Category: Amazon

From jungle lodges to river cruises, see how ecotourism in Brazil thrives in these 7 incredible Amazon tours!

Highlighted by The Wall Street Journal in 2024 as a nature destination worth visiting, ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest is crucial for economic growth, for the financial health of local communities, and for environmental protection.

Every year, tourists from all over the world travel to the Amazon and explore the wonders of one of the most fascinating places on Earth. By relying on the expertise of professionals who truly love and respect nature, it’s possible to experience a fantastic trip while supporting the environment. 

As a platform that specializes in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil and works with the best local operators, PlanetaEXO has curated a list of 7 experiences you just can’t miss. Check it out below!

1) Amazon Jungle Tour from Manaus

Starting off strong with an affordable, yet amazing experience, this tour allows for a deep dive into the Amazon’s untouched beauty. The adventure starts on the way to the lodge — departing from Manaus, the Meeting of Waters and visits to local markets kick off the trip.

The itinerary is packed with authentic activities: hiking, canoeing, piranha fishing, birdwatching, visiting local communities, and sunrise and sunset contemplation. 

After a busy day, get some rest at the lodge in charming, cozy bungalows equipped with comfortable beds, private bathrooms and air-conditioning. In the common areas, eat your meals at the restaurant, get a drink at the bar or have fun with friends and family in the gaming room or the TV lounge. 

Available in 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day tours. Learn more about this adventure.

👉 Read more: How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?

2) Amazon cruise in Brazil

Did you know you can go on cruises in the Amazon Rainforest? Beautiful vessels peacefully glide across the dark waters of the Negro River, granting a totally different Amazon tour experience.

Besides enjoying a delightful stay, guests have the time of their lives with expeditions to Anavilhanas and Jaú National Park, exploring the Madadá Caves, hiking in the forest, relaxing on river beaches, wildlife watching and visiting indigenous groups.

The 3-floor vessel can comfortably accommodate up to 16 guests in private ensuite cabins with air-conditioning and a lovely, rustic decor. Leisure areas include a solarium, a dining room, a living room and a bar.

Available in 4-day, 5-day, and 7-day tours. Learn more about this adventure.

👉 Read more: Best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil

3) Exclusive tour in Avanilhanas National Park

Mirante do Gavião is one of the highest-rated Amazon ecolodges, acclaimed for its gorgeous architecture and great location — facing the Negro River and Anavilhanas National Park.

Activities like hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddling, night spotting, cave exploration, visiting riverside communities and boat rides are all part of the itinerary. Perfect for outdoorsy guests!

This tour also proves that ecotourism in the Amazon can coexist with comfort. The lodge offers three categories of high-end accommodations, as well as a gaming room, a swimming pool, a fine dining restaurant and a barbecue area. 

Available in 4-day and 5-day tours. Learn more about this adventure.

4) Floating ecolodge in Mamirauá Reserve

Departing from Tefé, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, where a floating ecolodge lies on the dark waters of the river, surrounded by lush green vegetation and infinite blue sky.

This 5-day Amazon tour is packed with adventure, including night and photo safaris, piranha fishing, boat rides, canoeing, visiting local villages, and much more.

Uakari Lodge is the only accommodation in Latin America featured in The New York Times’ list of floating hotels worth visiting worldwide. The publication highlights its infrastructure, immersive nature experiences, and the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) model, which benefits both the environment and local residents.

The entire infrastructure of the lodge is built on stilts, which means guests relish in breathtaking views from the bungalows or the common areas (deck, restaurant, bar, video room and a library). Learn more about this adventure.

👉 Read more: When is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

5) Luxury stay at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

Another Amazon Rainforest tour in Anavilhanas National Park, Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is located on the banks of the Negro River, granting extraordinary experiences in one of the most beautiful natural scenarios in the world.

Custom itineraries offer great activities for everyone: guided hikes, canoing, night tours for wildlife watching, fishing, archery lessons, visiting riverside villages, boat rides, etc.

