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Amazon Tours Brazil

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Amazon Tours Brazil - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Amazon Rainforest Tours in Brazil

The most expansive jungle region on the planet, the Amazon Rainforest is one those must-visits when touching down in this continent.

You can visit this rainforest in various countries, however Brazil’s portion remains the largest and most accessible (below we’ll focus solely on the Brazilian Amazon).

What's in this guide?

In this guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Amazon Jungle in Brazil.

This includes why you should visit, the best time to go, staying safe as well as how to book the very best tours here.

Is the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil worth visiting?

This rich, biodiverse region is full of incredible wildlife. It’s easy to spot Monkeys here, which come in various shapes and sizes (including the Capuchin and Howler species).

The rivers are also teeming with Caiman, Piranhas and even Pink River Dolphins who sometimes swim close to the boats.

The scenery here is also pretty outstanding, and is perfect for recharging your batteries (especially if you’ve been city-hopping for the last few weeks or months).

Here you can navigate winding rivers, hike through dense rainforest as well as see exotic plants that are native to the region. The air here is also super clean, and you’ll be able to properly relax here without the constant bustle.

Lastly, a trip to the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest will also give you a memorable cultural experience . Many jungle tribes still flourish in these hidden areas, and on certain tours you can meet them and learn their ways.

This also includes opportunities for taking ayahuasca, which is a mind-opening substance that has been growing in popularity the last few decades (although locals have been using it for several hundreds of years).

Is it safe to visit the Brazilian Amazon?

Safety questions are common when visiting any wild and untamed region, and are especially important to cover when visiting the jungle. See our Amazon safety guide for advice.

Yes it’s safe – but only when going with an organized tour who knows the area well . The Amazon Jungle is full of all kinds of dangerous animals that you probably wouldn’t want to meet when alone, and it’s also extremely easy to get lost in this massive environment too.

It’s also important to prepare properly for the jungle. This means bringing a solid water bottle to avoid getting dehydrated, as well as lots of sunscreen to avoid burning (especially on the river boats where you could spend hours at a time without shade).

Malaria and other vector-borne illnesses are a risk in the deeper-lying areas, so you’ll also want to carry a high-DEET mosquito spray along with you.

How do you get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?

As we already mentioned, the Amazon Jungle is a massive region, and can be accessed through dozens of entry points from in and around Brazil and in some cases via the border.

However Manaus remains the best way of getting to the Brazilian Amazon, with the city also lying in a deeper area which makes touring the jungle relatively simple and quick.

There are plenty of flights from major airports to Manaus, especially from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. If coming from elsewhere in the world, it’s best to connect in one of these two airports first.

Those who are already in Brazil (or who like off the beaten path travel) can find other ways of accessing the region. Belem in the north of Brazil is a good example, where you can take a multi-day boat along the Amazon River to reach Manaus which is further-inland.

Once in Manaus, you’ll find many tour operators who will handle all logistics for you getting to and from the jungle. Overall, adding the Amazon Jungle a 2 week Brazil itinerary is usually a relatively straightforward addition and easy to do if you’re planning to head north.

Best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

As already mentioned, this area is really massive and the weather can change quite suddenly in a short space of time . Having said this though, it is possible to plan in advance to have the best all-round weather.

The dry season (which runs from June until November) is the best time to visit, where rainfall will be at its lowest. Here you can expect between 2-4 inches of rainfall throughout each of these months. This time is the overall best to spot a variety of wildlife.

The wet season begins in December and lasts until May, and is a less popular time to visit. Here rainfall increases to between 6-10 inches each month, which usually falls in heavy and quick showers.

The benefit of visiting during this time is that there will be less crowds, as well as higher rivers which makes it easier for boat access to the more secluded areas . Temperatures will stay pretty similar throughout the year. Daily averages range from 80-83°F, with highs of up to 91°F and lows of down to 75°F.

It’s important to note that costs of tours will be similar regardless of when you visit the Brazilian Amazon. Read this guide on how expensive Brazil is for more information.

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Amazon Rainforest Tours Brazil

Here we will now explore the very best tours that you can take from Manaus to explore the Amazon Jungle in Brazil.

Manaus: 2, 3 or 4-Day Amazon Jungle Tour

Out of all the tours we’ve both done and reviewed, this is the most complete and best all-rounder. Here you can select between various lengths of trips into the jungle, where you’ll get to swim in the Río Negro as well as explore the dense jungle. On this flexible tour you’ll also see lots of exotic wildlife, such as Monkeys, Caiman and Pink River Dolphins.

Amazon Rainforest – Private Multi-Day Tour

Are you looking for the ultimate jungle experience? Then this private 7 day tour is a must for you. Here you will have a professional guide all to yourselves as you venture deeper into the jungle, where you’ll visit indigenous villages and also have a better chance of spotting the elusive Jaguar. You’ll have all accommodation, meals and transport provided too.

Half Day Tour – Jaguar Jungle Survival

Jungle survival tours are a much more immersive experience, and can be pretty educational too. Here you’ll be spending half a day learning various survival skills, which include how to find drinkable water, building your own fire as well as how to catch food. This half-day tour also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Full Day Tour – Jaguar Jungle Survival

This one is similar to the last tour, however here you will have the whole day to learn more survival skills and also have some pretty memorable experiences. On this full-day survival tour you will also have a tasty BBQ out in the middle of the jungle, as well as getting to learn about several medicinal plants that are perfect for curing various sickness and other bodily issues.

Amazon River Boat Adventure from Manaus

This is a must for those who want that classic Amazon River experience, where you’ll spend 3 days navigating down some of its largest tributaries. Here you’ll be likely to have multiple meetings with Pink River Dolphins, and also visit other islands and areas home to various tribes. This multi-day river tour also includes your meals, hotel pick-up and drop-off as well as all activities.

Best Amazon Rainforest Tours Brazil

And that’s all for this guide on the best Amazon Rainforest tours that you can do from Manaus in Brazil.

This incredible region is one of the most diverse on the planet, and here you can see many rare animals as well as head deeper into the jungle and meet indigenous tribes .

In this guide we’ve looked at the best tours you can do in the Brazilian Amazon, why it’s worth visiting, how to stay safe and much more.

Be sure to read this guide on the Brazilian Amazon , which covers more important information on this region, as well as my own experience when I visited this area.

👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.

“ Dear traveler! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Your support means a lot and helps us to carry on traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

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Jungle Tours in the Amazon Jungle

We do jungle tours to Maçarico which is located 90 kilometers from Manaus. You can choose between 2 to 5 days. You will sleep in a nice jungle lodge at night and go on adventures during the day. We will go animal spotting in the jungle, you will learn basic jungle survival skills, and gain some cool knowledge about the plants and animals of the Amazon river and rainforest. The jungle lodge tours always start and end in Manaus and all transportation is included in the price.

Jungle Lodge & Adventure Tour (5 days / 4 nights)

Jungle Lodge & Adventure Tour (4 days / 3 nights)

Jungle Lodge & Adventure Tour (3 days / 2 nights)

Jungle Lodge & Adventure Tour (2 days / 1 night)

Deep jungle tours from manaus.

We also offer extraordinary deep jungle tours to Maraã which is located 900 kilometers from Manaus. These tours always start and end in Manaus and all transportation is included in the price. You will get to experience some of the most pristine and untouched parts of the Amazon rainforest. We guarantee that this experience will stay with you for the rest of your life.

You can choose between two deep jungle tours. The adventure tour focuses on jungle trekking, survival skills and learning about the flora and fauna of the Amazon jungle. The indigenous community tour focuses primarily on the culture of the native inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest, but you will also get to experience some of the amazing animals of the jungle.

Indigenous Community Deep Jungle Tour (9 days)

Amazon Adventure Deep Jungle Tour (9 days)

Swimming with dolphins.

Exclusive private day tour packed with activities. You will see The Meeting of the Waters, visit Parque Ecologico January, meet an indigenous tribe and last but not least you will get to swim with the amazing pink dolphins of the Amazon.

Swimming With Dolphins (Private Day Tour)

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The Best Amazon Tours in Brazil

When traveling abroad, there are often two sides to every destination. On the one side, you can visit the typical spots of interest and see the more polished, high-traffic areas that cater to tourists. This is the most popular way to experience a destination, and it can certainly offer plenty of unique memories. However, the other side of traveling abroad is taking a more immersive approach. Instead of going where everyone else has been, you can choose to go where the locals go, live how they live and enjoy a richer slice of culture by diving deeply into a brand new experience.

This second option is at the heart of Amazon Deep Jungle Tours, and it’s what sets us apart from other Brazilian tour agencies that offer Amazon rainforest tours. Amazon Deep Jungle Tours is the result of one man’s deep passion for his Amazonian roots combined with a lot of hard work and dedication. Eduardo Tenhave is a native of the small, remote village of Maraã, which is located 920 kilometers from Manaus. His intense love for the Amazon and his family’s way of life, combined with his intrepid spirit and desire to connect with others, has led him to found this unique travel agency.

Amazon Deep Jungle Tours give people the chance to be fully immersed in the sights, sounds and lifestyle of Maraã, and allows you to safely enjoy the breathtaking beauty and wonder of the virgin Amazon jungle that surrounds Maraã. We want to create authentic and unforgettable adventures for visitors from around the world.

Our two destinations: Maraã and Maçarico

Our Amazon rainforest tours are unlike any that you can find anywhere else in Brazil. There are plenty of tour agencies to choose from, but there are none that can offer you a genuine and unique adventure like we can. Amazon Deep Jungle Tours takes great pride in offering a number of exciting tours that range from as little as two days to a full nine-day immersive experiences that will change your life. Regardless of which tour you choose, you will be treated to a trip that is packed full of amazing adventure, breathtaking beauty and wonderful people.

Maraã is the jewel of our Amazon tours, so we offer multiple ways for visitors to experience this unique local community and the surrounding area. Because it is so remote, all of our tours span multiple days so that you can enjoy the trip and absorb as much of the wild beauty of the Amazon as possible during your stay. Each of the 9-day Amazon jungle tours highlights a different aspect of Maraã and the indigenous way of life.

The Indigenous Community Tour

This tour spans nine days and allows visitors to become truly immersed in the culture of Maraã. The primary focus of this tour is to let you experience every aspect of the Maraã way of life, from fishing for your lunch to conversing with the locals about their daily lives.

One of the best parts of this tour is how connected to nature and each other you will begin to feel. The locals will be able to teach you a lot of new things about how their everyday lives go, and you will learn about a broad variety of techniques that the indigenous people use to not only survive but thrive within the depths of the Amazon rainforest.

This Amazon forest tour will also include plenty of opportunities for you to see and experience the jungle in all of its wild glory. The local guides are highly experienced in navigating through the jungle, and they will be able to point out all kinds of flora and fauna that are native to the area.

As a part of this tour, you will get to visit a few of the villages in the Maraã area and even spend a night in the rainforest living off the land just like the locals do. The tour guides are all residents of the area who have spent their entire lives in the Amazon, so you will be in excellent and capable hands the entire time.

The Adventure Tour

If you love adventure and exploration, or you want a truly immersive Amazon jungle tour, the rapids tour is an excellent trip to embark upon.

Instead of spending the bulk of your time becoming acquainted with the Maraã locals, you will spend the majority of the trip camping in the jungle near the Comapi rapids. You and your local guides will explore various fishing and hunting techniques to catch each meal, and you will learn about how to track and hunt animals.

