The Amazon is a symbol of biodiversity and vastness. It holds the largest river basin, the largest tropical rainforest, and the most preserved and diverse ecosystem on the planet. It covers nearly half of Brazil’s territory and is also home to the country’s highest peak.
But whether you’re into rustic adventures or high-end eco-lodges, there are countless ways to explore the Amazon and visiting it at least once in a lifetime is something everyone should experience.
To help you plan your Brazil Amazon trip, we’ve put together this ultimate guide. You’ll find out when to go, how much it costs, how long to stay, and the best itineraries for exploring the rainforest. Ready to dive into the wild? Let’s go!
Important information about traveling to the brazilian Amazon
Did you know the Amazon Rainforest is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature? That gives you an idea of just how breathtaking and important this ecosystem is. So let’s start with some essential information — beginning with its location.
As you can see, the Amazon Rainforest covers a vast area of Brazilian territory, extending beyond the state of Amazonas to include Acre, Rondônia, Roraima, Pará, Maranhão, Amapá, Tocantins, and Mato Grosso.
In addition to Brazil, the forest also stretches into eight other South American countries: Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana.
So, the first step in planning your Amazon trip is deciding where you want to explore it from.
Each state and country offers its own version of the Amazon experience, with unique landscapes and activities. In this article, we’ll focus on trips and tours departing from the state of Amazonas, which are the most popular options in Brazil.
Best time to travel to the brazilian Amazon
The Amazon region is hot year-round. Temperatures rarely drop below 22°C (72°F), even in winter, and high humidity is one of the area’s defining characteristics. Rain is present in all months, but the region does have a drier season and a rainier one.
During the rainy season, from December to May, boat trips can go deeper into the flooded forest areas (called igapós), and travel by river becomes easier. This is also when you can canoe through the treetops, as the water level rises to the forest canopy.
On the other hand, the dry season, from July to November, is the best time to enjoy river beaches, which disappear when water levels are high. This is also when you’ll experience peak heat, especially in September, which can be intense if you’re not used to tropical temperatures.
Every month offers a different face of the Amazon, changing landscapes, unique wildlife sightings, and diverse experiences. Keep this in mind while planning, but no matter when you go, visiting this one-of-a-kind destination is always worth it.
How many days do you need to explore the Amazon?
The number of days you’ll need to explore the Amazon depends a lot on the kind of activities you want to do and how much time you have. Given its size, you can probably guess that it’s impossible to see the entire rainforest in one trip, but some Amazon jungle tours are quite popular, and 5 days is a good minimum to experience the highlights.
We recommend spending a couple of days in Manaus (or Belém, depending on your entry point), and then devoting the rest of your trip to exploring the rainforest itself. That way, you’ll get the best of both worlds: city and jungle!
How much does a trip to the Amazon cost?
The total cost of your Amazon Rainforest trip will vary depending on your choice of activities and accommodations. For example, luxury all-inclusive cruises are much more expensive than standard group tours. If you choose to stay at a jungle lodge, your meals and guided excursions are often included in the package. If you focus your trip around a city like Manaus or Belém, the cost will be similar to that of other major Brazilian cities.
To save money:
- Book your flights in advance, since air travel will likely be your main form of transportation to and from the region.
- Select your tours ahead of time and book through a reputable agency — this can make or break your trip.
- Group tours are often far more affordable than private ones. For example, a private visit to an Indigenous tribe or riverside community might cost up to R$ 1000 (approx. USD 200), due to the need for a private speedboat. But shared boat tours often charge around R$ 35 (USD 7) per segment.
You can book your Amazon tours with Civitatis and save while enjoying the region’s best experiences safely!
You can also choose between luxury cruises or more traditional riverboat options, depending on your budget and preferences.
Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of travel insurance. With so many new foods to try and unfamiliar terrain to explore, it’s a must-have to handle any unexpected situations during your adventure.
What is there to do in the Brazilian Amazon?
That’s a tough question! There are endless possibilities when it comes to things to do in the Amazon. To sum it up, here are some of the main activities offered by jungle lodges, tour operators, and river cruises:
- Activities include: nighttime caiman spotting, jungle hikes, visits to Indigenous communities, piranha fishing, waterfalls, witnessing the Meeting of the Waters, and dolphin watching (especially the pink Amazon river dolphin!).
- Gastronomic tourism is also strong in the region, with Northern Brazilian fruits being attractions in their own right. You’ll want to try tucumã, soursop, cupuaçu, guaraná, açaí, araçá-boi, camu-camu, and many more.
- And don’t forget the variety of freshwater fish, which are local delicacies. If you’re open to turning your trip into a culinary experience, your Amazon jungle vacation will be absolutely unforgettable.
Top Amazon itineraries starting from Manaus
As mentioned, we’re focusing on the main Amazon rainforest trips within Brazil, especially in the state of Amazonas. But remember — there are amazing alternatives in other Brazilian states and in neighboring countries that share the Amazon territory.
Manaus and surrounding region
The capital of Amazonas, Manaus, is the gateway for most travelers visiting the Amazon. And the city itself has a lot to offer! From unique Amazonian cuisine to fascinating architecture, Manaus is also the starting point for many great day trips.