Inspired by caboclo design, the twenty-four accommodations are equipped with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, TVs, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Enjoy the lodge’s premium services at the restaurant, floating bar, swimming pools, cozy lounge, massage room and gym. Before your trip ends, make sure to get a souvenir at the gift shop!  Learn more about this adventure.

6) Amazon tour in Mato Grosso

This lodge stands out when it comes to ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest due to its location. Unlike the other tours on this list, Cristalino is not located in the state of Amazonas, but in the northern region of Mato Grosso, by the south of the jungle, in a private natural reserve.

The geography in itself is a tresure — bordering the Pantanal, it’s one of the best places in the Amazon for wildlife watching. Two biomes in one single experience!

50-meter observation towers are perfect for birdwatching and admiring the view, but activities also include wildlife spotting, canoeing, hiking and boat rides in the Cristalino and Teles Pires rivers, etc.

Bungalows and chalets equipped with comfy beds, sleeper sofas, private bathrooms, ceiling fans and Wi-Fi are the perfect accommodations to relax, but guests also love the entertainment areas — floating deck, restaurant, bar, reading room, and conference room. Learn more about this adventure.

👉 Read more: Best Amazon Lodges in Brazil

7) Luxury Amazon Cruise

Looking for something more exclusive? Ecotourism in the Amazon reaches a whole new level with this luxury river cruise in Anavilhanas, the second-largest river archipelago in the world with over 400 islands!

After departing from Manaus, you’ll witness the Meeting of Waters and the beauty of Lake Janauari. Throughout five days, you’ll visit local communities, hike in the jungle, fish for piranhas, go on boat rides and night tours, relax on river beaches and join a beautiful luau.

The architecture of the sophisticated vessel is jaw-dropping, featuring a modern design in ten ensuite cabins with air-conditioning and floor-to-ceiling windows. You can also unwind at the bar or in the living room, grab a bite at the dining hall and admire the view from the sun deck. Learn more about this adventure.

Best Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil

With so many incredible options, it might be difficult to choose your Amazon tour in Brazil. See the table below to compare activities and prices: 

*Per person, based on double occupancy in group departures. Prices may vary depending on season and availability. Exchange rate as of February 4th, 2026; subject to change.

Ecotourism in the Amazon as a solution to deforestation

Although deforestation in the Amazon has dropped 11% from August 2024 to July 2025 due to heavy environmental inspection, the largest tropical rainforest in the world is still at risk. Wildfires and illegal logging and mining harms the ecosystem, increasing the temperature in 3 ºC and driving a strong rainfall decline across the southern Amazon basin.

In addition to government efforts, ecotourism is also an efficient solution for the preservation and recovery of the forest, thanks to sustainable practices, encouraging environmental awareness and empowering local communities to make a living without harming natural resources.

Amazon ecolodges follow sustainable guidelines, like using solar energy, recycling, harvesting rainwater and partnering with environmental projects. Through custom itineraries, jungle hotels educate guests on the importance of preserving the forest and encourage them to become allies of nature even when they go back home.

Lucas Ribeiro, founder of PlanetaEXO, describes ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest. “By connecting travelers with authentic experiences that benefit local communities, we’re promoting a model of tourism that supports both people and the planet”.

Watch “Tourism That Keeps the Amazon Alive”, a mini-doc produced by PlanetaEXO that showcases the importance of ecotourism:

👉 Read more: Ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest: A Solution to Deforestation

Ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest with PlanetaEXO

PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform that specializes in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil. By working very closely with local operators, we handpick every experience and follow strict protocols to make sure we’re positively impacting our customers, partners and, of course, the environment.

Our team is ready to help with everything you need for a perfect vacation. Contact us now!

Experience the best of Amazonian Carnival on river cruises, eco-lodges, and forest camps.

Want to enjoy your days off in peace, but don’t know what to do during Carnival to escape the revelry? The tip is to immerse yourself in the indescribable nature of the Amazon on tours filled with the serenity and beauty of the forest.

