Amazon Rainforest & Amazon River

The largest river in the world and the lifeblood of the largest ecosystem in the world, the Amazon River in South America spans two-fifths of the whole continent. With a total river flow that is six times more than the combined flows of the next six largest rivers, it is the world's most powerful river in terms of volume and has the largest drainage basin. It is sometimes referred to as The River Sea because of its enormous size. The huge stream fed by several tributaries, which was first discovered by Europeans in the sixteenth century as a means of navigating the challenging environment, finally gave rise to commerce in subsequent years. Europeans, slaves, and indigenous peoples increasingly transported a wide variety of highly sought-after goods out of the rain forest using boats and steamers.

Can You Get Access to the Amazon Rainforest?

Yes, but because the Amazon is such a well-known and great tourist location, it's critical to go ethically. This entails taking a tour or traveling with an experienced guide. The best Amazon excursions have native guides who can assist you find your way through the forest and avoid getting lost. They also have a wealth of knowledge about the fauna and flora. They can also take you to indigenous tribes with whom they already have contacts so that you don't just waltz up on a group that might not be eager to interact with outsiders.

Fauna

10% of the world's known species are found in the Amazon Rainforest, so there is plenty of wildlife to excite nature lovers. Sloths and other monkey species, such as howler, spider, tamarin, capuchin, and squirrel, to name a few, may be hiding high in the canopy. For a closer look at scarlet macaws and brightly-billed toucans, bring your binoculars as well.

Dark-looking snakes like green anacondas, boa constrictors, and eyelash vipers may be lurking on the rainforest floor and on the foliage of lower-lying plants. Watch out for tiny deadly dart frogs as well as insects that are expertly camouflaged, such as the stick insect that mimics moss and the katydid that mimics leaves.

You might see capybara families playing, caimans searching for their next meal, and tapirs munching on low-lying branches if you live near a river. You might observe pink river dolphins rising for air and enormous otters devouring their fish dinners while swimming in its dark waters.

Flora

The Amazon has enough to offer those who are more interested in plants, too. Giant water lilies (also known as Victoria Amazonica), spaghetti passion flowers, and monkey brush vines are a few of the more odd and fascinating species. For those who enjoy trees, it's a wonderful place to visit. The enormous roots of the kapok tree are everywhere in the bush, making it impossible for you to avoid them. These giants may grow to heights of more than 60 meters!

For the foodies among us, you'll also be able to identify the plants from which some of our favorite delicacies, including coffee, chocolate, and bananas, are from.

Amazonian Riverboat Excursions

River cruises give the advantage of mobility over rainforest resorts. They enable you to explore more of the Amazon jungle and its various ecosystems. There will be various excursions when you disembark, engage in daytime activities, and then head back to your cabin for the night.

Depending on where you want to go, a variety of cruise kinds are available. You can travel further into the Amazon rainforest in smaller tourist boats along confined tributaries. Larger luxury cruises provide amenities like air conditioning, private baths, and gourmet food that are comparable to those found in a five-star hotel.

Things to Do

Kayaking

Kayaking is a popular activity on Amazon River cruises, allowing passengers to paddle in silence through the wildest parts of the rainforest. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, paddle across the Amazon to view its amazing flora and fauna. Early in the morning, when birds are most active, is when kayak excursions are frequently scheduled. Both novice and seasoned paddlers will receive guidance from guides on how to safely take in this amazing jungle experience. Please be aware that the guides are natives who possess in-depth understanding of the river's currents. These trips typically last two hours, and they are followed by a skiff in case someone wants to take a break before the trip is finished.

Forest Walk/ Hike

A beautiful experience is taking a jungle hike through the Amazon rainforest, where you can observe the region's distinctive species and discover the many medicinal herbs that have been used there for centuries. Watch careful for poisonous frogs, rubber trees, pineapple flowers, tarantulas, anacondas, and tarantulas on the ground. If you glance above, you might be fortunate enough to spot a bunch of squirrel monkeys bouncing through the rainforest canopy or a three-toed sloth hanging from a tree. Even though the Amazon jungle is home to more than one-third of all known animal species in the world, including one-fifth of all birds, it's still hard to anticipate which animals you'll see. Use your binoculars while remaining vigilant.

Watch Dolphins Swimming in the Pink River

You will almost certainly witness pink river dolphins during your time in the Amazon because they are a rare and unique species found only in the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in South America. Visitors can visit a floating dock while onboard a Brazilian Amazon river cruise and wade in the water while Pink River Dolphins are fed fish. Being this close to these creatures that resemble dinosaurs is incredibly amazing!

Fishing for Piranhas

One of the most popular activities for visitors to the Amazon River is fishing for piranhas. These red-bellied fish are frequently depicted as vicious animals that can quickly strip their victims to the bone. Thankfully, that is only a popular culture myth, and we can reassure tourists that they are not in any danger from these tiny fish. In truth, there are about 20 different species of piranha that can be found swimming freely in the Amazon; many of these species are omnivorous or vegetarian and acquire most of their nutrition from aquatic plants, with a few native seeds as a supplement. This trip usually departs from a skiff in the late afternoon. Your Amazon cruise guide will give you bait, and you'll use a traditional wooden rod.

Canopy Bridge Experience 

Immerse yourself in the canopy of the jungle high up. The majority of the animals in the Amazon dwells among the forest's treetops. In the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve's La Posada canopy bridge, a few lucky visitors will walk the 500 meters. At a height of more than 25m/85ft, visitors will have an uncommon view of the ecology. One of the longest in the world, the walkway is hung between 14 sizable trees, yet neither special equipment nor abilities are required to enjoy it.

Tailor-make your trip to the Rainforest Amazon River, Amazon River here 

Manaus gives you the opportunity to experience the River Amazon in all of its splendor, unlike other gateways that are situated along tributaries or smaller sections of the river. The river is 10 kilometers broad here, despite being more than 1,500 kilometers from the Atlantic coast. Therefore, this is the ideal location for individuals who want to be amazed by its immense size and magnitude.

Manaus also offers visitors the chance to see the "Meeting of the Waters." Here, the Rio Solimes and the Rio Negro combine to produce the River Amazon as we know it. Each river is a strikingly distinct color, so because they don't mix right immediately, an interesting natural phenomenon results.

Time of Year to Visit the Amazon Jungle 

The Amazon rainforest is accessible all year round. Although it goes without saying that rain is always to be expected. Depending on the country you decide to travel to, there are subtle differences in the best time to visit. The Amazon basin is, nevertheless, primarily governed by two seasons.

Season of High Water

High-water season, which lasts from January to June, provides intermittent rainfall throughout the day. The rivers will be higher during these months, allowing for easier access and boat transportation. You'll need a potent repellent because it also brings colder temps and more mosquitoes. 

Low Water Year

While there are still occasional strong downpours, the rivers are lower and there is less precipitation during the low-water season. While this has an influence on river navigation, new hiking trails open up. With fewer mosquitoes to deal with, it's also much simpler to spot animals like caimans and birds.