Expedition with Alex Mzungu and professional photographer to Alto Xingu for the Kuarup annual ceremony of ancestral remembrance
BRAZILIAN AMAZON
August 11 - 17, 2026
Brazil
Tour Pantanal
August 11 - 17, 2026
Brazil
Tour Pantanal
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Tour to Brazilian Amazon Expedition Alto Xingu Kuarup ceremony tour to Upper Xingu kalapalo Quarup festival
Deep in the Upper Xingu, beyond the reach of roads and modern time, the dead do not simply disappear. Once a year, the indigenous people of the region perform the Kuarup — a sacred ceremony that is neither a festival nor a show. It is a raw, profound rite where grief transforms into life, and the spirits of the ancestors return to walk among the living through dance, ritual combat, and the haunting sound of sacred flutes.
For three days, the jungle pulses with an energy that words can barely capture. Warriors painted with genipap and urucum gather around carved trunks representing the departed. This particular Kuarup takes place in Matipu village of Kalapalo people, drawing members from several neighboring tribes — iconic and one of the largest and most densely attended ceremonies held in Amazon. They sing, they wrestle, they mourn — and then, in a powerful symbolic act, they release the spirits back to the sky. This is not a performance for visitors. It is the beating heart of the Xingu people's existence, an unbroken dialogue between the living and the dead.
To witness Kuarup is to step into one of the most authentic ceremonies left on Earth. Time loses its meaning. The veil between worlds grows thin. And for a few unforgettable hours, you are no longer a traveler — you are part of an ancient story that has never stopped being told.
The expedition is led by Alex Mzungu, with participation of great local photographer.
SСHEDULE & COST:
Dates: August 11 – 17, 2026*
The program is connected to an expedition to Pantanal with Alex Mzungu from August 2 to 10, 2026.
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 10
Cost per person:
– 3 250 USD subject to 10 participants, or
– 3 350 USD subject to 9 participants, or
– 3 490 USD subject to 8 participants, or
– 3 650 USD subject to 7 participants, or
– 3 850 USD subject to 6 participants.
Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Goiânia roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- visa of Brazil (not required for Russian citizens),
- some lunches and dinners.
Estimated cost for the flight Moscow – Goiânia – Moscow is 1700 – 2000 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Estimated cost for the flight Istanbul – Goiânia – Istanbul is from 1300 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Single supplement: 50 USD (it is provided only for 1 night in the hotel).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: Tour to Xingu Brazilian Amazon
Day 1. August 11, 2026 (Tuesday). GOIÂNIA (CUIABA) — CANARANA
Any time on August 11 arrival in Goiânia city.
At 20:00 regular night bus from Goiania to Canarana (710 km, 12 hours driving).
It is also possible to arrange the private bus from Cuiaba to Canarana (830 km, 14 hours driving), or alternatively take a flight from Cuiaba to Barras do Garças (if the schedule is appropriate) and the bus from Barras do Garças to Canarana (330 km, about 5–6 hours driving).
Night in the bus.
Accommodation included: in the night bus
Meals included: no
Recommended flights:
— from Moscow: with Qatar Airways, departing from Moscow at 17:05 on August 10, after 1 hour 15 minutes stopover in Doha, departs from Doha at 23:45 on August 10, after 3 hours 55 minutes stopover in São Paulo, departs from São Paulo at 12:20 pm on August 11, arrives in Goiânia at 13:55 on August 11,
— from Istanbul: with Turkish Airlines and LATAM Chile, departs from Istanbul at 20:25 on August 10, after 3 hours 55 minutes stopover in São Paulo, departs from São Paulo at 7:25 am on August 11, arrives in Goiânia at 9:05 am on August 11,
— any other flight from any city, arriving in Gooânia no later than at 15:00 on August 11.
Day 2. August 12, 2026 (Wednesday). CANARANA — MATIPU
Arrival in Canarana by bus at 8:30 am.
Quick breakfast in the city. And about 10:30 we will be picked up from Canarana by 4WD HILUX cars. Transfer to Xingu area, to the village Aldeia Matipu, 5 to 6 hours driving.
Evening arrival in Matipu village. Settle down and accommodate in small traditional oca (maloka) in the hammocks or in your own tents.
Get known with the village in general.