In 2026, Carnival will be celebrated on February 16 and 17, followed by Ash Wednesday (18). The weekend before the holiday (February 14 and 15) allows for an extended trip.

Don’t miss the chance to explore one of the most fascinating places in Brazil! Here are 6 incredible destinations to enjoy Carnival in the Amazon in peace and surrounded by nature.

Cruise on the Amazon

One of the best cruises in the Amazon, Katerre Expeditions offers unparalleled experiences in some of the region’s main postcard locations, such as the Anavilhanas National Park and the Jaú National Park.

Depending on the vessel, it is possible to accommodate up to 29 guests in elegant cabins with private bathrooms, comfortable beds, and air conditioning. Common areas include a restaurant or dining room, open deck with solarium, lounge areas, and even a massage room.

Explore the beauty of nature and enjoy Carnival in the Amazon by participating in the activity itinerary, which includes guided trails, visits to local communities, animal watching, canoeing, trips to river beaches, and much more.

• Price: Starting at R$14,540 (per person)
• Included: accommodation, meals, transfers, guides, and tours.
• Dates for Carnival 2026 accommodation: February 13 to 17 (DBL cabins) | February 17 to 21 (QPL cabin)

👉 Learn more and book: 5-day Amazon cruise

Wild adventure in the Amazon Rainforest

Are you adventurous and still haven’t decided what to do for Carnival? Experience the Amazon at its most authentic with this wild adventure in the forest!

On trips lasting 4 or 6 days, you will explore the depths of the world’s largest rainforest while camping among the trees. Led by experienced guides, the group spends the night in hammocks covered by tarps and mosquito nets. Meals are prepared over the campfire—the menu includes fresh vegetables, chicken, and freshly caught fish.

Immersion in the jungle is already a great adventure in itself, but the itinerary of activities also includes lessons in survival techniques and plant identification, wildlife observation, fishing, hiking, and river navigation.

• Price: per person, starting at R$4,958 (4 days) or R$6,862.50 (6 days)
• Included: accommodation, meals + drinking water, transfers, guides, activities, and camping equipment.
• Dates for Carnival 2026 accommodation: starting February 9 (5 days and 4 nights) | starting February 17 (4 days and 3 nights) | February 13 to 17 (5 days and 4 nights) | February 13 to 18 (6 days and 4 nights)

👉 Learn more and book: 4-day Amazon survival tour / 6-day immersion in the Amazon Rainforest

Luxury jungle hotel in Novo Airão

Staying at the Gavião Lookout in the municipality of Novo Airão is all you need to make your trip to the Amazon memorable.

Facing Anavilhanas National Park, this luxurious ecolodge has three categories of accommodation (Premium, Luxury, and Tree House) of the highest standard, all with air conditioning, comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms, and minibars.

Throughout the day, enjoy the beauty of the forest by hiking and kayaking in Anavilhanas, watching the sunset on boat trips on the Rio Negro, participating in nighttime wildlife spotting, exploring the Madadá Caves, and learning about the daily life of those who live in the heart of the forest.

At the hotel, relax by the pool, in the massage room, on the deck overlooking the river, in the games room, or in the library. The Mirante do Gavião team also provides equipment for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

• Price: starting at R$8,525 (per person)
• Included: accommodation, meals, transfers, guides, and activities.
• Dates for Carnival 2026 accommodation: February 12 to 16 (Tree House and Premium) | February 19 to 24 (Luxury) | from February 25 (Premium)

👉 Learn more and book: 4-day package at Hotel Mirante do Gavião

Immersion and comfort in the forest

Carnival in Manaus takes on a new meaning with the Amazon Turtle Lodge on Lake Paraná do Mamori in Careiro. Based on authenticity and a passion for nature, this is a more accessible experience—but no less incredible.

