If you enjoy experiencing wildlife watching in exciting remote locations then you need to read this Q&A with Ahuvia Nevo about the Heliconia Nature Reserve.
Ahuvia has also written an article for this website titled Exploring The Mysteries Of The Amazon Heliconia Reserve In Brazil that you may want to read as well.
ATM: You’re very close to both Peru and Columbia, but you’re in Brazil. What’s the best way for someone coming from North America or Europe to get to where you are?
AN: The shortest and cheapest route from North America or Europe is to fly into the international airport in Bogota, Colombia. From there, catch a flight on either LAN or Copa, both of which fly daily between Bogota and Leticia, Amazonas. We transport people to the Heliconia natural reserve from Leticia.
The Amazon Heliconia nature reserve appears to be far off the beaten path. Describe the surroundings to us.
It is in the jungle floodplains, and it is densely wooded and surrounded by an abundance of small lakes.
During the high-water season the water rises to amongst the trees, but during the low-water season the ground is dry.
Being in such an untamed wilderness, tell us about the wildlife watching opportunities around the Heliconia Nature Reserve. What can a person expect to see when in the reserve?
The jungle is a wilderness, not a zoo, so it is difficult to predict what animals will appear. It varies a lot.
People often get to see the pink freshwater dolphins, caimans and alligators and a variety of monkeys and exotic birds. If they are lucky they might get to see capybaras, anacondas, wildcats, leopards, wild boars, and others.
Also, the flora is beautiful. You can appreciate a lot of flowers, especially varieties of bird of paradise, palms, and ferns. There are also a lot of orchids, water lilies and blossoms amongst the flowering trees. They attract several gorgeous butterflies, moths and hummingbirds.
What has been the most unexpected experience you’ve had where the wildlife is concerned?
Three experiences come to mind.
One time, we got to see an anaconda battling a caiman. Another time, we spotted a leopard hunting a capybara before the leopard fled from us. And one day, looking out over the river, we saw a family of wild boars crossing the river, their tusks rising out of the water.
I saw on your website that you have dolphin watching as an activity. Not in the ocean, but in the Javari River. Tell us about these river dolphins.
The pink freshwater river dolphin is native to the Amazon. It is one of the few species of freshwater dolphins in existence.
There are several differences between the pink dolphin and saltwater dolphins. They are not miniature; they grow to be quite large. But they flourish in the Amazon because the vertebrae in their neck are not fused, allowing them to twist and turn to maneuver amongst roots and water-grass.
When young they are grey and lighten to pink as they mature. You might see the young, grey dolphins surfacing, or the pink, mature dolphins, but they are the same species.
The Heliconia Nature Reserve has quite a few indigenous peoples in the area. Tell us about some of the interesting cultures people will be able to experience.
The Javary River is full of diverse nomadic tribes, but it is a protected Indian reserve, and it is prohibited to establish contact with them for touristic means.
However, near the Helicona Reserve there is an Indian settlement of the Yagua tribe. The settlement, like most other tribes in the area, dresses according to common, westernized custom, but lead a relaxed lifestyle.
They depend on fishing for the bulk of their diet and spending the majority of their time swinging in their hammocks and sharing stories amongst friends and family.
What kinds of local foods can visitors expect to find when they’re there?
The local diet consists of fish, beef, and chicken, which is always accompanied by rice, spaghetti and beans.
Also, there are toasted granules made from manioc root, known as Farinha (pronounced fa-DI-nyuh). It is considered essential in the local diet either as a supplement sprinkled over the food – especially in soup – or as a stir-fry with sausage, known as Farofa (fa-DO-fuh), a Brazilian specialty.
On occasion, we offer more exotic dishes as appetizers, depending on availability.
Give us a list of essential things a person should bring with them when coming to the Amazon, especially the area around the Heliconia Nature Reserve?
The things we most recommend that a person should bring with them are:
- Personal toiletry items
- Personal towel
- Shorts, bathing suit
- T-shirts
- Water Proof Flashlight
- Hat or cap
- Long sleeve shirts and long pants
- Rubber or leather boots appropriate for jungle trekking, (which are also available for purchase here)
- Binoculars for fauna, scenery and flora watching
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun-block
- Any necessary personal items
Is there anything you would recommend that people leave at home?
The thing that we would most like that they leave at home is a closed mind or a bad attitude.
Remember, you are coming to a different culture where the people act in a different way. One of the biggest differences is that the people here are very relaxed about schedules; they are rarely punctual.
You could say that all times are approximate, not exact. It is a big difference to adjust to when coming from North America or Europe.
When is it the best time to come to the Amazon as far as the weather is concerned?
That depends on what you would like to do.
In high-water season, from January to June, it is very scenic. You can canoe amongst the trees in the jungle. Several fruit trees are in season. Due to being the rainy season, it is a little cooler. However, some activities may be cancelled more often due to inclement weather.
In low-water season, from July to December, beaches appear. Animals approach closer to the riverbank. There is less water for fish to hide in, making them easier to catch. The gardens along the river’s edge bear fruit, offering more vegetables and cultivated fruits like pineapples.
What time of the year is the peak season for tourism in the Heliconia Reserve?
The peak times for tourism in the Amazon are during January, July, and Easter Week.
What are the most popular adventure activities in the Heliconia Nature Reserve?
There are a variety of activities to choose from, depending on your personal preferences.
- Pink dolphin watching
- Visits to native communities
- Canoeing over inundated forest
- Traditional and modern-day fishing
- Exotic bird watching
- Jungle trekking with native guides
- Journeys into the lakes around the natural reserve forests
- Night outings and caiman watching
- Swimming in natural pools
- Exploring the fauna and flora of the area
- Indigenous tattooing
- Canopying
Tell us a little about the Heliconia Nature Reserve.
It is a small, caring business. It was a passionate dream that began 9 years ago.
With much effort, I was able to purchase a piece of land and turn it into the Heliconia Nature Reserve that it is now. But that is a long story; I might tell you if you come to visit.
For more information about all the incredible adventure travel experiences you can enjoy in the Heliconia Nature Reserve please visit Ahuvia Nevo’s website at Heliconia Nature Reserve.