Accommodation included: hammocks in traditional oca (maloka)
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Days 3 — 4. August 13 — 14, 2026 (Thursday — Friday). MATIPU. PREPARATION AND SPIRITUAL DAYS OF KUARUP CEREMONY
We do different tours in order to get into acquaintance with Matipu village and its people.
Within these two days we will get known closely the traditional culture of Kalapalo people of iconic Xingu region of Brazilian Amazonia.
We will be following the activities of the local people, participating in fishing, boating, painting the bodies and other unique experiences.
On Friday more people will start arriving.
While Thursday and Friday are already part of the Kuarup, these days are dedicated to preparation, spiritual rituals, and the arrival of guests, with fewer people present in the central village plaza.
We may witness ritual chanting (to evoke spirits), playing of sacred flutes (Aruá), and intense preparation including body painting and adornment.
We will be invited for 3 times a day meals, having choice of either traditional indigenous breakfast, lunch and dinner, or respective meals of western style.
Accommodation included: hammocks in traditional oca (maloka)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5. August 15, 2026 (Saturday). MATIPU. THE MAIN RITUAL DAY OF KUARUP CEREMONY
This is the main day of Kuarup — a sacred funeral ritual held in honor of important deceased people. It marks the end of mourning and the release of their souls.
It is held during the dry season (the date becomes clear only in March-April each year) in Xingu National Park by Upper Xingu ethnic groups, including: Kalapalo, Kamayurá, Yawalapiti, Kuikuro, Waurá, and Mehinako.
The ceremony was officially recognized as a manifestation of Brazilian national culture in 2025.
On Saturday, many other ethnic groups of Xingu arrive in the village, as they are always invited to participate in Kuarup ceremony: Kamayura, Yawalapiti, Waura, Kuikuro, Nafukua, Aweti, Meynako.
Today we witness traditional dances, crying rituals and kuarup trunk paintings — the ritual performed to decorate the Kuarup trunk of the tree, giving it anthropomorphic features.
In the morning, Warriors retrieve the decorated logs (representing the dead) from the forest and place them in the center of the village. Families mourn and reconnect with the "spirit" of the deceased.
In the evening guests arrive dramatically. Sacred fires are lit before each log. This is the most intense spiritual night; warriors stay awake to ward off evil spirits.
Saturday is also a preparation for big day on Sunday.
Accommodation included: hammocks in traditional oca (maloka)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6. August 16, 2026 (Sunday). HUKA-HUKA WRESTLING AND CLIMAX OF KUARUP CEREMONY IN MATIPU — CANARANA
Sunday is also the climax day of Kuarup annual ceremony, where we witness ritual wrestling called huka-huka.
Huka-huka wrestling competition begins at sunrise. Warriors from all tribes compete to touch the opponent's thigh or throw them.
Wrestlers start on their knees, wearing traditional red and black body paint to honor the jaguar. On Saturday night, all wrestlers must stay awake. They believe sleeping would bring bad dreams and ruin their performance in the fight the next day.
Normally the Kuarup ceremony is over by noon, with logs being symbolically thrown into the river.
In the afternoon farewell with the village and people and by 4WD cars drive back to Canarana (5-6 hours driving).
Upon arrival check-in at the simple hotel Aquarius Hoteis in the city of Canarana.
Accommodation included: hotel Aquarius Hoteis
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 7. August 17, 2026 (Monday). CANARANA — GOIÂNIA
After breakfast in our hotel and good rest, we can explore the small city of Canarana, before taking the bus back to Goiania.
Departure time is 17:00 (710 km, 12 hours driving).
Upon arrival in Goiania next morning, international flight back home.
Accommodation included: no
Meals included: breakfast
Recommended flights:
— to Moscow: with Qatar Airways, departing from Goiânia at 19:45 on August 18, after 4 hours 30 minutes stopover in São Paulo, departs from São Paulo at 1:55 am on August 19, after 10 hours 35 minutes stopover in Doha, departs from Doha at 8:50 am on August 20, arrives in Moscow at 14:15 on August 20,
— to Istanbul: with Turkish Airlines and LATAM Chile, departing from Goiânia at 12:30 pm on August 18, after 2 hour 25 minutes stopover in São Paulo, departs from São Paulo at 16:35 on August 18, arrives in Istanbul at 11:15 am on August 19,
— any other flight to any other city, departing from Goiania no earlier than at 11:00 am on August 18
* The itinerary can be changed in the course of expedition by the decision of the team leader for the sake of the interests of the participants, due to weather conditions, flight conditions, flight schedules or due to safety reasons.
