Diverse, sustainable, and eco-friendly adventures in the Brazilian Amazon
One of the greatest biomes on the planet, the Amazon Rainforest is home to diverse fauna, secretive wildlife, and around 400 indigenous tribes. But beneath the forest’s canopy is a conscious tourism community, dedicated to sharing its wonder and preserving its integrity for mindful travelers from around the world.
The Amazonian gateway
Spanning nine countries in South America, 60% of the Amazon sits within the borders of Brazil – a natural wealth that must be experienced to be appreciated. Its size and diversity make it a year-round destination.
Many begin in Manaus, the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon and the main gateway to the heart of the jungle. As a major seaport, charter a private yacht for a deluxe sightseeing experience or opt for a classic riverboat tour, each providing an up-close view of the city’s most mesmerizing natural phenomena. It is here that the sandy-colored Amazon River meets the black water of the Rio Negro – a color contrast so distinct it can be seen from outer space.
The Amazon includes many diverse guest experiences from luxury floating hotels such as the Rio Negro Queen and deluxe ecolodges that dot the riverbanks to romantic jungle escapes and rustic adventures, but all share a commitment to providing guests with an unforgettable experience while protecting the biodiversity around them.
Anavilhanas National Park: Riverside luxury
Nestled in the river archipelago of the Anavilhanas National Park are several luxury resorts, many of which have beautifully decorated bungalows, with air conditioning, private verandas, and communal swimming pools. In the Amazon, most accommodations and operators offer a sustainable approach to tourism, where you’re encouraged to make the most of your surroundings without impacting the pristine environment.
The Anavilhanas National Park is a protected area that is an ideal place for families wanting an educational adventure. Adults and children alike will delight in the diverse animal species including the elusive jaguar and the unique Amazon pink river dolphin, whose distinct blushing color and long-toothed snout are magical to encounter while swimming in the Rio Negro. An additional bonus for parents, there aren’t many mosquitoes in this area, which means children can enjoy the excursions free from distractions.
This is also the perfect time to taste fresh exotic fruits from their native home, such as the popular superfood Acai, Maracuya (Passion Fruit), and the Cupuacu, which is described as having a flavor like a cross between cocoa and pineapple while being full of immune system boosting vitamins and antioxidants.
Visitors are encouraged to book some of the many tours committed to leaving minimal impact on the Amazonian ecosystem. Explore the meandering, tree-lined corridors of the Amazon River on a solar-powered boat, hike responsibly through the intriguing rock formations of the Madadá Caves, and support the Caboclo community, whose guided tours are a source of local income.
When visiting the area, consider staying in the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, where luxury hospitality meets an environmental purpose.
Novo Airão: Jungle romance
The region of Novo Airão offers a chance for couples and honeymooners to disconnect from the outside world and immerse themselves in a romantic, forest setting.
From relaxing massages to candlelit dinners of locally sourced produce and evening cocktails accompanied by a symphony of macaws, parrots, and howler monkeys, the region offers the most beautiful sunsets on the Rio Negro. The perfect end to a day of exploration includes unwinding while soaking in a private hot tub as the sounds of the forest relax your body and mind.
To experience this firsthand, check out Mirante do Gavião Lodge, run by Amazonian locals. The Mirante do Gavião team are on hand to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Whether you visit the conservation initiatives within the city of Novo Airão or follow the call of a white bellbird through the forest, they are there to share the secrets of the Amazon with you.
Nature Lovers: Secluded hospitality
Based in the southern region of the Brazilian Amazon, the 29,000-acre Cristalino reserve offers visitors a more remote experience – which means more opportunities to spot the hidden creatures of the forest. The reserve is at the crossroads of the Amazon Rainforest and the Pantanal Wetlands, leading to the incredible diversity of animals and plants with many species found nowhere else on Earth. Make the most of giant, 50-meter lookouts to catch a glimpse of one of the 586 bird species known to this area.
Unlike Anavilhanas and Mirante do Gavião, which can be accessed via ground or seaplane transfer from Manaus, this incredible reserve is best reached via a direct flight from the Brazilian city, Cuiabá.
The Cristalino Lodge offers a unique ambience that perfectly blends comfort with a sense of preservation. Every amenity and every experience is consciously geared toward responsible tourism.
But this section of the Amazon isn’t just for the mindful traveler or nature lover; it is also the ideal destination for photographers looking to capture the beauty of the Amazon’s biodiversity. Whether you’re an amateur or professional, enroll in a workshop to learn the ways of both the plant- and wildlife, and accompany a private guide through the jungle as they reveal its concealed treasures.
The Amazon Rainforest is a unique destination, where trees appear to walk across the forest floor and hundreds of exotic species are yet to be discovered. As this exclusivity deepens, so too does the world’s affinity with the forest and its people. No longer is it solely a place for exploration but for preservation too, giving solo travelers, couples, and families the chance to fall into the ebb and flow of nature – without leaving a lasting footprint.