During your treks through the jungle, you will get to learn about various medicinal and edible plants while also learning about the abundant wildlife that you will not see in other, more commercialized portions of the jungle.

Near the end of the tour, you will be able to get a glimpse of the indigenous culture and visit with the Maraã locals. You will get to see how the natives do things like cultivate crops, create food staples and make various other tools that they use to get through each day.

Maçarico is closer to Manaus than Maraã, but it still offers visitors plenty of opportunities for a unique jungle experience. Just 90 kilometers outside of Manaus, the jungle survival lodge in Maçarico is the perfect place to travel for a short, highly memorable adventure.

You can choose an excursion from 2-5 days in length, and your trip will be packed with the amazing sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest regardless of how long you choose to stay.

During your excursion to Maçarico, you will get to swim and canoe in the Amazon river, search for native wildlife, catch wild caiman, learn to fish for your meals and so much more. You will have the opportunity to camp beneath the stars, meet with native residents of the jungle and experience how the jungle comes alive during the day as well as at night.

What makes us unique?

The Amazon is a true wonder of the world. It spans nearly 40 percent of South America, and it encompasses 1.4 billion acres of tropical forest and over 6,500 kilometers of river. There are 40,000 species of plants, 3,000 kinds of freshwater fish and over 370 species of reptiles, and this staggering list barely scratches the surface.

The absolutely astounding amount of plant and animal life that is found in the Amazon basin means that you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not see everything there is to see. This is why we choose to base our tours out of Maraã.

We take you where nobody else does

There are plenty of well-trodden places that tourists can visit to say that they’ve seen the Amazon, but we choose to take our guests to more remote and untouched locations so that you can get a true glimpse of the forest without human interference.

Our agency is the only one based in Maraã, so our tours are truly unlike any others available to you.

We teach you true Amazon culture

We believe in letting you experience the “back to nature” lifestyle that the people of Maraã live. We will teach you how to thrive as the locals do. The villagers are quite literally our family, and they are thrilled to meet new people and share their culture with you. They have lived in harmony with nature for generations, and they love to teach others how to appreciate the bounty of the Amazon.

No other tour agency has the kind of rapport with the indigenous people that we have, so your experience with us will have a level of authenticity that cannot be found anywhere else.

We are locals

Our authenticity and commitment to supporting the local communities is what sets us apart from other Amazon tour groups. All of our guides are natives, and everything we do is with the intent of bringing as much prosperity as possible to the people whose communities we are visiting.

Because we are a part of the people we are taking you to visit, you will have the privilege of getting to see the true culture of the Amazon rather than a more sanitized and “tourist-centered” experience.

We offer a unique bridge between your way of life and the culture of the Maraã people so that you can expand your horizons and take a small piece of the Amazon home in your heart.

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An amazing but very full on adventure. From day one, right through to the end it was very eventful, busy, challenging but most of all extremely rewarding. We had no expectations we we began the tour but our expectations were exceeded. We were blessed with mostly great weather, amazing scenery, fabulous fellow travellers and fantastic and very supportive guides.

The trip was incredible all the way our guide was full of character and had so much information the scenery was unreal and I would recommend this to everyone

This trip was truly the trip of a lifetime. Jesus really submerges you into the Peruvian culture and the three days you’re there, you are nonstop with activities. Our guide was so knowledgeable and he made the trip. His family grew up in the rainforest so he was able to tell you the history about most things there (the families, the foods, the animals etc). We went during rainy season, and still had a wonderful time. If you’re looking for adventure, meeting wonderful people, and being in nature - this trip is for you!

Top operators

"Itinerary: Overall Good. You will do many varied things on this tour. But you will completely miss Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo. Two of the most important archeological sites in Peru. They will not bring you to those sights because there is an admission fee. They will instead bring you to free sites like Big White Jesus statue and the granaries of Ollantaytambo. Which is extremely lacking. They will also make you spend an entire day at their sponsored co-ops where they produce very overpriced goods. Complete waste of a day that you paid for. Tipping: There is a persistent request for tips. This makes one think that G adventures does not pay their workers a fair wage or asks them to expect less in hopes of making it up in tips. I don't mind in tipping hard working individuals like the porters on the Inca trail that go above and beyond, but when its always expected on small day trips, it gets tiring. Do not Pre-pay in advance for day tours Never pre-pay for a day tour too far in advance. Decide the day before. I pre-paid for the Rainbow mountain hike after the Inca trail. Big mistake. You may not feel like wanting to go on another long hike after the Inca trail. And there's no refunds. Looking back, I would have stayed in Cusco and relaxed for the day. Meals Some meals are included and some are not. The ones that are not are opportunities for the guide to introduce you to something new while getting a commission. You're free to go somewhere else but with peer pressure, you may find it hard when the entire group is going somewhere. Figure out where and what you want to eat and let the others get fleeced. Hotels They will be 1-2 stars. Bathrooms and beds are clean but the room itself seems poorly constructed. Would I go again? Yes, but I would pay attention to the things that make it a lesser experience. Figure out what's important to me and deviate from their agenda that makes it a lesser experience when possible.

G Adventures is an expert in:

• River Cruise

"We were met as arranged from the airport and driven to the office and then walked over to the boat launch. Everthing was ready and easy and just simply taken care of well. We loved our stay in the amazon and all the people involved especially Jesus our guide. Thank you so very much for an amazing experience.

PVTravels is an expert in:

"First time in the jungle and Nicky Amazon lodge made it one of the best experiences of my life.Evi our guide was a walking talking Google. How he managed to locate animals birds and insects amongst the jungle foliage I don't know.Even when he pointed them out I found it at first hard to see.He new every bird animal and insect by name .His knowledge of the various eco systems was amazing. The lodge was just as you would expect helpful polite nothing to much trouble.Food was excellent freshly prepared with plenty of local flavors .Our lodge was excellent hot shower room service every day. A great big tick for all the staff at Nicky lodge just amazing.

Ecuador Galapagos Travels is an expert in:

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Inspiring Authentic Rainforest Experiences

Immerse yourself in authentic travel experiences with Amazon Emotions. We offer a collection of bespoke itineraries for travelers seeking authentic and soul-enriching experiences in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Immerse yourself in nature, adventure, local culture, and behind-the-scenes experts, and let us create an unforgettable journey filled with dedication, love, and attention to small details. Contact us today to start planning your Amazon adventure.

START IN ONE OF OUR EXPERIENCES

Set out on our four to five-day custom itinerary to discover the Amazon’s diversity based from our authentic and relaxing homestead lodge

Immerse in our memorable and bespoke private glamping, an exclusive adventure brimming with beauty, style and utmost privacy

Embark on a guided jungle trek with indigenous guides, uncovering ancestral wisdom in the remote Amazon rainforest.

Refine your photography skills with Frits Meyst’s, a world-renowned Dutch National Geographic photographer

Exclusive deluxe adventure seamlessly merges riverboat exploration with glamping experiences in the heart of Amazon rainforest

Home to Brazil’s highest peaks, the Pico da Neblina is an extraordinary mountain located in the Amazon rainforest, 2994m above sea level

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Amazon glamping: inside our deluxe camp experience, beyond the branches blog, amazon emotions and uacari lodge: a synergistic conservation-based partnership, beyond opulence: redefining luxury in amazon rainforest tourism, disconnect to reconnect: the mental and emotional benefits of a remote vacation, proceed booking, already a member.

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Manaus Amazon Tours Brazil

Manaus, Amazon rainforest in Brazil, your gateway for incredible Amazon jungle tours. Various Amazon tours are available to experience the unique ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest. River cruises (boat tours), jungle survival tours, jungle expeditions, fishing, Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls, swim with dolphins, indigenous village  and City tours.

Amazon Boat Tours

Presidente figueiredo, kabanas native tour, special packages.

Dolphin Swimming & Trekking

Swim with pink dolphins in their natural habitat.

• Departure date:
• Wed - Sat - Hollydays
• 6 People minimum

From: $ 100.00

Super Dolphin Tour - Holidays

This tour is private for small groups.

• Tue - Thu - Sun - Hollydays

From: $ 85.00

Kabanas Survival Tour 7D/6N

7 days of adventure in a jungle lodge.

• Every 10th & 20th
• 2 People minimum

From: $ 750.00

Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls

Discover waterfalls, rapids and caves

• Mon - Thu - Sat - Hollydays
• 4 People minimum

From: $ 90.00

Amazon Jungle Tours

Discover the fantastic Amazon jungle and its charms doing on fantastic jungle tours exploring wonderful áreas of the brazilian rainforest. Several Amazon tours await you for a fantastic adventure exploring lakes, waterfalls, rivers and jungle.  Jungle Tours, Jungle Expeditions, jungle survival tours, jungle trips, trekking tours and camping tour. The Amazon Jungle has lots of secrets to reveal and mystery to decode. Just pack your bag and set your mind to go for an adventurous Amazon jungle tour from Manaus.  We provide our tourists with some specific packages as per their needs and requirements.

Kabanas Native Tour 5D/4N

Kabanas Camping Trip 3D/2N

Amazon Indian Tour 4D/ 3N

Amazon Day Camping 4D/3N

Amazon day tours.

Amazon day tours typically refer to guided excursions or activities that take place within the Amazon rainforest, in the city or its surrounding areas. When planning Amazon day tours, it’s essential to consider the specific region (or activity) you’ll be visiting or doing; River tour (boat tours) Presidente Figueiredo waterfalls, city tour, swim with dolphin and visit do indigenous village

WaterFalls Presidente Figueiredo

There are more than 150 waterfalls and caves in the municipality.

Amazon Dolphin Tour - Swim

Manaus City Tours

Discovering the wonderful history of the city of Manaus and the Amazon.

Our Amazon Jungle Lodges

We offer jungle lodges in different regions of the Amazon to give the guests opportunity to choose and book the tour according to their wishes. We offer Lodges on the south region of Manaus at Juma Reserve in the Amazon Basin and also lodge on the Northwest region in the Rio Negro area. All the lodges offer private accommodations with beds, private bathroom and A/C

Tucan Amazon Lodge

Located in the middle of the Amazon rainforest in the Negro River área, it offers a unique structure for eco-tourists. You have just found the best way to unforgettable Amazon experiences! We look forward to see you! We are happy and proud to receive you and to show amazing and importante things of the Amazon rainforest. In addition, there will

Kabanas Amazon Lodge

Amazon Kabanas Lodge is located in the Rio Juma reserve 100 km on the South region of Manaus in an area of primary forest. Leaving from Manaus on a 3 hours to reach the Lodge on a fantastic Route that offers chance to seeing different species of Birds and Other animals during  the journey. The Lodge offers an opportunity to experience

Amazon Lodge Sol do Amanhã

Welcome to Amazon Lodge Sol do AmanhãThe Lodge Sol do Amanhã (Sun of tomorrow) its a jungle lodge located in the Amazon rainforest, more specifically south of the city of Manaus in the Maçarico lake, at a distance of approximately 90km from the city. The Lodge was built maintaining the rustic characteristic peculiar to the Amazon region and at the

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How to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil: A complete guide

On my latest trip to Brazil, I had the opportunity to tick off a major bucket list item of mine – to visit the Amazon rainforest. It’s a destination that had fascinated me since I was a child, so it was a dream come true to finally see this mystical place with my own eyes.

Due to the immense size of the Amazon, planning a trip here can feel confusing and overwhelming. Therefore, I’ve put together this guide where I’m sharing my best travel tips on how to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

Covering an area of 6.7 million km2 (2.6 million sq mi), the Amazon spans 40% of South America and is by far the largest rainforest in the world. The Amazon basin is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and is believed to be home to 10% of all known species. 

