Tag: Amazon Rainforest

Don’t know how to visit the Amazon Rainforest? Check our guide for routes to Amazonas, Mato Grosso and Pará and learn everything you need to know!

If you’re wondering how to get to the Amazon Rainforest so you can start planning your next vacation, it’s important to point out that, contrary to popular belief, access is not difficult at all. The best way to get there is by flying to Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state.

As an ecotourism platform for Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil that partners with the best local operators, PlanetaEXO has put together a comprehensive guide to answer all your questions. Check it out!

Where is the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?

The Amazon is located in the Northern region of Brazil. Though it spans over Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, Venezuela and Suriname, over 59% of the biome is located within Brazilian borders.

Amazonas is the main state, but the forest also extends into Pará, Mato Grosso, Acre, Amapá, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins. 

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

How to get to Manaus?

The route from Manaus to the Amazon Rainforest is the most convenient, as the capital of Amazonas is considered the gateway to the biome. Tourists fly to Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO), which is served by flights from Belém, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Fortaleza, Recife, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Foreign travelers can reach Manaus from Bogotá (BOG), Panama City (PTY) or Curacao (CUR), as there are no direct flights from Europe or the United States. For US residents, Copa and Avianca airlines offer the most convenient flight options with layovers in Panama and Colombia.

From European and North American countries, flights usually stop in São Paulo (GRU/VCP), Rio de Janeiro (GIG) or Brasília (BSB) before getting to the final destination. From these cities, Azul and GOL airlines fly straight to Manaus.

After arriving in Manaus, transportation to the forest is necessary. Most PlanetaEXO’s tours to the Amazon include private or group shuttle services provided by the lodges, which require a 30-minute drive to Port of Ceasa and boat rides to the hotel — whose duration depends on the location of each accommodation.

Some lodges are located in very isolated areas, which makes the route fairly long, with multiple car, bus or boat rides. It might seem like a lot, but don’t worry! The journey to the accommodation is an adventure in itself, as you’ll be able to live incredible things right on your first day, like visiting fruit markets, spotting animals, witnessing the Meeting of Waters, etc.

👉 Read more:

• Best Amazon Jungle Lodges in Brazil
• Best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil

How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso?

Alta Floresta is located in the northern part of Mato Grosso, on the southern edge of the Amazon. This lovely town is home to Cristalino Jungle Lodge, one of the most renowned jungle lodges in the world. Don’t just take our word for it — National Geographic thinks so too!

The Amazon Rainforest airport in Alta Floresta is Piloto Osvaldo Marques Dias Airport (AFL), served by Azul Airlines with flights from Cuiabá (CGB) and São Paulo (VCP) 2–3 times a week. Before landing in these cities, you might have a layover in other places. Double-check your flight details!

Alta Floresta is also near other remarkable biomes, such as the Pantanal, famous for jaguar sightings. Many Pantanal tours depart from Cuiabá, providing the perfect opportunity to experience more of Brazil’s incredible natural diversity.

How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Pará

Bordering the state of Amazonas, Pará allows for a different side of Brazil’s rainforest. Still beautiful and full of wonders, but with its own uniqueness of natural resources and cultural richness. 

Pará’s main Amazonian attractions are the exquisite Marajó Island and Alter do Chão, the best beach in Brazil according to The Guardian, which described it as “the jungle’s answer to the Caribbean”.

Belém

The easiest way to arrive in Pará is to land in Belém, the capital of the state. Belém International Airport (BEL) is served by direct flights from multiple Brazilian cities: Belo Horizonte (CNF), Brasília (BSB), Fortaleza (FOR), Manaus (MAO), Recife (REC), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), São Luís (SLZ) and São Paulo (GRU/VCP).

Foreign tourists can also fly straight to Belém from Bogotá (BOG), Lisbon (LIS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA).

GOL, LATAM and Azul airlines operate both national and international routes.

