The Amazon Rainforest is the world's largest tropical rainforest. It covers much of northern Brazil and reaches into Colombia, and in Brazil it is known as Amazônia or Floresta Amazônica. For many visitors, it is the reason to come to the region at all.
Manaus, in the state of Amazonas, is the most common gateway. The city sits where the Rio Negro meets the Solimões, and from here most trips into the forest begin. The contact number for enquiries is +55 92 3182-8000.
What a visit offers
The forest is known for its incredible biodiversity, a rich mix of plant and animal life that few other places on Earth can match. Walking through it, you are surrounded by layers of growth, sounds from unseen creatures, and the constant humidity of a tropical canopy. Because the forest is so large, many people choose to see it on boat trips along its rivers and tributaries, where the view opens onto the water and the trees beyond.
The forest is also home to indigenous communities, whose knowledge of the land is part of the region's living culture. Visitors who wish to learn more about them should look for guided experiences that are organised with respect for local people.
Why it matters
The Amazon is often described as the lungs of the Earth, a vital ecosystem that influences climate and water far beyond its borders. Understanding this helps a visit feel like more than sightseeing. Seeing the forest up close gives a clear sense of how large, interconnected and fragile it is.
If you are planning a trip, allow time in Manaus both before and after your time in the forest, and check ahead on the kind of tour and season that suits you.