Area: approximately 11,401 km²
Population: around 2.2 million inhabitants (2024 estimate)
Time zone: GMT -4 (Manaus Time)
Climate: Humid equatorial – hot and rainy, with average temperatures between 24 °C and 32 °C
Telephone area code (DDD): 92
Voltage: 127V
Power outlets: Type N standard (three round pins)
Amazon
The Amazon is a region rich in natural beauty, culture, and biodiversity. If you are looking for a place to seek adventure, connect with nature, or discover ancient traditions, Amazon tourism offers all of this and much more.
Nature lovers will find perfect refuges in destinations such as Jaú National Park, where the lush tropical rainforest and winding rivers provide moments of awe and contemplation.
For those seeking a deeper connection with local culture, the Amazon offers indigenous and riverside communities that provide an immersive experience in Amazonian traditions. The Manaus region, for example, is ideal for those interested in history and architecture, with its famous Amazon Theatre and the Meeting of the Waters.
Cultural traditions that keep the soul of the Amazon alive
The Amazon celebrates its traditions in a unique way. Festivals such as the Parintins Boi Bumbá Festival and the Manaus Opera Festival attract thousands of visitors from across Brazil, offering an unforgettable cultural immersion.
Amazonian cuisine, with its exotic flavors and traditional dishes such as tacacá and pirarucu, is a true sensory journey.
News about Amazon
Check more posts >Useful information about the Amazon
Main destinations in the Amazon
The Amazon is a region full of wonders, with destinations that appeal to all types of travelers. From majestic rivers to impressive forests, Amazon tourism offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences. Let’s explore some of the main destinations you should not miss.
Manaus
The capital of the state of Amazonas is an essential starting point for those who want to explore the Amazon. With its rich historical and architectural heritage, Manaus offers a unique immersion into Amazonian culture. The streets of the historic center, the imposing Amazon Theatre, and the colorful Municipal Market tell stories of a glorious past.
The city is also a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. Enjoy boat tours along the Rio Negro, visits to indigenous communities, and walks through the rainforest. Be sure to visit the Meeting of the Waters, where the Negro and Solimões rivers converge, as well as the Amazon Museum (MUSA) for a fascinating educational experience. Manaus is a destination that brings together history, culture, and nature in one place.
Jaú National Park
Jaú National Park is one of the main Amazon tourism destinations for lovers of untouched nature. Known for its impressive biodiversity and crystal-clear rivers, the park attracts visitors seeking an authentic experience in the Amazon rainforest. Hike through the forest, observe local wildlife, and enjoy refreshing swims in natural waterfalls.
In addition to its natural beauty, Jaú National Park offers the opportunity to visit riverside communities and learn about their traditional way of life. The park is the perfect destination for those looking for a combination of ecotourism, adventure, and cultural immersion.
What to do in the Amazon
- Explore the Meeting of the Waters
- Visit indigenous communities
- Hike through the rainforest
- Navigate the Amazon rivers
- Take part in cultural festivals
Explore the essence of the Amazon
Amazon tourism offers a wide range of activities for all interests. From exploring rich biodiversity to adventuring through rivers and forests, there is always something exciting to do.
Nature-based tours
- Meeting of the Waters: see up close the contrast between the dark waters of the Rio Negro and the muddy waters of the Rio Solimões.
- Pink river dolphin watching: take the opportunity to observe the famous pink dolphins that inhabit the region.
- Ducke Reserve Trail: explore this reserve near Manaus, rich in biodiversity.
- Night walk: take part in an exciting night walk to observe the rainforest’s wildlife.
- Amazon River cruise: go on a multi-day cruise to discover different parts of the rainforest.
- Canoe tour: explore creeks and flooded forests in an authentic Amazonian canoe.
Cultural tours
- Dessana Village: learn about the customs, dances, and handicrafts of this community near Manaus.
- Tucandeira Ritual: if you are in Parintins, witness this impressive rite of passage of the Sateré-Mawé people.
- Boi Bumbá Festival: watch performances by the Garantido and Caprichoso groups in Parintins.
- Amazonas Opera Festival: enjoy opera performances at the magnificent Amazon Theatre in Manaus.
Amazonian cuisine
Amazonian cuisine is one of the most exotic and diverse in Brazil, as it reflects the richness of the region’s biodiversity. With strong indigenous and riverside influences, Amazonian gastronomy offers a unique experience for visitors. Within the context of Amazon tourism, tasting traditional dishes is an unmissable activity that provides true immersion in local culture.
- Tacacá: A hot soup served in gourds, made with tucupi, jambu, shrimp, and cassava starch.
- Pirarucu à casaca: A dish made with pirarucu fish, cassava flour, and fried banana.
