Overview
The Amazon basin: romantic, exotic, huge, and vital to Man’s survival. The Brazilian state of Amazonas is where the river really comes into its own. The black acidic waters of the Rio Negro merge with the sludgy brown waters of the Solimões at the giant city of Manaus, 1,000km from the sea, and form a waterway 10km wide. This vast wilderness with its secretive wildlife and uncontacted indigenous groups also supports communities on its fertile banks, farmers, fishermen, tradesmen; old wooden riverboats still provide the only transport, although things are changing fast, with new bridges and roads opening up previously isolated areas.
You can't really ignore the behemoth which is Manaus, nor should you. It is the quintessential Amazonian riverport, once scruffy and, to be honest, dangerous; but now, using new found economic success, undergoing restoration to something like the elegance and grace of the era of the rubber boom. Explore the refurbished markets, effervescent docks and the newly pedestrianised central square brims with cafés, galleries and boutiques.
The rainforest just beyond the city can feel like worlds away. Within a short hop by speedboat are comfortable lodges where you can get a satisfying taste of life in the jungle. Exceptional experiences may await visitors at the more remote lodges. Meanwhile, longer river cruises capture the romanticism of Amazonian travel and offer the opportunity to travel deep into this magical world.
Holidays The Brazilian Amazon
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.
Private Journeys
Brazil / The Amazon
Brazil Wildlife: Iguazu, Pantanal and Amazon Cruise
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Classic holidays
Private Journeys
Brazil / Iguazu Falls / The Amazon
Signature Brazil: Brazil at a glance
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Things to do
Browse a range of excursions and activities and explore the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest on foot or by boat.
Accommodation
Choose from a range of comfortable jungle lodges in the Amazon ideally located for wildlife spotting and other activities.
Where to go when - our guide to The Brazilian Amazon
The weather in The Brazilian Amazon is wide and varied
The vast, romantic wilderness of the Amazon basin teems with secretive wildlife and gushing rivers. Rain or shine, the region can be visited all year. January - May is the cooler, rainier season when you can sail amidst the igapós (flooded forests) by canoe. You’ll spot wildlife in the treetops and wild swimmers love this time of year. The driest, hottest time is August - November, the season of white-sand beaches and more possibilities for walking trails in the forest. September - November is good for spotting monkeys as there is lots of fruit in the trees. Boat trips can still be done on the main rivers and tributaries.
View our The Brazilian Amazon weather guidePapagaio
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