Santarém

If you’re going to Alter do Chão, you should book your flight to Santarém (STM), a town 1.167 km (725 miles) away from Belém. To get there, you can depart from Belém (BEL), Brasília (BSB), Manaus (MAO) or Porto Trombetas (TMT).

You can also reach your destination by boat through Port of Belém or Port of Santarém. Boat trips last over 36 hours, enough time for you to enjoy a nice ride across the Amazon and the Tapajós rivers. Watch the sunrise or the sunset, admire the Meeting of Waters and keep your eyes open for birds and aquatic animals.

The boats are relatively modest, but still comfortable and safe. Passengers can book their own cabins (with double beds, private bathrooms, air conditioning, TV, and minifridge) or spend the night in hammocks spread around the floors. Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) are sold separately. 

👉 Explore this adventure: Amazon River Cruise from Alter do Chão

Valuable tips for getting to the Amazon

You’ve learned how to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil through different routes, states and cities. To make your journey even smoother, here are some valuable tips:

• The route from São Paulo to the Amazon Rainforest offers the most options for direct flights and layovers in Viracopos (VCP) and Guarulhos (GRU).
• From Rio de Janeiro to the Amazon Rainforest, Galeão (GIG) is the main airport for travelers going to Manaus and Belém.
• Check Google Flights to find affordable flight tickets.
• If you choose to go from Belém to Santarém (or vice versa) by boat, Ibarco is one of the most well-known operators in the North of Brazil.

PlanetaEXO is here to assist you with the best transfer options for trips in Amazonas, Mato Grosso or Pará. Most of our tours include private shuttle services for your convenience. Contact us and check more information!

The Brazilian Amazon is calling for you!

Now that you know everything about getting to the largest rainforest on Earth, it’s time to start your travel plans!

PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform specialized in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil. By working with the best local operators, we’re able to help the community, protect the environment, and arrange your dream trip. Contact us now!

Vibrant and incredibly valuable for the planet, the Brazilian rainforest is a top destination for ecotourism. Here are our 15 facts about the Amazon!

Beautiful, colossal, diverse, and always at the center of attention in international discussions about the environment, the Amazon Rainforest is, undoubtedly, one of the most fascinating places on the planet.

That’s why the number of visitors is growing every day. Only in the first four months of 2025, tourism in the state of Amazonas grew by a total of 13%, with a 21,85% increase in foreign tourists, according to the Amazonas State Tourism Company. Here’s your first fact about the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil!

To give a taste of what awaits you, PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform specialized in Amazon Rainforest tours, has put together a list with 15 fun facts about the Amazon. Check it out below!

1 – How big is the Amazon Rainforest?

The Amazon Rainforest’s size is impressive: with an area of 6.74 million km², it extends over eight different countries in South America: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela, and Suriname. Unsurprisingly, it’s the largest rainforest on Earth.

To give you an idea of how massive this is, the Amazon is almost the size of Australia (7,692,024 km²) or twice the size of India (3,287,590 km²)!

2 – Largest share of the Amazon

60% of the Amazon Rainforest’s share — approximately 4.2 million km² — is located in Brazil, divided between the states of Amazonas, Amapá, Acre, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, Tocantins, Mato Grosso and Maranhão.

The largest portion is in Amazonas (1.285.216 km²), followed by Pará (947,303 km²) and Mato Grosso (423,967 km²).

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

3 –The Amazon River’s massive numbers

Some of the most interesting facts about the Amazon in Brazil involve the Amazon River. Up until 2008, the Nile River, in Africa, was considered the longest in the world, ranging from 6,650 km.

However, satellite images taken by the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) — a unit of the Brazilian Ministry of Science — concluded that this title actually belongs to the Amazon River and its imposing 6,992 km.

The river’s source is in the Andes Mountains, Peru, whereas its mouth is located in Ilha do Marajó, in the state of Pará, where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. This long path has more than 1,000 tributaries along Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, representing 20% of all continental freshwater on the planet.

