a week, will often make up around 60% of anglers catch. These fly-friendly bruisers love fast water environments and often inhabit soft shallows and eddies on the fringes of the currents. They average around 3lb to 6lb in weight but grow to over 12lb; they love exploding on poppers and can provide some genuinely incredible sport on balanced fly fishing tackle.
These curious, flat-bodied, algae-eating Pacu add immeasurably to the Xingu angling experience due partly to the environments they inhabit. They can hold in swift water, even in whitewater, and the Iriri has plenty of prime habitats which suits these species perfectly. They are best fished for on foot and can often be spotted flashing as they tip sideways to feed. Despite only growing to a maximum size of around 4lb to 5lb, they fight like a fish of double that size, with solid runs and wild jumps.
If you can imagine a wicked toothy Ling Cod and an air-breathing coelacanth, then you can imagine what the Brazilians call ‘Trairao’, or Wolf Fish. Preferring pools off the primary current, these fish are among the most bizarre, passive-aggressive, primitive fish travelling rods can pursue. Laying in wait for large prey items, they can often be hard to spook and at times hard to wake up, but if you do persuade one into taking your fly, be prepared as with their Tarpon-like jumps and brutal teeth, they’ll test your tackle to the limit.
Best described as freshwater Barracuda, Bicuda’s are fierce and incredibly fast and a predatory fish that may well be the wildest fighters of all the Xingu species. The largest specimens can grow to nearly three feet in length and are super hard to hook and land.
Unlike some other lodges in Brazil, guests staying at Xingu Lodge aren’t limited to fly fishing techniques. There are numerous bait and lure fishing opportunities for Red Tail Catfish, Jaú and the monster Piraiba and the Xingu is well known to be home to the Amazon jungle’s largest catfish.
The fishing in South America on the Xingu River usually runs from late May through to late November and coincides with the dry season. This time of year gets characterized by a lack of rain, low water levels and clear water that allows for excellent fishing throughout the entire river system, including its numerous tributaries. The fishery at Xingu is best when the water is at its very lowest, especially for the Payara, as they become easier to find. When the rivers are at their highest, the fish spread into the flooded forest and are hard to track down.
The fishing on the river is based on two anglers sharing, with the assistance of one experienced, professional English speaking guide and the ancient knowledge of the Kayapos native guides. These two combine in perfect harmony to bring a superior fishing experience to the Xingu.
All the fishing gets performed from specially designed aluminium skiffs, ideal for comfortably fishing all day alongside your boat buddy. Depending on what you want to target, the guides will put you in the best area’s to fulfil any amazon angling ambitions you have. With over 250 kilometres of the river flowing through 22 million acres of virgin primary forest, there’s always plenty of choices.
A typical day at the Xingu Lodge starts around 5.30 am a with coffee before breakfast is served around 7.00 am. Usually, anglers leave the accommodation around 8.00 am and head to the fishing grounds. Anglers fish all morning until around midday, when the fishing stops for a picnic-style lunch on the river. The afternoon fishing session carries on until around 5.30 pm, when the guide will motor you back to the lodge to get cleaned up, enjoy some cocktails and appetizers and before dinners, get served around 7.30 pm.
To find out more about freshwater fishing in Brazil at Xingu Lodge, visit our YouTube channel.
The Xingu Lodge in Brazil is located on the bank of the Xingu river looking out over a gorgeous rapid and pool, only a few minutes away from some of the best fishing spots.
The new 2020 Xingu Lodge accommodation features five rooms, with two double-occupancy wood cabins, with spring box beds, each offers a bathroom, hot water and electric light. Electric generators will provide full-electric power every night, and each tent has 110-volt plugs, so remember to bring your 110V to 220V converter if needed. Despite its remoteness, the Lodge can still offer Wifi Satellite service and sat phone calls are also available at additional cost.
Laundry service at the camp gets provided at no additional cost; leave your clothes in a designated container, and they will get returned washed and clean, usually within a day.
A bonus of the unique Xingu Lodge is that you will be in the presence of biologists more often than not. The Xingu wilderness is rich in all wildlife, including many mammal and bird species listed as threatened or endangered but abundant in Kayapo territory. For example, from camp, you can expect to see troops of the endangered and entertaining white-whiskered spider monkey as well as many of the world’s largest parrot/macaw species, the famous brilliant blue hyacinth macaw.
Xingu Lodge is famed for its exquisite food and appetizers, all of which are prepared on-site by their dedicated chefs and staff, whilst filtered water, soft drinks and juices will complete the beverage list on camp.