- Açaí bowl: A refreshing dessert made from açaí pulp, usually served with granola and fruits.
- Maniçoba: A dish based on cassava leaves cooked for several days, served with pork.
- Grilled tucunaré: A fish native to the region, typically grilled and served with farofa and vinaigrette.
Tips for enjoying Amazonian cuisine
- Local markets: visit markets such as Ver-o-Peso in Belém to taste exotic fruits and buy local spices.
- Traditional restaurants: try restaurants specialized in Amazonian cuisine in Manaus and Belém.
- Food fairs: take part in events such as the Panair Fair in Manaus, where you can sample a variety of regional dishes.
- Cooking classes: join Amazonian cooking classes to learn how to prepare traditional dishes.
How to get to the Amazon
Amazon tourism starts with a well-planned arrival. There are several ways to reach the region, depending on where you are coming from.
By plane
The fastest and most convenient way to get to the Amazon is by plane. The region has airports in several cities, with the main ones being:
Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO): Located in Manaus, it is the main gateway, with domestic and international flights.
Belém International Airport (BEL): Ideal for those visiting the state of Pará and the surrounding region.
By boat
For a more authentic experience, you can reach some Amazonian cities by boat. There are regular routes connecting cities such as Belém and Manaus.
How to get around the Amazon
After arriving, it is important to know how to get around in order to explore all the wonders that Amazon tourism has to offer.
- Boats and speedboats: In the Amazon, rivers are the main transportation routes. You can rent boats or join organized tours to explore the region.
Bring insect repellent and sunscreen for river trips. - Land transportation: In larger cities such as Manaus and Belém, there are public transportation options and taxis.
In Manaus, the bus system is an affordable way to get around.
- Organized tours: For those who prefer convenience, many travel agencies offer organized tours to the main destinations in the Amazon. These tours usually include transportation, guides, and entrance fees to attractions.
Best time to visit the Amazon
Amazon tourism takes place year-round, but some periods are more suitable depending on what you are looking for:
- Dry season (June to November): This is the best time for those who want to explore trails and river beaches. Temperatures are higher and there is less rainfall, making access to certain areas easier.
- Rainy season (December to May): Ideal for those who want to see the rainforest at its most lush. Rivers are fuller, allowing access to areas that are usually inaccessible during the dry season.
Emergency Services and Tourist Support
The Amazon region has urban centers with solid infrastructure to welcome tourists, such as Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas. In these cities, visitors can find emergency services, public and private hospitals, specialized police stations, and visitor information centers. For a smooth trip, it is essential to keep key emergency and tourist support contacts readily available.
Manaus, for example, has agencies dedicated to assisting visitors, with a presence in strategic and high-traffic areas such as the historic center, the Port of Manaus, and Eduardo Gomes International Airport. These services provide support to travelers in different situations, from transportation questions to safety guidance.
General Emergencies
- Military Police (emergency) – 190
- SAMU (Mobile Emergency Medical Service) – 192
- Fire Department – 193
- Civil Defense (environmental emergencies) – 199
- Crime Reporting Hotline – Public Safety – 181
Tourist Safety and Support
- Civil Police (information and incident reports) – 147
- Federal Police – 194
- Federal Highway Police (PRF) – 191
Health and Medical Care
- SAMU (Mobile Emergency Medical Service) – 192
More tips about the Amazon
To make the most of your trip to the Amazon, a few tips can make all the difference. Check out Brasil ATM’s recommendations to make your Amazon tourism experience even better:
Withdraw cash with Brasil ATM
Although many establishments accept cards, it is always a good idea to have some cash for small purchases and more remote areas. Brasil ATM provides ATMs in several Amazonian cities, making it easier to withdraw money wherever you are.
Check the installed locations here.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
The sun in the Amazon can be intense, so be sure to bring sunscreen. In addition, insect repellent is essential to avoid bites.
Stay hydrated
Stay well hydrated, especially during tours and hikes. Always carry a bottle of water with you.
Try the local cuisine
Amazonian cuisine is rich and diverse. Be sure to try traditional dishes such as tacacá, pirarucu à casaca, and açaí. Besides being delicious, they are an important part of local culture.
Respect the culture and the environment
The Amazon is a delicate ecosystem and home to many indigenous cultures. Respect local customs, do not leave trash in nature, and always follow your guides’ instructions.
Accommodation
Book your accommodation in advance, especially during festival periods. There are options for all tastes and budgets, from eco-inns to luxury hotels in Manaus.
With these tips, your trip to the Amazon will be even more enjoyable and rewarding. Get ready to be enchanted by this extraordinary region!
Do I need a visa to visit the Amazon?
If you are Brazilian, you do not need a visa. For foreigners, check the specific requirements of your country.