This is also the largest basin in the world, with an area of 7,000,000 m². The river is the main source of water for thousands of different species of animals and millions of plants, contributing to the climate maintenance of the region.

People benefit as well. Riverside and Indigenous communities use these waters for their day-to-day needs, but the Amazon River is also important for activities like fishing, agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourist attractions—like river cruises.

👉 Read more: Best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil

4 – Indigenous communities

In total, Brazil has 1.7 million indigenous people, while half of them call the Amazon their home. There are over 180 indigenous communities occupying an area of 1.110.000 km² in the forest, mostly in the states of Mato Grosso, Maranhão, Amazonas, and Roraima. The Yanomami are the largest group, with 27,152 people, followed by Raposa Serra do Sol (26,176) and Évare I (20,177).

Indigenous communities had lived in Brazil long before the Portuguese arrived in 1500. Protecting their lands and supporting their causes are ways of preserving their culture and the very essence of the country, while also caring for the Amazonian biodiversity. 

Though there are a handful of isolated groups, most indigenous communities welcome visitors to teach them about their traditions and raise awareness on the importance of the Amazon Rainforest.

5 – Cultural experiences

One of the most amazing facts about the Amazon in Brazil is how diverse the culture in this region actually is. Aside from indigenous people, the rainforest is home to riverside communities — mostly composed of caboclos (non-indigenous people born in Amazonian territory) and quilombolas (descendants of enslaved Africans who fled from sugar mills to create their own groups from the 16th and the 19th centuries).

This multiculturalism offers incredible experiences for many travelers, who are welcomed by locals to engage with their families and learn about their beliefs, food habits, crafts, and close relationship with nature.

6 – Unique wildlife

Brazil’s Institute for Society, Population and Nature (ISPN) states that the entire Amazon fauna has not been fully documented yet. While researchers are sure there’s still a lot more to discover, about 30 million species have been officially cataloged to date.

In Brazilian territory, there are 311 types of mammals, 1,300 birds, 232 amphibians, 273 reptiles, and 1,800 fish. Some animals are considered symbols of the Amazon Rainforest, like pink dolphins, giant anteaters, giant otters, spider monkeys, piranhas and anacondas.

Other little creatures play a big role in balancing the Amazon ecosystem. It is estimated that over 2.5 million species of insects live in the forest, including the world’s biggest collection of butterfly species — at least 133 only in Brazil, according to Amazonian Butterflies, a project of the State Museum of Natural History in Karlsruhe, Germany.

7 – Abundant flora

Nonprofit World-Transforming Technologies (WTT), in association with Agência Bori, charted over 1,070 scientific articles about Amazonian plants published from 2017 to 2021. The operation was able to point out that the Brazilian Amazon is home to up to 40,000 species — with more to be cataloged, most likely.

Researchers also estimate that 2,500 types of trees grow in the forest, representing one-third of all tropical trees on Earth. Some of them are known worldwide, as their fruits are used for tasty treats and even cosmetics, like açaí, Brazil nut, buriti, and tucumã.

8 – Ecotourism hotspot

One of the most significant facts about the Amazon Rainforest is the  unforgettable ecotourism alternatives, including guided hikes, canoeing through flooded forests, wildlife observation, etc.

Not only is the government committed to creating policies to promote sustainable trips, but the best Amazon jungle lodges in Brazil have their own set of protocols to ensure the forest’s conservation without compromising itineraries and stay experiences.

Rainwater harvesting, usage of solar/wind power, recycling, and limiting the number of guests per tour are just a few solutions.

👉 Read more: Ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest: 7 tours to connect with nature

9 – Meeting of Waters

The Meeting of Waters is a remarkable phenomenon where the waters of the Negro and Solimões rivers — black and brown, respectively — run side to side, but never mix. This scenario is a true sight for the eyes, but how does it happen?