Leaving the Amazonian capital, the route navigates the incredible Meeting of the Waters of the Negro and Solimões rivers. In addition to this phenomenon, it is possible to contemplate other wonders of the forest on the way to the accommodation, such as vitórias-régia, pink dolphins, alligators, birds, monkeys, and sloths. 

Other activities take place throughout the trip, such as canoeing, visits to riverside communities, survival training, piranha fishing, animal watching, etc.

After exploring the jungle, relax in wooden bungalows or brick cottages. The lodge has 21 units, all with air conditioning, private bathrooms, cozy beds, and charming decor.

• Price: starting at R$3,440 (per person)
• Included: accommodation, meals, transfers, guides, and tours.
• Dates for Carnival 2026 accommodation: February 12 to 17 (all categories) | February 18 to 24 (Comfort Brick Chalet) | February 25 to 28 (all categories)

👉 Learn more and book:  4-day Amazon Rainforest Tour  / 5-day Amazon Rainforest Expedition

Floating ecolodge in Mamirauá

Always on the list of the best jungle hotels in the Amazon, the Uakari Lodge stands out for the uniqueness of its structure: the accommodations and common areas are built on stilts in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve in Tefé, providing an even more unforgettable stay. Due to the isolation of the location, the connection with nature is unparalleled.

Guests stay in five bungalows with fantastic views of the river and forest. The floating lodge also has a bar, restaurant, deck, video room, and library.

The program sums up the essence of spending Carnival in the Amazon: hiking trails, nighttime animal watching tours, fishing, boat trips, and visits to riverside villages. Not to be missed!

Uakari is the only accommodation in Latin America on the list of floating hotels around the world that are worth visiting, compiled by The New York Times. The publication highlights infrastructure, nature experiences, and the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) model, which benefits both the environment and local residents.

• Price: starting at R$5,240 (per person)
• Included: accommodation, meals, transfers, guides, and activities.
• Dates for Carnival 2026 accommodation: February 13 to 18 or February 18 to 23 (6-day tour) | February 20 to 23 (4-day tour)

👉 Learn more and book:  Ecolodge in the Amazon Rainforest

What is the weather like in the Amazon in February?

February is a rainy month in the Amazon. Although rainfall occurs throughout the year in the region, it intensifies between December and May. The climate is also milder, with an average temperature of 25.8 °C.

This does not detract from the trip, but it may determine the itinerary of activities. During Carnival month, boat trips, canoeing, water trails, animal watching, and river cruises are unmissable experiences.

👉 Learn more: When is the best time to visit the Amazon in 2026?

Carnival in the Amazon with PlanetaEXO

Traveling to the Amazon has never been easier! Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy your Carnival break with peace and adventure at lodges, river cruises, and camps operated by PlanetaEXO partners.

In addition to connecting our clients with the best ecotourism professionals, we accompany each step of planning your dream trip. Contact us and make your reservation!

When planning your trip to the Amazon, don’t forget to consider logistics, seasons, and your travel style

To truly experience the rainforest, it’s recommended to book a trip for at least 3 full days, but deciding how many days you should stay in the Amazon Rainforest depends on what experiences you’re looking for, as well as the weather and seasons.

The logists also play a huge part in vacation planning—the forest covers over 4 million square kilometers just within Brazilian borders. In fact, just getting to Brazil might be a long journey in itself for some foreign tourists, so time management is crucial.

As an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon tours in Brazil, PlanetaEXO has extensive experience planning trips to the largest rainforest in the world. Check our complete guide below and follow our tips!

What determines how long you should stay in the Amazon?

Before deciding how many days to spend in the Amazon, it’s worth considering a few factors that will shape your experience:

Logistics

Most travelers going to the Amazon Rainforest arrive via Manaus, capital of Amazonas and a major gateway served by daily flights from São Paulo, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, Belém, etc.

