THE AMAZON
The Amazon is one of the most iconic and best-known areas of Brazil. It’s the river and the rainforest and the state of Amazonas covers a huge proportion of the country. Much of the Amazon is unchartered territory and unpopulated however the areas which can be visited are truly memorable.
The river stretches from Tabatinga, on the border with Colombia and Peru, and runs through to Belem and the mouth of the river at the Atlantic Ocean. Boats can transfer people and produce the entire length of the river, passing through Manaus, the main city of the Amazon, where most tourists will begin their journey to the area. Manaus is also where the Rio Solimões and the Rio Negro meet. These are the two main tributaries of the Amazon and they join just outside Manaus at a phenomenon known as the Meeting of the Waters. For 6 km the two rivers’ waters run side by side without mixing. The Rio Solimões is a brown colour while the Rio Negro is black. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Manaus and the same also happens near Santarém, with the Amazon and Tapajós rivers. Manaus is close to where most of the Amazon lodges are located and where most of the touristic boats depart for expedition cruises along the river. There are a variety of boats which venture, primarily up the Rio Negro, for cruises of between 3 and 7 nights in length, while for a more exclusive experience there are also some excellent private yachts for charter with full crew to enable you to path your own course. A trip on a boat enables you to see more of the river however usually the lodges offer more comfortable accommodation and there are a variety of excellent lodges to stay in. Whether you stay aboard a boat or in a lodge you will enjoy a similar experience whereby you will be taken into the forest, looking for wildlife and learn about medicinal plants, head out in small boats to explore the smaller tributaries of the river, search for birds, go piranha fishing, spot caiman at night, see pink dolphins and visit local communities.
If you are looking for more adventurous activities in the Amazon then there are exciting options such as kayaking trips, overnight trips into the forest, opportunities for tree-climbing for spectacular vistas over the canopy or even sport fishing for those river monsters. As you venture east from Manaus along the river there are major settlements at Santarém and Belem from where boat cruises also depart although the infrastructure isn’t quite so good. Close to Santarém is Alter do Chão which is best known for its Ilha do Amor (the island of love), a picturesque island ringed by a white sand beach directly in front of the town. With direct connections from Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia and Sao Paulo, make the Amazon an essential part of your trip to Brazil and explore this vast area of wilderness.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
Hidden in the heart of a the Anavilhanas archipelago, the lodge offers a haven of luxury amidst one of the worlds most fragile eco-systems on the banks of the Amazon’s main tributary, the Rio Negro. The 20 contemporary bungalows provide an oasis in the rainforest and are all well equipped with glass walls, TV, a spacious balcony and lots of privacy. All rooms feature air-conditioning. The hotel includes all your meals as well as two to three daily tour options such as hikes in the jungle, piranha fishing, dolphin &alligator spotting, canoe trips, and visits to indigenous communities.
Cristalino Jungle Lodge
Named by National Geographic as one of the world’s best ecolodges, the incredible Cristalino Jungle lodge sit in a 29,000 acre private reserve in the southern Amazon rainforest. If you are interested in birding, then Cristalino should be at the top of your wishlist. Guests can enjoy a number of activities all led by experience guides and there will be numerous opportunities to spot birds, mammals and reptiles. The property has a floating deck, perfect for lazing in the sunshine, an onsite restaurant and 5 different types of accommodation of a high standard which includes all your meals.
Juma Opera
Juma Opera is the top hotel in Manaus, an evocative property just metres from the Opera House in the historic centre. The elegant Portuguese colonial-style building which accommodates the hotel reflects the affluence of the 19th century rubber boom era, when the city was among the first in the world to run trams in streets illuminated by electric lights. The centenary architecture of part of the hotel, mixed with modern buildings, has resulted in unique, exclusive rooms. The rooftop pool, where you can relax in shaded loungers, offers vistas over the city towards the Rio Negro.
Villa Amazonia
Situated in the historic centre of Manaus, a few minutes walk from the famous opera house, is the charming Villa Amazonia. The pretty yellow and white façade, reception and restaurant maintain the design of a property which once was a historic mansion that dates back to the golden rubber age. The hotel restaurant, the Fitz Carraldo Bistro, offers a delicious menu, featuring the exotic cuisine of the Amazon. The 30 exclusive rooms are spacious and feature sophisticated design, each facing an indoor garden and a natural stone pool.
Mirante do Gaviao Lodge
Mirante do Gaviao Lodge is a beautiful property situated in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. A short 2.5 hour journey from Manaus will take guests to the lodge, which is located along the banks of the Rio Negro. The lodge has been built with the surrounding habitat in mind and with strict sustainability regulations, and offers beautiful views of the Anavilhanas Archipelago. There are 7 suites and bungalows which are separated into 3 categories, all featuring air conditioning, a large terrace, mini bar and king size bed. The top suites also have a hot tub on the balcony.
Amazon Glamping
If you really want to get off-the-grid then this luxury camp is designed for unplugging in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. With a commitment to sustainability the camps blend local culture with the comfort of luxury accommodation, offering nature, cultural, and culinary discoveries for all ages. The glamping sites are a mix of fixed and mobile sites and the aim is to create a secluded haven for lovers, families, and friends to immerse themselves in the beauty of the rainforest and unplug from the stresses of modern life.
Private Amazon yachts
If you are looking for the ultimate Amazon getaway then we offer a selection of luxury yachts, perfect for small groups and families or for the most incredible fishing expeditions. The yachts feature comfortable spacious cabins, with private bathrooms and individual air con units. There will be a good sized lounge area for entertaining and dining, as well as a jacuzzi. Expect bespoke service from start to finish with your expert naturalist guide and crew. We can provide top chefs creating gourmet meals plus unlimited wines, liquors, beer and soft drinks. Contact us to discuss options.
Iberostar Grand Amazon
The Iberostar Grand Amazon is a luxury ship that takes guests on an exciting and breathtaking cruise along the Rio Negro & Amazon River. Stays on the Iberostar Grand Amazon are all-inclusive, encompassing meals, beverages, activities both on and off the ship with English-speaking guides. The ship offers two restaurants, two pools, a Jacuzzi, fitness centre, and games room for entertainment. The ship has 73 cabins & 2 Royal suites. All guestrooms are comfortable & modern, equipped with air conditioning, colour television, a personal safe, telephone, mini-bar, and private bathroom.
Tucano Motor Yacht
The Tucano is a beautifully crafted boat, ideal for exploration of the Amazon offering guests good food, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities & comfortable accommodation. Inside, there is traditional panel decoration in the library, lounge & dining room. The top deck is open and has a large sun canopy which is a wonderful place to spot wildlife or soak in the Amazon. Meals are simple but tasty, fresh and filling. Just 9 private cabins are on board, and all boast air con, large windows with insect screening, a private bathroom with a toilet, sink & pressurized hot water showers.
Amazon Premium Clipper Cruise
An Amazon Premium Clipper Cruise is a wonderful way to explore the many tributaries of the Amazon river. Journeys can last from 3 days to a week allowing you to see the best the area has to offer. The boat contains 4 decks with 16 external cabins split over the two middle decks. An air conditioned dining room is located on the second deck whilst on the third deck there is an entertainment area with a library and TV/DVD as well as whirlpools and outdoor showers. On board the captain is accompanied by 5 other sailors, 3 cooks and 2 English speaking field guides.