Learn everything you need before enjoying your Amazon tour in Brazil, including when is the best time to visit, how to get there, what are the main activities and much more!
Are you a nature lover and your ultimate dream to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil so you can experience the fascinating wonders of the largest tropical rainforest in the world? If the answer is a loud and clear “yes!”, then you’ve come to the right place!
There are many ways to discover it, from guided tours with wild camping, to staying in luxury jungle lodges, or even enjoying river cruises.
To help with your vacation planning, PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specialized in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, has created this carefully curated travel guide. Check it out below and discover how to visit the Amazon and other important information about this spectacular destination!
Table of contents:
- About the Amazon
- Where is the Amazon Rainforest?
- Can you visit the Amazon Rainforest?
- How to get to the Amazon Rainforest?
- When is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?
- What to do in the Amazon Rainforest?
- Animals in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
- Where to stay in the Amazon Rainforest?
- How long should you stay in the Amazon Rainforest?
- Traveling to the Amazon in Brazil: how much does it cost?
- Do you need a vaccine to go to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?
- Is it safe to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?
- What should I pack for an Amazon Rainforest trip?
- Is traveling to the Amazon worth it?
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About the Amazon
If it were a country, the Amazon would be the seventh largest in the world. It spans 6.7 million km² — twice the size of India!
The impressive numbers go on, this time regarding fauna and flora: there are 30 million species of animals — although not all of them have been officially cataloged yet —, 2.5 million types of insects, and 2,500 and 30,000 varieties of trees and plants, respectively.
When it comes to the watershed, 20% of the planet’s freshwater belongs to the Amazon. The Amazon River alone has an extension of 6,400 km, going down the Andes Mountains and flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Such richness holds more than half of the world’s entire biodiversity, making the value of the Amazon Rainforest immeasurable and irreplaceable.
Photo: Felipe Castellari
👉 Read more: 15 Facts about the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil
Where is the Amazon Rainforest?
The Amazon Rainforest is in South America, reaching eight different countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.
59% of its area is solely located in Brazil, touching the states of Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, Acre, Amapá, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins.
Can you visit the Amazon Rainforest?
Yes, absolutely! But it’s important to rely on professionals who truly know the area. The forest is incredibly beautiful, but the wilderness can be harsh. So if you’ve ever wondered if it’s safe to visit the Amazon Rainforest, the presence of qualified guides is crucial and non-negotiable.
This is also the best way to appreciate nature in its fullness, since an expert will know how to move around the jungle. The activities are vast, but some factors should be considered for everyone’s enjoyment, like weather conditions and the right places to spot animals.
Brazil Amazon tours are actually encouraged because they can also be a great way to ensure its preservation. Ecotourism is a powerful tool to provide work for local communities. When sustainable travel companies employ these people, they inspire them to work in favor of the forest instead of its degradation.
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Ecotourism also raises awareness about environmental issues, like deforestation, pollution and climate change. Upon seeing the wonders of the Amazon, travelers fully understand why it is so important to protect it, which can make them engaged in conservation projects not only in the rainforest but also in their home countries.
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How to get to the Amazon Rainforest?
There are a few ways to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, but the most convenient one is flying to Manaus, capital of Amazonas.
From the US, travelers can depart from Miami (MIA) and fly straight to Manaus (MAO). From Fort Lauderdale (FLL), connecting flights have layovers in Bogotá (BOG), Panama City (PTY), Belém (BEL) and São Paulo (VCP or GRU).
From Europe, layovers are also expected in Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Belo Horizonte (CNF), Recife (REC), Fortaleza (FOR) or Brasília (BSB), depending on the departure location.
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The Amazon in Mato Grosso and Pará are also amazing vacation spots to explore nature. In this case, flying to these states’ capitals is the best option.
👉 See more details: How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?
When is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?
Although the Amazon is considered a year-round destination, the period from January to September offers the best conditions because it avoids the peak of the dry season. At the same time, there are good hiking trail options and enough water for aquatic activities.
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The wet season (December to May) is great for people who want to enjoy the Amazonian rivers by kayaking, canoeing, swimming and exploring the igapós (flooded forests). Rainstorms are common, but don’t last too long.
Meanwhile, the dry season (June to November) is popular because it usually allows both water and land-based activities. However, extended droughts are becoming more frequent, especially from October to December. This causes low water levels and limited access to a few areas and itineraries, though things tend to get better by January.
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👉 Read more: When is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil
What to do in the Amazon Rainforest?
In addition to how to visit the Amazon Rainforest, what to do during the trip is a very frequently asked question by people who are interested in spending their vacation there.
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Each Amazon jungle tour in Brazil has its own itinerary, but tourists can expect a few activities, such as:
- Jungle hiking
- Boat trips
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- River cruises
- Sailing through the Meeting of Waters
- Wildlife watching
- Tree climbing
- Cave exploring
- Forest immersion in jungle lodges
- Visiting local communities, including indigenous groups
👉 Read more: Top things to do in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil
Animals in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
There are millions of species of animals in this ecosystem, but some are considered symbols of the forest, like the mysterious harpy eagle, colorful macaws (red and blue), black spider monkeys, beautiful jaguars, cute-looking sloths, friendly Amazon pink dolphins and ravenous piranhas.
