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Amazon rainforest
Amazon Rainforest · Amazonas, Brazil
A green ocean, the lungs of the Earth — the ultimate sanctuary of biodiversity
Know before you go
- Don't stray from the guide's route
- don't touch plants or animals you don't recognise (they may be poisonous)
- don't litter
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The 'lungs of the Earth': 6 million km² of rainforest are home to a million Indigenous people; the Amazon Theatre in Manaus tells of the golden age of the rubber barons. Pink river dolphins, piranhas, arapaima and sloths — every corner of the rainforest is a miracle of life, and the jungle wisdom of Indigenous guides is a lesson deeper than any museum.
Local customs
- Rainforest trips must be with a licensed eco-tour
- follow your guide (on mosquitoes and snakes)
- respect Indigenous communities and ask before taking photos.
Religion & beliefs
- Indigenous animist beliefs
- be respectful — don't desecrate sacred places or take plants or animals away.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Brazil: don't go to city beaches after dark
- Take only a little cash to the beach
- If you are robbed, hand over your things and don't resist
- Going to city beaches after dark
- Taking valuables to the beach or using your phone in the street
Gangs carry out mass beach robberies known as 'arrastão'; phone snatching peaks between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Brazil travel advice
Brazil: e-cigarettes are completely illegal
- Leave your e-cigarette at home before you travel
- Carrying e-cigarettes, pods or accessories
All e-cigarettes and accessories are illegal, and customs confiscate them from checked and hand luggage.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Brazil travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't stray from the guide's route
- don't touch plants or animals you don't recognise (they may be poisonous)
- don't litter
- there's a malaria risk, so take medication as your doctor advises.
Locals appreciate DO
- Amazonians appreciate eco-minded visitors who support community tourism
- night trips to see caimans, piranha fishing and staying in floating lodges are the classic experiences.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | The July–November dry season is best (water levels are low and walking is easier) |
|---|
Travel tips
- The July–November dry season is best (water levels are low and walking is easier). A 3–5-day in-depth trip costs about USD 500–1,000 — choose a licensed eco-lodge
- Manaus is the gateway
- bring long sleeves, insect repellent and waterproof bags.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
There's no regular food in the rainforest — meals are mainly at jungle lodges and on boats
Must-try
- Amazon river fish
- Tacacá soup
- Açaí
Amazon river fish (grilled pirarucu / tambaqui), cassava dishes (farinha / tacacá soup, a Manaus speciality), açaí (eaten savoury with fish, the local way), tropical juices (cupuaçu and others)
| Where to eat | Restaurants and markets in Manaus city (the departure point), meals included at rainforest lodges |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | On Indigenous community visits follow your guide's rules — don't hand out food or take photos without permission; don't take plants or animals from eco-zones; choose legally farmed or caught fish |
| Typical price per person | A meal in Manaus BRL 70–130 ≈ CNY 91–169; lodge meals included with accommodation |
| Tips | Tacacá leaves your gums tingling (from jambu leaves) — that's normal and part of its character; in the rainforest, fish and cassava are the absolute stars, so ease yourself in. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Ajmcbarreto · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
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James Martins · CC BY 3.0
Gabriel Gaona · CC BY-SA 4.0
SabineDeviche · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Brazil tourism board guides to the Amazon
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