Adventurer's Guide To The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest river basin in the world. For many generations, this area of the world has been an adventurer's paradise and dream destination for exploration. While there, you will find a diverse collection of plant and animal species, which is what makes the Amazon such an incredible experience for the aspiring adventurer.
What To Do
Self-guided hikes are fun, adventurous and safe, as long as you stick to the marked trails in the safety of a park or reserve. Some popular self-guided hikes are the ones at the Floreta Nacional do Tapajos and the National Institute of Amazon Research's Science Forest. Both will take you on winding trails where you can see the local ecology up close and personal. If you want to go deeper in the Amazon, you can take one of the many jungle experience guided hikes. When seeking a guide, look for someone with a lot of experience and plenty of positive reviews from previous travelers.
Make plans to experience the Amazon from the water by taking a riverboat tour. Some riverboat tours offer onboard accommodations, shore excursions and other exotic adventures. Popular riverboat tour companies include Amazon Eco Adventures, Swallows and Amazons and Lo Peix. Canopy tours are also available throughout different areas of the Amazon rain forest.
Other must-experience adventures when exploring the amazon include tree climbing, sport fishing, canoeing, wildlife photography and camping.
There are direct flights from all over Brazil, and sometimes from Miami to Manaus, which is a popular place to start your Amazon adventure. There are also boats that will take you to and from the region, but expect a longer trip (two to five days) when traveling by boat. Plane and boat transportation is also available to Tefe and Alter do Chao, which are popular places to kick off your Amazon experience.
Some of the most important things to have with you when visiting the Amazon are all of the proper visas and travel documents. To ensure you have everything you need, contact the U.S. Department of State for details on what is required to gain entry to Brazil. You can also visit the website by clicking here.
Make sure to pack your sunscreen, a waterproof camera, a flashlight, water bottle, filter, small first aid kit and a knife. Other items you may want to pack and bring with you include a rain poncho, bug spray, a hat, swimwear and comfortable shoes. Depending upon where you plan to stay, you might want to bring mosquito netting, sheets, a tent and/or a hammock.
Accommodations
You will find unique lodges and other places to stay in and around the Amazon jungle region. Each location offers comfortable lodging and some even offer special tour packages. Popular places to stay when exploring the Amazon Rainforest include Juma Lodge and Anavilhanas Lodge. Many travelers also like to stay near Puerto Maldonado and choose to sleep at the Posada Amazonas Lodge and the Sandoval Lake Lodge.
Camping is also available for those wanting to spend more time out in nature. Those who enjoy camping will find plenty of places to pitch their tents throughout the Amazon. In fact, camping in this region can be a rewarding and exciting adventure for those who like being in the great outdoors. Just make sure you completely prep the area to ensure there are no snakes hiding under leaves and shake out your sleeping bag to get out all of the hiding bugs.
Though a visit to the Amazon can be quite a safe adventure, there are a few dangers that all travelers must be made aware of. Knowing these dangers will help ensure you have a safe and exciting experience in this region of the world. One of the biggest dangers is becoming exposed to yellow fever and malaria, which is carried by mosquitoes. There is also the risk of becoming ill from local food and water. To help stay healthy, use bug spray, drink bottled water and only eat food that is prepared fresh and washed properly.
Some animals that call the Amazon home can also pose a danger to visitors. Pay close attention to your surroundings and watch out for jaguars, anacondas, piranhas and alligators. There are also small venomous snakes and frogs that can be found throughout the area. To help protect yourself while hiking, wear sturdy boots and long pants.
When planning your Amazon vacation, aim for dates in May and June, which are just at the tail end of the wet season.. Otherwise, you may find yourself visiting during the rainiest and/or hottest months of the year. If you go during this time, a week should be long enough to see and experience everything you want to in the Amazon.
Heather Landon (Heather Leigh Carroll) is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.