Presidente Figueiredo Day Trip: Caves, Lagoons & Iracema Waterfall

Summary

Amazon caves, red rivers and wild waterfalls near Manaus

You’ll walk rainforest trails with a local guide, explore Maroaga Cave’s cool shadows, swim or wade in a crystalline lagoon deep in the Amazon, taste home-style lunch with fresh fish, and feel the spray of Iracema Waterfall before heading back to your hotel—muddy shoes and all.

What’s the experience like?

Boots scraping over roots, I watched our guide — I think his name was Paulo — duck under a branch and wave us forward. We were somewhere outside Presidente Figueiredo, the air already thick even though it was barely 9am. He pointed out a tiny green frog clinging to a leaf (I almost missed it), then led us into Maroaga Cave. It smelled damp, earthy, like old stone after rain. The light changed inside — softer, kind of gold. Someone’s phone flashlight flickered off for a second and we all just stood there in the hush, listening to water drip. I didn’t expect to feel so small in there.

Lunch was at this busy spot where locals seemed to know everyone — lots of laughter and plates clattering. The fish tasted smoky, with that faint river tang you only get in the Amazon. Afterward we bumped along to this lagoon I’d seen in photos but never believed could be that clear; you could see every pebble underfoot. Paulo told us to jump in if we wanted (I hesitated — cold!) but ended up wading anyway. The water felt almost silky against my skin.

Later we stopped by the Red River — “Igarapé Vermelho,” Paulo called it — where the water really did look rust-colored against the green banks. Then Iracema Waterfall: louder than I thought it would be, mist catching sunlight everywhere. There were kids splashing at the edge and someone selling coconut water from a cooler tied to their bike. We poked around some smaller caves nearby too, shoes squelching from all the spray. Honestly, I still think about that view through the falling water sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit caves, lagoon, river, and waterfall

• Walk to Maroaga and Judea Caves
• Visit crystalline lagoon in rainforest
• See Red River (Igarapé Vermelho)
• Explore Iracema Waterfall and nearby caves

Top questions

How long is the Presidente Figueiredo day trip?

The tour lasts one full day including travel time from Manaus.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, round-trip transfers from hotels in downtown Manaus are included.

What attractions are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Maroaga Cave, Judea Grotto, a crystalline lagoon, Red River (Igarapé Vermelho), Iracema Waterfall and nearby caves.

Is lunch provided on this Presidente Figueiredo tour?

Yes, a self-service lunch is included during the tour.

Do I need special footwear for cave visits?

You’ll need closed-toe shoes for walking inside Maroaga Cave and other trails.

Are service animals allowed on this day trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The itinerary is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from downtown Manaus, entry fees for all attractions around Presidente Figueiredo like Maroaga Cave and Iracema Waterfall, mineral water in the vehicle to keep you cool between stops, help with photos if you want them (Paulo was great at getting everyone in frame), plus a self-service Amazonian lunch before heading back as evening comes on.