From Manaus, two of the closest protected areas in the Amazon are the Anavilhanas Archipelago and Jaú National Park. Anavilhanas lies along the Rio Negro near the town of Novo Airão, about 180–200 km from the capital, and can be reached in roughly 2–3 hours by road. Jaú is accessed through the same gateway town but requires an additional boat journey along the river to reach its remote interior.

For more distant locations like Tefé (~520 km) and Alter do Chão (~600 km), travel requires more planning. While the river journey can take between 1–3 days depending on the current, a flight reduces the travel time to just over an hour.

One of the most renowned wildlife destinations in the southern Amazon is the Cristalino region, located in the state of Mato Grosso. Unlike the areas around Manaus, access begins with a flight to the city of Alta Floresta. From there, travelers continue with a 1.5-hour drive followed by a 30-minute boat ride along the Cristalino River, leading to private reserves and lodges surrounded by the forest.

👉 Read more: How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?

Seasons and weather

Knowing when is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest has a great influence on your trip, as seasons shape river levels, wildlife behavior, and trail conditions.

The rainy season runs from December to May, marked by heavy rain that makes the rivers higher and causes a few areas of the forest to flood. Activities include swimming and canoeing in igapós, boat trips, wildlife watching and river cruises.

From June to November, in the dry season, the rivers shrink and hiking trails are unblocked. It’s the perfect time for hiking, camping, night spotlighting and visiting river beaches.

The Amazon weather is also something to consider. While the rainfall volume is higher during the rainy season, storms are common throughout the entire year, though they’re usually quick and don’t negatively affect trips at all. Warm and humid, temperatures range from an average of 25,8 ºC (78 ºF) to 27,9 ºC (82 ºF).

Travel style and pace

Some people prefer slow, immersive journeys with time to disconnect, join multi-day expeditions, and explore the culture and main attractions of Manaus. Staying longer allows for more contact with nature and meaningful exchanges with local communities, including indigenous and riverside groups who share their ancestral knowledge and bond with the forest.

Travelers who run on limited schedules can also live amazing experiences on fewer days, but it’s important to notice that the Amazon favors a slower rhythm of life. Nature, after all, lives on its own time.

Therefore, 3 days give you a good enough glimpse of the forest, but a 4 to 7-day trip is ideal to fully enjoy yourself. If you’re not sure how long to stay in the Amazon, the logic is clear: the more days, the better!

3-day trip: comfort and nature

Fit for families, couples and travelers looking for a comfortable and safe introduction to the Amazon’s ecosystem. Jungle lodges have great outdoor itineraries while also providing a complete infrastructure for a nice stay experience.

Activities include forest hikes, canoeing, wildlife watching, sunset/sunrise contemplation and leisure time in the hotel’s private rooms and common areas.

👉 Read more: Best Amazon Jungle Lodges in Brazil

4-day trip: immersion and survival

Explore deeper into the Amazon and head to quieter, more preserved zones. It’s the perfect opportunity to establish a real connection with nature and absorb its knowledge

Local guides can teach you basic survival techniques, like extracting water from vines, identifying medicinal plants, and even setting up simple traps. Additionally, an experienced professional can accompany you while camping among the trees and teach you how to cook your own food on an improvised campfire.

You can also venture into President Figueiredo, known as the “Land of Waterfalls” to cool off in one of the 150 waterfalls and sandstone caves. Here are some unmissible spots: Judeia and Maragoa Caves, and Iracema and Araras Waterfalls.

5 to 7-day trip: exploring natural reserves

There’s a lot you can do in a week, like visiting conservation units that require boat rides to reach areas inaccessible to mass tourism.

Some jungle lodges and river cruises take their guests to Anavilhanas National Park, the second-largest river archipelago in the world, with over 400 islands. Navigating its narrow channels is a labyrinthine and fascinating experience.

In Jaú National Park, hike in the forest to get to the sumaúmas (kapok trees), giant trees estimated to be 500 years old. Their roots are so large that they store vast amounts of water to nourish the biome and can even produce vibrating sounds when hit with enough strength.