Known as the Lungs of the Earth, the Amazon tops the wishlist of many travelers from around the globe and is an ideal destination for those looking to connect with nature.

Whether you want to explore the depths of Brazil’s jungles, lock eyes with wild animals, taste wonderful exotic fruits, relax on unspoiled beaches or cruise down the Amazon River – you will make memories that will last a lifetime! And this Amazon rainforest travel guide will show you exactly how to do that.

Without further ado, let’s dive into all the things you need to know for planning a trip to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

How to get to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil?

The best way to get to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil is to fly to Eduardo Gomes International Airport in the city of Manaus. Known as the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon, Manaus is the main tourist hub in the region and the capital of the Amazonas state.

You can take a direct flight from Sao Paulo to Amazon rainforest (Manaus), which takes about four hours. There are also direct flights to Manaus from other major cities in Brazil, such as Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, as well as from Miami, Panama City and Bogota.

Alternatively, you could also fly to Santarem, which is a smaller town about 600km (370 mi) east of Manaus.

We started our Amazon trip by flying to Manaus and finished it by flying out of Santarem. To get from Manaus to Santarem, we took a ferry down the Amazon River. I’m explaining more about why we did this further below.

How many days do you need?

I would say three days is the minimum amount of time that you should set aside for visiting the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. In three days, you can do a handful of excursions, which will give you a glimpse of what this enchanting region has to offer. However, you’d only be skimming the surface.

I highly recommend spending a week or even 10 days exploring the Amazon rainforest if you can. This way, you’ll have enough time to visit several different areas of the Amazon region and enjoy a wider variety of experiences – from exploring jungles and rivers to relaxing on beaches and visiting waterfalls.

It’s also a good idea to have a few extra days as a buffer in your Amazon rainforest itinerary in case the weather turns out to be bad and prevents you from doing some of the activities you had planned (happened to us on a few occasions). In total, we spent 9 days in the Amazon but I wish we had a few more days.

If you’re interested in seeing more of Brazil (which I hope you are since there are countless amazing places to explore!), check out my post on 3 Brazil itinerary options to find inspiration for planning out the rest of your trip.

Best time to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil

There are two distinct seasons in the Amazon – the dry season and the rainy season. They are also known as the low water season and the flood season. Don’t let the word ‘dry’ fool you though. Remember that it’s still a tropical rainforest so you should expect to see some rain every day regardless of when you visit. 

There’s no clear ‘best’ time to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil since there are pros and cons to both seasons. The rainy season typically runs from January to July and the dry season from August to December. The temperature remains hot throughout the year (around 27-30°C or 80-86°F).

The advantages of visiting during the dry season are less rain, fewer mosquitoes, better access to the river beaches and better trekking options since the jungle won’t be flooded. 

The main advantage of visiting during the rainy season is that you’ll have better opportunities for boat/canoe tours. Higher water levels make it possible to access smaller canals and get deeper into the flooded forests, which are locally known as igapó . 

Be aware though that once the rainy season has kicked in and the water levels have risen (February-July), you won’t be able to enjoy the white sand beaches along the river banks, as they will be fully flooded.

In some parts of the Amazon, the water level in the rivers rises by a whopping 12 meters (40 ft) by the peak of the rainy season. I find this absolutely mind-blowing!

We visited the Amazon from the end of December until the beginning of January, which is a transitional period from the dry to the rainy season. We experienced a lot of rain in the Manaus area but only a little rain in the Santarem-Alter do Chão area. This shows that the weather in the Amazon can be quite unpredictable.

How to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil?

One of the best ways to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil is to stay at a jungle lodge in the region around Manaus. The majority of the lodges are within a 2-3 hour drive or boat ride from Manaus and usually offer all-inclusive packages that include transfers from Manaus, all meals and several excursions on each day. 

During the excursions, you’ll be accompanied by local guides who take you on jungle walks and boat tours and share their knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Amazon. 

As an alternative to a lodge, you could take an Amazon cruise where you’d stay on a liveaboard riverboat and go on daily rainforest tours. You could also base yourself in Manaus and take day trips, which is probably the cheapest option.

Besides staying at an Amazon jungle lodge or taking a river cruise, I also recommend visiting Alter do Chão for a totally different experience. This small town has a laid-back bohemian atmosphere and is known as the Caribbean of the Amazon thanks to its fabulous white sand river beaches. Be sure to read my Alter do Chão travel guide for more tips on what to expect when visiting this cool little town.

To get to Alter do Chão from Manaus, you’d need to either fly or take a ferry down the Amazon river to Santarem. We chose the latter option. From Santarem, it’s just a 35km (22 mi) drive to Alter do Chão.

To give you an idea of how to plan your Amazon rainforest trip and how many days to allocate to each place, here’s an outline of our Amazon itinerary:

• Day 1-3: Flying to Manaus and staying at a jungle lodge
• Day 4-5: Taking a ferry from Manaus to Santarem
• Day 6-8: Exploring Alter do Chão
• Day 9: Flying out of Santarem

Amazon rainforest lodges in Brazil

There are numerous jungle lodges to choose from around Manaus, ranging from more affordable ones with very basic amenities to more stylish lodges with comfortable bungalows.

Here are my top picks for Amazon rainforest lodges for varying budgets:

BUDGET: Amazônia Exxperience One of the cheaper Amazon lodges. The rooms are rustic and very simple but apparently, the excursions and the food are wonderful!

MID-RANGE: Dolphin Lodge This is the lodge where we stayed for two nights and I think it’s one of the best mid-range options you can find. It’s a small rustic family-owned lodge in a tranquil location overlooking a river and surrounded by the rainforest. We stayed in a private bungalow perched on stilts high above the forest floor and took daily tours with our knowledgeable guides to explore the surrounding jungle, lakes and rivers. 

LUXURY: Juma Lodge If you’re looking for a little more comfort, Juma Lodge is the place for you. It is one of the most famous lodges in the area and has a swimming pool and spacious bungalows with hot water showers.

Which vaccines are needed for a trip to the Amazon?

You are not required to have any vaccinations to visit the Brazilian Amazon. However, vaccinations against hepatitis A, typhoid and yellow fever are recommended. 

Some people also choose to take pills against malaria, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Alternatively, you could do your best to protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers when in the jungle, using a mosquito repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Which animals can you expect to see?

The Amazon jungle is home to countless species of wild animals that inhabit its rivers, treetops and forest floor. It’s one of the most biodiverse places in the world after all! 

With that said, many of the animals are extremely well camouflaged or hiding deep in the jungle, far from the curious eyes of tourists. Therefore, you definitely shouldn’t expect to see jaguars, anacondas and tapirs around every corner.

The most commonly seen animals in the Amazon rainforest are monkeys (howler monkeys and squirrel monkeys), caimans, freshwater dolphins (pink and grey ones), sloths, frogs, tarantulas, piranhas, and birds such as herons, macaws and toucans. During our 9 days in the Amazon, we saw all of these animals, though some of them were either very far or revealed themselves only for a brief second.

Seeing this adorable sloth (pictured below) from such a close distance was definitely one of the highlights of my Amazon trip in Brazil:

In terms of wildlife spotting, I’d say I’ve had a better experience in Costa Rica , the Galapagos Islands and Bonito (in Brazil) than in the Amazon. But the number of animals you see and how close you see them often comes down to luck! Nevertheless, I think the Amazon is a fantastic place to explore and still offers great chances of seeing wildlife.

A problem with wildlife tourism in the Amazon

While exploring the Amazon region, it became clear to me that unfortunately unethical wildlife tourism is extremely widespread there. The vast majority of the Amazon rainforest tours on offer include direct interactions with wildlife, which is problematic. 

These are activities like petting and swimming with pink river dolphins, hugging sloths and monkeys, taking photos with a baby caiman in your hands, feeding wild animals and so forth. This article by National Graphic explains pretty well why such interactions are harmful to wildlife. Wild animals should stay wild and we shouldn’t treat them as our pets or photo props.

Sustainable and responsible ecotourism in the Amazon still has a long way to go. Therefore, I encourage you to choose your tour operators and lodges wisely. 

I was happy to see that the tours we did with Dolphin Lodge didn’t involve any direct contact with wild animals.

Best things to do in the Amazon rainforest

Thanks to its unique geography and fascinating flora and fauna, there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit and things to do in the Amazon rainforest. Here are some of the best ways to get to know this region and its wonders. 

Jungle walk: Go on a trek in the rainforest with expert naturalist guides who will show you and educate you about a variety of exotic plants and wildlife. This was one of my favorite activities in the Amazon.

Canoe or boat tour: Take a tour on the calm waters of small rivers and lakes, where you’re likely to spot caimans, river dolphins and numerous birds. There are also piranha fishing tours and nighttime boat tours for spotting nocturnal animals.

Giant Amazon water lilies: Locally known as Vitoria Regia, these aquatic plants are the icon of the Amazon and can be found in ponds and lakes. They’re famous for their enormous leaves, which can reach up to 3 meters in diameter and can apparently hold the weight of a child or a small adult!

The beaches of Alter do Chão: Relax on beautiful sandy beaches along the Tapajós River, in an area nicknamed the Caribbean of the Amazon. Unlike the brown and murky Amazon River, the Tapajós boasts clear blue waters perfect for swimming.

Ferry on the Amazon River: Hop on an authentic ‘no-frills’ ferry used by the locals and sail 740km (460 mi) down the Amazon River to reach Santarem. You won’t see much wildlife on this journey since it’s a transportation ferry but it’s a unique experience nevertheless. Watching the sunset on the Amazon River is something I’ll never forget.

Survival tour: On a survival tour in the jungle, you’ll learn about medicinal plants, fishing techniques, how to build camps, make fire etc. There are one-day tours (such as this one ) as well as multi-day tours where you’ll camp in the rainforest.

Waterfalls at Presidente Figueiredo: This area is known for its waterfalls, caves and natural pools surrounded by gorgeous lush jungle. You can visit it on a day tour from Manaus . I would have really loved to explore this area but unfortunately couldn’t fit it into my Amazon itinerary.

Meet a local community: Take a tour to an indigenous community to learn about their way of living, their customs and agricultural practices.

Meeting of the waters: A unique phenomenon where the black waters of Rio Negro and the light brown waters of the Solimões River meet and run side by side for several kilometers before mixing.

Map with the main points of interest

On the map below, I’ve marked the main points of interest that I mentioned in this Amazon rainforest travel guide as well as the lodges I recommended. Click on the icon in the top left corner of the map for more details.

Is it safe to visit the Brazilian Amazon?

Yes, the Brazilian Amazon is safe to visit. I can say that I felt totally safe throughout our entire Amazon trip. However, there are still some risks and dangers that you should be aware of.

Your biggest threat is mosquitoes that might carry malaria or yellow fever, which are both serious diseases. Always take precautions to protect your skin from mosquito bites.

Another common risk is getting an upset stomach due to the different kinds of bacteria in local food and water, which foreigners’ stomachs are not used to. To reduce your chances of getting sick, avoid drinking tap water during your Amazon trip in Brazil.

Also, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t wander into the depths of the jungle on your own when visiting the Amazon in Brazil. Always go with an official guide. Without one, it’s easy for tourists to get lost or wander into unsafe territories.

In terms of wildlife, there definitely are some dangerous animals in the Amazon but it’s unlikely that they’d attack you unless you provoke them or get too close. To avoid potentially dangerous encounters with animals, do your jungle hikes and river explorations with a guide.

