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The Amazon
The Amazon River is the longest, widest river, with the greatest volume of water, in the world. Brazil’s mighty Amazon basin is formed from the water collected from 8 different countries, from as far south as Bolivia to as far north as Venezuela. From its source in the Peruvian Andes, it has a journey of some 6,762 km to the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, where fresh water can still be tasted 100 km out to sea!
The flight across this massive country to Manaus is a geography lesson in itself, giving fine examples of ox-bow lakes, deltas, confluences and floodplains. At its centre lies Manaus, a fascinating town in the heart of the Amazon. The city experienced exponential growth as well as a vast ostentation of wealth due to the rubber boom of the 19th century.
Today it is a bustling city with an excellent collection of markets along the river bank; fish market, carving market, fruit market and a spice market. At the centre of the city lies a collection of intriguing buildings dating from the late 19thcentury when the city was at its financial peak. The most famous of which is the Amazon Opera house, built in 1881 and coloured pink, it was constructed using British cast iron, French chandeliers and Italian marble. It stands as a testament to the history of this fascinating place.
Manaus is the gateway for an in depth exploration into the Amazon. Known for its animals and bird life, although the feeling of being so far from anywhere is a large part of the experience, the area is an untouched wilderness with some of the best wildlife viewing in the Amazon basin; there are over 1000 species of bird, while you may be lucky enough to see giant river otters and the elusive jaguar.
Accommodation is in basic, yet comfortable eco-friendly lodges, which provide walking trails, nocturnal trips and indigenous encounters.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Amazon
Anavilhanas is one of the very few genuine eco lodges in Brazil, and by far the best place to experience a true Amazonian stay in the heart of the rain forest. The lodge offers adventure and educational activities
Amazon
The Juma lodge is a rustic place to stay in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. Rooms are clean and comfortable yet simple, and in tune with its surroundings. Built from wasted materials within the forest this truly is an eco-lodge
Amazon
We have always liked cruising the Amazon rather than remaining in a lodge as by boat you are slightly higher up enabling you to see out across the canopy and marvel at the constantly changing skyline.
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