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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 30 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

There is more to the Amazon than the Amazon River itself. While the main river and its large tributaries offer spectacular scenery, the smaller tributaries and creeks (igarapes) are where you stand the best chance of seeing wildlife and local life.

In the wet season, the river rises up to eight metres – creating unique, flooded forest landscapes known as varzea (on brown rivers) or igapó (on black rivers), which link together in vast labyrinths – extending through lakes tributaries and swamps covered with huge Victoria waterlilies.

Paddling on a kayak or dugout canoe through the flooded forest is magical, particularly at the beginning and end of the day when the wildlife is most active. Motorboats are also available for the less energetic.

Price from: £30
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

This is not something it’s possible to do independently. Any stay in a rainforest lodge or tour into a national park will involve plenty of time on smaller rivers. And it’s even possible to visit them on a day trip from a hub like Manaus or Iquitos.

When to do it

Only available in the flooded season – when the river is high. This varies greatly depending on the destination. In Iquitos it is Oct-May (peaking in Jan-Mar); in Manaus and Alter do Chão it is Jan-Aug (peaking in April).

Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with

Amazon Eco Adventures

Amazon Eco Adventures

Manaus, Amazon, Brazil

Well-respected and reliable local agency with a broad range of tours around Manaus.

Lurys Didier

Lurys Didier

Manaus, Amazon, Brazil

One of the few genuine indigenous Amazon guides – based in Novo Airao itself and conducting trips throughout the Manaus area. Excellent boat tours and hikes and rainforest survival training.

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

The Amazon

Amazon, Peru

Earth’s largest and most spectacular tropical wilderness is a landscape of huge waterfalls tumbling off table-top mountains, vast, coloured rivers, and fragrant cloud forests. All filled with astonishing, endemic wildlife.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Boat tours on the Amazon River

Amazon, Multiple countries[0 miles]

Boat tours on the Amazon and its tributaries in a classic two-storey river boat immerses you in the wild, giving a unique taste of river life. An unforgettable experience.

Best for ages: 10+ | £60 | 4-7 hours

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Visit an Amazon village

Amazon, Multiple countries[0 miles]

Intimate village tours offering a unique insight into how indigenous Amazon communities live in harmony with the forest.

Best for ages: 10+ | £60 | 3-6 hours

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