Despite being such a remote camp, the highly trained resident chefs can still cater to all dietary requirements. So a few weeks before travelling, let us know, and we’ll ensure the Lodge prepares for your visit.
All of the guides at Xingu are highly experienced in jungle angling and are expert fly fishing guides; they’re all fully licensed and speak English. The local Indian guides are also very knowledgeable about their area, and they know where fish are. This guide couple is the key to a successful fishing week, and after guiding and fishing in the jungle for many years, they have complete knowledge of the people, flora, fauna, history and most of all, the fishing.
With the Lodge and fishing all based in the middle of a highly remote tropical jungle area, all anglers must be physically and mentally prepared. Anglers must have an exploratory mind and soul, but most of all, respect for the Kayapó warriors land.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Sao Paulo Depart Sao Paulo
Arrive Manaus
Once you have arrived and collected your luggage, you will need to transfer/taxi the short 10-minute drive to your overnight accommodation.
After check-in, you can relax around the hotel, enjoy the infinity-edge pool, or stroll around the local shops.
Overnight accommodation: Opera Juma Hotel (Twin Room)
After breakfast at the hotel, the transfer driver will pick you up around from 5:30 to 6:30 am, (depending on the weekly charter flight schedule, which will be confirmed on your arrival day in Manaus), and head to a local airport to board the private nine-person Cessna Grand Caravan plane to Pukararãnkre.
Depart Manaus
The charter flight duration is approximately 3.5 hours (and be forewarned, it is a small plane with no onboard bathroom).
Arrive Pukararãnkre Indian Community landing strip
On arrival at the Lodge there is a ‘Meet and Greet’ providing anglers time to discover the Kayapo culture, social organization and more. The Indian Chiefs will also be presented as well as a brief orientation of the fishing week.
Anglers will then be served a lunch of sandwiches for the boat trip down to the Lodge. The journey is fantastic and provides great scenery and stunning wildlife, with an abundance of birds, animals (with luck some a Jaguar) and obviously lots of fish in the clear waters.
On arrival at the Lodge, anglers will have the chance to relax and sort their tackle for the following day. That evening the fishing team will brief anglers on the daily fishing plans.
Overnight accommodation: Xingu Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
Each day individual teams (2 anglers) will head out for the day, fishing the Xingu River, its channels and tributaries. Every two anglers will share a fluent English speaking fly fishing guide along with two local native guides in an aluminium boat. Both anglers are able to constantly fish all day long.
Overnight accommodation: Xingu Lodge (Twin Room) F/B
In the morning, guests will be transferred upstream by boat to the Pukararãnkre Indian Community landing strip to fly back to Manaus.
Depart Pukararãnkre Indian Community landing strip
On the return flight, the plane will stop at Itaituba Airstrip for a refuel before heading back to Manaus. You will arrive in Manaus mid/late afternoon, (assuming no flight delays).
Arrive Manaus
Once you have arrived and collected your luggage, you will need to transfer/taxi the short 10-minute drive to your overnight accommodation.
After check-in, you can relax around the hotel, enjoy the infinity-edge pool, or stroll around the local shops.
Overnight accommodation: Opera Juma Hotel (Twin Room)
The transfer driver will pick you up, according to your flight departure time, and deliver you to the International Airport.
Depart Manaus
Arrive Sao Paulo Depart Sao Paulo
Arrive Home
The season runs from May to November.
Season: May to November
Peak: June to September
Weight: 4lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 7lb to 9lb
Season: May to November
Peak: June to September
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: May to November
Peak: June to September
Weight: 5lb to 25lb
Average Weight: 10lb
Season: May to November
Peak: June to September
Weight: 1lb to 5lb
Average Weight: 2.5lb
Season: May to November
Peak: June to September
Weight: 1lb to 10lb
Average Weight: 4lb
N/A
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16/05/2024 | 25/09/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 23/05/2024 | 03/06/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 30/05/2024 | 10/06/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 06/06/2024 | 17/06/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 13/06/2024 | 24/06/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 20/06/2024 | 01/07/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 27/06/2024 | 08/07/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 04/07/2024 | 15/07/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 11/07/2024 | 22/07/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 18/07/2024 | 29/07/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 25/07/2024 | 05/08/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 05/09/2024 | 16/09/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 01/08/2024 | 12/08/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 08/08/2024 | 19/08/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 15/08/2024 | 26/08/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 22/08/2024 | 02/09/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 29/08/2024 | 09/09/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 05/09/2024 | 16/09/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 12/09/2024 | 23/09/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 19/09/2024 | 30/09/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 26/09/2024 | 07/10/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 03/10/2024 | 14/10/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 10/10/2024 | 21/10/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 17/10/2024 | 28/10/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 24/10/2024 | 04/11/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Sold Out |
| 31/10/2024 | 11/11/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 07/11/2024 | 18/11/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 14/11/2024 | 25/11/2024 | 12 | £7,859 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2025 | 12/05/2025 | 12 | £8,041 | Enquire Now |
| 08/05/2025 | 19/05/2025 | 12 | £8,041 | Enquire Now |
| 15/05/2025 | 26/05/2025 | 12 | £8,041 | Enquire Now |
| 22/05/2025 | 02/06/2025 | 12 | £8,041 | Enquire Now |
| 29/05/2025 | 09/06/2025 | 12 | £8,041 | Enquire Now |
| 05/06/2025 | 16/06/2025 | 12 | £8,041 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.
