The Amazon
The Brazilian Amazon is the northern part of the basin, and most trips start by boat from Manaus. Go for river lodges, flooded forest and wildlife.
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The Brazilian Amazon covers much of northern Brazil, and most trips start in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state. The city sits where the dark Rio Negro meets the muddy Solimões. For a stretch, the two rivers run side by side without mixing. Boats from the city reach this spot, called the Meeting of the Waters, then continue to river lodges several hours away.
The river level decides what you do. From about December to June, high water floods the forest, so boats and canoes travel among the trees. From about August to November, low water exposes beaches, sandbars and dry trails. Lodges are hours from Manaus by boat, so plan at least three or four nights to make the travel worthwhile. The trip suits travelers who want wildlife, slow river days and a remote setting. For a city beach stay, Ponta Negra is the closer option.
The Amazon in five
- Pick your season by the river levelWater usually peaks around June and is lowest around October to November. High water opens flooded forest to canoes; low water exposes beaches and trails.
- Book a lodge with transfers includedMost jungle lodges are 2–4 hours from Manaus by road and boat. Transfers, meals and guided trips are usually part of the price.
- See a yellow fever and malaria adviserYellow fever vaccination is recommended for the Amazon, and malaria risk varies by area. See a travel clinic several weeks before you go.
- See the Meeting of the WatersThe Rio Negro and Solimões run side by side without mixing for kilometers. Boat trips leave from Manaus.
Neighborhoods
Alter do Chão
- Best for: Slow stays, beach days
- Price band: $$
- Beaches on the Tapajós that open as river levels drop
- Small boat tours leave from the village
- Fewer hotels than Manaus, so book ahead
Skip if you want city nightlife or a base for Manaus day trips.
Manaus
Manaus is a common starting point for boat trips into the Amazon rainforest, and its downtown has a 19th-century opera house and a cast-iron market.
Things to do in The Amazon
See all attractions in The Amazon
Need to know
- Airport
- Manaus (MAO), about 30 min to the center
- Getting there
- Flights from São Paulo, Rio and Brasília; river boats from Belém
- Getting around
- Boats and lodge transfers; taxis in Manaus
- Best base
- A river lodge, with a night in central Manaus
- Time needed
- 4–5 days, 3 nights at a lodge
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryRising water
- FebruaryRain, rising
- MarchRain, rising
- AprilHigh water
- MayHigh water
- JunePeak water
- JulyDrier, high
- AugustFalling water
- SeptemberDry, falling
- OctoberLow water
- NovemberLow water
- DecemberRain returns
Right now in The Amazon
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
40
- Feels like
- 40°
- Humidity
- 23%
- Wind
- 9 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 92%
The Amazon
04:43 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today33°24°92%Monday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 92%.
- Tue34°24°100%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 34°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed32°24°82%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 82%.
- Thu32°23°89%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 32°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 89%.
- Fri33°24°38%Friday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 38%.
- Sat35°24°38%Saturday: Drizzle. High 35°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 38%.
- Sun35°23°57%Sunday: Drizzle. High 35°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 57%.
Updated 12:28 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 5.437 BRL
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Encontro das Águasabout 2 hours by boat from ManausThe point where the dark Rio Negro meets the muddy Solimões, seen from a boat tour out of Manaus.Read the guide
- Presidente Figueiredo waterfallsabout 2 hours by road from ManausWaterfalls and swimming spots in the forest north of Manaus, a short escape from the city heat.Read the guide
- Lake Janauariabout 1 to 2 hours by boat from ManausA protected wetland where guided boat trips can show river birds and flooded forest.Read the guide
Before you go to The Amazon
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Rules for The Amazon, checked
- Entry rules depend on your nationality. Check visa requirements on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consular pages (gov.br/mre) before you fly.
- Yellow fever: ask ANVISA and your travel clinic whether a yellow fever certificate applies to your route, well before departure.
- Wildlife, live plants, feathers and archaeological items cannot leave Brazil without permits. Check Receita Federal customs rules before you buy crafts or souvenirs.
- Malaria occurs in parts of the Amazon region, and dengue is common in Manaus. Ask a travel clinic about prophylaxis and pack repellent that contains DEET.
Plan around The Amazon
Regions, flights, entry rules and money
Read the guideSão PauloThe main flight connection to Manaus
Read the guideRio de JaneiroBeaches and lookouts to pair with the jungle
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck rules and health certificates
Read the guideTravel insuranceMedical evacuation from remote lodges
Read the guideThe Amazon FAQ
When is the best time to visit the Amazon from Manaus?
June to September suits most trips, with high water for canoe trips and less rain. October and November bring low water, beaches and easier forest walks.
How many days do I need in the Amazon?
Three nights at a lodge plus a night in Manaus. Shorter stays spend too much of the time on transfers.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for the Amazon?
It is recommended for the Amazon region. Get advice from a travel clinic, and check whether your next country asks for a certificate.
Is the Amazon safe for tourists?
Guided trips from established lodges are the normal, low-risk way to visit. Avoid unguided river travel, use licensed operators, and take health advice on yellow fever and malaria well before you fly.
Is it worth going to the Amazon in the rainy season?
Yes, for different reasons. High water lets canoes glide through flooded forest, though some trails are underwater. Expect afternoon showers, and pack for humidity rather than cold.