Activities schedule for days 2 – 6 may be changed or performed in different order depending on the activities of Kalapalo community and other peoples and their will.
** The participant of expedition to Alto Xingu must be motivated to be respectful to local culture, be aware of the objectives of the trip and possible program changes depending on weather conditions and any other reasons, be in a good shape and able to adapt to the new environment and culture.
The program is connected to an expedition to Pantanal with Alex Mzungu from August 2 to 10, 2026.
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 10
Cost per person:
– 3 250 USD subject to 10 participants, or
– 3 350 USD subject to 9 participants, or
– 3 490 USD subject to 8 participants, or
– 3 650 USD subject to 7 participants, or
– 3 850 USD subject to 6 participants.
Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Goiânia roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- visa of Brazil (not required for Russian citizens),
- some lunches and dinners.
Estimated cost for the flight Moscow – Goiânia – Moscow is 1700 – 2000 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Estimated cost for the flight Istanbul – Goiânia – Istanbul is from 1300 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Single supplement: 50 USD (it is provided only for 1 night in the hotel).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: Tour to Xingu Brazilian Amazon
Day 1. August 11, 2026 (Tuesday). GOIÂNIA (CUIABA) — CANARANA
Any time on August 11 arrival in Goiânia city.
At 20:00 regular night bus from Goiania to Canarana (710 km, 12 hours driving).
It is also possible to arrange the private bus from Cuiaba to Canarana (830 km, 14 hours driving), or alternatively take a flight from Cuiaba to Barras do Garças (if the schedule is appropriate) and the bus from Barras do Garças to Canarana (330 km, about 5–6 hours driving).
Night in the bus.
Accommodation included: in the night bus
Meals included: no
Recommended flights:
— from Moscow: with Qatar Airways, departing from Moscow at 17:05 on August 10, after 1 hour 15 minutes stopover in Doha, departs from Doha at 23:45 on August 10, after 3 hours 55 minutes stopover in São Paulo, departs from São Paulo at 12:20 pm on August 11, arrives in Goiânia at 13:55 on August 11,
— from Istanbul: with Turkish Airlines and LATAM Chile, departs from Istanbul at 20:25 on August 10, after 3 hours 55 minutes stopover in São Paulo, departs from São Paulo at 7:25 am on August 11, arrives in Goiânia at 9:05 am on August 11,
— any other flight from any city, arriving in Gooânia no later than at 15:00 on August 11.
Day 2. August 12, 2026 (Wednesday). CANARANA — MATIPU
Arrival in Canarana by bus at 8:30 am.
Quick breakfast in the city. And about 10:30 we will be picked up from Canarana by 4WD HILUX cars. Transfer to Xingu area, to the village Aldeia Matipu, 5 to 6 hours driving.
Evening arrival in Matipu village. Settle down and accommodate in small traditional oca (maloka) in the hammocks or in your own tents.
Get known with the village in general.
Accommodation included: hammocks in traditional oca (maloka)
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Days 3 — 4. August 13 — 14, 2026 (Thursday — Friday). MATIPU. PREPARATION AND SPIRITUAL DAYS OF KUARUP CEREMONY
We do different tours in order to get into acquaintance with Matipu village and its people.
Within these two days we will get known closely the traditional culture of Kalapalo people of iconic Xingu region of Brazilian Amazonia.
We will be following the activities of the local people, participating in fishing, boating, painting the bodies and other unique experiences.
On Friday more people will start arriving.
While Thursday and Friday are already part of the Kuarup, these days are dedicated to preparation, spiritual rituals, and the arrival of guests, with fewer people present in the central village plaza.
We may witness ritual chanting (to evoke spirits), playing of sacred flutes (Aruá), and intense preparation including body painting and adornment.
We will be invited for 3 times a day meals, having choice of either traditional indigenous breakfast, lunch and dinner, or respective meals of western style.
Accommodation included: hammocks in traditional oca (maloka)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5. August 15, 2026 (Saturday). MATIPU. THE MAIN RITUAL DAY OF KUARUP CEREMONY
This is the main day of Kuarup — a sacred funeral ritual held in honor of important deceased people. It marks the end of mourning and the release of their souls.