There are three reasons for this:

• Current speed: While the Negro River’s speed is 2 km/h, Solimões is faster, flowing at 4 to 6 km/h. 
• Temperature: The Negro River is fairly warm, with an average temperature of 28º C. At 22º C, Solimões is a lot colder.
• Acidity: Due to the number of organic acids in Negro River, its pH levels go from 3,8 to 4,9, while Solimões’ stay between 4,5 and 7,8.

10 – Sumaúma trees

Here’s another fun fact about the Amazon in Brazil: the rainforest is home to a tree that can grow up to 45 meters tall! We’re talking about the iconic sumaúma (or kapok tree).

The oldest sumaúmas in the country are located in the Tapajós National Forest, in Alto do Chão, Pará. The most ancient one is believed to be around 900 and 1,000 years old! This tree is known as the Queen of The Amazon or vovózona (big grandma). Appropriate, isn’t it?

This particular sumaúma tree is so big it takes twenty-six adults to hug its trunk, while it’s also capable of releasing thousands of liters of water into the air every day.

👉 See sumaúma trees with our tour: Amazon River Cruise from Alter do Chão

11 – Amazonian rainfall

Overall, it rains between 1,500 mm and 3,000 mm per year in Amazonian territory. The volume is this high because the Amazon basin is so vast, it’s only natural that the rain would follow the same logic.

Coming from the Atlantic, the wind blows towards the continent, which brings humidity to the forest. At first, the soil and vegetation absorb the water. Then, part of the evaporated rain is transpired into the atmosphere, which increases the rainfall.

A 2022 study by the University of São Paulo shows that 25% of Brazil’s rain in the South and the Southeast is directly related to the Amazon Rainforest — which up in the North. It also has a great impact on all of South America.

This natural system, however, is under threat. Deforestation, forest fires, and climate change have been greatly affecting the Amazonian rainfall. The low water levels are the biggest problem, hurting the well-being of animals, plants, and people who depend on the rivers to survive.

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

12 – Forest fires and deforestation in the Amazon

Deforestation is a terrible thing for the Amazon, but forest fires have been proven to create even greater casualties. From January to October 2024, the fires destroyed 67,000 km² of natural areas, while deforestation affected 6,300 km² between July 2023 and August 2024. The information was disclosed at COP29 (29th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC) by the Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM).

It’s a domino effect. Deforestation in the Amazon means climate change, which hurts the rainfall. The lack of humidity and the high temperatures make the soil dry enough for the fire to spread without difficulty.

COP30, which took place in Pará’s capital Belém in 2025, brought together world leaders to develop plans to deal with fires, deforestation, and the consequences of global warming that directly affect the Amazon and other biomes, such as the Pantanal.

Fire prevention policies, constant surveillance and laws focused on minimizing and reversing damage to the environment are the best ways to solve these problems.

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

13 – Carbon sequestration

The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is called carbon sequestration. This greenhouse gas is very harmful to the environment, which means its absorption helps to prevent climate change.

Through satellite data, the nonprofit Amazon Conservation discovered that Amazonian trees held 56.8 billion metric tons of CO2 above ground in 2022. From a scientific point of view, the term “lungs of the Earth” isn’t quite accurate, but it sums up the importance of the rainforest for the planet’s ecosystem pretty well.

14 – Anavilhanas Archipelago

Not everything is lost. National parks in Brazil are extraordinary assets to care for the forest — Anavilhanas being one of them. Covering a total area of 350,000 ha, it protects 400 islands in the Negro River, making it the second-largest river archipelago in the world. The first one is Mariuá, also in Amazonas.

From September to February, during the dry season, many river beaches appear on the park’s horizon. Orla, Aracari, Bararoá, and Camaleão are some of the most famous.

Located within the boundaries of the national park, Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, one of the best accommodation options in the Amazon Rainforest, offers five-star stay experiences in the heart of the forest, allowing guests to dive deep into nature while never putting comfort and luxury aside.

