My work in Brazil gave me the chance to travel downstream along the Amazon, from Manaus to Belém. This Brazilian adventure (as I can't think of another name), was one of the best moments of my time in the Amazon region. To spend my days with Brazilian families, as well as other tourists that I crossed, was a once in a lifetime experience. I spent five days on the river, often perched alone on the pontoon, lost in the beauty of what lay before me. I also had the opportunity to meet some amazing people.
Brazil's Amazon is a contrasting landscape of rainforest-lined banks set against the chestnut color if its muddy waters. Here and there, you'll see typical stilt-built houses and pass makeshift boats full of kids that live in the bordering villages. For anyone who thinks 5 days on this river is going to be boring, well, think again - the scenery is rich and varied, whilst life on a boat is an adventure in itself.
From Manaus to Belém, thousands of little corners of paradise await you, camouflaged and hidden by the immensity of the forest and the tortuous twists and turns of its rivers. Humbly, you mingle with this tremendous, ever-changing and highly colorful biodiversity. Learn to live to the rhythm of nature – go fishing with the locals; explore what hides beneath the forest canopy – and experience the joys and sorrows of the inhabitants of this threatened land.
For me, visiting and exploring this area of the country was definitely the highlight of my trip. In search of adventure, a challenging holiday? Then you'll definitely enjoy the Amazon rainforest.
One last little tip: if you plan to go off the beaten track, English will be of no help to you when communicating with people away from the large Amazonian cities such as Belém or Manaus. If you don't have even basic knowledge of the language, call on the services of a local travel agency to guide you through this mystical emerald forest.