Those looking for bustling nightlife, luxury shopping
trips, and fancy restaurants will find few attractions in the
Amazon. However, visitors in search of natural wonders and
authentic experiences will find that there are more things to see
and do in the Amazon than one person could do in a lifetime.
The Amazon is one of the world's greatest natural
wonders, home to 2.5 million insect species, tens of thousands of
plants, and some 2,000 different kinds of birds and mammals.
Scarlet macaws, jaguars, giant anacondas, poison dart frogs,
piranhas, electric eels... the list of unique creatures to spot is
endless.
In response to deforestation and climate change, the
Amazon's tourism industry has started moving toward ecotourism;
benefiting the local people, while also providing an unforgettable
experience for visitors. The impact on the environment is always
important to consider when travelling to undeveloped areas, and
asking for sustainable options like non-motorised boats and trained
nature guides can make a big difference.
Because the Amazon is so large, there is a multitude
of regions that are each fascinating and worthwhile in their own
way. Manaus is the largest city in the Amazon, with around two
million inhabitants. It is a great base from which to travel from,
as you can find plenty of boat and land trips into the jungle.
Manaus has a variety of parks, beaches, a zoo, and the Amazonas
Opera House for sightseers. There are a number of lodges within
range of Manaus that cater for tourists.
Belem is much smaller, with beautiful colonial
architecture dominating the sights. Belem has a number of
interesting natural indentations and islands on its coast, and
several bustling markets, including the Iron Market and the
Ver-o-Peso, both near the waterfront.
There are many protected area and national parks
within the Amazon that provide great opportunities to interact with
nature. Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve near Tefe is a
protected area covered in swamp and flooded forest accessible by
canoe. Its infrastructure is set up for ecotourism, including a
unique floating lodge. Cabo Orange National Park is the only
protected area of the Amazon on the coastline, so the flora and
fauna are unique to the rest of the rainforest. Infrastructure is
lacking, but you can visit it from the nearby Oiapoque City. Cantão
State Park has better facilities for tourists and an interesting
ecosystem that transitions from flat plains to rainforest.
The sun is strong close to the equator, especially in
the summer, so make sure to bring protection. Be careful not to
take any plants, animals, or seeds out of the rainforest, as
smuggling is a big problem in the region and the authorities won't
hesitate to prosecute. The Amazon is a rural and generally very
poor region, thus tourist shouldn't expect to use credit cards
outside the cities. Tourists are overcharged as a rule, so it is
always a good idea to haggle.