15 – Manaus, gateway to the Amazon in Brazil

Finally, our last fact about the Amazon in Brazil is that Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas, is the primary hub for ecotourism in the Northern region and the best starting point to explore the rainforest.

That’s why many travelers choose to fly to Manaus, at Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO), to enjoy their Amazon tours most conveniently.

👉 Read more: Manaus, Brazil – Travel Guide: What to do, where to stay, and more!

Choose your Amazon tour with PlanetaEXO

Our 15 Amazon Rainforest facts have surely made you want to experience this grandiosity firsthand!

PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform that works with the best local operators and specializes in Amazon tours in Brazil. Our team is ready to assist with everything you need for your next vacation planning. Contact us now!

Discover how to prepare for your Amazon Rainforest trip with practical tips, local insights, and sustainable travel advice

Planning a trip to the Amazon in Brazil is no ordinary travel experience. With its immense size, rich biodiversity, and complex logistics, this magnificent place might challenge even the most seasoned travelers.

This is a destination where preparation matters, both for your safety and for the well-being of the environment and local communities. When you follow certain Amazon Rainforest travel tips, you know exactly what to expect and can make your vacation even better.

PlanetaEXO knows everything about this subject. As experts in Amazon tours in Brazil, our team works with the best local operators to ensure a smooth trip for everyone. See our recommendations below!

1) Understand the seasons and expect rain

The Amazon has two main seasons: the wet season (December to May) and the dry season (June to November). Each offers a different experience.

During the wet season, river levels rise significantly, creating a temporary ecosystem where the flooded forest is only accessible by boat.

In the dry season, receding waters reveal beaches, trails become more passable, and it’s easier to spot land animals.

Still, don’t let the term “dry season” fool you. Rainfall volume is significantly high all year round—it is a rainforest after all—which means rainstorms can make sudden appearances. This doesn’t negatively affect your trip at all, but it’s important to be aware. 

👉 Read more: When is the Best Time to Visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

2) Travel light, but smart

You don’t need much, but what you bring matters. Overpacking makes travel heavier and harder to manage, while underpacking can make your experience uncomfortable. Aim for balance—what you carry should serve the journey, not complicate it.

Check out a list of what you should pack to make the most of your Amazon travel experience:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes: t-shirts, shorts, pants, long-sleeved shirts (preferably with UV protection), windbreakers, hats or caps, and swimwear.
• Comfy shoes: sneakers, flip-flops, sturdy hiking boots.
• Equipment: raincoat, flashlight, personal reusable water bottle.
• Travel essentials: documents, medication, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), insect repellent, sunglasses, and power bank (phones, cameras, laptops, tablets).
• While larger cities like Manaus or Belém have ATMs and card-friendly establishments, much of the forest region still operates in a cash economy, especially in remote communities and local markets. Bring enough cash (Brazilian real) to cover meals, souvenirs, entrance fees, etc.—store it safely and divide it between bags.

Another essential item to pack is a universal power adapter, as power outlets vary depending on the location. The voltage in the Amazon area is 127 V. Be careful with your devices!

3) Protect your electronic devices from humidity

Humidity in the Amazon ranges from 77% to 88% throughout the year, which can harm your electronics even when there’s no rain, as the humid air can condense inside lenses and devices. 

To protect phones, cameras, laptops, and tablets, keep them in Ziploc or waterproof bags when you’re not using them.

4) Keep up with the time zone in the Amazon Rainforest

The time zone in Manaus and the surrounding areas is UTC-4.

Amazon Time (AMT) is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 2 hours ahead of Central Standard Time (-4 hours in comparison to Coordinated Universal Time).

Pay attention to these differences so you don’t get confused when traveling!

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

5) Health first: vaccines and general precautions

Medical preparation is a basic Amazon Rainforest travel tip, and it begins before you arrive at your destination. Vaccinations are strongly recommended, particularly for hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and measles. Depending on the region and season, your doctor may advise malaria prevention as well. 