It is held during the dry season (the date becomes clear only in March-April each year) in Xingu National Park by Upper Xingu ethnic groups, including: Kalapalo, Kamayurá, Yawalapiti, Kuikuro, Waurá, and Mehinako.
The ceremony was officially recognized as a manifestation of Brazilian national culture in 2025.
On Saturday, many other ethnic groups of Xingu arrive in the village, as they are always invited to participate in Kuarup ceremony: Kamayura, Yawalapiti, Waura, Kuikuro, Nafukua, Aweti, Meynako.
Today we witness traditional dances, crying rituals and kuarup trunk paintings — the ritual performed to decorate the Kuarup trunk of the tree, giving it anthropomorphic features.
In the morning, Warriors retrieve the decorated logs (representing the dead) from the forest and place them in the center of the village. Families mourn and reconnect with the "spirit" of the deceased.
In the evening guests arrive dramatically. Sacred fires are lit before each log. This is the most intense spiritual night; warriors stay awake to ward off evil spirits.
Saturday is also a preparation for big day on Sunday.
Accommodation included: hammocks in traditional oca (maloka)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6. August 16, 2026 (Sunday). HUKA-HUKA WRESTLING AND CLIMAX OF KUARUP CEREMONY IN MATIPU — CANARANA
Sunday is also the climax day of Kuarup annual ceremony, where we witness ritual wrestling called huka-huka.
Huka-huka wrestling competition begins at sunrise. Warriors from all tribes compete to touch the opponent's thigh or throw them.
Wrestlers start on their knees, wearing traditional red and black body paint to honor the jaguar. On Saturday night, all wrestlers must stay awake. They believe sleeping would bring bad dreams and ruin their performance in the fight the next day.
Normally the Kuarup ceremony is over by noon, with logs being symbolically thrown into the river.
In the afternoon farewell with the village and people and by 4WD cars drive back to Canarana (5-6 hours driving).
Upon arrival check-in at the simple hotel Aquarius Hoteis in the city of Canarana.
Accommodation included: hotel Aquarius Hoteis
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 7. August 17, 2026 (Monday). CANARANA — GOIÂNIA
After breakfast in our hotel and good rest, we can explore the small city of Canarana, before taking the bus back to Goiania.
Departure time is 17:00 (710 km, 12 hours driving).
Upon arrival in Goiania next morning, international flight back home.
Accommodation included: no
Meals included: breakfast
Recommended flights:
— to Moscow: with Qatar Airways, departing from Goiânia at 19:45 on August 18, after 4 hours 30 minutes stopover in São Paulo, departs from São Paulo at 1:55 am on August 19, after 10 hours 35 minutes stopover in Doha, departs from Doha at 8:50 am on August 20, arrives in Moscow at 14:15 on August 20,
— to Istanbul: with Turkish Airlines and LATAM Chile, departing from Goiânia at 12:30 pm on August 18, after 2 hour 25 minutes stopover in São Paulo, departs from São Paulo at 16:35 on August 18, arrives in Istanbul at 11:15 am on August 19,
— any other flight to any other city, departing from Goiania no earlier than at 11:00 am on August 18
* The itinerary can be changed in the course of expedition by the decision of the team leader for the sake of the interests of the participants, due to weather conditions, flight conditions, flight schedules or due to safety reasons.
Activities schedule for days 2 – 6 may be changed or performed in different order depending on the activities of Kalapalo community and other peoples and their will.
** The participant of expedition to Alto Xingu must be motivated to be respectful to local culture, be aware of the objectives of the trip and possible program changes depending on weather conditions and any other reasons, be in a good shape and able to adapt to the new environment and culture.