I'd fished a few times in neighbouring Bolivia for the Golden Dorado, but fancied something even more tropical and remote to really test me and my angling ability. I wasn't disappointed, I don't think there can be too many more remote fishing spots in the world! The Amazon River, well its tributary, the Xingu River was very kind to me - I was lucky enough to land the biggest Payara of the week, at a few ounces over 10lb. Would I return? Absolutely!
On the very first day when we motored to the accommodation, I thought we were in for a treat and I wasn't disappointed. I'm not sure what I enjoyed more, the fishing or the wildlife and scenery - both were first class. Everywhere your eyes looked you were distracted by something happening, whether that was fish striking, monkeys in the tree's or birds in the sky, it was incredible. Thank you!
I just returned from the most incredible week in Brazil fishing on the Xingu River. I landed numerous Payara (They're crazy looking, if you've never seen one, you need to check them out!), Peacock Bass, Pacu and even something called a Bicuda, which I was completely unfamiliar with. If you fancy something completely wild, remote and off the grid, then this tour is well worth a look. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who made my trip possible.
Welcome to the jungle! The Xingu River or Sing Goo as I learnt it's pronounced absolutely blew my mind - the fishing, guides, accommodation (for the anglers) and food was absolutely superb. The Payara are some fish!
The Xingu Lodge and the fishing on offer absolutely exceeded my expectations. Payara, Peacock Bass, Pacu, Wolf Fish, we had the lot! I think we were a little lucky to catch the huge amount of fish we did, the guides said the river conditions were absolutely perfect, but if we'd have caught a quarter of what we did I'd have still been happy.
What a trip... I'd read and done as much research as I could before I left, but nothing could prepare me for how wild and remote the destination was. The travelling time to get there was very long, but that was always to be expected and it was worth it. The fishing was good and we caught fish every day, but I think we were a little unlucky with river conditions. The guides were very welcoming and really knew there stuff.
I'd just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who made my trip possible. From the moment I left my front door to the moment I returned everything ran so smoothly. The fishing was explosive and I think I landed 5 or 6 different species over my weeks fishing. On to the next adventure now, wherever that might be!
The Xingu River and Xingu River Lodge provided me with the most memorable week of fishing I've ever experienced. I've been lucky enough to travel to a few destinations around the world fishing, but this trumped them all.
Hosted by our CEO Peter Collingsworth, this exclusive trip to the depths of the Brazilian Jungle at Rio Marie Lodge offers travelling anglers the chance to fly fish for some of the largest Peacock Bass found anywhere in the Amazon Basin and the world. This fishing operation is undoubtedly one where anglers can pursue and conquer the dream of a world record on the fly.
Kendjam Lodge in the Xingu basin, which the Iriri River is part of, is now the first official sport fishing operation in Brazil, located inside an Indigenous Territory. It offers the most intense jungle fishing experience found anywhere in South America and the World, giving freshwater fly anglers the chance to enjoy some truly wild, explosive mixed fishing.
The fishing at the Rio Marie Lodge is some of the best found anywhere in Brazil, and this isn't just a guess; it's a fact. The river holds at least double the quantity of trophy-sized Peacock Bass compared with any other destination in the Rio Negro basin and offers travelling rods the chance to sample some explosive sport.
Peacock Bass is the most incredible game fish in the Amazon basin; it is the fish that has received the most attention. Their remarkable explosive topwater strike combined with an astonishing ability to break heavy lines and straighten even stout saltwater hooks makes them one of the most sought after species in the world.
Join us on an amazing Amazon adventure where just 6 lucky guests each week will have the daily opportunity to catch Arapaima all exclusively on the fly. With 6.5 days of pure magic ahead of each group, this will be an adventure you will remember for a very long time. This holiday is fully hosted based around single anglers to join like-minded anglers.
