The Amazon - An Escape into the World's Magnificent Green Lung
For travelers seeking an immersive experience in Brazil’s wildest landscapes, the Amazon offers an adventure like no other. If you’re visiting Brazil between August and December, especially in September or October, consider adding a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Amazon to round out your trip. After riding the waves in Atins or other coastal destinations, you can make your way to Belém and either fly to Manaus or, for the truly adventurous, embark on an unforgettable river journey by boat.
Experience the Amazon Like Never Before
For most travelers, Manaus is the easiest and most common entry point into the Amazon. As a well-connected city, it provides a convenient gateway to jungle lodges, river tours, and incredible wildlife experiences. However, if you crave an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the journey from Belém offers a unique and immersive alternative.
The Belém Route: A True Adventure into the Amazon
From Belém, the gateway to the Amazon estuary, you can board a riverboat and travel upstream on one of Brazil’s classic long-haul journeys. This route is not for everyone—it’s slow, rugged, and deeply immersive. Travelers sleep in hammocks on deck, lulled by the gentle movement of the river, waking up to breathtaking sunrises over the endless green canopy.
Why Take the Boat Instead of Flying?
- Immerse yourself in the Amazon lifestyle: Traveling by boat lets you experience the daily rhythms of life along the river, with stops at remote villages.
- Unparalleled views: Witness the Amazon rainforest stretching endlessly on both sides as you glide upstream.
- A real adventure: For those who love slow travel, this is one of the most unique and authentic experiences in Brazil.
If time is limited or comfort is a priority, flights from Belém to Manaus take around two hours, offering quick access to the heart of the Amazon.
Exploring the Amazon: River Lodges and Wildlife Encounters
Once in Manaus, the starting point to deeper Amazon explorations, travelers can choose between multi-day river expeditions of different lenghts or even staying with indigenous families in the forest. Some communities voluntarily open their homes to visitors, providing an authentic and ethical way to experience the Amazon while directly supporting local people. Whatever way you want to choose, you'll have an incredible opportunity to spot wildlife such as pink river dolphins, caimans, monkeys, and a vast array of birds.
Top Activities in the Amazon:
- Night safaris: Navigate small channels in search of caimans and nocturnal creatures.
- Piranha fishing: Learn traditional fishing techniques from local guides.
- Jungle hikes: Explore dense forests and discover medicinal plants and indigenous survival skills.
- Spot pink river dolphins: These rare and intelligent creatures, native to the Amazon, are known for their unique coloration and playful nature.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Any time is great but different. The rainy season from January to June offers a massive water body, mild climate and a great chance of spotting animals. On the other hand, the dry season from July to December comes with lower water levels, making it easier to explore the rainforest on foot. The latter aligns perfectly with the kitesurfing season, allowing for an epic combination of water sports and jungle adventure.
How to Get There
The journey from Atins - a well known kitesurfing destination - or other coastal hubs to the Amazon can be done in several ways:
- Fly from Fortaleza to Manaus for a fast transition from beach to jungle.
- Travel overland from Atins to Belém and take a riverboat for a slow-travel adventure with stunning scenery.
- Take a direct flight from Belém to Manaus for a balance between convenience and adventure.
For travelers looking to experience the best of Brazil, an Amazon adventure is a must-do! From the adrenaline of riding strong winds in to the tranquility of watching the sunrise from a hammock over the Amazon river - this journey is about embracing nature in its purest form.
Book your Amazon tour with us to make the most of your trip to Brazil!
How to combine it with kitesurfing?
Before or after heading deep into the jungle, take advantage of Brazil’s world-class kitesurfing conditions along its northeastern coast. Atins is one of the top spots but what makes it truly special are the Lençóis Maranhenses lagoons, which form between June and September, creating surreal pools amid rolling sand dunes.