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River Cruise
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Manaus
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Manaus
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English, Portuguese
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20
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Full board
- Hassle-Free Booking
- Handpicked Local Partners
- Sustainable Travel
- Book with Flexibility
About the adventure
Embark on a 4-day Amazon jungle cruise in Brazil, departing from Manaus to the heart of the Anavilhanas National Park in the Amazon rainforest, one of the world’s largest river archipelago, located on the lower Rio Negro.
This Amazon jungle cruise in Brazil offers a variety of activities and attractions. Designed to immerse you in these wonders, you will climb giant trees, meet pink river dolphins, the indigenous Tuiuka tribe and hike deep into the forest. We’ll guide you through an amazing biodiversity where you’ll likely see colourful toucans, squirrel monkeys, pirarucus, dolphins and many other wildlife.
Discover the beauty of this protected national park on a boat designed to provide an authentic local experience in comfort and safety. Come aboard and explore Lake Janauary, where nature abounds, and the Meeting of the Waters, where the rivers Negro and Solimões meets for more than 9 kilometres without mixing. This unique adventure is perfect for those with limited time but want to see a bit of everything. If you are looking for a longer expedition, check out our 5-day and 7-day in the Brazilian Amazon.
Choosing this 4-day Amazon jungle cruise in Brazil means embarking on an all-inclusive experience in the world’s largest rainforest led by an amazing crew. Are you ready to live an adventure of a lifetime in one of the best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil?
Highlights of the adventure
- Sail through one of the largest river archipelagos, exploring biodiversity, nature and waterways.
- Meet the pink dolphins, observe nocturnal caimans and try your hand at piranha fishing.
- Learn about the traditions, dances and handicrafts of the Tuiuka Indians for a unique cultural experience.
- Discover the ecosystem of Lake Janauary and the meetings of the waters.
- Enjoy the comfort and expertise of an all-inclusive package, guided by an experienced team.
Day by day
Departure from Manaus at 9 am
Start your 4-day Amazon jungle cruise in Brazil by embarking at 9 am at the pier of the Tropical Hotel in Manaus. Begin the day with a comprehensive introduction to the Amazon, detailing the ecosystem’s fauna, flora and local customs, followed by a showcase of the itinerary map.
The first highlight is Lake Janauary, an area rich in biodiversity and birds, reptiles and giant trees, fed by the nutrient-rich waters of the Solimões River. Enjoy a canoe expedition around the lake, with possible sightings of Tucuxi dolphins, pink river dolphins and various seasonal birds.
Let’s go to the Meeting of the Waters, where the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões run side by side for more than 9 kilometres. After lunch on board, the cruise continues up the Rio Negro towards the Anavilhanas National Park, where we will have dinner on board and sail overnight.
Ready for day two of your Amazon jungle cruise? Awake on the Rio Negro. After breakfast on board, you’ll disembark for a visit to an Indian village on the Upper Rio Negro, where you’ll learn about their traditional customs, dances, history and crafts, as well as exchange in the Tuiuka and Tukano languages.
After lunch on board, the journey continues to the Ariaú River, known for its distinctive black water and unique vegetation. Here you can do some tree climbing and observe giant trees, as well as take a water trail to fish for piranhas and possibly interact with scented monkeys.
The second day on board the Amazon jungle cruise in Brazil concludes with dinner and a night-time wildlife-watching session, with the chance to see alligators.
Begin day three of the Amazon jungle cruise in Brazil in the Anavilhanas Archipelago, where you’ll interact with pink river dolphins in a suitable floating house and meet the Pirarucu, the world’s largest scaled fish.
After returning to the boat for lunch, explore the Santo Antonio Caboclo community’s flour mill and regional orchard. Begin a 2-hour trek through the primary forest for an up-close view of the area’s diverse flora and fauna.
This hike is followed by a swim in a central lagoon in the middle of the forest, available during the high-water season. As the day draws to a close, we meet on board for dinner as we head back to Anavilhanas National Park.
Wake up to the sounds of the forest and a local breakfast on the boat on this last day. Get to know the archipelago’s internal lakes at sunrise, potentially spotting sloths, pink river dolphins, macaws, toucans, and other wildlife along the water trails.