What to wear in the Amazon rainforest?

Since it’s going to be hot and humid, shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops, a swimsuit and a hat to protect yourself from the sun are a must. It’s also going to rain so it’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket. 

Trousers and long sleeves are necessary when going on jungle walks in order to protect yourself from mosquitoes and sharp plants. Also, it’s apparently better to dress in light, neutral colors to avoid mosquitoes.

Remember to also bring sneakers or hiking boots. Alternatively, your lodge might provide you with rubber boots if you’re going to walk in particularly muddy areas. 

I wore long leggings, a linen shirt and sneakers during our hike in the jungle and I think it was a great choice – I wasn’t feeling too warm and I didn’t get any mosquito bites.

In terms of fabrics, aim for light and breathable ones because it’s almost impossible to dry your clothes in the humid rainforest.

Final thoughts on visiting the Amazon rainforest in Brazil

And there you have it! These were my recommendations on how to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. I hope this travel guide inspired you to explore this fantastic one-of-a-kind region and that you will find it useful for planning your own perfect trip!  

If you have any questions about traveling to the Amazon rainforest, drop them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them. 

For more photos and videos of my Amazon trip in Brazil, check out my Instagram account (look for the highlight called Amazonas).

Be sure to also check out my other Brazil travel guides for more tips on spectacular ecotourism destinations, gorgeous beaches and fun cities to visit:

• 10-day Brazil itinerary – 3 different options
• Visiting Alter do Chão, a hidden gem in the Amazon
• Visiting Iguazu Falls, one of the 7 Wonders of the World
• Best things to do in São Paulo
• Fun things to do in Rio de Janeiro
• Hiking in Brazil: Chapada Diamantina

Disclosure: I was invited to stay at Dolphin Lodge but as always, all opinions are my own.

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Hey! Can you tell me what the cruise was you booked from Manaus to Santarem? How was it and how was the price? Thanks! Michael

Hi! It wasn’t really a cruise what I took. It was a very basic old transportation ferry used by the locals. We just went to Manaus port the day before and bought our ferry tickets there from the ticket booth. The price for a cabin was around 470 BRL but if you’re willing to sleep in a hammock like most people do, it’s much cheaper.

Hi! I would like to visit Manaus and visit the Amazon rainforest. Can I take an uber to the Amazon? If yes, how long it takes? Can I spend just two hours there? Are there bathrooms there? Thanks.

Hi Javier. Manaus is already in the Amazon rainforest. I don’t think taking an Uber to a random place on your own is a good idea. I recommend taking a guided tour instead. This usually involves getting on a boat, sailing along the rivers and hiking in the jungle not driving around in an Uber.

Can you send me an email of your Brazil trip with hotel info etc. what you posted is something we as a family can probably do. Thanks in advance.

Hi Daniel. The info about where I stayed is in the blog post 🙂

Thanks for the post, very useful info. I’m curious to know, how do you get to these hotels on the river. From Manaus is there just a bunch of boat-taxi services which will take you where you need to go?

Do most people rely on their hotel to buy excursion packages from? From Manaus do people advertise their packages by the (presumably) boat launch? Going to Mexico I remember the moment you get into the city there are hundreds of people advertising their tours. Is it similar? If so would you expect them to pick you up from your hotel?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Dwayne. If you’re staying at a hotel in the jungle or on the river, transfers are usually included in your stay. Excursions are usually also included but in case they’re not, it would makes sense to do them with the hotel you’re staying at. There are lots of tour operators in Manaus but I’d only recommend buying tours from them if you’re staying in the city not in a hotel out in the jungle or on the river. These hotels are usually so remote that it wouldn’t make sense traveling back to Manaus each day and do the excursions from there.

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Why Cruise the Amazon?

Amazon River cruises take adventurous explorers on one of the world’s most rewarding wildlife expeditions. Journey deep into the heart of the largest rainforest on Earth on a boat trip down the Amazon, a mystical realm of boundless biodiversity where physical and spiritual worlds entwine, a primeval domain still ruled by the jaguar , home to giant snakes , towering trees and uncontacted tribes hiding in plain sight.

The best Amazon cruises explore the remote reaches of this fairytale forest. Witness the playful pink river dolphins in the headwaters of the Amazon in Peru ‘s Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve aboard some of the most luxurious Amazon cruises available, or see the kaleidoscopic colors of the clay licks in the Ecuadorian Oriente . Why not try boating the Amazon River’s lesser-traveled backwaters in Bolivia and explore three kinds of tropical forest, or maybe catch a rare glimpse of the Amazonian manatee in the Anavilhanas National Park of the Brazilian Amazon . What will you discover on your Amazon River tour?

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Our hand-picked portfolio of traditional Amazon River boats and small Amazon river cruise ships has been carefully chosen to include remarkable vessels operated by only the most trusted of partners, preeminent pioneers of the region who offer exceptional itineraries, unrivaled knowledge and utmost levels of service.

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For those seeking the ultimate exclusivity traveling as a group or with family, an Amazon riverboat charter provides a private escape to explore the Amazon Rainforest, with an entire crew to cater to your every need, and allows for activities to be more tailored to your party’s desires.

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Want to know more about cruising the Amazon River? Our destination specialists have compiled the definitive Amazon Rainforest travel guide to help you plan your cruise. Find out when and where to go, what to see and do, where to eat and sleep, and more below.

15 Astonishing Facts About The Amazon River

Where Is The Amazon River & Where Does Is Start And End?

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Exploration Of The Amazon Rainforest: A Brief History

Amazonian River Types: Blackwater, Whitewater & Clearwater

Amazon Rainforest Weather: Seasons & Best Time To Visit

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What Is One Thing I Shouldn’t Miss In The Amazon?

Of all the amazing sights in the Amazon, the Meeting of Waters in Brazil shouldn’t be missed. At the confluence between the black waters of the Rio Negro and the sandy whitewater of the Solimões River the two rivers’ waters run side by side without much mixing for over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles).

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To The Amazon?

The best time of year to visit the Amazon is during the shoulder season between the wet and dry seasons (varies by country). At this time of year river levels remain high, allowing Amazon river cruises to still navigate deep into the rainforest, and the fine weather draws out much of the wildlife.

If seeing the Amazon rainforest at its lushest and getting up close to lots of birds and mammals (and enjoying slightly cooler temperatures) sounds most attractive, then the wet season with its higher river levels might be your best choice.

If jungle hikes, fishing for piranha and other Amazon River fish species , or spotting exotic migratory birds appeals most to you, while still having the chance to see capuchin monkeys , kinkajou, and other mammals, you might be happier choosing the warmer, dry season when water levels are lower.

Our guests are awed by the Amazon at whatever time of year they visit. If you can’t decide, perhaps the best solution is to choose one season this year and the other in the future!

Is The Amazon A Good Family Destination?

An Amazon vacation is a great option for adventurous families with adaptable kids – after all, where better to inspire and educate them about the natural world! Bear in mind younger children may be affected by the humidity levels, and noisy little ones may reduce the chances of spotting wildlife.

Many of our Amazon guides have children themselves and are skilled in keeping young ones entertained, and are naturally experts in spotting any potential natural dangers you may encounter. It should be noted many Amazon river cruises have minimum age requirements of 7 and above, but jungle lodges and private charters are often more flexible.

Can You Swim In The Amazon River?

Swimming in the main channels of the Amazon river is generally not advised due to strong currents and boat traffic. Swimming in smaller tributaries and lakes is safer (especially the Amazon’s blackwater rivers ), but always follow the safety advice of your guide.

What Activities Can People Do In The Amazon Rainforest?

Most people head to the Amazon to spot wildlife, and this can be done on daytime jungle walks, from canopy walkways and lookout towers, or on nighttime boat safaris. Other common Amazon Rainforest activities include piranha fishing and local community visits.

As previously mentioned, more adventurous travelers may swim in the Amazon (sometimes with pink river dolphins!) or go kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or even tree climbing. In certain parts of the Amazon, float plane flights can also be arranged to get a real bird’s-eye view of the rainforest.

How Much Does An Amazon Cruise Cost?

The cost of an Amazon cruise typically depends on itinerary length, boat comfort level and cabin category, although seasonal and single supplements may also apply. Short cruises of 4 days cost between $900 – $4,400 pp, and longer cruises of 7+ days from $1,800 – $9,600 pp based on double occupancy.

Some other Amazon river cruise cost factors to consider:

• If you wish to privately charter an Amazon river boat , costs can be significantly more, but can actually work out cheaper per person if your group fills the boat.
• There are also additional costs involved in accessing the remote parts of the Amazon when cruises depart from, namely the domestic flights to Iquitos (Peru), Coca (Ecuador), Trinidad (Bolivia), Manaus or Santarém (Brazil).
• Port fees and entrances to the national parks are typically included in your cruise cost.
• For those considering a luxury Amazon cruise, Rainforest Cruises are proud to offer a best-rate guarantee thanks to our unique relationships with operators.
• To get your cruise cheaper, keep apprised of the latest Amazon river cruise deals .
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Iguazu Falls, the Amazon, & Rio

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Why you'll love this Best of Brazil tour!

Jungle, world wonder, & wildlife adventure, 10 days country(ies).

Always dreamed of taking an Amazon tour from Rio de Janeiro? Throw in Iguazu Falls and you’ve got a tour to rival the world’s best. Exploring these three incredible locations ensures adventures like no other. Here’s what you can expect from a Rio to Amazon trip.

This Brazil travel experience which will take you deep into the natural wonder of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. Before exploring the magic of Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival atmosphere.

The natural beauty and diversity of the Brazilian Amazon is simply incomprehensible. The power of the World Wonder of Iguazu Falls will leave you stunned. And exploring Rio de Janeiro’s cityscape, beaches and highlights is the perfect way to end a vacation.

Traveling from Rio to the Amazon Rainforest is a once in a lifetime experience. Throw in the cascading Iguazu Falls and you’ve got an unbeatable Amazon tour from Rio de Janeiro. Our local specialists and tour guides have designed and dialed in all the secret stops that any local would approve of.

$ 1,439 USD

Per person based on Double Occupancy

• Package valid for trips to be made between 3rd of January 2022 and 15th of December 2022, not including special holiday seasons.
• Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Encounter Latin America has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability.
• Package subject to availability at time of booking.
• Choose any date, all tours have daily departures
• Hand picked guides specialized for every excursion
• 7 regional offices with 24/7 in country support
• Transfers with English guide to/from all airports
• Local specialists who live and guide the destination
• Personal dining recommendations for food lovers
• Incredibly comfortable authentic accommodations

TOUR DETAILS “Iguazu Falls, the Amazon, & Rio”

What’s included.

TRANSPORTATION

Wow experiences.

EXPERIENCES INCLUDED

10 Day Travel Itinerary

Our tours depart any day of the year, there are no fixed departure dates. It’s really simple, we’ve designed some of the best experiences that cover your “bucket list” must-see stuff in each destination. You can trust in our 20 years of experience, that everything will run just like clockwork.

Here’s what you can expect from each day of this Brazil Amazon tour from Rio.