Don’t miss the famous Amazon Theatre (Teatro Amazonas) — one of the most iconic opera houses in Brazil. Also visit the Amazon Museum (MUSA), located in the north of Manaus, near the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve.
Most Amazon river tours and cruises depart from Manaus. These are great for relaxing while enjoying the stunning rainforest scenery. Many trips also include guided hikes, speedboat excursions, and visits to native communities along the way.
Visiting riverside and Indigenous communities is one of the most meaningful experiences you can have in the Amazon. Their way of life is very different from most of the Brazilian population, and their deep connection with the forest offers lessons you won’t learn anywhere else.
Tourism and handicrafts are key sources of income for these communities. If you plan to visit them, make sure to go with a reputable agency that supports fair compensation and ethical tourism.
Another must-see attraction near Manaus is the Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Rio Negro meets the muddy Solimões River. The waters flow side by side without mixing for several kilometers, creating a stunning natural contrast.
And yes — there are waterfalls in the Amazon! One of the best places to experience them is Presidente Figueiredo, a municipality in the metropolitan area of Manaus. It’s well worth staying overnight or doing a day trip.
This region is home to 159 waterfalls, 7 rapids, 9 caves, and numerous natural pools. Adventure lovers can also enjoy rappelling, rafting, ziplining, tubing, kayaking, tree climbing, and jungle trails.
Nighttime wildlife-spotting tours are another exciting option. Guides take you on boat rides through the flooded forest, or igapós, in the dark to look for wildlife. This is one of the few ways to see nocturnal species, like birds, mammals, insects — and of course, caimans, the stars of the show.
One of the most important destinations for ecotourism in Amazonas is Anavilhanas National Park, a river archipelago made up of more than 400 small islands, located about 100 km from Manaus. The entrance fee is R$ 15, and many tour agencies offer guided day trips from the city.
If you’re visiting Amazonas in June, don’t miss the Parintins Folklore Festival, held in the town of Parintins, about 369 km from Manaus. Since 1965, this cultural celebration has been a highlight of the Amazon calendar and is even listed as part of Brazil’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The festival features colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and vibrant performances filled with local folklore. If you’re interested, check the official Parintins Festival website to get your tickets in advance!
Jungle lodges
Yes, you can actually stay in the jungle! There are several jungle hotels, and even resorts, hidden deep within the Amazon rainforest. Some are located closer to Manaus, like the Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge, while others are more remote, such as Juma Amazon Lodge, Pousada Flutuante Uakari, and Malocas Jungle Lodge.
In fact, Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge is featured on our list of the best resorts in Brazil!
In addition to offering full immersion in nature throughout your stay, these jungle lodges often organize tours and excursions to the surrounding areas and many are included in the booking price.
Book your Amazon rainforest tour from Manaus with Civitatis!
Boat expeditions
A river expedition is another popular way to explore the Amazon, and it can be done in two main ways. First, there are luxury cruise options, such as the Iberostar Grand Amazon, an all-inclusive ship that sails along the Negro and Solimões Rivers. Then, there are the traditional boats used by locals for travel between towns.
Luxury cruises usually include a full schedule of activities and excursions, like sunrise observation, pink dolphin watching, hiking trails, piranha fishing, and more. On the other hand, public passenger boats can also serve as a unique and budget-friendly way to travel between destinations.
For example, you can travel from Manaus to Belém on a five-day boat journey with a stop in Santarém. It’s a different — and very local — way to explore the region.
Pico da Neblina (Fog Peak)
Located in the Imeri mountain range in the northern part of the state of Amazonas, Pico da Neblina is the highest point in Brazil, standing at 2,995 meters (9,826 ft).
It’s a dream destination for adventurers who are willing to hike deep into the jungle to reach the top of the country.
Nestled in the heart of the Amazon, this is often considered the most difficult trail in Brazil — but for those with experience and determination, the reward is unforgettable.
The stunning and diverse natural beauty, combined with the rare opportunity to interact respectfully with isolated tribes, especially the Yanomami, one of the world’s oldest Indigenous peoples, makes this one of Brazil’s most unique journeys.
To complete this 15-day expedition safely, you must go with licensed guides and specialized tour companies. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, both because of the physical challenges and due to the proximity to Venezuela.
The Pico da Neblina sits right on the Brazil–Venezuela border, and Venezuela requires travel insurance for all foreign visitors. So if an emergency occurs and cross-border assistance is needed, proof of insurance will be essential.
As we’ve mentioned, the Amazon extends across several Brazilian states and eight countries. This article covers just a fraction of the countless wonders this rainforest has to offer.
No matter what itinerary you choose, or what kind of Amazon jungle trip you plan, respect must be your top priority.
The local communities of the Amazon are incredibly diverse, with distinct traditions, myths, and values. It’s vital to understand and honor this cultural richness, avoid stereotypes, and ensure that all interactions are ethical and non-invasive.
The Amazon rainforest itself deserves that same level of respect. Every plant, animal, and ecosystem you encounter plays a vital role in the planet’s balance — and your visit should reflect that.
So pack your bags with curiosity and empathy, and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Amazon jungle.
