Everything you need to know before your trip to the Amazon rainforest.
The Amazon can be visited all year, but the experience changes with the river level.
The rainy or flooded season (December–June) brings high waters and a greener forest — perfect for canoe trips, birdwatching, and photography.
The dry season (July–November) reveals sandy beaches and more trails for walking in the forest.
The river usually reaches its highest point around June and its lowest around November, creating two very different landscapes — each with its own beauty. Read more on this blogpost: Rio Negro water level
There’s truly no bad time to visit the Amazon.
Most travelers arrive by plane to Manaus, the main gateway city in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
There’s only one road leading to Manaus — from Venezuela through Boa Vista — and it’s not a tourist route.
The most practical and common way is by air.
It’s also possible to arrive by river boat, but distances are huge, and travel from other Brazilian cities can take several days.
From Manaus, jungle lodges and river cruises are reached by a combination of car and boat transfers.
Both offer unforgettable experiences, but in very different ways.
Jungle Lodges, like Tucan Amazon Lodge or Paroá Amazon Lodge, let you live inside the forest with the sounds of nature around you.
Amazon River Boat travel between regions and let you sleep on board — ideal for those who prefer to see the rivers and villages along the way.
Some travelers choose to combine both, for a complete view of the rainforest — one from the land, and one from the water.
There’s no official vaccine requirement for visiting the Amazon, but yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended.
For most trips in the Manaus region, using mosquito repellent is sufficient and is what the majority of travelers do.
Some choose malaria prophylaxis, but risk levels are generally low.
Always consult your doctor before traveling.
The Amazon is home to more wildlife species than anywhere else on Earth — but it’s important to remember that the forest is vast, and animals move freely.
You might see monkeys jumping in the trees, sloths resting high in the canopy, or pink river dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
At night, guides often spot caimans, tree frogs, or even glowing eyes along the riverbanks.
Colorful parrots, toucans, macaws, and countless other birds are common in the early morning.
With some luck, you may find giant otters, anacondas, or footprints of a jaguar near the river’s edge.
Every trip is different — sometimes quiet, sometimes full of surprises — but always a chance to experience how alive the rainforest really is.
Yes — when you go with organized tours and experienced local guides.
It’s not possible to travel independently inside the rainforest; you need a guide to navigate and ensure safety.
Lodges and river cruises follow strict safety routines, and the people who live here know the environment better than anyone.
Traveling responsibly in the Amazon means understanding that every visit has an impact — and using that impact for something good.
Choose eco-friendly lodges and local guides who protect the forest and support nearby communities.
When you stay with them, your visit directly helps to preserve the rainforest and strengthen the people who live there.
At Inside Amazon, one of our main goals is to welcome guests in a way that creates awareness.
Many travelers leave the rainforest not just with memories, but with a deeper respect — even a sense of transformation — for nature.
If every visitor goes home wanting to protect the Amazon just a little more, then tourism has done something truly meaningful.
Amazon Travel Guide & FAQ is continuously updated as new articles and insights are published on our Amazon Blog — stay curious and keep exploring.