Arrival to Manaus, Brazil

The city of Manaus is in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. While flying in today, make sure to look out the window for your first unforgettable view of the green carpet of the rainforest below. Depending on the time of your arrival, once you have settled into your accommodation in Manaus, the rest of your day is free to explore the city at the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon on your own. We recommend visiting the beautiful Amazonas Theater and Opera House. As well as the lively Adolpho Lisboa Market where you can indulge in the sweet fruits of the Amazon. Tonight, head out to one of the local restaurants in Manaus where you can enjoy fresh and locally caught fish straight from the Amazon. Included: Private transfer from the airport to your hotel; Accommodation in Manaus. (Meals – None) Show more

Into the Amazon

You will embark on your adventure from Manaus, the city at the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon , and take a boat to see the Meeting of the Waters. This famous sight is where the almost black waters of the Rio Negro and the brown, sandy ones of the Rio Solimões meet up. Due to the difference in temperature, speed, and density, these waters run side by side for over 3 miles before mixing. This is just the appetizer to the rest of your Amazon experience.

You’ll feel the excitement build as you continue your journey deeper into the Amazon where you’ll be able to spot wildlife on the banks and in the river. You’ll pass by local villages for a glimpse of what life is like in the Amazon before finally arriving at your Amazon lodge.

Have some lunch, take a siesta, or just listen to the sounds of the Amazon before you start the afternoon excursions. You might particularly enjoy a guided canoe trip through the Igarapes (Amazon waterways) and Igapos (flooded forests) near to the lodge. It is a great introduction to the wildlife abound, and the Amazon’s flora and fauna living on your doorstep.

Following an action-packed day, you can relax at your lodge over drinks and dinner before falling asleep to the sounds of the wildlife around you.

Note: Activities may vary upon the selected lodge.

Included: Private transfer to the port; Activities at the lodge, Accommodation in the Amazon (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Exploring the Amazon

Rise and shine bright and early, trust us it’s worth it to watch the sunrise and the jungle come alive! The very early morning is the best time to spot many of the rainforest’s wildlife inhabitants and is also before the heat and humidity of the day kicks in.

After sharing your breakfast with some curious monkeys while listening to the beautiful soundtrack of the rainforest, you’ll go on a hike through the jungle. Here your knowledgeable local guide will be on hand to help you spot wildlife and introduce you to the forest’s medicinal plants.

Following lunch back at the lodge and having freshened up there’s plenty more to explore – so what are you waiting for, it’s time for a spot of fishing with a difference. Today’s catch of the day is piranha! Despite their man-eating reputation, these toothy fish usually feast on fallen fruit instead of people. So you’ll sometimes even see the guides and locals happily swimming in these waters.

Your friends back home don’t need to know you had your hands and legs firmly inside the canoe. On the way back to your lodge, keep your eyes out for friendly pink and grey river dolphins that will happily swim alongside your canoe.

Jump back in the boat after dinner for a little game of “Find the Caiman/Alligator” during a twilight river excursion. Look out for owls, capybaras, and of course the glistening eyes of caimans and alligators. The professional guide will pick up some of the smaller ones to give you a closer look before letting it go about its nightly business.

Feeling brave after fishing for piranha? If you’re feeling up for it and depending on the size of the alligator or caiman, your guide may give you the chance to hold it as well!

As we mentioned before, it doesn’t get much more exciting than Amazon tours in Brazil.

Included: Activities at the lodge, Accommodation in the Amazon (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Meeting the Locals

On day four of your Brazil Amazon tour, you’ll get to know the locals a little better. Here’s what you should expect.

Slept well after last night’s twilight river excursion? Then this morning, set out for a local village to meet with some families. Now is an excellent time to get your questions answered about how they live their lives and have adapted to this environment as well as the challenges they face living in the Amazon. You’ll also see how a lot of the foods and goods, such as cassava, rubber, Brazil nuts, and herbs, are produced.

Cassava is one of the main staples in the Northern Brazilian diet and is usually eaten with rice and beans or fish. Your expert guide will be on hand to translate and explain a little more about the different uses of some of the plants native to the Amazon. Including those used for medicinal, culinary, and hunting purposes.

Then it’s time to return to the adventure lodge for lunch before taking the afternoon to relax. Gently swinging in a hammock, listening to the sounds of the jungle and perhaps even spotting some wildlife at the lodge.

Travel to Magical Rio

At the designated time, you’ll head back to Manaus airport for your flight to Rio. If you have the morning free, feel free to relax, or create your own adventure. Our guides are always ready to point out some fun activities in each area.

Landing in Rio de Janeiro, our local representative will be waiting for you at the airport to greet and take you to your hotel. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation in Rio, the rest of the day is free to explore some of our favorite local spots.

Stroll along the long boulevards next to the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon, and of course Copacabana while humming the song, Girl from Ipanema’. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of huts selling delicious freshly squeezed juices and coconuts. These will refresh you as you soak up the breathtaking cityscape of Rio de Janeiro and realize why the city is known as The Marvelous City’!

Relax and watch the sunset at the beach before going out for dinner at one of the restaurants along the promenade. We recommend trying one of Brazil’s most famous and traditional dishes, feijoada carioca (a stew of beans with beef and pork served with white rice and farofa). Washed down with a refreshing caipirinha cocktail or a local beer Brahma and Skol are our favorites! Following dinner, you can go back to your hotel to relax or go to one of the local samba bars to dance the night away!

Included: Transfer to the airport, Private transfer from Rio Airport to Hotel with English speaking driver; Accommodation in Rio. (Meals – Breakfast).

Rio like a local

A trip to Rio isn’t complete without some of the fantastic activities in store for you on day six of your Amazon Brazil tour.

The tour starts at 9 am at the meeting point: in front of the famous “Copacabana Palace Hotel”, an icon of the ’30s / 40’s golden Copacabana years. After learning a bit about this place, you will walk a few blocks to get to the Subway Metro Station, main´s Carioca´s transport around the city every day. You will then reach the Municipal Theatre built on an eclectic style, located in the center of the city.

A few blocks away, you will find and jump in the Bondinho Santa Teresa, a cable car built in 1872 that runs on the top of an old aqueduct called Arcos da Lapa. After a few stations, we reach the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, passing by many old antique mansions. You will find the Parque das Ruinas (closed on Mondays) here. This old Palace ruins was rebuilt and became the center of many arts and cultural activities of the city with panoramic views in all its splendor.

If clouds allow, you will see from here the City Center, Sugarloaf, Guanabara Bay, and many others. A few Kodak moments later, you will get to the Celeron Colorful Stairs, a cultural main spot in the Lapa neighborhood, the core of the Carioca´s nights. Finally, you will enjoy the Confiteria Colombo, an old Art Nouveau coffee store from the latest 1800, chosen as one of the ten most beautiful coffee stores in the world (closed on Sundays).

When this visit is over, you will either be dropped at the Sugarloaf to get into the cable car or take the metro back to the Copacabana Palace where the tour ends. Our guide will give you directions on how to get to Christ the Redeemer by yourself in the afternoon. Or we can pre-buy your Christ the Redeemer entrance fee as availability can be scarce during some periods.

Following the tour and returning to your hotel or heading straight for the beach, the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. Tonight, keep to the beachside restaurants and feast on a long list of salgadinhos (finger food) such as fried cod cakes. All washed down with a nice cold caipirinha. Be careful though, their sweet and smooth taste packs quite a punch, so drink them with caution!

Included: Private excursion with Guide and Public Transportation; Accommodation in Rio. (Meals – Breakfast).

Day at Leisure

Every good Rio de Janeiro adventure has some downtime to relax and take in all the beautiful sights and smells this wonderful city has to offer. However, if you’d like to explore even more, we have an optional day tour available to you.

This is a day at leisure or you can take our optional tour – Backgrounds of Carnival. Rio is internationally recognized for its grandiose Carnival Parade and Samba. But only a few people really know how the parades are made. With this tour, you will get to know the origins of this world-known festivity. Visit the Sambadrome (Carnaval stadium) and its cultural center; the revitalized port area where the samba has its roots, including a visit to the charming port area neighborhood of Morro da Conceicao.

Take a stroll through an old hidden historical area – nowadays full of artists and ateliers. See the historical site Pedra do Sal, where the samba started. And familiarize yourself with the African-Brazilian culture, the period of slavery, and all the pillars that have supported the modern-day Carnival.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the tour is the visit to a samba school atelier. Here you can experience how the carnival in Rio is being done behind the scenes. Including the impressive and gigantic work of designing and building all the magnificent floats that will be used in the famous parade at the Sambadrome during carnival.

Included: Accommodation in Rio. (Meals – Breakfast).

Flight to the Falls

Iguazu Falls Brazil is your destination for the eighth day of your adventure tour. Your private transfer will take you to Rio airport for your trip to the falls. Upon arrival at Foz do Iguacu’s Airport, you’ll dive straight into the action and waste no time as your transfer and guide picks you up to begin your tour of the Brazilian side of the Falls.

To make the most of your time at the Natural World Wonder of Iguaçu Falls and to explore the Brazilian side of the Falls you’ll first have a private guided tour of the Brazilian side. Then you’ll be taken to your hotel in the town of Foz do Iguacu on the Brazilian side of the Falls.

The Iguazu Falls border Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay and today you’ll have a private guided tour of the Brazilian side. Amidst a vibrant jungle of exotic trees and colorful butterflies, the Brazilian side offers a more panoramic view of the falls. As well as an up-close and direct view of Iguaçu’s largest waterfall that stands at over 262 ft.

Ominously known as the Garganta del Diablo (or Devil’s Throat), this is the waterfall that made Eleanor Roosevelt say, “Poor Niagara…” If you want to experience the falls from above you can organize an Iguazu Helicopter Ride; just make sure to mention it at the start of the day so that your private guide can make time for it.

Note: In case you have an evening flight into Foz do Iguacu, we will schedule the Brazil excursion on Day 3 before your flight out of Foz do Iguacu.

Included: Private transfer from your hotel to Rio Airport, Private excursion with Transport, Guide and Entrance fee from the airport; Accommodation in Iguazu. (Meals – Breakfast).

Argentinean side of Iguazu

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for as you travel just 18.6 miles (30km) from the town of Foz do Iguaçu to the Tancredo Neves Bridge. Where you’ll cross over the Iguaçu River and arrive at Argentina’s National Park of Iguazu. Climbing aboard a small train your first stop will be the ominously named Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo. Which, standing at over 262ft., is the biggest waterfall in Iguazu. Having soaked up the enormity of the Devil’s Throat, your guide will take you along the wooden walkways and trails of both the upper and lower circuit.

With over 270 separate waterfalls and surrounded by the verdant jungle of Iguazu, exploring the Natural World Wonder of Iguazu is one of the most unforgettable moments. You’ll notice that the various trails that take you through the jungle, above and around waterfalls are built a few feet above the jungle floor and waterways. These raised platforms not only protect the natural habitat of the jungle wildlife but they will also take you to secluded viewpoints offering unimaginable views across the whole National Park.

After a full day exploring Argentina’s side of Iguazu Falls, it’s time to cross back over the border. As your transfer takes you back to your accommodation in Foz do Iguaçu, the rest of your evening is free to spend at your leisure.

Included: Private excursion with Transport, Guide and Entrance fees; Accommodation in Iguazu. (Meals – Breakfast).

Departure from Iguazu

It’s time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination where if you are planning to, you can enjoy exploring the beauty and vibrant, Carnival atmosphere of Brazil further. Your private transfer will take you to the airport for your onward journey.

Included: Private transfer from your hotel to the airport with assistance. (Meals – Breakfast).

