During the last few months of 2021, I had the pleasure of spending four days in Manaus and 15 days in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. This was the perfect detox from modern life and a great way for me to connect with one of the most wild and naturally beautiful places on earth: the Amazon.
I had such a wonderful time that I would love to share my experiences with other travelers in this Manaus and Amazon guide. If you would like to go on a similar journey into the depths of the Amazonas region, then hopefully this blog will give you all the inspiration and information you need.
Before I get started though, it would be good manners to introduce myself. My name is Ines Lafosse and I’m a photographer, content creator and trained hotelier. I have been curating destinations since 2019. I believe that travel transforms people – because it has certainly changed my life.
In 2017, I left Argentina (my home country) to visit Rio de Janeiro and I was enchanted by Brazilian culture. Fast forward to today and I divide my time between traveling overseas and discovering more of Brazil’s charms. I’m a lover of extreme sports, hiking trails and nature – yet at the same time I still love a comfortable bed and the delights of a good hotel breakfast.
Through my social media, I cover the following topics: travel destinations, accommodation, ecotourism, extreme sports and photography. I’m from Buenos Aires and my passion for travel started at a young age. I was always interested in different cultures and was constantly visiting new places.
I’m a curious person and know that there are thousands of ways to see the world. Diversity makes the world better and I want to show differences with more empathy. Brazil is a country with a lot of diversity – with various cultures, religions, belief systems, stereotypes and nature. I fell in love with Brazil on my first trip and dreamed of seeing more. Now I live here!
My Amazonian Adventure in Manaus
So my Amazonian adventure started in Manaus. This is a city with a lot of history, beginning at the time of slavery when the British went to Brazil in search of rubber. Manaus has a fascinating mix of European architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture and stunning nature. Spending four days here was a real treat but my 15 days in the Amazon was definitely the highlight.
In Manaus there are many beautiful hotels near the Amazon Theater, including options for all preferences. When I ventured into the Amazon, I stayed at the Amazon Tupana Lodge and had a truly beautiful experience. I would recommend this lodge if you are looking for accommodation.
Manaus is the gateway to the Amazon with plenty of activities to do on a four night stay. For starters, the cuisine is fantastic. Foodies should head to the Mercado Adolpho Lisboa for diverse and delicious foods. If you want to learn more about the fauna and flora of the Amazon then there is the Museum of the Amazon (MUSA) which is worth checking out as well.
To see indigenous cultures you can take a river tour that transports you to an indigenous village where you will learn about their daily life. Manaus has amazing sights and many unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else in Brazil. To make the most of your trip I suggest staying for at least four nights with the rest of your time at an Amazonian jungle lodge.
Staying at a Jungle Lodge in the Amazon
There are packages where you can spend a few days at a specified lodge. Included in the packages are several activities such as boat trips to see animals and birds, and piranha fishing excursions. You can also visit the houses of locals who live in the forest and learn how they survive. Hiking along trails to get to the houses gives you the chance to see more flora.
Also, sleeping in a hammock is cool. During these activities you learn so much about nature – how powerful it is and how we need to take care of it. I saw many animals in the Amazon like alligators, spiders, monkeys and birds. I ate insects, saw the most beautiful sunrise and listened to the vastness of the forest. It was amazing. I would go back again and again.
The Amazon is such a treasure of the natural world – with some of the most diverse wildlife and plant species on the planet. You are left with a feeling of admiration for all that nature can create. She fills up the world with her brightness, she is still and at the same time constantly moving, Mother Nature is peaceful yet shows her power at every given opportunity.
Visiting the Brazilian Amazon is an experience that you have to live at least once in your life. The forest is under threat and decreasing in size every day due to deforestation and wildfires. Yet, for this one moment in time, you will be able to immerse yourself in the Amazon without a care in the world.
Tips for Visiting Manaus and the Amazon
I recommend going to Manaus and the Amazon with a travel agency that can show you the best places. This way you will be accompanied on your travel journey. I went with the amazing team at @iguanatour and even have a discount coupon that you can utilize (the coupon code = ines).
You should know that it’s hot in the Amazonas region and that it can rain heavily due to the humidity. Manaus and the Amazon are open to visit all year round but there is a rainy season and a dry season, so you should keep that in mind. For less rain, go between June and November. The heat is consistent year round though with 22ºC as the minimum.
In the Amazon you can take a maximum of 15kg per person. And so with that in mind here is a list of items to bring: a backpack for day walks and a cover for the backpack just in case it rains, shorts and t-shirts, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket and light raincoat, hiking boots, long socks, swimwear, sunscreen for the face and body, and insect repellent.
We purchased a repellent in Manaus called Effex Ultra which is made up of 30% icaridin – this compound repels all types of insects such as mosquitos, ticks, flies and fleas. It gives you up to 13 hours of protection and is colorless and odorless. I didn’t have one bite during my adventures in the jungle.
You should also bring sunglasses and a hat, a water bottle, portable chargers and any medicines you require for your time in the jungle. If you bring all of those items then you will be fine. The number one thing to remember is insect repellent as that can make or break your experience. Lastly, try to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