The last two, in particular, are big Amazon stars. Interacting with dolphins is an absolute fan favorite, while fishing for piranhas brings everyone’s adrenaline to its maximum — an activity always monitored by experienced guides and respecting sustainable practices, of course.
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Keep in mind: despite the abundant fauna, there is no absolute guarantee that these animals will be spotted for a few reasons — the dense vegetation makes wildlife sightings more difficult, some species tend to hide from humans (especially during the day) and local operators follow strict protocols to not disturb animals.
👉 Read more: Best Brazil Wildlife Tours and Destinations
Where to stay in the Amazon Rainforest?
Many people wonder if there are hotels in the Amazon. The answer is yes, but they’re known as jungle lodges since they are located in the middle of the forest.
Photo: Felipe Castellari
Lodges offer comfortable accommodations, leisure areas (swimming pools, entertainment areas, gyms, lounges, bars, gift shops…), great restaurants and exclusive activities around the forest. From modest to luxury, there’s an option for everyone.
Another alternative is the river cruises, which work similarly to classic cruise ships on the ocean, but with fewer passengers and sailing across the waters of Amazonian rivers, like the Rio Negro, Solimões, Tapajós and the Amazon River.
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- Photo: Felipe Castellari
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- Photo: Felipe Castellari
The best Amazon cruises in Brazil include wonderful ensuite cabins, a restaurant onboard and many entertainment options, this is a fantastic way to experience nature.
If you don’t mind giving up comfort so you can completely immerse yourself in nature, then our suggestion is the Amazon Jungle Survival Tour, a fantastic trip where you get to spend your nights camping in the middle of the forest! Accompanied by qualified guides, you’ll sleep in hammocks, cook your food on the campfire and even learn survival techniques.
👉 Read more:
How long should you stay in the Amazon Rainforest?
The length of your trip depends on how immersive you want your experience to be.
A 3-day tour is recommended for those on a tight schedule — it’s short, but still allows for river tours, guided jungle walks and a first introduction to the rainforest’s unique ecosystems. It’s a good option if you’re passing through Manaus or combining the Amazon with other destinations in Brazil.
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Traveling to the Amazon in Brazil: how much does it cost?
The cost of a trip to the Amazon in Brazil depends on various factors, like accommodation category, group size, trip length and itineraries.
Photo: Samuel Melim
For example, wild camping tours are a more budget-friendly option, offering a raw and immersive experience, while luxury lodges provide high-end comfort at a higher price. Solo travelers may face higher costs due to single occupancy charges, whereas group travelers can benefit from shared costs.
PlanetaEXO curates the best Amazon Rainforest Tours in Brazil, with prices (per person) ranging from R$2.170 (approximately $418) for basic camping expeditions to R$23,000 (approximately $4,392) for premium luxury packages — not including flight tickets.
Do you need a vaccine to go to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?
Unlike other countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, Panama, and Venezuela), there is no requirement of yellow fever vaccinations to visit the Amazon in Brazil because ANVISA (Brazil Health Regulatory Agency) doesn’t consider the disease a risk in national territory.
However, it’s strongly recommended that foreign tourists get their shots at least ten days before the trip — especially if they intend to visit the rainforest in the countries previously mentioned. Better safe than sorry!
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Is it safe to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?
Yes, it’s safe to visit the Amazon, as long as you explore with experienced local guides. Travelers might think there are wild animals and hidden dangers along the trails, but tours are carefully planned to avoid risky situations.
Tour guides know the forest inside out and ensure that every activity, from jungle walks to boat trips, is carried out with complete safety and respect for nature.
Since itineraries are designed only for observation, you won’t come across animals that pose any threat. Besides, most species prefer to stay hidden, so encounters are peaceful moments to admire their beauty.
With professional guidance, comfortable logistics, and well-structured activities, visiting the Amazon is a safe and unforgettable adventure for all travelers.
Photo: Felipe Castellari
What should I pack for an Amazon Rainforest trip?
Pack your bags with:
- Light clothes (t-shirts, long-sleeved t-shirts, shorts, pants, hats/caps, swimwear)
- Comfy shoes (sneakers for hiking, flip-flops, sandals)
- Travel essentials (documents, cash, credit/debit cards, medication, sunscreens, after-sun gel, insect repellent)
- Equipment for jungle hiking (raincoat, flashlight, reusable water bottle)
- Electronic devices (cellphone, camera, chargers, portable chargers, etc.)
👉 Read more: 10 Amazon Rainforest Travel Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
Is traveling to the Amazon worth it?
It’s more than worth it! The Amazon Rainforest is the richest place on the planet when it comes to natural resources. The jungle, the rivers, the animals, the food, the people — everything holds an inexplicable beauty and magical atmosphere not found anywhere else.
Adventure and ecotourism enthusiasts should spend at least a few days in this surreal destination so they can witness with their own eyes what Mother Nature is truly capable of.
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Shall we book your Amazon adventure?
We hope this guide on how to visit the Amazon has been helpful to kick off your travel plans!
As an expert platform that works with the best local operators, PlanetaEXO offers incredible Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil with tailor-made itineraries and all the support you might need. Contact us now!