ACCOMMODATIONS “Iguazu Falls, the Amazon, & Rio”

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ACCOMMODATION & PRICING (Price estimate for 2 people traveling together)

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Passing Thru Travel

10 Shamanic Tours in the Amazon Rainforest

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

The Amazon Rainforest, a vast and mystical expanse, has long been a source of intrigue and spiritual questing. It is home to ancient traditions and shamanic practices that have been preserved for centuries by the indigenous peoples of the region. For those drawn to the mysteries of the natural world and the healing powers of traditional medicine, a shamanic tour in the Amazon offers a profound journey into the heart of spiritual healing and connection with nature.

1. Iquitos, Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Christian Vinces

Iquitos, a bustling city accessible only by river or air, serves as the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon and its shamanic traditions. The city is surrounded by rivers and rainforests, offering access to numerous indigenous communities and retreat centers where visitors can engage in traditional ayahuasca ceremonies led by experienced shamans. These ceremonies are intended for deep spiritual exploration and healing, guided by the powerful plant medicine known to induce visionary states of consciousness.

2. Manaus, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gustavo Frazao

Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state in Brazil, stands as a historical and cultural hub amidst the dense Amazon Rainforest. Beyond its urban facade, Manaus offers pathways to shamanic experiences within the surrounding jungle, where the rich biodiversity of the Amazon supports a plethora of medicinal plants used in traditional healing practices.

3. Tena, Ecuador

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wirestock Creators

Tena, known as the “Cinnamon Capital” of Ecuador, is a lesser-known entry point to the Amazon Rainforest, offering a more intimate setting for shamanic exploration. The region is home to several indigenous tribes, such as the Kichwa, who maintain a deep connection to their ancestral lands and traditions. Shamanic tours here often involve cleansing rituals, traditional music, and storytelling, providing insights into the spiritual relationship between the people and the rainforest.

4. Pucallpa, Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / diegoguiop

Pucallpa, situated on the banks of the Ucayali River, is a vibrant city that acts as a conduit to the Shipibo-Conibo communities, known for its intricate art and profound shamanic practices. The city is a blend of urban and indigenous cultures, with easy access to remote villages where traditional ceremonies, including ayahuasca and San Pedro cactus rituals, are practiced.

5. Rurrenabaque, Bolivia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Elzbieta Sekowska

Rurrenabaque is a small town on the edge of Bolivia’s portion of the Amazon Basin, serving as a gateway to the Madidi National Park and the Pampas. It offers a unique blend of Amazonian and Andean shamanic traditions, with tours leading participants into the jungle’s heart for ceremonies, wildlife observation, and plant medicine walks. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and the presence of powerful plant medicines, including ayahuasca.

6. The Sacred Valley, Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tetyana Dotsenko

While not in the Amazon, the Sacred Valley near Cusco is vital to Peru’s rich tapestry of spiritual traditions, including those with roots in Amazonian shamanism. The valley is a serene landscape of towering Andean peaks and ancient Inca ruins, where traditional Andean and Amazonian spiritual practices merge.

7. Marajó Island, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tamara Cerqueira

Marajó, an island at the mouth of the Amazon River, is one of Brazil’s hidden gems, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. The island’s unique ecosystem, rich in both Amazonian and marine biodiversity, supports a distinct culture that includes traditional shamanic practices.

8. Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / nati.fantato

Alto Paraíso de Goiás, located in the heart of Brazil’s Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, is a renowned spiritual and ecological sanctuary. Though not in the Amazon, it is a significant site for Brazilian shamanic practices, attracting healers and seekers from around the world. The region’s stunning waterfalls, crystal formations, and pristine landscapes provide a powerful backdrop for transformative spiritual experiences, including ceremonies and retreats that draw on a blend of Amazonian and indigenous traditions.

9. Belem, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pedro Magrod

As the gateway to the Amazon River from the Atlantic, Belém is a vibrant city where the Amazon’s cultural and biological diversity is on full display. It is an essential stop for those looking to understand the Amazon’s urban context and its transition into the vast wilderness. The city’s markets, such as the Ver-o-Peso, offer an array of Amazonian herbs and plants used in traditional medicine, providing insight into the region’s shamanic practices.

10. Acre, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PARALAXIS

The state of Acre, in the westernmost part of the Brazilian Amazon, is a frontier of shamanic tourism, offering deep immersion in the region’s indigenous cultures and natural landscapes. It is home to several indigenous tribes and communities that maintain their traditions, including the use of ayahuasca in ceremonial contexts

Ethical Engagement with Indigenous Cultures

Image Credit: Shutterstock / ESB Professional

Engaging ethically with indigenous cultures involves more than just participating in ceremonies; it requires an understanding and respect for their traditions, values, and rights. Visitors should seek experiences that offer mutual respect and benefit, ensuring their presence supports the community and preserves its traditions. Ethical engagement also means prioritizing the guidance of indigenous leaders and healers willing to share their knowledge and practices.

Conservation Efforts and Shamanism

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brastock

The Amazon Rainforest is under threat from deforestation, mining, and climate change, which in turn threatens the biodiversity that supports its spiritual and medicinal practices. Engaging in shamanic tours that are committed to conservation can help support the preservation of the Amazon and its cultures. Look for tours that actively contribute to reforestation, wildlife protection, and sustainable practices.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ammit Jack

Sustainable tourism in the Amazon involves choosing services and experiences that are environmentally responsible, support local economies, and preserve cultural heritage. This includes selecting lodges, guides, and tours owned and operated by local communities or ensuring fair compensation and working conditions for indigenous guides and healers.

Learning from the Land – Plant Medicine and Ecology

Image Credit: Shutterstock / MarcusVDT

The Amazon’s rich biodiversity is not only the basis of its shamanic practices but also a critical component of the global ecosystem. Engaging with the Amazon through a shamanic tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about life’s interconnectedness, plants’ medicinal properties, and the importance of ecological balance.

Cultural Exchange and Personal Growth

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nelson Antoine

A shamanic tour in the Amazon is a journey into the heart of ancient practices and an opportunity for profound personal growth and cultural exchange. These experiences allow for a deep reflection on one’s place in the world, the nature of health and healing, and the importance of cultural diversity and respect.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Panga Media

Seeking shamanic experiences in the Amazon invites an exploration of spiritual practices and a profound engagement with the world’s most biodiverse ecosystem and indigenous cultures. It’s a journey that demands ethical consideration, cultural respect, and a commitment to conservation.

As you embark on this path, remember that the true essence of the experience lies in the connections you forge—with the people, the land, and the myriad forms of life that call the Amazon home. This journey is an opportunity to contribute positively to preserving this invaluable resource and its ancient wisdom, ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come.

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The post 10 Shamanic Tours in the Amazon Rainforest republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Hans Denis Schneider.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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On the Brazilian Coast, a Tropical Town Beloved by Artists and Makers

A guide to Paraty, on the Costa Verde, with tips on where to stay, shop and island hop from the artist Vik Muniz and four other insiders.

By Nora Walsh

T’s monthly travel series, Flocking To , highlights places you might already have on your wish list, sharing tips from frequent visitors and locals alike. Sign up here to find us in your inbox once a month, and to receive our weekly T List newsletter. Have a question? You can always reach us at [email protected] .

Roughly halfway between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the coastal town of Paraty (population 45,000) isn’t the easiest place to reach. It requires a four-hour, mostly mountainous drive from either city, a 45-minute helicopter charter or arrival by sea. It’s that relative seclusion that keeps the tourist hordes and unbridled development at bay, despite the town’s obvious appeal. Set on Brazil’s Costa Verde, with mountains covered in rainforest on one side and the emerald green waters of Ilha Grande Bay on the other, Paraty (pronounced para-CHEE by locals), preserves more than 30 blocks as its historic quarter, a grid of pedestrian-only cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed 18th- and 19th-century facades, many of them remnants of the Portuguese colonial era.

Starting in the mid-1600s, the town grew prosperous as a seaport during the country’s gold rush (many of the biggest gold mines were in the neighboring inland state Minas Gerais) — and as a hub for the slave trade. African slaves not only worked in the mines but built much of the town’s early infrastructure, such as its roads. Once the gold stopped coming through Paraty for export in the early 1700s, the town continued to harvest sugar cane and produce cachaça, the national spirit, before shifting its economic focus to the coffee trade. At the end of the 19th century, Santos, 190 miles to the south, supplanted Paraty as the country’s primary coffee-exporting port, and the town began to languish. “It fell off the map,” says Luana Assunção, the owner of the Rio-based travel company Free Walker Tours. “It became isolated and poor. Many houses were abandoned.”

By the 1970s, a new highway and an influx of urban transplants had given Paraty an infusion of new life. Lured by the area’s affordability, a number of artists, designers and other creative types began renovating the old mansions and opening a handful of galleries, boutiques, cafes and small hotels, turning the long-forgotten town into an alluring vacation destination.

“I was worried that mass tourism would endanger the future of the culture and the nature in Paraty, but it didn’t happen,” says the nature photographer Dom João de Orleans e Bragança, who has been visiting Paraty since 1968 and now lives there most of the year. He credits the strict building codes for imbuing the town with a certain timeless quality, even after the pandemic when the area’s second-home owners began spending more time in Paraty. “You’ll never see a skyscraper, and we don’t have big resorts or hotels here.”

What Paraty does have is easy access to the dozens of small islands and sandy coves across the bay (local traineiras , renovated wooden fishing boats; large schooners; and speedboats are all available for visitors to rent for daylong outings), and the countless hiking trails, waterfalls and beaches that are part of the massive Serra da Bocaina National Park. Visitors can also make day trips to a handful of villages home to Indigenous and historic Black settlements that have maintained a strong cultural identity. “There’s layer upon layer here,” said Lena Santana, a Brazilian costume and fashion designer who has been living in Paraty for the last decade. “It creates a certain kind of depth that makes people want to stay.” Here, Santana and four other locals and longtime Paraty visitors share their recommendations for where to stay, eat and explore.

The Insiders

Silvia Furmanovich , a fine-jewelry designer based between São Paulo and New York City, has been traveling to Paraty every other year for the past three decades.

The artist and photographer Vik Muniz , who lives in Rio de Janeiro and New York City, has been visiting Paraty since 1999.

Diana Radomysler is a partner and director of the interiors and design department at the São Paulo-based architecture firm Studio MK27. She travels to Paraty annually with her family.

Lena Santana , who was born in Salvador, Brazil, and moved to Paraty a decade ago after 15 years in London, owns a boutique, Atelier Napele, in the historic center, and Bus Stop Paraty, a guesthouse, 12 miles outside of town in Playa Grande.

Gisela Schmitt , originally from São Paulo, is the chef and owner of Paraty’s Gastromar restaurant and a boat-catering company.

Illustrations by Richard Pedaline

“I love to stay at Casa Turquesa , built on the ruins of an 18th-century mansion in the old town. Everything in the Turquoise Suite is white and turquoise, from the fabrics to the artwork. One room has prints from the British botanical artist Margaret Mee, who spent decades traveling to the Amazon documenting flora, which have inspired my work in the past.” (Rooms from about $520 a night.) — Silvia Furmanovich

“I always suggest that friends stay at the Pousada Literária de Paraty, a cozy hotel within a cluster of historic mansions that surround a tropical garden — they return enchanted by both the hotel and its restaurant.” (Rooms from about $350 a night.) — Diana Radomysler

“The Brazilian travel company Matueté has a selection of villas. You can rent the interior designer Linda Pinto’s house in the historic quarter close to the waterfront. It has a beautiful courtyard, so the house is flooded with natural light.” (Rentals from about $1,500 a night, with a three-night minimum.) — Gisela Schmitt

Eat and Drink

“At Banana da Terra , the chef Ana Bueno cooks contemporary Caiçara [the main Indigenous community of the area] cuisine in a charming restaurant in the historic quarter. She offers things like mango and shrimp salad and a hamburger made with crab meat. After dinner, go to Gelateria Miracolo for ice cream and try the flavor made with cupuaçu, an Amazonian fruit that’s closely related to cacao.” — S.F.

