Animals

Mamirauá is one of the Amazon’s most important wildlife areas. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the reserve offers exceptional opportunities to see rare primates, river dolphins, caimans, sloths, birds and giant fish. 

Animals you may see: 

White uakari - A rare, endemic primate and one of Mamirauá’s most iconic species. 

Black-headed squirrel monkey - Macaco-de-cheiro-de-cabeça-preta - Endemic to the Mamirauá region. - 

Howler monkey - Guariba / bugio - Often heard before it is seen; its calls carry across the forest.

Spider monkey - Macaco-aranha - Present in the wider Mamirauá area. 

Pygmy marmoset - Mico-leão - One of the smaller primates found in the region.

Saki monkey - Parauacu - Another primate species recorded in Mamirauá. 

Sloth - Preguiça - Two- and three-toed sloths may be seen in the trees.

Pink river dolphin - Boto-vermelho - One of the Amazon’s most famous river mammals.

Grey river dolphin / tucuxi - Tucuxi - A smaller river dolphin found in Amazonian waters.

Amazonian manatee - Peixe-boi - A vulnerable aquatic mammal associated with the region. 

Black caiman - Jacaré-açu - Often observed on night boat trips.

Spectacled caiman - Jacaré-inga - Another caiman species found in the reserve.

Arapaima / pirarucu - Pirarucu - One of the world’s largest freshwater fish.

Piranha - Piranha - Common Amazonian fish; traditional fishing experiences may be available. 

Tambaqui - Tambaqui - An important Amazonian fish species.

Jaguar - Onça-pintada - Present in the region, although sightings are rare and never guaranteed.

Ocelot - Jaguatirica - A smaller wild cat recorded in the wider Mamirauá area.

Giant river otter - Ariranha - A possible but uncommon sighting in Amazonian waterways.

Hoatzin - Cigana - A distinctive bird often seen around flooded forest and riverbanks

Macaws and parrots - Araras e papagaios - Colourful birdlife is common in the region.

Toucans - Tucanos - Found in the forest and riverine habitats.

Herons and egrets - Garças - Common around rivers, lakes and flooded areas.

Harpy eagle  - Harpia - A spectacular but rare bird of prey recorded in Mamirauá. 

Wildlife sightings depend on the season, water levels, weather and animal behaviour. Our guides use their local knowledge to give you the best possible chance of seeing wildlife, but we never promise a specific sighting.