The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon is one of the world’s most intriguing nature and wildlife destinations to explore. Manaus is the capital of the state of Amazonas, formed at the confluence of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes rivers, where a distinct line separating the different water colours can be seen. Here, the Amazon experience becomes wilder and the more you progress by road and canoe to some delightfully far-flung lodges, the more rewarding the wildlife. Unlike some other areas of the Amazon basin in Peru and Ecuador, you will start your Brazilian Amazon experience with a connecting scheduled flight into the city of Manaus. Situated four hours by air from Rio de Janeiro, Manaus is – incongruously - known not only for being the gateway to the jungle.
The river itself is the largest in the world and generates a staggering one fifth of the planet’s total river flow. It begins in Peru in the height of the Andes and descends, weaving its way across the continent before reaching the Atlantic Ocean some 6,437 kilometres later. At Manaus the river is an astonishing 10 kilometres wide, but at times this is just 1.5 kilometres. During the rainy season, the width can rise to a staggering 40 kilometres and the depth of the river can amount to 40 metres, making a river of true superlatives. One in ten known species lives in the Amazon region and wildlife found includes the largest rodent in the world, the capybara, sluggish sloths, golden lion tamarin, the elusive and endangered jaguar, anaconda, pink dolphins, giant river otters and manatee.