“Head to Graúna [about 12 miles north of Paraty], a beautiful valley in the Atlantic Forest, for lunch at Le Gite d’Indaiatiba . The chef is like a wizard of the forest. She makes her ravioli with taioba, an edible plant from the jungle [similar to collard greens]. Call ahead and ask them to prepare the sauna, which is next to a swimmable waterfall on the property.” — G.S.

“ Fugu Japanese Food is a new restaurant that only serves fish that’s been caught fresh the same day, like sororoca [a white local fish] and prejereba [tripletail]. Don’t miss the tuna starter with locally grown shiitake mushrooms or the teishoku, a wooden box with 12 different small portions of menu items, including the day’s fresh catch. There’s also a great sake selection. For dessert, have the wasabi ice cream.” — D.R.

“Recently, one of my favorite designers from São Paulo, Flavia Aranha , opened a store in Paraty. Her pieces are timeless, produced in organic fabrics or natural fibers dyed with Brazilian plants and herbs.” — D.R.

“For handwoven baskets, go to Cestarias Regio Paraty in the historic center. They come in all sizes and are made by local communities. I love the ones made from covo, a fiber extracted from bamboo, that are used to go fishing.” — G.S.

“Visit the village of Cunha in the Paraíba Valley, where the Japanese couple Mieko and Toshiyuki Ukeseki started firing ceramics in a noborigama [a traditional Japanese wood-fired chamber kiln] in the 1970s. A small community of ceramists joined them, and you can buy their pieces at their ateliers or at the ceramics festivals that Cunha hosts throughout the year.” — L.S.

“To pick up authentic Indigenous arts and crafts, such as vases and musical instruments, go to Canoa Arte Indígena . I bought several baskets from there that now decorate my office in São Paulo.” — S.F.

“Paraty has some of the best cachaça in Brazil. My favorite brand is Cachaça Maria Izabel . [Maria Izabel] and her daughters own a sugar cane plantation in Sítio Santo Antônio, about six miles north of Paraty, where they still produce the spirit by hand. You can do a tasting at the distillery and buy bottles there, or at shops in town.” — V.M.

“The Livraria das Marés is a big-city bookstore in a small town. It’s a contemporary space designed by the architect Bel Lobo with black metal shelves and a wood-paneled floor and ceiling. There’s a delightful cafe at the back.” — D.R.

“Don’t miss Saco do Mamanguá, which is the world’s only tropical fjord. You can only get there by boat, and you’ll pass Caiçara villages along small beaches. From there, you can hike to the peak of Mamanguá’s Pão de Açúcar for dramatic views of the entire Ilha Grande Bay. Another option is to rent kayaks at one of the beaches and paddle deep into the mangroves at the very end of the fjord.” — G.S.

“ Fazenda Bananal is a great place to take children. It’s a nature preserve in the forest with a farmhouse. There are walking trails, farm animals and a restaurant called Ninho that’s absolutely incredible. Many of the ingredients come from the farm. I had the best slow-cooked pork of my life there.” — V.M.

“Visit Quilombo do Campinho [a settlement about 10 miles south of Paraty founded at the end of the 19th century by formerly enslaved people]. There’s a restaurant that serves fresh grilled fish and a shop with beautiful wooden animal sculptures, rugs made of straw, bamboo furniture and jewelry made from local tropical seeds. On the way home, stop at the village of Paraty-Mirim, where you can buy artisanal wares from the Guaraní tribe; then swim at its gorgeous beach, which is bordered by mountains and a river.” — L.S.

“One of the best ways to enjoy Paraty by sea is to book Gisela Schmitt’s Sem Pressa boat tour, which takes you to the surrounding coves and swimming spots (my favorite is Saco da Velha) while offering delicious local plates like cachaça- and beet-cured prejereba [tripletail fish], fresh oysters and mussels.” — V.M.

Practical Matters

“It’s fun to be in Paraty during one of its festivals. There’s FLIP [Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty], a large and influential literary festival [this year it will be held in October] and loads of other events throughout the town.” — L.S.

“The best time to visit is from May to August, when there’s less rain, the sky is beautiful and the sea is wonderful.” — G.S.

These interviews have been edited and condensed.

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Amazon drones can now fly farther and deliver to more customers following FAA approval

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all commercial drone operators are able to maintain a line of sight to their drones until it approves a technology that can safely enable drones to fly beyond visual line of sight. Beyond Visual Line of Sight, known as BVLOS, is a term used in aviation to describe flying a drone where the remote pilot can't see it directly with their own eyes. Instead, a remote pilot would rely on instruments or technology to monitor and control the drone at all times.

When it comes to commercial drones, regulators around the world have been working on creating new rules and authorizing technologies that will allow more complex drone operations, like package delivery, to safely scale and operate beyond the line of sight of a remote pilot.

We’re excited to share that the FAA has given Prime Air additional permissions that allow us to operate our drones beyond visual line of sight, enabling us to now serve more customers via drone and effectively expand and scale our drone delivery operations. To obtain this permission, we developed a BVLOS strategy, including an onboard detect-and-avoid technology. We’ve spent years developing, testing, and refining our onboard detect-and-avoid system to ensure our drones can detect and avoid obstacles in the air.

We submitted crucial engineering information to the FAA, including our onboard detect-and-avoid capabilities. This included how our system was designed, how it is operated, how it is maintained, and ultimately how we validated that the system performs to specified requirements. We then conducted flight demonstrations in the presence of FAA inspectors to show our system works in real-world scenarios—we flew in the presence of real planes, helicopters, and a hot air balloon to demonstrate how the drone safely navigated away from each of them. We also provided extensive analysis and test data for our technology that further validated the safety of our system. After reviewing this information and observing the technology in action at our test site, the FAA provided Amazon Prime Air with BVLOS approval.

This new authorization and new permissions allow us expand our delivery area in College Station, Texas. It means more Amazon customers than ever before will be eligible to choose from thousands of items for drone delivery, including household essentials and beauty and drugstore products. Later this year, drone deliveries will begin integrating into Amazon’s delivery network , meaning drones will deploy from facilities next to our Same-Day Delivery sites, which will provide Amazon customers with faster delivery of an even greater selection of items.

Safety is our top priority

Deploying this onboard technology allows us to expand the reach and capabilities of our delivery services while maintaining our same stringent commitment to safety.

We received an Air Carrier Certificate from the FAA in 2020 that allowed Amazon to operate as an airline and deliver small packages via drone. With that certification and the newly granted permission to fly beyond the line of sight, we’re laying the foundation to scale drone delivery for customers.

Now that we’ve been granted these permissions by the FAA, we’ll immediately scale our operations in College Station with our current MK-27 drone to reach customers in more densely populated areas.

Our vision has remained unchanged since we started working on Prime Air: to create a safe and scalable way to deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less using highly autonomous drones. To achieve our goal of delivering 500 million packages, per year, by drone, by the end of this decade, we knew we had to design a system capable of serving highly populated areas and that was safer than driving to the store. It’s taken years of inventing, testing, and improving to develop these breakthrough technologies, and now, on the heels of regulatory approval and cutting-edge technology, we’re excited to launch this next chapter for Prime Air.

Learn more about Amazon drone deliveries:

• Get medications faster with drone delivery from Amazon Pharmacy
• Amazon is launching ultra-fast drone deliveries in Italy, the UK, and a third location in the U.S.
• 11 photos of Amazon’s new Prime Air drone that can fly in light rain and deliver packages up to 5 pounds in under an hour

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Captivating love story between aussie, man from the amazon jungle goes viral: ‘magical connection’.

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It’s a love story like no other with the world captivated in the “magical connection” between two people from opposite sides of the world.

Jordan Hauenschild, who lives Australia’s Queensland, had no idea she would end up in the Amazon jungle to meet her real-life Tarzan — Indigenous Ecuadorean man Pitiuruk.

The 26-year-old was randomly flicking through the Explore page on her Instagram late one night in December when she came across 24-year-old Pitiuruk’s profile.

She decided to message him to learn about his culture and way of life.

“I was just doing the late night doom scroll before bed and I came across this gorgeous man who was posting incredible content over in a country I knew nothing about,” Jordan told news.com.au.

“I was so intrigued about how people still live this way of life and to some degree I knew there were tribes in the Amazon, but I had never taken the time to learn about it.

“I clicked on his page and I just messaged him.”

Jordan said she is a big believer in taking risks and living in the moment – and that’s exactly what she did.

“You never know, you might just end up finding the magic you never knew existed. Mine just so happened to be on the other side of the world, in a country I’d never heard of, and I don’t speak the language of.”

That night, Jordan sent Pitiuruk a direct message first telling him how “gorgeous” he is before explaining how she would love to learn more about his culture.

“I didn’t expect a response back If I am completely honest,” she said.

And when he did, it left her stunned.

“I couldn’t believe someone form the Amazon jungle, on this exotic piece of land, just responded to me. For a girl that lives a Western life on the coast in Queensland, who is always going to the beach, who lives in a house, to be talking to someone from the Amazon who lives in a hut, was just so surreal.”

The pair got chatting right away, even engaging in video calls where they would educate one another about their cultures and daily life.

“Our conversations were mainly about our way of life, what we do during the day, what we eat, where we sleep and simply, how we live,” Jordan said. “I would show him my bedroom, the fact we have a bathroom and my front and backyard – just the little things.

“And he would walk me through a day in his life living in the Amazon, which is pretty unique.”

Pitiuruk’s family is located in the province of Pastaza, Puyo canton Amazonia Ecuador, where they offer  guided tours  as a way to educate others of their ancestral culture.

After four months of spending nearly every day on the phone together, Jordan hopped on a plane to South America to meet Pitiuruk.

She had quit her 9-5 office job, booked a Contiki trip to Peru, Argentina and Brazil – and also made arrangements to meet the man she was developing an unexpected connection with.

“I just said to him, ‘I can actually come and meet you. Call me crazy, but we can do this’,” Jordan told news.com.au.

Without hesitation, Pitiuruk was on-board with the idea and worked with his family to plan an itinerary for Jordan.

After four flights totalling more than 30 hours and then a five hour bus ride from Ecuador’s capital city Quito to Guayusa Runa (name of Pitiuruk’s family home), she finally arrived.

“As the plane was landing in Quito, I realised the magnitude of the situation – I had gone on a whim with a ‘why not’ attitude and I was about to meet someone I had never seen in real life.”

But, the moment she laid eyes on him, she never felt more at ease. And it didn’t take long for them to develop a romantic connection.

“I just couldn’t believe he was real,” she said. “It was my first time in Ecuador and I just wanted to ensure I was really respectful, but I just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.”

The next two weeks were spent living and learning Pitiuruk’s way of life and while the pair are not fluent in one another’s language, Jordan said a lot of their connection is based off body language.

“If the spark is there, it doesn’t matter if you can’t speak each other’s language. I’ve never had such a connection with somebody where I know exactly where I stand.

“When I arrived, Pitiuruk had worked with his family to plan a two week itinerary for me around the capital city and then in and around the region of their home (Pastaza).”

The pair spent four days in the city and surrounding mountains.

“After I acclimatised (Quito is high above sea level and is referred to as the city in the clouds), we had a family member drive us five hours to Pitiuruk’s family home.”