The return to Novo Airão includes a city tour focusing on local handicrafts and attractions at the Fundação Almerinda Malaquias (FAM) and the AANA (Associação de Artesãos de Novo Airão). The tour ends with a farewell lunch at Flor do Luar’s floating restaurant, followed by a transfer back to Manaus in an air-conditioned taxi or van.
🏁 Arrival in Manaus between 3 pm and 5 pm
What is included?
- Accommodation on the cruise for 3 nights;
- Full board, including 3 meals a day, snacks, juices and mineral water at will, fruit caipirinhas;
- Crew with captain, chief expedition guide, native guide, chef, helpers, sailors and chambermaids.
- Transfer Novo Airão - Manaus;
- Excursions as described in the daily programme, accompanied by a bilingual guide;
- Entrance fees to the attractions;
- Map of the expedition route;
- Brochure, articles and infographics on the Amazon.
What is not included?
- Flight tickets;
- Travel insurance;
- Transfers in Manaus: Airport - Pier - Airport;
- Extra drinks;
- Personal expenses;
- Any other service not mentioned as included.
Accomodation
Our Amazon River Cruise offers passengers a unique experience th at combines the traditional authenticity of the Amazon with all the modern comforts, safety and quality service on board. With three decks and ample recreational and functional areas, our boat can accommodate up to 16 people, making it perfect for extended group expeditions. Each accommodation, with air-conditioned en-suite cabins, private bathrooms, shelves, and windows facing the river, ensures comfort throughout the adventure. In addition, passengers can relax in the covered recreation area or soak up the sun in the solarium, which has an integrated sound system, tables, chairs, and sun loungers. The refreshing showers and hammock areas are also perfect for a peaceful outdoor rest.
The boat is equipped with a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and safe experience in the Amazon. Passengers are provided with electricity (110/220/12V), a first aid kit and an experienced and trained team in case of accidents. The boat also has a full kitchen, equipment for overnight stays in the jungle, including a powerful flashlight for spotting alligators, a walkie-talkie radio for communication, various games and a themed library of maps and books. For water enthusiasts, there are stand-up paddle boards and buoys for diving in the river and waterfalls, as well as fishing rods for those interested in fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Amazon is a year-round destination, but the best conditions are generally from January to September, when trails are accessible, water levels are good for river activities, and extreme drought is avoided.
From December to May (wet season), travelers can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and exploring the flooded forest, with short tropical rainstorms. The dry season (June to November) allows a mix of water and land activities, but prolonged droughts, especially from October to December, can lower river levels and restrict access to some areas, improving again by January.
👉 Click here and learn more about when is the best time to visit the Brazilian Amazon!
Manaus (AM): To get to Manaus, fly into its international airport, which has direct connections from Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Panama City (PTY), and Bogotá (BOG). From Europe, seasonal flights are available, but most travelers connect via São Paulo (GRU) or Brasília (BSB).
Once in Manaus, reaching the rainforest is easy: transfers are made by boat (1–3 hours) or small plane, depending on the lodge you choose.
👉 Check our detailed article on how to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil to learn all about the best transportation options!
The Pantanal is the best destination if your priority is spotting wildlife, thanks to its open landscapes where jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, and birds are easier to see. In the Amazon, wildlife is abundant but harder to observe in the dense forest, where animals often stay hidden. That said, visitors still encounter monkeys, caimans, dolphins, and countless bird species: it’s just less about frequent sightings and more about immersion in the world’s largest rainforest.
👉 Still deciding between destinations? Check out our comparison of the Pantanal and the Amazon and choose the best spot for your adventure.
At least 3 days are recommended for a first Amazon experience. For deeper immersion, 4–7 days allow you to explore multiple ecosystems, spot more wildlife, and connect with local communities. Longer stays are ideal for those who want slower travel, river expeditions, and meaningful cultural exchanges.
👉 Wondering about timing? Find out how many days to spend in the Amazon
Yes. All tours are guided by experienced professionals who know the forest and its wildlife. Encounters with dangerous animals are avoided, and guides ensure safe distances at all times. Traveling with certified operators means you can explore confidently, focusing on the beauty of the forest rather than safety concerns.
👉 Ready to dive deeper? Explore our complete Amazon Travel Guide and get all the tips you need before your trip.
A yellow fever vaccine is recommended when visiting Brazil, including the Amazon, but it is not mandatory. There are no known cases of yellow fever in the rainforest, yet many travelers choose to be vaccinated as a precaution. It is also a good idea to make sure your tetanus shot is up to date before your trip.
