Brazilian Amazon by Boat

Brazil - Trip code BAM Discovery
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
1473Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
i
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

This unique trip is dedicated solely to discovering the rich ecosystem of the Amazon, journeying between the cities of Belem and Manaus by a variety of boat. We sail along the unimaginably wide Amazon River, as well as down tributaries along the Rio Negro. Don't expect high comfort levels - this is a trip for an active traveller who is prepared for heat, humidity and simple accommodation with the aim of experiencing something extraordinary.

Why we love this trip
  • Stargazing - Relax in a hammock on deck, beneath a sea of shimmering stars
  • FLONA Reserve - Walk on forest trails, visit the Jamaraqua community and learn about the history of rubber in the Amazon
  • Rio Negro - Sail around tiny islands, visit a caboclo community and find floating Victoria Regia waterlillies on this offshoot of the Amazon River

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 13

    Lunch: 6

    Dinner: 6

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Boat Crew

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

    Flight

  • i

    Accommodation

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

Brazil

Climate

Due to its enormous size, Brazil has many different climatic zones which vary year round. There is no ‘best time’ to visit Brazil, but at different times of year your experience will vary. Temperatures rarely dip below 20° C, with Iguazu, Rio and Salvador dropping down there during the winter months of June to August. Evenings around the coast are cooler during this period but the sea is still warm and fresh, and the air is less humid. In Paraty, Belem, the Pantanal and the Amazon temperatures tend to hover around 30° C year round. January to March is mid-summer across Brazil, but warm days on the coast are matched by the rainy season in the Amazon and the Pantanal. Parts of the Pantanal become flooded and it can be a very lively time to visit. The main characteristics of this season are the beautiful water landscapes and the prevalence of many water birds. Conversely, the dry season (July to October) in the Pantanal is a better time to observe larger wildlife such as the coati or giant anteater. In the vast central area of the Amazon, the climate is tropical, with warm to hot temperatures year round, and a rainy season as detailed above.

Time difference to GMT

-3

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Predominantly Roman Catholic.

Language

Portuguese

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Marajo Island - Canoe trip on the Rio Limao US$20 (min 8 pers); Local Carimbó dance show US$100 for the group
Alter do Chao - Lagoa Verde trip - US$40 (min. 4 pers). Addition of canoeing in high-water season US $10-$20

Optional excursions need to be paid in local currency, although some accept credit card

Clothing

Lightweight clothing is essential for this trip. The air is humid and muggy, so you may wish to change your clothes more than usual. We recommend clothes that cover legs and arms in the evening and on any walks, in order to protect your legs against scratches from trees and biting insects.

Footwear

Good shoes or walking boots are essential for the jungle walks, which can be muddy and slippery. A pair of sandals or comfortable shoes will be useful for walking around the boat.

Luggage: On tour

Main bag - One piece of main luggage and a daypack

Hard shell bags are not practical on this trip - a soft rucksack or holdall is the best option, as you will be expected to carry your own baggage throughout the trip, including on and off the boats. Bring plastic bags to keep things dry.

Equipment

We recommend bringing the following equipment with you:
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Water bottle (a Water to Go bottle is highly recommended, so that you can drink tap water safely throughout the trip)
- High factor sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- A selection of dry bags to keep personal equipment dry
- Travel towel
- Sheet or sleeping bag liner
- Lightweight raincoat
- Game, book, pack of cards for the evenings on the boat
- Travel wash if you wish to wash clothes by hand
- Binoculars

Mosquito nets are not necessary on the Amazon boat, but if you are particularly sensitive to insect bites then you may wish to bring one, or simply put some insect repellent on your face and hands before sleeping.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow US$ 80, approx. 325 Reales for group tipping

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Brazil

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10
Dinner price
£17
Beer price
£2.1
Water price
£1
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Real (BRL)
Recommended Currency For Exchange
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the BRL is approximately BRL 5 to the British Pound. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange rate isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they might be difficult to exchange. Please check on line for up to date information
Where To Exchange
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs can also be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in BRL. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Travellers Cheques
We do not recommend Travellers Cheques
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat, Flight

Accommodation notes

While in towns and cities we will be staying in a mixture of small lodges, bungalows and 3 star comfortable hotels.

We have two boat trips of 3 nights each - the first is on a public boat, where we will be joined by many more passengers travelling from Belem to Santarem and the various stops in between. Here you will have a twin cabin with en suite facilities and bedding provided (except towels - please bring along a travel towel with you). You will be sharing with another Explore passenger of the same sex, and single cabins are available on the boat. In the second boat, which is our private Rio Negro cruise, we sleep out in hammocks under the stars. Sleeping mats can be provided if necessary, which you can use out on the deck, and these should be requested when you book in order to arrange them prior to travel. You will also need to bring a sheet or sleeping bag liner to cover yourself on the hammock - this is fully adequate for the warm Amazon nights.

Food and drink

Food on the public ferry from Belem to Santarem may be quite monotonous, so you can expect three days of eating rice and beans (or feijoada), a meat or fish dish, and perhaps some boiled vegetables. Fruit is available, as well as cereal bars or other snacks. Vegetarians will have a very limited diet and may wish to supplement this by purchasing additional food in Belem.

Brazil

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The  water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Brazil: Visas are not required for UK or New Zealand citizens. They are, however, required for Canadian, Australian and US citizens. Citizens from Canada, Australia and the US can now get their visa for Brazil online. Applications can be done here - https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/

Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.

Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.

Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html

Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Brazil

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. There is currently an outbreak of Yellow Fever in Brazil. Yellow fever is recommended for those travelling to Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Bahia, Iguazu falls and inland cities such as Brasilia.Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

Table of contents

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Got it!