Jordan said Pitiuruk’s family welcomed her with open arms and not once did she ever feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.

“‘Our jungle is your jungle’, they would say to me.”

Jordan would wake up each morning to the sound of drums, visit local farms, help the family cook and immerse herself in nature.

“They live about 15 minutes form the nearest town by taxi. And the town has everything you need.”

She explained that in order for Pitiuruk’s family to maintain their story and educate people about their way of life, they have to embrace tourism.

“And the best way to do that is through social media platforms and establishing an online presence. They’ve had to integrate into understanding how to use the internet and create a website to maintain the way they live.

“But they don’t want to change anything with how they live – they are happy the way they are.”

She said Pitiuruk one day aspires to work and travel to other countries, and dreams of securing work as an indigenous model to both promote and educate others of his culture and to support his family.

‘Magical and undeniable’ connection

Jordan said during her stay she and Pitiuruk developed a “magical and undeniable” connection that even shocked her.

“Honestly, I had no idea how my holiday would pan out, but all I can say, is that it was cinematic,” she told news.com.au.

“Everything was as magical as you can possibly imagine. It was better than my day dream.”

As the pair learned more about one another, their feelings also grew stronger.

But Jordan had to eventually return home to Australia.

When she shared her story on TikTok, it immediately went viral with people from all over the world invested in their love story.

“He is stunning! He just has this beautiful energy about him, soft yet strong, beautiful yet so masculine. He exudes life. And you, you are beautiful too,” one person wrote.

“We’re too invested now. It’s not your love story. It’s our love story,” another joked.

Others also shared similar stories.

“I did this. It was 110% worth it and I never thought I’d be this happy. Take that leap,” one woman added.

“I had a similar experience with a man. He didn’t speak much English when we 1st (sic) met and somehow it seemed to make our connection stronger. I’m picking him up from the airport today. [Love]️ finds a way,” wrote another.

Jordan said she is blown away by all the support.

“It started getting likes and likes and likes and I just could not believe the pace it was going at – and still is,” Jordan said.

“It has been wonderful to see the support from people all over the world.”

However, their love story isn’t over. In a surprise turn of events Flight Centre have offered to fund Jordan’s next visit to Ecuador.

“They’re going to fund my flights which is just incredible. When I told Pitiuruk, we both just cried,” she said.

“I had received an email from Flight Centre saying they were invested in our story and wanted to see us reunited.

“We were both in tears because we didn’t expect to see each other for another year or so.”

The pair both agreed they would regret it they didn’t try and see things through to the end and while Jordan hasn’t decided on a return date just yet, she is scrambling to get her affairs in order as this time she hopes to stay for a few months.

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From pre-loved fashion hubs to fast-charging electric vehicle batteries - meet the start-ups Amazon is helping to tackle the world’s biggest sustainability challenges

Tuesday 28 May 2024, London, UK: Start-ups tackling some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges have the chance to supercharge their business and pilot their technology with Amazon, as part of the third edition of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. The 15 starts-ups from across Europe will benefit from a four-week programme featuring expert-led workshops, specialised mentorship, a tailored curriculum and access to a network of entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector. This year, for the first time, they also have the opportunity to pitch their technology for a trial in Amazon’s European operations, opening doors to future partnerships and Europe-wide implementation, earning them up to £2m each.

The 15 selected start-ups span a diverse range of geographies and demographics, headquartered across 10 countries and together employing more than 600 people. From tackling issues arising from fast fashion, to reusable packaging and AI, the start-ups are focused on scaling their business in one of three categories: circular economy, energy in buildings, and packaging.

Since launching in 2022, the Accelerator has supported more than 25 start-ups across the UK and Europe, provided over £1 million in grants and credits, and helped participating businesses increase total sales on average by 700% and raise over £15 million to date.

This year, three UK start-ups join the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator: ACS Clothing, Cheesecake Energy, and Breathe Battery Technologies:

Glasgow-based ACS Clothing is a clothing renewal firm which processes six million items of clothing per year for returns, rental, subscription and resale through its cleaning and repair service. It is now Europe’s largest circular fulfilment fashion hub, and works with renowned brands and retailers including Chloé, The North Face, LK Bennett and Timberland, to extend the life of garments and minimise landfill waste.

“As pioneers of circular fashion fulfilment for over 25 years, ACS Clothing is driven by a mission to reshape the fashion industry from the traditional take-make-dispose model, towards a circular model that extends the life of materials and diverts clothing away from landfill,”  said Andrew Rough, CEO of ACS Clothing . “ We have already helped several leading fashion brands join the circular economy and strengthen their sustainability achievements. Joining the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator will equip us with the resources we need to scale-up and push on with transforming the global fashion economy."

Cheesecake Energy , a University of Nottingham spinout, has developed a technology that stores electricity in the form of compressed air and heat, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and the grid. In practice, its systems store surplus energy generated by a solar power plant during the day, to provide access to renewable energy for the site during non-solar producing hours. This improves the sites access to green energy and increases energy resilience.

Based in London, Breathe Battery Technologies has built software technology that can be used in any lithium-ion battery to enhance its performance and improve the charging time and lifecycle. Having recently partnered with Volvo Cars to reduce its electric vehicles’ charging time by 30%, Breathe Battery Technologies plays a key role in the clean energy transition by making electric mobility available to more people.

The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a four-week programme designed to help start-ups navigate the challenges of scaling a sustainability business. Participants will meet and work with experts in Amazon’s Sustainability, Climate Pledge Fund and Climate Pledge Friendly teams, attend workshops, receive mentorship and £10,000 worth of AWS Activate Credits.

For the first time this year, start-ups will have the opportunity to pitch to key decision makers for the chance to integrate their cutting-edge innovation directly into parts of Amazon’s business. During the four weeks, they will benefit from tailored support to help align them to Amazon’s needs and goals, following which they will pitch their pilots.

Three start-ups will be selected to partake in an eight to ten week programme to scope their pilot with the intention to launch, earning them a potential contribution from Amazon of between £50,000 to £2 million, depending on duration and scope.

“ I’m so excited to welcome 15 ambitious start-ups to join the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator this year, including our first ever Climate Tech Pilot ,” said Zak Watts, Amazon’s International Director of Sustainability. “ The scope of businesses involved means we can support even more entrepreneurs to reach their potential. Not to mention the one-of-a-kind opportunity to test their technology directly with parts of Amazon’s business. It is our mission for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator to be the best programme of its kind in the world for entrepreneurs to pioneer and scale cutting-edge sustainable solutions .”

This year’s expanded Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is a partnership with EIT Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation agency, and innovation strategy consultants Founders Intelligence, part of Accenture.

The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator start-ups were chosen from hundreds of applications, with each of the selected start-ups bringing an innovative solution, strong sustainability credentials, and high growth potential to the table. The later-stage start-ups have moved beyond prototype testing and are working towards generating initial revenue and growing operations, having been selected from three key areas: circular economy, energy in buildings and packaging.

Ezra Konvitz, Director & Head of Accelerators, Founders Intelligence: “We love finding the ways major companies can work with leading start-ups creating the future. The incredible start-ups and technologies that are part of the Pilot Challenge cohort give cause for hope – if we can help them find the best ways to work with Amazon’s scale we’ll achieve a game-changing impact.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

The 15 start-ups selected for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator Climate Tech Pilot Challenge are:

Circular Economy – for start-ups creating solutions that extend the lifetime of products. · ACS Clothing (UK) – Europe’s largest circular fulfilment fashion hub for brands and retailers and winners of the Kings Award for Excellence in Sustainable Development (2023) · Breathe Battery Technologies (UK) – Specialists at increasing electric vehicle and consumer electronics battery charging speed and life expectancy. Volvo Cars recently invested in Breathe and will use its battery software to cut charging time for its next generation of electric vehicles by 30%. · Spareka (FR) - All-in-one home repair specialists, Spareka sources spare parts for home appliances, ships these to the customer’s door, and has on-demand specialists to video call the customer and walk them through the repair process. · Circu Li-Ion (LU & DE) – Circu L-Ion brings urban mining to life through an automated upcycling platform for end-of-life batteries. With multiple investment partnerships secured, Circu Li-Ion will facilitate a circular battery value chain in Europe ahead of the electric vehicle market’s expected surge to be worth a trillion-dollars by 2030. · Twaice (DE) - Twaice has launched tools that analyse and forecast the lifecycle, faults and safety risks of battery systems, with customers including Audi and Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) .

  Energy in Buildings – for start-ups helping buildings decarbonise through cutting-edge technology and materials. · Cheesecake Energy (UK) – Pioneering green energy storage technology, turning renewable sources such as solar and wind farms into reliable and longer-lasting on-demand power. In 2023, Cheesecake Energy received £9.4 million in funding to install a microgrid in Colchester to help with local grid limitations. · Phaidra (US) – Phaidra has developed an AI virtual operator for a variety of industrial building applications, such as in power plants, data centres, pharmaceutical labs and steel mills. The technology can dynamically optimise local control systems, such as stabilising temperatures, pressures and flow rates, and reducing total energy consumption. · Unbound Potential (CH) – Unbound Potential has developed new battery technology for long duration energy storage, paving the way for batteries that offer a more efficient, affordable and sustainable way to store renewable energy for longer periods of time. · Raicoon (AT) – Raicoon offers AI-powered software that detects errors and automates operations for solar farms to optimise and reduce energy waste. This solution can increase the power output of existing systems by 6% while reducing operational expenditure by 30-50%. · HT Materials Science (IE) – Engineering innovative and smart heat transfer fluids for existing commercial and industrial heating and cooling systems that save costs and demonstrably reduce energy consumption.

Packaging – for start-ups developing innovative packaging materials. · Hipli (FR) - Packaging provider for e-commerce businesses whereby empty bags can be sent back to businesses for cleaning and reuse after delivery. Hipli have signed contracts with more than 220 French and European e-commerce companies including Belgium’s leading postal operator Bpost. · RePack (FI) - RePack enable retailers to ship products in bags that can be returned to any postbox anywhere in the world, having worked with a number of consumer brands and e-commerce portals including Royal Canin, Zalando and Otto. · Re-Zip (DK) - Reusable packaging that rewards customers for returning, often in the form of a voucher for the webshop which they have ordered from. · Opopop (FR) - Reusable and returnable packaging company that uses surplus waterproof materials from the textile industry (solid, washable and repairable) to build long-lasting products. · KIUD (EE) - KIUD have developed a durable packaging solution made from 100% textile fibres that can be re-used and recycled via conventional textile waste streams. Compared to cardboard, KIUD’s packaging reduces water consumption by 89%, CO2 by 82% and land use by 86%.

About Amazon Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit aboutamazon.co.uk and follow @AmazonNewsUK .

For media queries contact Amazon's UK Press Office: Email: [email protected]

About EIT Climate-KIC EIT Climate-KIC is Europe’s leading climate innovation agency and community, using a systems approach to shape innovation to support cities, regions, countries and industries meet their climate ambitions. Together with partners across the globe, EIT Climate-KIC acts to bridge the gap between climate commitments and current reality by enabling decision-makers and investors to act. They find and implement solutions in integrated ways and mobilise finance. They build skills to accelerate learning and explore innovation, opening pathways to shift mindsets and behaviours. Through radical collaboration, EIT Climate-KIC orchestrates large-scale demonstrations that show what is possible when cycles of innovation and learning are deliberately designed to trigger exponential decarbonisation and build resilient communities.