Travelers who love cultural experiences can visit riverside communities to learn more about their day-to-day life, including aspects of food, crafts, and conservation challenges.

👉 Read more: Best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil

10 to 15-day trip: epic expeditions

Test your limits with journeys that explore the most remote and wild parts of the Amazon Rainforest, such as trekking and camping on Pico da Neblina, the highest point in Brazil. Bordering Venezuela, the destination is Yanomami territory, which requires strict permits to access it and indigenous guides who inhabit the region.

It involves long days of hiking, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather conditions. Physical and mental preparation is essential, but the adventure is well worth it due to the beauty of the natural landscapes, contact with natives, and almost mystical-like atmosphere.

Best Amazon Rainforest Tours in Brazil

From luxury river cruises and comfortable lodges to camping in the wild, here are a few option of PlanetaEXO’s tours to help you decide how many days you should stay in the Amazon!

*Per person, based on double occupancy in group departures. Prices may vary depending on season and availability. Exchange rate as of March 12th, 2026; subject to change.

Exploring the Amazon Rainforest with PlanetaEXO

It doesn’t matter how many days you decide to spend in the Amazon—our team is ready to help you live the best vacation of your life in any scenario!

PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil. By working with the best local operators, we attend to all your preferences and needs while causing a positive impact on local communities and the environment. Contact us now!

Discover Jaú National Park in Brazil, one of the largest protected areas of the Amazon, including its locations, history, culture, wildlife, and much more!

Jaú National Park covers an impressive area of 2.27 million hectares in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest, protecting the entire basin of the Jaú River, a blackwater tributary of the Rio Negro. 

As the fourth largest forest reserve in Brazil and the third largest park in the world with intact tropical rainforest, Jaú preserves flooded forests and rare ecosystems that shelter incredible biodiversity. Its dark rivers reflect the sky and forest like a mirror, creating ever-changing landscapes through the seasons.

Curious to learn more about it? PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, has put together a comprehensive guide about Jaú. Check it out below!

The History of Jaú National Park

Jaú was created in September 1980 to protect one of the largest blackwater river basins in the world. Its name comes from the jaú fish, a giant catfish species that inhabits these rivers.

The park holds archaeological sites and ancient petroglyphs carved into rocks—evidence of human presence in the Amazon for thousands of years. These traces highlight the cultural importance of the area alongside its natural wealth.

Today, it stands as a global symbol of Amazonian conservation, preserving ecosystems essential to biodiversity and climate balance while protecting valuable cultural heritage.

Global Ecological Relevance

Since 2000, Jaú National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a core area of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex, which is formed by Jaú, Anavilhanas National Park, Amanã Sustainable Development Reserve, and Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve.

It is also considered a biosphere reserve (an international designation by UNESCO for areas that balance the conservation of biodiversity with sustainable human development) and a Ramsar Site (a wetland designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental environmental treaty signed in Iran in 1971).

Where is Jaú National Park located?

Jaú is located between the municipalities of Novo Airão and Barcelos, in Amazonas, in the north of Brazil. The park entrance is approximately 220 km from Manaus, the state capital.

How to get to Jaú National Park?

The starting point for any visit is Manaus, the main gateway of the Brazilian Amazon. From there, travelers join guided tours that take them directly to Novo Airão and the protected area of Jaú.

From Manaus, you need to drive along highways AM-070 and AM-352 to Novo Airão (2–3 hours). Then, travelers must continue along the Rio Negro by speedboat or motorboat for another 1–2 hours.

Due to the demanding route and the mandatory authorization to enter the park, it is recommended that travelers hire duly accredited tour operators to provide all transportation logistics, such as PlanetaEXO.

👉 Read more: How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

Best Time to Visit Jaú National Park

The Amazon Rainforest has two main seasons that shape every experience in the forest. Between March and August, rivers rise and form the igapós (flooded forests). Great time for canoeing across the flooded areas and wildlife watching!