Yellow fever vaccines are not obligatory like in other South American countries, but they are highly advised—especially if you’re also traveling to the Amazon in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

Check the United States government traveler’s health guide and Brazil’s official recommendations for international tourists. If necessary, consult a travel clinic at least a few weeks before your trip.

Once in the rainforest, simple habits make a big difference:

• Hydration is essential in the heat and humidity. Carry a reusable water bottle and drink regularly.
• Pack a small medical kit with essentials, including medication for headaches or stomach discomfort, allergy relief, and plasters or Band-Aids for minor injuries.
• Apply your sunscreen first, wait 15 minutes for it to absorb, and then apply high-DEET insect repellent on top. If you do it the other way around, the sunscreen can dilute the repellent or even trap insects against your skin.
• Before putting your shoes on in the morning, give them a vigorous shake and a peek inside. Spiders, scorpions, and the occasional small frog love the dark, damp “cave” of a hiking boot.

6) Walk with a local guide

Tourists might wonder if the Amazon Rainforest is dangerous. As this is a wild environment, the jungle can hold its dangers, but only for travelers exploring the biome on their own.

That’s why following a qualified local guide is crucial. They know where to step, when to stay quiet, and what not to touch. Safety comes first, but respecting instructions also allows for a deeper immersion and the conservation of nature.

Hiking through the forest with someone who knows the terrain inside out transforms the experience. You’ll learn to spot hidden insects, medicinal plants, camouflaged frogs, and animal tracks you’d never notice on your own, as well as act correctly so as not to disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.

7) Keep quiet and don’t interfere when you spot an animal

Though the Pantanal is considered the best place in Brazil for wildlife watching, the Amazon fauna is also incredibly rich, being a fundamental part of one of the most complex ecosystems on Earth.

Whether it’s a sloth in the canopy, a caiman along the riverbanks, or a line of leafcutter ants crossing your path, all of this forms a finely balanced environment. Touching, feeding, or approaching animals disrupts that balance, altering natural behaviors and potentially putting both you and the animal at risk.

Real respect means keeping your distance, moving quietly, and resisting the urge to interact. These are moments of connection with nature as they truly are: wild, unpredictable, and best left undisturbed.

8) Stay in lodges that care for nature 

One of the most important Amazon travel tips involves where you stay. Choosing lodges that prioritize sustainability ensures your visit supports both the environment and the community.

Look for accommodations powered by solar energy, with waste management systems and fair hiring practices. Many ecolodges reinvest part of their profits into conservation and education projects, which helps to support local families.

When you stay in jungle hotels where your trip makes a difference, you contribute directly to the preservation of the forest and the quality of life of those who call it home, making your trip truly meaningful.

👉 Read more: Best Amazon Jungle Lodges in Brazil

9) Stay in a “black water” region to avoid bugs

Here’s an Amazon travel tip you don’t see everywhere: if you are particularly mosquito-prone, look for lodges on “black water” rivers (like the Negro River).

The high acidity from decomposing organic matter prevents mosquito larvae from developing, making these areas significantly less buggy than “white water” regions (like the Solimões).

👉 Read more: Best Amazon River Cruises in Brazil

10) Respect local communities

The Amazon is home to countless people, including Indigenous and riverside communities who have lived there for generations. Respecting their traditions and way of life is essential.

Always ask before taking photos, avoid offering gifts without context, and be open to learning from their stories. Many members of these groups are guides, hosts, and stewards of conservation projects who work every day to ensure the forest’s well-being. 

When you travel responsibly, you support community-based tourism that protects culture, creates jobs, and strengthens local pride. Do your part and contribute to a better future.

Here’s your last Amazon Rainforest travel tip: book your experience with PlanetaEXO

PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform that works with the best local operators and specializes in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil.

