There are a number of companies operating jungle adventure trips from Manaus, but only a few seem to be more established and reputable.
First you need to check if the Tour Operator has a valid Embratur (Brazilian Tourim Board) registry.
Then you make up your mind what you really want.
You need to travel at least 100km from Manaus to see virgin rain forest and the wild life you are looking for.
Location of trip
There are basically two main areas which you can explore: the Rio
Negro basin and the South of Rio Amazonas. Both of these regions are (sparsely)
inhabited, so you will not be completely isolated from civilization. If you want to
make a trip to a reserve or a remote area, ask for a special expedition package and
plan to pay much more and spend a few days for the transfer to and from the reserve.
Rio Negro is an area that is great for the jungle vegetation and for the lack of
mosquitoes (due to the acidity of the river). Unfortunately, the lack of mosquitoes
means there are a lot fewer animals that live there. The South of Rio Amazonas
is a network of rivers, lakes and channels. There are mosquitoes and wildlife, however,
there are quite a lot of houses and farms -- and thus
civilization is a lot more visible. Most tours go to or through lake Mamori. There are
quite a lot of jungle things to see around the lake, but do not expect pristine nature
due to all the farming going on around the lake. There is a reserve nearby called
Jurara. It also seems to be inhabited and there is not much difference between
the reserve and lake Mamori. A better option may be a trip to lake
Juma which is a special protected area.
Time of travel
There are two seasons in the Amazon basin: wet season and dry season.
During the dry season it's very hot (that means 40 C plus the humidity) and thus may
be unbearable for some. As well, many channels and rivers dry out. On the other hand,
fishing is much easier since all fish concentrates in the remaining water basins. During
the wet season, it rains almost every day. When there is a storm, the amount of rain
may be overwhelming. Thus, if traveling in wet season, be prepared to get wet and not dry
out until the end of your trip. During the
season the rivers and lakes rise several meters and many new channels are formed in
the flooded jungle. Temperature-wise, the weather is more bearable and only the
humidity will be a problem. The wet season lasts roughly January to July, with the
best time to visit the jungle May to August.
Equipment
If you travel during the wet season, keep your important things like documents
in (tested) waterproof bags/containers. Cotton clothes let your skin breathe but there is
no chance that they will ever get dry. Some people find nylon/synthetic clothes to work well.
Long sleeves and long pants are not 100% necessary but you will not regret wearing them.
A flashlight is necessary for the night, as the jungle is pitch-black. A machete most probably
will not be required on short/casual trips but is essential for longer expeditions.
A lighter and a pocket knife are a good idea. The pocket knife is especially important since
it can provide the only defense against the boa and the anaconda (indeed, attacks do occur).
A mosquito repellent is most probably a very smart idea. It keeps other
bugs away too and it reduces the risk of being infected by a disease-carrying insect.
However, the number of mosquitoes in the jungle is not completely overwhelming, so for
longer expeditions you may consider getting used to them. Additionally, a good guide can show
you some natural repellents available in the jungle.
Sun block is needed especially during the dry season. Otherwise, keep your luggage to
the minimum. Do not take things you do not really need.
Dictionary of trip operators:
native people - people who live in the region. Most of the time that means, with Portuguese descend. These are not aboriginal inhabitants.
native guide - a guide who is a native (see native people). If at all, usually speaks only marginal English.
explore the meeting of the waters - a 10-second chance to glance at it while crossing the river on a speedboat.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Manaus
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