We all know Amazon by the movies about anacondas and alligators, and it's also a favorite location for National Geographic episodes. Traveling to the Amazonian basin is one great feat for a traveler, with its diverse ecosystem, luscious rainforests, and the complete sense of being at one with nature.
Traveling to the Amazon is not as hard as you think. You just have to do a bit of research and intensive planning so you could have a trip of a lifetime. Here are some things you should know before experiencing the Amazon.
How to get there? There are two travel options in when going to the Amazon: by plane or by boat. If you want to get there quickly, then might as well travel by plane. From Brazil or even Miami, you can access several direct flights to Manaus, and from Manaus, you can get flights to Tefé and Alter do Chão. If you want to travel by boat though, it will take you longer than flying on a plane. But still, this option is great to meet fellow passengers and locals.
Accommodation options. It's not that expensive to stay at hotels in the Amazon. However, don't expect a really high-profile hotel experience. You can even get discounts if you pay by cash, and if you know how to haggle, you can even lower their usual prices. Accommodation choices are not that extensive, but most basic necessities are there. Try staying at a "jungle lodge", where you can experience what's like sleeping in a jungle.
The best time to go. If you want your trip to be blessed with favorable weather, trying booking your trip between May-June. You can get the most out of your travel experience that way, since between those months are not that rainy and not that hot either. The water level at the Amazon River is also at its peak during this time, and a clear weather provides an excellent time for hiking through the forests.
What to do in the Amazon? Typical excursions include going on hiking trails in the Amazon forests or going on a riverboat trip. There are a handful of tour operators that can handle your trip, and they can give you options on what kind of experience you would like to have. With riverboats, you can explore the heart of the Amazon River, and even spot some of their local wildlife. These trips last for several days, as there is plenty of the Amazon River to explore. Compared to Belém and Santarém, Manaus has more activities to offer.
How long do you need to experience the Amazon? Spending one week in the Amazon is enough to have an experience of a lifetime. Amazon is big, and a day or two isn't enough to really appreciate its beauty. Also, the riverboat trips take more than two days, so a week is more than ample time to really explore the place. You never know when you can visit again.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
