Best Places to Visit in the Amazon, Brazil

The Amazon Rainforest offers unique landscapes and  diverse experiences spread across different Brazilian states

Covering a staggering area of approximately 5 million km², the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil hides a whole universe of biodiversity across different states, with emphasis on ecotourism in Amazonas, Pará, and Mato Grosso.

In other words, it holds destinations and activities for every type of traveler, so choosing the best places to visit in the Amazon depends on the kind of adventure you’re looking for. Do you want to relax in nature? Watch the wildlife? Meet new people and cultures? It’s essential to think about what you want to plan for your trip accordingly!

As an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, PlanetaEXO can help you decide which experience suits you best. Check our suggestions right below!

Manaus (Amazonas)

Manaus is the capital of the state of Amazonas and the main gateway to the rainforest. The city boasts a rich history, bustling markets, and vibrant theaters, making it a fantastic cultural hub. It’s also where many Amazon tours begin. 

If you don’t want to go deep into the jungle, or if you want to explore the city before or after visiting the forest, Manaus is a good place for day trips, and you can still enjoy the magnetic Amazonian atmosphere even in urban areas.

Why visit:

• Starting point for tours in various areas of the Amazon Rainforest.
• Meeting of the Waters, the phenomenon where the waters of the Negro and Solimões rivers flow without mixing.
• Historical heritage of northern Brazil. Unmissable spots: Amazonas Theater, Provincial Palace, and Adolpho Lisboa Market.
• Trails, exhibitions, and 42-meter-high observation towers at the Museum of the Amazon (MUSA).
• Unique gastronomy with regional ingredients such as tambaqui, pirarucu, açaí, and cupuaçu.
• River beaches, like Ponta Negra Beach, on the banks of the Negro River.

How to get there: Easily accessible by air via Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO).

👉 Read more: How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?

Anavilhanas National Park (Amazonas)

Not only is Anavilhanas National Park located right in the middle of the Negro River, but it also holds the title of the second-largest river archipelago in the world, with over 400 islands—second only to Mariuá (1,400 islands), also in Amazonas.

One of the most breathtaking places in the Amazon Rainforest, Anavilhanas is home to a great concentration of igapós (forests permanently or seasonally flooded), which allow for fascinating experiences like swimming and canoeing among the treetops.

Why visit:

• Exploring the Várzea Amazônica (Amazonian floodplain), a floodable area of ​​the Amazon basin defined by ecosystems rich in biodiversity and fertile soils.
• Riverside communities, such as Santo Antônio and Tiririca.
• Sightings of pink river dolphins, sloths, birds, etc.
• Boat tours, forest trails, water trails, night spotlighting, etc.
• Madadá Caves (ancient sandstone formations).
• River beaches that emerge on the Negro River during the dry season (September to March).
• Incredible lodges, like Mirante do Gavião and Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge.

How to get there: Easy to reach from Novo Airão, near Manaus.

Jaú National Park (Amazonas)

If you’re planning a trip to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, then you should visit Jaú National Park, one of the biggest in the country, covering an area of 2.27 million hectares between the cities of Novo Airão and Barcelos.

Protecting the entire base of the Jaú River and forming part of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex, it’s recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Why visit:

• Home to various Amazon animals, such as caimans, manatees, jaguars, etc.
• Ancient rock inscriptions on the banks of the Negro River (seem especially during the dry season).
• Riverside communities, such as the Quilombo do Tambor.
• Forest trails, night spotlighting, waterfalls, river cruises, etc.

How to get there: Accessible by boat from Novo Airão.

👉 Explore these adventures in Jaú: 

• 5-day Amazon River Cruise in Brazil
• 7-day Amazon Cruise Trip in Brazil

Alter do Chão (Pará)

Alter do Chão is a district of the city of Santarém, in the state of Pará. Nicknamed “the Caribbean of the Amazon,” its white sand beaches blend harmoniously with the rivers and vegetation of the forest. It’s great for swimming and relaxing, especially between September and November.

Due to its location outside of Amazonas, the village shows a different side of the rainforest, being one of the best places to visit in the Amazon for those seeking unique experiences.

Why visit:

• River beaches along the banks of the Tapajós River, including Ilha do Amor (Love Island), Ponta do Cururu, and Ponta Grande.
• Sairé Festival, an annual local celebration that blends religious rites of Jesuit origin with indigenous traditions and folkloric legends of the pink river dolphin and tucuxi dolphin.
• Riverside and indigenous communities (Coroca, São Marcos, and Tucumã).
• Activities in the forest, such as hiking trails, igapó tours, and Amazon river cruises.

How to get there: The main route to Alter do Chão is via Santarém, which is accessible by air or boats from Belém and Manaus.

👉 Explore this adventure: Amazon Cruise from Alter do Chão

Mamirauá Reserve (Amazonas)

Created in 1996, the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve is a Brazillian pioneer in combining environmental preservation with the sustainable development of traditional populations.

