AMAZONAS/MANAUS - BRASIL
Manaus, capital of Amazonas, is the access base for the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, at the confluence of the Rio Negro and the Solimões. In the city, the rubber-era Teatro Amazonas and the riverside markets stand out; a half-day boat trip reaches the Encontro das Águas, where the two rivers run side by side without mixing. Jungle programmes with wildlife watching, fishing and community visits depart from Manaus.
Lodging splits between urban hotels —boutique properties facing the theatre and chain options in Adrianópolis— and the jungle lodges, reached by boat, with packages that usually include meals, excursions and a guide.
Operationally, lodges work on three-day stays; the dry season, June to November, favours the river beaches and trail walks.
Useful information
Access Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO), about 13 km from central Manaus (20-30 min by car). The jungle-lodge transfer combines road and river segments and usually takes 3-4 h, passing the Encontro das Águas where the Rio Negro and the Solimões meet.
Season High water December to May (best navigation through flooded forest); low water July to October (river beaches and forest walks).
Currency · time zone · language Real (BRL, R$) · UTC-4 (Amazon time, one hour behind the rest of Brazil) · Portuguese.
Operations Book the lodge with the river transfer included and flight-coordinated schedules; lodges run as packages with full board and excursions. Recommended minimum 2-3 nights. Bring insect repellent, light clothing and sun protection.