When you travel with us, you’re making sure your vacation causes a positive impact on small businesses, native communities, and our planet. Let’s live an adventure together. Contact us now!

Environmental education, income generation for local communities, reforestation, and ecotourism practices are some of the actions taken by various non-profits in the Brazilian Amazon

The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world, covering a total area of 6.74 million km², while the Brazilian territory spans over 4.2 million km². An ecosystem this big can only mean equally big effects on the planet’s balance and natural life.

Housing millions of different species of animals and plants, the forest is responsible for up to 16% of freshwater in the world, and it also plays a huge role in carbon sequestration – the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, which prevents climate change.

All of this, however, is under threat. According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), deforestation in the Amazon reached 4.315 km² from August 2023 to July 2024 – a smaller area when compared to the same period in 2022, but a concerning number nonetheless.

Forest fires are likely the biggest current danger. The Amazon Rainforest faced the largest amount of fires in the last seventeen years, concentrating 50.6% of Brazil’s fires. INPE estimates there were 137,538 heat outbreaks in the Amazon up until December 2024, including fires (controlled or not) and full-on forest fires.

The consequences are dreadful: temperatures rising, longer droughts, lower rivers, animals dying, poor air quality, and people who depend on the forest to survive losing their homes and primary sources of income. To prevent these terrible repercussions, local communities engaged on these Amazon Rainforest conservation projects work tirelessly to protect what many call “the lungs of the Earth”. 

1 – Amazon Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Program (Pensa)

Resources that can only be found locally, exquisite nature that attracts tourists from all over the world – which proves that ecotourism activities are powerful conservation solutions –, and local groups willing to learn and undertake are some of the factors that make the Amazon Rainforest a promising place for sustainable entrepreneurship.

The Sustainable Amazon Foundation (FAS) fights social vulnerability with the Amazon Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Program (Pensa, the acronym in Portuguese). By combining social technology to train entrepreneurs, the program has supported over 583 communities in 16 Conservation Units (CUs).

In 2023, 62 sustainable ventures were supported by FAS and 323 people gained new skills. The average income of families benefited by Pensa increased in 19%, while the total revenue from community-based tourism ventures raised R$ 5 million. Learn more and make your donation.

2 – Almerinda Malaquias Foundation (FAM)

Almerinda Malaquias Foundation (FAM) is a non-profit based in Novo Airão, in the state of Amazonas, whose activities are focused on three aspects: 

• Income generation: training of professionals for craftsmanship and soap production
• Environmental education: for local children and teens to learn more about their home, as well as economic alternatives for sustainable development
• Ecotourism: eco-friendly travel practices as a tool to boost education and work opportunities

In 2024 alone, FAM has helped 190 people enroll in school, 45 families generate income and has tended to ten riverside communities regarding education and funding.

To help FAM change lives, Expedição Katerre and Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge and act as sponsors. Both specialize in ecotourism, with Katarre offering some of the best river cruises in Brazil.

You can support FAM by buying their beautiful handmade products or making a donation.  Learn more on their official website or social media profile.

3 – Mamirauá Institute

In 2024, severe droughts were the biggest concern regarding the Amazon. Many non-profits took action to try to reverse the effects caused by the lack of rainfall, with Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development (IDSM), founded in 1999, in the forefront of the actions.

By pushing scientific recommendations to the authorities, this Amazon Rainforest conservation project offered educational support to local communities, came up with different methods to better access to drinking water, and worked throughout the entire year to minimize the consequences of this uncharacteristic dry period.

Ecotourism is also a big player. Uakari Lodge is situated in the middle of the Mamirauá Reserve, safely built on stilts in Lake Tefé. Besides providing total immersion in the forest, the lodge is an important asset for environmental awareness and scientific research.

Activities promoted by Uakari, like wildlife watching, have been greatly useful to collect data about uakari monkeys – the inspiration for the lodge’s name –, which helps scientists and biologists to understand this species and bring forth effective ways to protect them and the Amazon as a whole. A scientific article by this particular subject was published in 2021.

