Planning to see up close one of the most impressive natural wonders of the planet? Check out a curated list of 8 things to do in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil!
The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world, covering nearly 40% of South America and extending itself over eight different countries – Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Spanning 6,7 million square kilometres, it’s twice the size of India!
Over 59% of the area is located in Brazilian territory, mostly in the state of Amazonas, which means the tours in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil are something every adventure and nature lover must experience.
There’s so much to see and so much to do that it’s hard to list every single thing, but we’ve selected a few activities that are almost mandatory for anyone visiting this fantastic destination.
Do you need some help to figure out what to do in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! 😉
River cruises
Speaking of rivers, did you know cruises can also take place in bodies of water besides the ocean? The boats for river cruises are smaller than your traditional ships, but that makes it an even better experience.
With fewer people, you can focus on what truly matters—the trees, the animals, the soft breeze, the indescribable feeling of sailing through the calm waters of the Amazonian rivers.
Set sail on an Amazon River cruise and witness the breathtaking sunset over the jungle’s serene waters.
The cruises include wildlife watching, appreciating the Meeting of the Waters, hiking, swimming, fishing, cave exploring, and tree climbing. You can also explore the wonders of Anavilhanas and Jaú National Parks and visit indigenous communities.
Cherish family time with a fun canoeing adventure together. Photo: @hidaka.explorer
Our 4-day, 5-day, and 7-day cruises are on a three-level boat with regional design. It’s rustic, but very safe and cosy, with en-suite cabins, air conditioning and private bathrooms.
Relax in the cozy interiors of our river cruise room for two, captured from one of our unforgettable trips.
Ready to explore Amazon rivers? Discover our carefully curated list of the Best Amazon River Cruises.
Kayaking on Amazon rivers
Not only can you visit the Amazon rainforest, you can also explore its rivers! The Amazonian watershed has over 1700 rivers, but some are more popular than others, such as the Urubu River, in the county of Presidente Figueiredo – the perfect location for kayaking. Bonus for the gorgeous waterfalls along the way!
Did you know that being near a waterfall can boost your health in many ways?
Kayak tours are great for both experienced and newbie kayakers. If you’ve done this before, you get to do what you love in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s your first time? No biggie, the instructors will help you with everything you need, from how to put on your safety gear to the best paddling techniques.
Kayaking along the magnificent Urubu River is an unforgettable experience!
Fair warning: the kayak tours can be quite demanding in terms of physicality – you’ll be in the water for four to eight hours. But even those in great shape might get tired eventually, so you can choose to be pulled by the support boats when your arms start feeling funny and just enjoy the ride.
Meeting of Waters
The Meeting of Waters is a fascinating phenomenon in which two of the greatest and most famous rivers in the Amazon, Rio Negro and Solimões, merge – but not quite.
Much like oil and water, the two rivers meet but never mix, creating a stunning natural divide.
Doing justice to its name, Rio Negro’s water is black, while Solimões’ is brown. Both rivers meet but don’t blend, much like water and oil. There are three reasons for this: different temperatures, current speed, and acidity (pH).
The Meeting of Waters is such a traditional and authentic activity that it’s included in most of our Amazon Rainforest tours. There’s no excuse to miss it!
The view is amazing and, with some luck, you can even spot some Amazon river dolphins happily swimming near the boats.
Catch a glimpse of pink dolphins gracefully swimming in the Amazon’s rivers.
Amazon jungle tours
When it comes to what to do in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, of course jungle expeditions must be included!
There are 80 thousand species of plants all over the area, of which 40 thousand have very important roles in sustaining local water cycles and even regulating the weather on a global scale. The rainforest is also home to many animals – 427 mammals, 1300 birds, 378 reptiles and 400 amphibians.
Spot wildlife in the depths of the forest. Photo: Fernanda Lenz.
So much natural richness must be appreciated, so get ready to hike in between the giant (and ancient) trees, breathe the purest fresh air on the planet, and observe the wildlife. Can you imagine spotting alligators, sloths, or the exquisite little blue macaw from the Rio animations? You just don’t see that every day.
You’ll be amazed by the sights and sounds of the birds! Photo: Felipe Castellari
Expeditions may vary depending on how close to nature you want to be. If you love the idea of wild camping, our Survival Tour is a great option—you’ll sleep in a hammock in the middle of the jungle, safely secured from animals, mosquitoes and the rain.
Still want to experience what the rainforest has to offer, but need some much-needed comfort to rest your bones after a day full of adventures? You can also enjoy the same activities while staying in a jungle lodge.
Stay in comfort, surrounded by the beauty of the Amazon, at unique lodges.
Hiking in the Amazon Rainforest
Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to truly engage with the rainforest. Hiking in the Amazon can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on your chosen tour and your physical conditioning. However, there’s no need to worry – no one will be left behind. You can walk at your own pace and fully enjoy the experience.
Pack your comfiest pair of sneakers, light clothes, and camera—you’ll want to register every moment!
Become one with nature and capture every moment! Photo: @luzandona
There are numerous trails in the Amazon and each tour follows its schedule, but you can expect many native trees, mainly seringueiras (rubber trees). When you cut into its trunks, a white liquid comes out—that’s natural latex. Ask your tour guide about it!
You’ll see various animals during the hike, like birds, rodents, and monkeys. Watch out for insects (did you know there are over 2.5 million Amazonian species of bugs?), reptiles, and even jaguar tracks. The tour guides will share scientific facts and trivia about the forest elements, in English. It’s an amazing learning moment.
Meet the vibrant green frog, a captivating gem of Amazon Rainforest wildlife. Photo: @herping_brasil
Amazon immersion in jungle lodges
Dive deep into the heart of the Amazon without putting your comfort aside. The jungle lodges are great accommodations that tend to all of your needs: cozy beds, hammocks, air conditioning or ceiling fans, tasteful decor, private bathrooms, hot water, delicious local cuisine meals, and beautiful panoramic views of Amazonian rivers and forests.
Amazon jungle lodges, where adventure and comfort blend seamlessly with the wild beauty of the rainforest.
Daily activities led by bilingual guides include canoeing, boat rides, jungle hikes, night tours, piranha fishing, tree climbing, wildlife watching and visiting local communities.
Relax and unwind with a serene swim at the pool.
Choose your favorite option to stay from our curated list of the best Amazon jungle lodges in Brazil.
Communion with locals and indigenous villages
Brazilian Amazon tours can get even better when you immerse yourself in the local communities’ day-to-day life.
While visiting locals’ homes, they can tell you more about what it’s like to live away from the cities and give even more tips on what to do in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about their culture and customs.
Experience indigenous practices, including folkloric music played on handmade instruments.
Depending on the tour, you can also visit cassava and rubber plantations – and have a snack that you picked yourself, like vegetables, fruits, and nuts – or visit Indigenous villages to discover their traditions, dances, and handicrafts.
The experience can hold many surprises, but be sure of one thing: Brazilians are very friendly and will welcome you with open arms!
Be part of the daily life of local communities.
Your journey in the Brazilian Amazon awaits!
Now that you know what to do in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil, it’s time to plan your journey! To make things easier, PlanetaEXO connects you with the best-qualified professionals whose mission is to help you create unforgettable memories in a sustainable and responsible trip. Click here to check our handpicked Amazon tours and come meet us soon!
