The Amazon holidays

It goes without saying that holidays to the Brazilian Amazon are about nature. But they’re also about getting away from it all and transporting yourself to a world that is slower, quieter, and unrecognisable from anywhere you know. Trek through untouched forests of enormous trees to find rare flowers and plants.

Taste exotic fruits and find your own safe drinking water under the guidance of a local expert. Float calmly on a canoe as sounds of jungle wildlife fill the air, or hike by moonlight to glimpse nocturnal creatures in the dark. Visit local caboclo communities, try traditional hunting techniques, scramble through hidden caves, and find a sunrise spot to see the jungle wake up. When your activities are done, lie back in a softly swinging hammock, close your eyes, and listen. If you fall asleep, that’s fine too.

Departing from the jungle port of Manaus, cruises are one of the best ways to see the Amazon in Brazil. Choose your style of boat and level of luxury and make your way deep into the rainforest on the world’s greatest river.

Spot monkeys, sloths, caimans, dolphins, and colourful birds as you float day and night in a traditional riverboat, motor yacht, clipper, or even the five-star Iberostar Heritage Grand Amazon cruise ship. Enjoy day and night shore excursions, piranha fishing, kayaking, and expert nature talks, all with the convenience and comfort of included meals and a private cabin without the need for long drives at the start and end of each day’s activities.

If touring day by day, cruising along the river, or making excursions from the city doesn’t float your boat, staying in an Amazon lodge is a great way to immerse yourself in a small section of the world’s biggest rainforest. Deep in the jungle, each lodge offers its own comforts and activities to ensure you get the best from every moment in this unique South American destination.

Choose Amazon Ecopark, a safari-style lodge close to Manaus for quick access to forest walks, fishing, monkey spotting, and visits to authentic caboclo houses. Stay beside 400 islands in boutique luxury at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge where all-inclusive packages offer trekking, canoe tours, and the chance to try traditional indigenous activities for yourself. Get right into the jungle at Cristalino Lodge, a 27-acre private reserve surrounded by wildlife. Our Travel Specialists will help find the right lodge for your visit.

It’s called the rainforest for a reason, but don’t let that put you off visiting the Amazon at any time of year. Average temperatures range from a humid 25°C to 30°C all year round and afternoon storms can be expected at any time. Downpours usually come quickly and dry up just as fast so it's easy to organise your activities around the weather, or just embrace the cooling water as it bounces off the leaves above you, or the river below.

Wildlife spotting is best in the wet season between December and May while navigating the jungle can be easier in the dry period between June and November. Some river cruises are seasonal and lodges may offer certain activities at different times of year. Speak with our Travel Specialists when planning your trip to make sure you arrive at the right time for you.