Cost includes:
• TWIN accommodation (or DBL accommodation for the couples) in the hotel in Canarana
• accommodation in hammocks in the common indigenous house called oca/maloca (possible accommodation under your own mosquito nets or in tents) while staying in Matipu village,
• 3 times a day meals along the stay in Matipu village,
• breakfasts throughout the entire itinerary,
• drinking water along the entire itinerary,
• airport transfer
• transfers from Canarana to Matipu village in Alto Xingu and back by 4WD Toyota Hilux cars
• transfers from Goiânia to Canarana and back by public night bus
• all permits and entry fees needed as per the program, all visits,
• all activities and excursions as per the program
• all photography and videos during the program
• participation in Kuarup ceremony
• financial support of local communities
• local guides speaking Portuguese
• experienced local English-speaking guide and professional photographer throughout the trip
• Russian and English speaking team leader ethnographer and photographer Alex Mzungu throughout the trip
Cost excludes (to be paid additionally):
· international flight to Goiânia (Brazil) roundtrip
· international medical insurance
· visa of Brazil (not required for Russian citizens)
· some lunches and dinners in the cities
· tips
· alcoholic beverages and drinks not included in the full board,
· personal expenses
· single accommodation
To take with:
• sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and one set of warm clothes (hoody of light jacket),
• long sleeve clothes, long trousers,
• sun hat/cap
• swimwear
• raincoat
• comfortable footwear
• forehead torch
• big backpack or travel bag or suitcase for all stuff (80 liter or so),
• small backpack for personal stuff and photo-, video cameras
• various anti mosquito repellents (is a must),
• mosquito net for sleeping place (is a must),
• tent (is up to you if you prefer sleeping in the tent rather than in hammock)
• inflatable mat (is up to you if you prefer sleeping in the tent rather than in hammock)
• sleeping bag for warm weather (+15 C)
• sunblock set (cream, sunglasses, cap)
• personal hygiene items: towel, soap, wet tissues;
• personal medical kit (analgesics, sanitizers, antibiotics, rehydration, your personal medicine, including medicine for altitude sickness prevention)
• anti malaria prevention medication (up to you to decide but recommended against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax);
• yellow fever certificate recommended;
• photo and video camera,
• tripod,
• drone
• additional batteries for cameras and power bank,
• waterproof case for camera would be appropriate.
• accommodation in hammocks in the common indigenous house called oca/maloca (possible accommodation under your own mosquito nets or in tents) while staying in Matipu village,
• 3 times a day meals along the stay in Matipu village,
• breakfasts throughout the entire itinerary,
• drinking water along the entire itinerary,
• airport transfer
• transfers from Canarana to Matipu village in Alto Xingu and back by 4WD Toyota Hilux cars
• transfers from Goiânia to Canarana and back by public night bus
• all permits and entry fees needed as per the program, all visits,
• all activities and excursions as per the program
• all photography and videos during the program
• participation in Kuarup ceremony
• financial support of local communities
• local guides speaking Portuguese
• experienced local English-speaking guide and professional photographer throughout the trip
• Russian and English speaking team leader ethnographer and photographer Alex Mzungu throughout the trip
Cost excludes (to be paid additionally):
· international flight to Goiânia (Brazil) roundtrip
· international medical insurance
· visa of Brazil (not required for Russian citizens)
· some lunches and dinners in the cities
· tips
· alcoholic beverages and drinks not included in the full board,
· personal expenses
· single accommodation
To take with:
• sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and one set of warm clothes (hoody of light jacket),
• long sleeve clothes, long trousers,
• sun hat/cap
• swimwear
• raincoat
• comfortable footwear
• forehead torch
• big backpack or travel bag or suitcase for all stuff (80 liter or so),
• small backpack for personal stuff and photo-, video cameras
• various anti mosquito repellents (is a must),
• mosquito net for sleeping place (is a must),
• tent (is up to you if you prefer sleeping in the tent rather than in hammock)
• inflatable mat (is up to you if you prefer sleeping in the tent rather than in hammock)
• sleeping bag for warm weather (+15 C)
• sunblock set (cream, sunglasses, cap)
• personal hygiene items: towel, soap, wet tissues;
• personal medical kit (analgesics, sanitizers, antibiotics, rehydration, your personal medicine, including medicine for altitude sickness prevention)
• anti malaria prevention medication (up to you to decide but recommended against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax);
• yellow fever certificate recommended;
• photo and video camera,
• tripod,
• drone
• additional batteries for cameras and power bank,
• waterproof case for camera would be appropriate.
This expedition is led by
- ALEX KOLBOV aka MZUNGUFounder of MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS. An ideologist and a team leader of many expeditions, including the first Russian expedition in Niger for Cure Salée festival, the first commercial expedition to Yanomami tribe in Venezuela, the first Russian dog expedition to Cape Dezhnev.
Ethnographer, photographer, author of numerous publications in Discovery and Vokrug Sveta magazines, member of the Russian Geographical Society.
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you.
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