Barco Hotel Mawé

Barco Hotel Mawé cruises the middle Rio Negro and its tributaries around Barcelos, in the state of Amazonas, running week-long trips built around trophy tucunaré-açu (Cichla temensis, known internationally as speckled peacock bass) in one of the best-preserved stretches of the basin. The area is defined by countless islands, wide white-sand beaches and black-water lagoons, and local rules restrict tucunaré fishing to sport-fishing methods only, keeping the stock in good shape.

The season runs from September to March, when the Rio Negro and its tributaries enter their falling-water phase: levels drop, fish concentrate in deep pools and along exposed beaches, and anglers focus on big speckled peacock bass plus redtail catfish (pirarara) and goliath catfish (piraíba) in the deeper pools of the tributaries.

The boat sleeps up to 8 anglers across 4 twin cabins, each with a private bathroom, air conditioning and linens, and pairs every two anglers with a dedicated fishing skiff powered by a 30hp outboard and a bow-mount electric motor, plus a drinks cooler and life jackets for every day on the water. Guides are native to the Barcelos region, and Starlink internet keeps guests connected even deep in the river system.

The weekly package covers 6 fishing days (5 full days plus 2 half-days), all meals and snacks, non-alcoholic drinks and canned premium beer, transfers within Barcelos between airport, boat and hotel, and onboard laundry service. A beach barbecue is part of the itinerary, weather permitting. Trips always start and end on Saturdays, with an overnight stay in Barcelos before the flight back to Manaus.

Barcelos is a benchmark destination for oversized tucunaré-açu, and that calls for heavy tackle: fast-retrieve reels spooled with 50-60 lb line (PE 4-5) and rods rated above 25 lb are what it takes to handle the region's biggest specimens.