Learn more about this drought prevention project and make a donation online if you can.

4 – Amazon Boto Expedition

Since 2021, the Amazon Boto Expedition project has been working to monitor and investigate the protection of pink Amazon dolphins while also implementing a long-term study about the population of these animals to deepen the knowledge about the species and find active ways to protect them.

The project is led by Sea Shepherd, an international non-profit marine conservation organization founded in 1977 in Vancouver, Canada. The Brazilian branch is set on helping the Amazon river dolphins. Anyone can donate R$ 1 per day to support this incredible initiative. More information here.

5 – Alter do Chão’s Forest Fire Brigade

Based in Alter do Chão, Pará, the Forest Fire Brigade is a non-profit organization founded in 2019. This Amazon Rainforest conservation project believes that fighting fires is actually a last resource, as it is possible to prevent and control fire spread altogether through environmental education and collective efforts – both from the civil society and the authorities. 

By protecting the local fauna and flora, as well as the Indigenous population in the Lower Tapajós River area, the initiative serves as a model for new volunteer brigades not only in the Amazon but also in other Brazilian biomes (Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado, Pampas and Pantanal).

See more information about the Alter do Chão’s Forest Fire Brigade on their official website or social media profile, and show your support.

6 – Expeditionaries of Health (EDS)

Expeditionaries of Health (Expedicionários da Saúde), a.k.a. EDS, was founded in 2003 by a group of volunteer doctors to provide medical care for Indigenous groups who live in geographically isolated areas of the Amazon Rainforest.

Over the years, 300 volunteers have covered over 500,000 km² in the forest to provide medical care for those in need. In 55 expeditions, EDS was able to achieve 10,486 surgeries, 76,333 appointments, 148,125 medical exams and procedures, and donated 8,464 prescription glasses.

Dr. Ricardo Affonso, EDS president, was honored with the Zayed Sustainability Prize in Abu Dhabi’s COP28 (28th United Nations Climate Change Conference), in 2023. The recognition was an important step towards improvement in medical services, but the project needs constant donations to continue caring for the health of Brazilian indigenous people. Help EDS here.

7 – Women Entrepreneurs of the Forest

The Women Entrepreneurs of the Forest (Mulheres Empreendedoras da Floresta) empowers women who live in the Amazon – especially in the towns of Santarém, Belterra, Mojuí dos Campos and Aveiro, all in the west of Pará. This is an initiative promoted by Projeto Saúde and Alegria (Health and Happiness Project), or PSA, a non-profit that has been operating in the Brazilian Amazon since the late 80s.

Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest, due to agriculture and illegal logging or mining, results in an unsafe setting for nearby communities who depend on the forest to make a living. Considering the unequal social scenario in which women are often submitted to, PSA provides professional training for Amazonian women to create, manage, and grow their own businesses, all in favor to build a more reliable and sustainable local economy.

To support Women Entrepreneurs of the Forest and other important projects, check PSA’s official website.

8 – Neutral Carbon Program (PCN)

The Neutral Carbon Program (PCN) is the longest-lasting project managed by Idesam, a non-profit created in 2004 that works in favor of the well-being of the forest and its people. The goal is to enable people and companies to take responsibility for the impact they generate on the planet by offsetting their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This compensation is made through the reforestation of affected areas in Uatumã Biological Reserve, in Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas.

The outcomes include reduced GHG emissions, awareness of carbon footprint, accountability for large corporations, food security, and income generation for families working in PCN.

Visit Idesam’s official website for more details and donation options. 

Show your support to conservation projects in the Amazon Rainforest

These Amazon conservation projects work daily to protect the natural resources of the most important natural area of the world. There is no saving the forest, however, without helping its guardians, which means social efforts are deeply rooted in sustainable programs and should be taken just as seriously.

You can do your part by donating, advocating for environmental policies, and supporting ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest. Every action counts!