Common questions

Answers to the questions
we hear most.

From the best time to visit to what to pack and how to book — everything you need before your Amazon expedition.

Planning Your Trip

There is no bad time — the two seasons simply offer very different experiences. The wet season (December–June) floods the forest, creating igapó: flooded forest you can canoe directly through, with wildlife concentrated on higher ground and an extraordinary underwater landscape. Fruit is abundant, monkeys are plentiful, and the scenery is unlike anywhere else on earth.

The dry season (July–November) reveals sandbanks, clearer river channels, and easier walking in the jungle. Giant river otters and caimans are more visible along exposed shorelines. Both seasons have their strengths. Tell us what you most want to see and we'll recommend the timing that fits.

Manaus has an international airport (Eduardo Gomes — MAO) with direct flights from São Paulo, Bogotá, Lisbon, and Miami, among others. From Europe and North America, most routes connect through São Paulo (GRU). Once you land, we arrange all transfers to the departure point for your tour.

Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia currently enter Brazil visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Requirements do change — always confirm with your country's embassy or the Brazilian consulate before booking. We're happy to advise on what documents are typically needed.

Light, long-sleeved clothing in neutral or dark colours (avoid bright white), a wide-brimmed hat, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent (DEET-based works best in the forest), a quality rain jacket, and sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking sandals. A headlamp with fresh batteries is essential for night walks.

We send a detailed packing list to everyone who books, tailored to the specific tour and season.

The Tours

We keep groups small — typically between 4 and 8 guests. This isn't a marketing decision: a small group moves quietly through the forest. A large one doesn't. The difference in what you see and hear is not subtle.

All tours include accommodation (on multi-day trips), all meals from the first dinner to the last breakfast, guide fees, all river and overland transport within the itinerary, park entrance fees, and any equipment we provide in the field. Day excursions include all activities and lunch.

International flights and travel insurance are not included. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before departure.

Yes. Our tours are designed for curious, motivated travellers — not technical adventurers. What helps is a genuine interest in wildlife and nature, a willingness to slow down and look closely, and some comfort with heat and humidity. We've guided botanists, retired schoolteachers, and first-time international travellers. The forest does the rest.

Yes. All our tours can run as private departures for individuals, couples, or families. Contact us to discuss dates and availability — private departures can often be arranged on more flexible scheduling than group tours.

Some are. Day excursions work well for families with children aged 10 and above. Multi-day expeditions involve early starts, uneven terrain, and long days on the water — we assess this case by case. Contact us with your children's ages and we'll give you an honest answer about which tours are a good fit.

What to Expect

The Amazon basin holds more species per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth — but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. This is not a zoo. What we offer is the knowledge to find animals where they actually live.

Common sightings include multiple primate species (howler monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, white-faced sakis), pink and grey river dolphins, caimans, giant river otters, river turtles, and hundreds of bird species. Night walks regularly produce owls, night monkeys, and sleeping birds roosting in the open. The quality of what you see depends partly on patience — and patience is something we know how to encourage.

Moderate. You should be comfortable walking on uneven, sometimes muddy ground for a few hours at a stretch, getting in and out of small boats, and managing heat and humidity. You don't need to be particularly fit, but you should be mobile and comfortable outdoors.

If you have a specific medical condition or mobility concern, contact us before booking. We'll tell you honestly whether a given tour works for you.

Multi-day tours use simple, clean jungle lodges with private or shared rooms, mosquito nets, and basic amenities. The focus is on the forest, not the room. Conditions are comfortable but not luxurious: solid beds, cold showers, and generators rather than mains electricity.

For travellers expecting air conditioning and hotel-grade facilities, we'd gently suggest this might not be the right trip. For travellers who want to fall asleep to the sound of the forest, it tends to be exactly right.

Mostly not. Signal is limited or absent during multi-day expeditions — which most of our guests find is one of the best things about the experience. We are always reachable in an emergency. If you need to stay connected for professional reasons, let us know and we'll tell you honestly what connectivity exists on your specific itinerary.

Health & Safety

Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for the Amazon — some countries require proof of vaccination to re-enter after visiting Brazil. We also recommend ensuring you're up to date on hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure.

We don't provide medical advice, but we're happy to share what previous guests have typically been recommended by their physicians.

The forest and rivers are safe when explored with guides who know the terrain, the wildlife, and the conditions. We plan every itinerary with built-in contingencies for weather, river levels, and medical needs. Standard urban awareness applies in Manaus itself, as in any large city.

In over a decade of operation, we've never had a serious incident on any of our expeditions.

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit on every expedition and our guides are trained in wilderness first response. For serious situations, we have evacuation protocols established and maintain contact with medical facilities in Manaus.

We strongly recommend all guests carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation cover. This is not optional advice — it matters.

Booking

The simplest way is via WhatsApp — message us with your preferred tour, approximate dates, and group size and we'll confirm availability and walk you through next steps. You can also use the contact form on our contact page. We don't operate through third-party booking platforms.

We understand travel plans change. Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund less a small administration fee. Between 30 and 60 days, 50% is refunded. Within 30 days of departure, tours are non-refundable but transferable to a different date.

We always try to be flexible — if your circumstances change, contact us and we'll work something out.

Yes. We run tours in every month of the year, adapting the itinerary to the season. Some activities are seasonal — sandbank landings and certain river channels require dry season conditions, for instance. We'll always tell you exactly what's available on your specific dates so you can set the right expectations.

Then ask us directly. WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us: +55 92 99132-1047. Or use the contact form and we'll reply by email within one business day.

Ready to go

Seven tours, one extraordinary forest.

Multi-day expeditions and single-day excursions, all departing from Manaus. Browse the options and then reach out — we'll help you choose the right one.