Check the best flight options to land in Amazonas, Pará or Mato Grosso and enjoy your Amazon trip!
If you’re wondering how to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil so you can start planning your next vacation, it’s important to point out that, contrary to popular belief, the access is not difficult at all. The best way to get there is flying to Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state.
However, you can choose different routes – especially if you’re visiting the Amazon in other states. The rainforest is so big it actually reaches nine different Brazilian states, with a heavier emphasis on Pará, Mato Grosso and, of course, Amazonas.
Check below the most convenient ways to arrive in Brazil and get ready to have the time of your life with our Amazon tours!
Arriving in the Amazon Rainforest from Manaus, Amazonas
There are many options of international flights to Manaus that arrive at Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO).
Departing from the US, Azul Airlines operates a weekly direct flight from Florida (FLL) and GOL will soon introduce additional flights from Miami (MIA) twice a week.
You can also fly from Panama (PTY) or Bogotá (BOG), in Colombia. Both airports offer four weekly direct flights to Manaus, making them the main option for many American and European travelers.
Most flights from Europe and North America, however, have layovers in São Paulo (GRU), Rio de Janeiro (GIG) or Brasília (BSB). From these destinations, passengers will change planes and fly with Brazilian airlines (mostly GOL and LATAM) to get to Manaus.
Those who have booked special Amazon tours with PlanetaEXO, such as the Amazon Survival Adventure with wild camping or a stay at one of the best jungle lodges, don’t have to worry about a thing upon arrival in Manaus.
These amazing experiences include transportation from the airport or from your hotel directly to the lodge in the Amazon Rainforest. The transfer includes a 20-minute drive to Port of Ceasa, a 30-minute boat ride to the village of Careiro da Várzea, a bus ride to Araçá River and another boat ride to the hotel.
This might seem like a lot, but don’t worry! The journey to the lodge is an adventure in itself and you’ll be able to live incredible things right on your first day, like visiting a fruit market, spotting different species of animals (birds, monkeys, sloths, alligators), witnessing the Meeting of Waters and seeing giant Amazon water lilies (Victoria Amazonica).
-
- .
Getting to the Amazon in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso
Alta Floresta is a lovely town in the northern part of Mato Grosso, on the southern edge of the Amazon. It 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!
Photo: Luis Gomes
In addition to offering high-end accommodations and a wide range of outdoor activities, the lodge is located in the Cristalino Natural Reserve, the largest private reserve in the Amazon Rainforest, covering over 27,000 acres – an area comparable to the size of Manhattan Island.
Photo: Rafael Ferraz
To reach Alta Floresta, you’ll need to fly from Cuiabá, departing from Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB). The town is only serviced by Azul Airlines, and Cuiabá has direct flights from several Brazilian cities – mainly São Paulo (GRU/VCP/CGH), Belo Horizonte (CNF) and Curitiba (CWB). Depending on your travel plans, you might have a connecting flight before arriving in Brazil, so double-check the flight details before booking.
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.
With so many wonderful things to see in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, you won’t even care about the long hours on the plane!
How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil through Pará?
Bordering Amazonas, Pará allows for a different side of the Amazon 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 landing in Belém, the capital of the state. And here’s a fun fact: not only is this one of the busiest cities in the North of Brazil, Belém will also host the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP 30) in 2025, between November 10th and December 11th. Pretty cool, huh?
Pará Tours
There are two great options of direct flights to Belém: one departing four times a week from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), in the US, and one from Lisbon (LIS), Portugal, five times a week.
Apart from that, most flights to Belém from North America have layovers in São Paulo (GRU) or Rio (GIG). Connections are usually supported by GOL and Azul Airlines.
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. Once again, layovers take place in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Brasília.
You can also go to Santarém from Belém (or vice versa) by boat. In the capital, Port of Belém, the biggest port in the city, will give you access to the boats. In Santarém, you should go to Port of Santarém, on the riverbanks of Tapajós River.
Photo: Santarém City Hall
Boat trips last over 36 hours, enough time for you to enjoy a nice ride across the Amazon River – the largest in the world in terms of water volume – and experience wonderful things, like wildlife watching, sunrise/sunset contemplation and the Meeting of Waters.
The boats are somewhat 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.
Speaking of boat trips, we have the best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil, from short 4-day to luxury tours. Check them out!
The Brazilian Amazon is calling for you!
Now that you know how to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, it’s time to start your travel plans! Since there are so many wonderful options, PlanetaEXO can help you choose the best Amazon tour for you. Check our tours and book your adventure now!