As for malaria, medication is not required, but some visitors prefer to take preventive pills. Keep in mind that these can cause side effects such as nausea, so it’s best to consult your doctor before deciding. Overall, basic precautions and guided travel keep health risks in the Amazon very low.
Discover the must-have items to pack for your adventure:
👕Clothing:
- Shirts and Pants: Light clothes (don’t forget to include some long-sleeved T-shirts, preferably with UV protection; at least one pair of pants, as the nights can be colder, in addition to serving as protection for the trails, where there may be more insects).
- Hats or caps: To shield your face and your neck from the sun
- Swimwear: to enjoy bathing in the beautiful scenery of the Amazon
- Sandals: to wear at the end of the day
🪪Travel Essentials:
- Money: It’s a good idea to have some extra cash for tipping and in case of emergencies, especially since there’s no ATM nearby.
- Medications: Any personal prescriptions, allergy medications, or painkillers that you are familiar with.
- Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher is recommended.
- Repellent: to keep away mosquitoes or other bugs during the trip.
⛺Equipment:
- Flashlights: Basic torches, such as those on your phone or headlamps to keep your hands free.
- Waterproof Gear: Light raincoat or rain cover in case of tropical showers
- Microfiber towel: compact and quick-drying
- Hydration: water, squeeze or personal water bottle (the region is very hot; it is important to stay hydrated throughout the day).
👉 Want more packing tips? Check out our full Amazon Travel Guide for useful advice and practical details
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Very solid setup of overall trip
By Frode Sorbofrom NorwayJanuary 24, 2025Very solid setup of overall trip, both transport and program in lodge. Rooms good given the location. Food very good, but very similar from day to day. Guides in lodge very friendly, knowledgeable and easy Very solid setup of overall trip, both transport and program in lodge. Rooms good given the location. Food very good, but very similar from day to day. Guides in lodge very friendly, knowledgeable and easy to be around. Very good level of english! Only negative was that it was announced as a drinks to food included, but we had to pay extra for all drinks during the week, both water, soft drinks and beer. That written, all in all very good value for money! …read more read lessDate of Experience: January 24, 2025 -
Incredible experience
By Alessandrafrom BrazilDecember 3, 2019
Navigating is necessary to discover the secrets and beauties of our Amazon 🛶 I embarked on a 4-day trip up the Rio Negro towards Jaú National Park, one of the itineraries available on this expedition Navigating is necessary to discover the secrets and beauties of our Amazon 🛶 I embarked on a 4-day trip up the Rio Negro towards Jaú National Park, one of the itineraries available on this expedition that offers travelers the opportunity to get to know the jungle more deeply Amazon and its communities. …read more read less -
Undoubtedly a unique experience
By Lorena Rabelofrom BrazilNovember 13, 2021
I don’t remember the last time I was disconnected from Wi-Fi for so long and connected with nature and history, with people, with art.. Still absorbing the days aboard the Jacaré-Açu, sailing the Rio Negro, I don’t remember the last time I was disconnected from Wi-Fi for so long and connected with nature and history, with people, with art.. Still absorbing the days aboard the Jacaré-Açu, sailing the Rio Negro, no signal and surrounded by people with the same purpose. Undoubtedly a unique experience. Everyone should immerse themselves at least once in their lives. It is synesthetic with itself! There is no better book than a sensory journey like the one we live on these days. A class towards knowledge, textures, shapes, composition, temperature… and in my eyes, always the MACRO vision combined with details. The detail in the middle of this immensity is called Amazon. Today it makes perfect sense to be a daughter of this land when I associate it with what I’ve lived. …read more read less -
What a success!
By Fernanda Caruso Regisfrom BrazilFebruary 22, 2022
A good part of the success of our expedition is in the hands of these 7 crew members who pampered and enchanted us during all these days, that we were on board, each one with A good part of the success of our expedition is in the hands of these 7 crew members who pampered and enchanted us during all these days, that we were on board, each one with its function, or rather, functions, they presented to us, not only the exuberant nature that is the Amazon, but also the rich local cuisine and culture. Impossible to leave a trip like this, just like when you arrived. A thousand reflections continue to reverberate in us, about this Brazil that we know so little or nothing. When we leave, even though we know more – but feeling “smaller” than we arrived – we understand more easily how small we are in this universe… Thanks so much! …read more read less
