Amazon River Cruise from Alter do Chão

Travelers who love nature, adventure, and outdoor activities will definitely love Kaiara cruises. People of all ages are also welcome. Itineraries are completely tailor-made to accommodate every passenger’s needs – whether they are children or seniors.

To get to Alter do Chão, travelers first fly into Belém (BEL) or Manaus (MAO). Belém has an international airport with direct connections from Miami and Lisbon, plus frequent domestic routes from São Paulo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro. 

Manaus also receives international flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Panama City, and Bogotá. From either Belém or Manaus, a 1h30 flight takes you to Santarém (STM).

From Santarém Airport, it’s a short 40-minute drive to Alter do Chão, a riverside village known for its white-sand “Amazon beaches” along the Tapajós River and as a hub for boat trips and forest expeditions.

👉 Check our detailed article on how to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil to learn all about the best transportation options!

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!

There is no cell service or internet connection during most of the trip, except for the first and last day when the group is closer to Alter do Chão. Being offline, however, is part of the experience of visiting the Amazon Rainforest.

If you need to use your cellphone, give a heads-up to Kaiara’s crew so they can find a way to help.

River sailing is much smoother than sea sailing. Reports of motion sickness on the vessels are very rare.

Don’t take pictures of people without asking their permission first, and always avoid posting images that include children.

Some communities, however, have social media profiles. With their permission, you can post the pictures and even tag them. This can be a great way of promoting their work and culture.

• Always follow the instructions of crew members – the captain is the highest authority of the ship – and tour guides
• Only enter the water with the captain’s permission
• Don’t ever jump into the water from the upper decks
• No running on the deck
• Wear the life jackets provided to you when riding speedboats and motorboats

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