How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?

Don’t know how to visit the Amazon Rainforest? Check our guide for routes to Amazonas, Mato Grosso and Pará and learn everything you need to know!

If you’re wondering how to get to the Amazon Rainforest so you can start planning your next vacation, it’s important to point out that, contrary to popular belief, access is not difficult at all. The best way to get there is by flying to Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state.

As an ecotourism platform for Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil that partners with the best local operators, PlanetaEXO has put together a comprehensive guide to answer all your questions. Check it out!

Where is the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?

The Amazon is located in the Northern region of Brazil. Though it spans over Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, Venezuela and Suriname, over 59% of the biome is located within Brazilian borders.

Amazonas is the main state, but the forest also extends into Pará, Mato Grosso, Acre, Amapá, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins. 

👉 Read more: When is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

How to get to Manaus?

The route from Manaus to the Amazon Rainforest is the most convenient, as the capital of Amazonas is considered the gateway to the biome. Tourists fly to Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO), which is served by flights from Belém, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Fortaleza, Recife, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Foreign travelers can reach Manaus from Bogotá (BOG), Panama City (PTY) or Curacao (CUR), as there are no direct flights from Europe or the United States. For US residents, Copa and Avianca airlines offer the most convenient flight options with layovers in Panama and Colombia.

From European and North American countries, flights usually stop in São Paulo (GRU/VCP), Rio de Janeiro (GIG) or Brasília (BSB) before getting to the final destination. From these cities, Azul and GOL airlines fly straight to Manaus.

After arriving in Manaus, transportation to the forest is necessary. Most PlanetaEXO’s tours to the Amazon include private or group shuttle services provided by the lodges, which require a 30-minute drive to Port of Ceasa and boat rides to the hotel — whose duration depends on the location of each accommodation.

Some lodges are located in very isolated areas, which makes the route fairly long, with multiple car, bus or boat rides. It might seem like a lot, but don’t worry! The journey to the accommodation is an adventure in itself, as you’ll be able to live incredible things right on your first day, like visiting fruit markets, spotting animals, witnessing the Meeting of Waters, etc.

👉 Read more:

• Best Amazon Jungle Lodges in Brazil
• Best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil

How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso?

Alta Floresta is located in the northern part of Mato Grosso, on the southern edge of the Amazon. This lovely town is home to Cristalino Jungle Lodge, one of the most renowned jungle lodges in the world. Don’t just take our word for it — National Geographic thinks so too!

The Amazon Rainforest airport in Alta Floresta is Piloto Osvaldo Marques Dias Airport (AFL), served by Azul Airlines with flights from Cuiabá (CGB) and São Paulo (VCP) 2–3 times a week. Before landing in these cities, you might have a layover in other places. Double-check your flight details!

Alta Floresta is also near other remarkable biomes, such as the Pantanal, famous for jaguar sightings. Many Pantanal tours depart from Cuiabá, providing the perfect opportunity to experience more of Brazil’s incredible natural diversity.

How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Pará

Bordering the state of Amazonas, Pará allows for a different side of Brazil’s rainforest. Still beautiful and full of wonders, but with its own uniqueness of natural resources and cultural richness. 

Pará’s main Amazonian attractions are the exquisite Marajó Island and Alter do Chão, the best beach in Brazil according to The Guardian, which described it as “the jungle’s answer to the Caribbean”.

Belém

The easiest way to arrive in Pará is to land in Belém, the capital of the state. Belém International Airport (BEL) is served by direct flights from multiple Brazilian cities: Belo Horizonte (CNF), Brasília (BSB), Fortaleza (FOR), Manaus (MAO), Recife (REC), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), São Luís (SLZ) and São Paulo (GRU/VCP).

Foreign tourists can also fly straight to Belém from Bogotá (BOG), Lisbon (LIS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA).

GOL, LATAM and Azul airlines operate both national and international routes.

Santarém

If you’re going to Alter do Chão, you should book your flight to Santarém (STM), a town 1.167 km (725 miles) away from Belém. To get there, you can depart from Belém (BEL), Brasília (BSB), Manaus (MAO) or Porto Trombetas (TMT).

You can also reach your destination by boat through Port of Belém or Port of Santarém. Boat trips last over 36 hours, enough time for you to enjoy a nice ride across the Amazon and the Tapajós rivers. Watch the sunrise or the sunset, admire the Meeting of Waters and keep your eyes open for birds and aquatic animals.

The boats are relatively modest, but still comfortable and safe. Passengers can book their own cabins (with double beds, private bathrooms, air conditioning, TV, and minifridge) or spend the night in hammocks spread around the floors. Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) are sold separately. 

👉 Explore this adventure: Amazon River Cruise from Alter do Chão

Valuable tips for getting to the Amazon

You’ve learned how to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil through different routes, states and cities. To make your journey even smoother, here are some valuable tips:

• The route from São Paulo to the Amazon Rainforest offers the most options for direct flights and layovers in Viracopos (VCP) and Guarulhos (GRU).
• From Rio de Janeiro to the Amazon Rainforest, Galeão (GIG) is the main airport for travelers going to Manaus and Belém.
• Check Google Flights to find affordable flight tickets.
• If you choose to go from Belém to Santarém (or vice versa) by boat, Ibarco is one of the most well-known operators in the North of Brazil.

PlanetaEXO is here to assist you with the best transfer options for trips in Amazonas, Mato Grosso or Pará. Most of our tours include private shuttle services for your convenience. Contact us and check more information!

The Brazilian Amazon is calling for you!

Now that you know everything about getting to the largest rainforest on Earth, it’s time to start your travel plans!

PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform specialized in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil. By working with the best local operators, we’re able to help the community, protect the environment, and arrange your dream trip. Contact us now!