Skip to main content

Looking forward to seeing up close one of the most impressive natural wonders of the planet? Check out a curated list of the top activities in the Amazon, Brazil

The possibilities of the Amazon in Brazil are as vast as its impressive expanse of nearly 5 million km². With options for solo travelers, couples, families, and adrenaline-loving adventurers, the world’s largest tropical forest is full of surprises.

What to do in the Amazon Rainforest also depends on individual preferences and needs. Think about what kind of experience you would like to keep in your memory and heart: navigating majestic rivers, camping among the trees, combining comfort and nature in a jungle lodge…

Aerial view of a boat navigating a calm river in the Amazon Rainforest during sunset.

.

Whatever it may be, PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, is well-acquainted with tailor-made itineraries in nature for every travel style. Check our suggestions right below!

Amazon river cruises

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 for an even better, more intimate experience.

With fewer people aboard, you can focus on what truly matters—the trees, the animals, the soft breeze, and the indescribable feeling of sailing through the calm waters of the Amazonian rivers. 

Multi-level Amazon river cruise boat docked at a sandy white beach along the dark river waters.

.

In addition to excellent accommodation in elegant cabins equipped with everything you need for a comfortable trip—private bathrooms, king-size beds, air-conditioning, and a wide range of amenities—the cruises also include many activities in the Amazon Rainforest, such as hiking trails, canoeing in igapós (flooded forests), night spotlighting, visits to local communities, and much more.

The best Amazon river cruises are multi-level vessels featuring elegant designs, various common areas, and highly qualified crews. They also follow strict safety and environmental protocols to ensure a responsible, hassle-free trip. 

👉 Read more: What’s the Best Time of the Year for Amazon River Cruises in Brazil?

Kayaking on Amazon rivers

One of the top things to do in the Amazon, particularly in Presidente Figueiredo, is kayaking. Known as the Land of Waterfalls due to its hundreds of cataloged waterfalls, as well as rivers and natural pools, this is the perfect destination for travelers who love water-related itineraries.

 Aerial view of a group of tourists kayaking on a dark Amazonian river surrounded by dense green forest.

.

Kayak tours are great for both experienced and newbie kayakers. If you’ve done this before, then you get to do what you love in one of the most beautiful places in the world. 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!

Keep in mind: kayaking can be quite demanding in terms of physicality—you’ll be in the water for 4–8 hours. Even those in great shape might get tired eventually, so the solution is requesting to be pulled by the support boats when your arms start feeling funny. This way, you can just relax and enjoy the ride!

👉 Explore the adventure: 4-day Amazon Kayak Tour Brazil

Meeting of Waters

Surely one of the greatest landmarks of the Amazon Rainforest, the Meeting of Waters is a fascinating phenomenon where the Negro and Solimões rivers merge—but not quite.

Aerial view of the Meeting of Waters in Brazil, showing the dark Negro River running alongside the brown Solimões River without blending.

.

Doing justice to its name, the Negro River’s water is black, while Solimões’ is brown. They both meet but never blend together. There are three reasons for this: different temperatures, current speed, and the waters’ pH (acidity).

Offering a breathtaking view all year-round, the Meeting of Waters can be seen in Manaus or during river cruises and boat rides. You can’t miss it!

Read more: How to Get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?

Amazon jungle tours

When it comes to what to do in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, of course jungle expeditions must be included.

Three tourists on an Amazon jungle tour using binoculars to observe wildlife among giant trees.

.

There are 80,000 species of plants all over the area, of which 40,000 have very important roles in sustaining local water cycles and even regulating the weather on a global scale. The forest is also home to many animals—427 mammals, 1300 birds, 378 reptiles, and 400 amphibians, according to the Amazon Conservation Association.

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, macaws, pink river dolphins, or other incredible Amazon animals? You just don’t see that every day.

Expeditions may vary depending on how close to nature you want to be. If you love the idea of wild camping, survival tours are a great option, which allows you to sleep in a hammock in the middle of the jungle, safely secured from animals, mosquitoes, and the rain.

Amazon immersion in jungle lodges

Do you want to experience what nature has to offer but still need some comfort to rest your bones after a day full of adventure? You can enjoy all the outdoor activities while staying in an Amazon jungle lodge!

Comfortable Amazon jungle lodge with a thatched roof nestled in the tropical rainforest.

.

Located amidst preserved areas in different zones of the forest, such as the Anavilhanas and Jaú National Parks, the accommodations have everything for a great stay: comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, common areas for leisure and relaxation, traditional food, and much more.

Each lodge features its own team of qualified professionals to guide the activities, including hiking, fishing, boat tours, wildlife watching, night spotlighting, etc.

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

Connecting with locals

The Amazon Rainforest is not only rich in biodiversity but also in culture. In Amazonas alone, there are approximately 350 riverside communities and 259 indigenous groups in different parts of the state.

 Indigenous people from the Amazon playing traditional wind instruments during a cultural presentation.

.

Visiting the homes of local residents is one of the main things to do in the Amazon because it allows you to dive deep into the most crucial element of every destination: the people.

Activities vary according to each community, but include immersive tours that make it possible to learn about the day-to-day life of natives when it comes to food, agriculture, crafts, festivities, etc.

Group of smiling local children and a tourist interacting in front of a riverside community school building in the Amazon.

.

The experience can hold many surprises, but be sure of one thing: Brazilians are very friendly and will welcome you with open arms!

Join the best activities in the Amazon with PlanetaEXO

Now that you know what to do in the Amazon Rainforest, it’s time to plan your trip!

PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil. By connecting you with the best local operators, we enrich your travel experience with tailor-made itineraries, wonderful accommodations, convenient transfer options, and much more. Contact us now!