Located in Tefé, on the Solimões River, it’s one of the best places in the Amazon Rainforest to appreciate the seasonal flooding and ecotourism in an area marked by authenticity and isolation.

Why visit:

• Community-based tourism, encompassing 177 communities and over 11,500 residents.
• Connection with nature in the world’s largest floodplain forest.
• Impressive biodiversity, including the bald uakari monkey, symbol of the reserve.
• Hiking trails, canoeing, wildlife watching, night spotlighting, and piranha fishing.
• Home of Uakari Lodge, the floating hotel on Lake Mamirauá.

How to get there: Reach the Mamirauá Reserve by boat from Tefé, accessible by air from Manaus.

👉 Read more: When is the Best Time to Visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

Alta Floresta (Mato Grosso)

Alta Floresta is a charming city of just over 62,000 inhabitants. Located in northern Mato Grosso, it serves as the gateway to the state’s Amazon share, characterized by dense forests and the confluence with the Cristalino River—a tributary of the Teles Pires River.

While it’s a lesser-known part of the Amazon, Alta Floresta boasts breathtaking natural views, preserved areas, and rich biodiversity.

Why visit:

• The location, marked by the transition between the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes, makes this one of the most abundant Amazonian areas in terms of fauna, including monkeys, giant otters, peccaries, and tapirs.
• With over 600 cataloged bird species, it’s great for birdwatching.
• Forest formed by giant trees (approximately 60 meters tall).
• Cristalino Jungle Lodge, one of the best and most luxurious sustainable luxury accommodations in Brazil, is located in a private forest reserve of over 11,000 hectares.

How to get there: Departing from airports in São Paulo (VCP) or Cuiabá (CGB), fly to Alta Floresta Airport (AFL).

Presidente Figueiredo (Amazonas) 

Only 107 km away from Manaus, Presidente Figueiredo is known as the Land of Waterfalls. In addition to more than 150 officially cataloged waterfalls, caves and natural pools are also hidden among the lush green vegetation.

This is one of the top places to visit in the Amazon for travelers who enjoy water activities and prefer destinations relatively close to large cities.

Why visit:

• Hundreds of waterfalls, including Pedra Furada, Orquídeas, Iracema, Judeia, Mutum, Araras, Neblina, etc.
• Refúgio do Maragoa, a 400-meter cave with impressive geological formations.
• Hiking trails, bird watching, rappelling, and water-based itineraries (especially between February and June, during the rainy season), including waterfall bathing, diving, boiacross, and rafting.

How to get there: 2-hour drive (car/bus) from Manaus.

👉 Explore this adventure in Presidente Figueiredo: 4-Day Amazon Kayak Tour!

Acajatuba Lake (Amazonas)

Near Manaus, Lake Acatajuba is located on the Negro River. One of its highlights is the community’s work to boost local tourism and support sustainable practices that can benefit families and the region’s ecosystem.

With lush scenery of dense vegetation and the typical dark waters of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, it’s known for its excellent conditions for encountering and interacting with pink river dolphins.

Why visit:

• Conscious tourism that values ​​environmental conservation and support for local residents.
• Acatajuba Village, a riverside community that welcomes tourists with programs related to traditional crafts and flour mills.
• Wonderful spot for sunset contemplation.
• Canoeing, night spotlighting, hiking, and wildlife and flora observation.
• Central point for Amazon jungle lodges and river cruises.

How to get there: 2 hours by boat from Manaus.

👉 Explore this adventure in Acajatuba: Zaltana Luxury Amazon Cruise

Mamori River (Amazonas)

South of Manaus, in the municipality of Careiro, the Mamori River is a tributary of the Amazon basin recognized for its rich wildlife, environmental preservation efforts, and ecotourism.

The region is considerably remote, offering incredible experiences for travelers seeking authenticity in the jungle.

Why visit:

• The Amazonian manatee can be found in the waters of the Mamori River.
• Great for sport fishing, especially for peacock bass and butterfly peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris).
• Riverside communities and rubber tappers.
• Hiking, kayaking, bird watching, survival techniques, and camping in the forest.
• Home of the Turtle Lodge, one of the main jungle hotels in the Amazon.

How to get there: The Mamori River can be reached by boat from Manaus.

Why choose sustainable tourism for your trip to the Amazon?

The Amazon plays a crucial role in regulating rainfall, stabilizing global temperatures, and maintaining unparalleled biodiversity. However, it faces significant threats, with over 50 million hectares of forest lost between 1985 and 2023. 

Choosing the right ecotourism experiences plays a key role in protecting the Amazon. By traveling with local guides and staying at ecolodges, you support sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the local communities.

👉 Read more – Ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest: 7 Tours to Connect with Nature

Visit the best places in the Amazon in Brazil with PlanetaEXO

The best way to visit the Amazon when it comes to authentic experiences and sustainability is by counting on the assistance of professionals who follow environmental practices, support local communities, and hold a deep respect for nature.

PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, works with well-respected local partners and takes you to the most incredible places for an unforgettable vacation in one of the most fascinating ecosystems in the world. Contact us now!