From September to February, the waters recede and sandy beaches appear along the Rio Negro and its tributaries. Trails become more accessible, allowing visitors to reach waterfalls and rocky formations such as those in the Carabinani River.

Each season offers unique perspectives. Whether you prefer paddling among submerged forests or hiking to waterfalls and ancient caves, your choice depends on your travel style.

👉 Read more: Best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest

Fauna, Flora and Protected Systems

According to IPHAN (Brazil’s National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage), Jaú is home to around 400 types of plants, including species that only grow in flooded areas, such as macaricuia and mucucu do igapé. Throughout its territory, there are also açaí and Brazil nut trees.

The animals in Jaú National Park are equally diverse. The park has the largest variety of electric fish in the world, which are part of the 263 species of fish officially cataloged in the region. Other notable animals are the Amazonian manatees, black caiman, harpy eagles, giant otters, pink river dolphins, jaguars, etc.

As part of Ibama’s Parks and Reserves Project—an initiative that seeks to promote sustainable development plans led by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources—Jaú is the geographic center of the Amazon Ecological Corridor.

👉 Read more: Best Brazil Wildlife Tours and Destinations 

Fun Facts About Jaú National Park

Explore more fascinating details about Jaú National Park that illustrate why it is ranked among the Amazon’s most enchanting destinations:

• Size: With 2.27 million hectares, Jaú is the largest national park in the Brazilian Amazon. To put it in perspective, it is larger than Wales, El Salvador, and Slovenia.
• Exploration style: The only way to visit responsibly is through organized expeditions, mainly small-group cruises that ensure safety and sustainability.
• Diversity of experiences: In a single trip, you can visit caves formed 700 million years ago, swim in blackwater rivers, join night safaris, and interact with riverside and indigenous families.

What to Do in Jaú National Park

Activities inside Jaú are always led by experienced guides and designed to respect conservation rules. Instead of mass tourism, visitors join small-group expeditions that highlight both nature and culture.

One of the main activities is canoeing through blackwater rivers and igapós. Here, travelers may spot giant river otters, exotic birds, or even caiman during night excursions. Hiking trails are also part of the itineraries, offering the chance to walk under the forest and learn more about native plants and animals.

Another unforgettable experience is visiting the Aturiá community. Guests interact with local families, taste seasonal fruits, and learn about daily life in the Amazon. Combined with refreshing swims in natural pools and waterfalls, these moments reveal just how diverse the forest is.

👉 Read more: Best Amazon Jungle Lodges in Brazil

Katerre Expedition

The Katerre Expeditions are the most complete way to explore Jaú and its surroundings. Operated on comfortable boats with rustic designs and three decks, these river cruises combine adventure with all-inclusive service.

• 5-day Amazon River Cruise in Brazil: This journey takes travelers from Novo Airão through Anavilhanas National Park and deep into Jaú. Highlights include hikes to the Madadá Caves, canoe trips, wildlife observation, cultural exchanges with local communities, and nighttime canoe trips.
• 7-day Amazon Cruise Trip in Brazil: Expanding the experience, it includes the Meeting of Waters in Manaus, visits to Velho Airão (a historic abandoned settlement), petroglyphs, and more days inside Jaú. Travelers enjoy birdwatching, cultural immersion in riverside villages, and forest hikes to giant kapok trees.

Both options are small-group expeditions with a maximum of 16 passengers. As a result, each journey offers an intimate and authentic way to experience the park.

👉 Read more: Best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil

Traveling to Jaú National Park with PlanetaEXO

Choosing PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specializing in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, means traveling with purpose. Every expedition is organized in partnership with local operators, ensuring that the economic benefits stay in the community while respecting environmental standards. 

The expeditions balance comfort and authenticity, with boats and lodges designed for immersive experiences and itineraries that highlight both nature and culture. By joining one of these journeys, you live the vacation of your dreams and directly support projects that protect wildlife and strengthen community-based tourism. Contact us now!