Manaus From whichever direction your plane approachesManaus, you will watch in awe as you pass overthe enormous expanse of green wildernessbefore reaching your destination. This steamyport in the middle of the Amazon rainforest is aproduct of the 19th century rubber boom, buttoday is the commercial hub of the entireAmazon region. The most incongruous site isperhaps the city's opera house, a grand, marble-halled, chandelier-bedecked building thatstill puts on fine shows in the heart of theAmazon. The hectic port area is an atmosphericblur of sailors, passengers and vendors, as goodsand people arrive and depart.The Brazilian AmazonThe two rivers that are adjacent to Manaus, theSolimões and Negro (Black) rivers, merge to formwhat we know as the mighty Amazon River,which even here, 1,600 kilometres from theAtlantic, is ten kilometres wide. Their meeting,however, is a little unusual; the yellow waters ofthe Solimões run alongside the waters of theNegro for six kilometres before converging. The rainforest's immense network of waterwaysand lakes is home to an abundance of plant andanimal species, with many more yet undiscovered.The area's sheer size means that whilst a stayhere in one of the lodges or boats will be afascinating experience, you are unlikely to see thewealth of animal life which can be spotted inother parts of the Amazon. However, it is stillhighly enjoyable to spend days walking withbiologist guides and taking boat trips along thepeaceful rivers. For those with a real interest inseeing wildlife, we recommend visiting theAmazon regions of Ecuador or Peru.AMAZONECOPARK, NEARMANAUSThe Amazon Eco Park is located 30 minutes byboat from Manaus, on the banks of the TarumaRiver. The lodge comprises 60 comfortable butsimple rooms, with private bathrooms (with hotwater showers), fans and air-conditioning. There is a large open air restaurant serving regionalcuisine, a private beach and natural pools.Excursions include boat trips, treks through thejungle, caiman spotting at night by torch light,piranha fishing and visits to local village tribes.Accommodation is simple but it's a great, goodvalue introduction to the Amazon.UAKARIFLOATINGLODGE, NEARTEFÉAccessed from the town of Tefé, Uakari FloatingLodge is located inside the Mamiraua Reserve andconcentrates on ecotourism activities. It has tensimple, comfortable and ample apartments, withwarm solar-powered showers. The reserve is astate conservation area located around thewww.audleytravel.com/brazil ?01993 838 610 ?Brazil73Solimões River. It is made up of channels, lakesand seasonally flooded forest. The trails aredesigned not to be physically demanding and may be walked in one to three hours at the longest.During the flood season (May to July) allexcursions are done in a small paddle canoe.AMAZONCRUISESSeveral boats depart the docks at Manaus forinteresting trips along the Amazon and her manytributaries. Ranging in length from a couple ofnights cruising in the local area, to seven nightsventuring further afield, these cruises are an easy-paced way to see the Amazon. The Clipperand Tucano cruises are recommended and eachof their boats carry between eight and 20passengers on relaxed three or seven nightcruises. A more luxury option is offered by thelarger Iberostar cruise. Pale-faced saki monkeyMeeting of the Waters, near ManausToucan, AmazonCowboy at Fazenda Barranco Alto, PantanalJabiru stork

When to go??The best time to travel.?A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.~Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.?Travel is not recommended.Brazil can be visited year round. With theexception of the far south and southeast of thecountry which has a cooler period between Juneand September, Brazil has a warm tropicalclimate. There is a rainy season that affects thenortheast between April and July, and Rio and thesouth from October to January. The Pantanal isbest visited in its dry period between April andSeptember. Carnival takes place annually aroundFebruary or early March (dates vary each year). If you want to include Carnival in your trip, youshould book early (at least six months in advance)as many hotels enforce minimum stay periods and fill up quickly.Time difference:GMT-2 hoursFlight time from UK:12 hoursPricesWe offer trips to cater for a wide range ofbudgets. You can find up-to-date guideline pricesfor your trip to Brazil on our website, alternativelyplease call our specialists to discuss your plans.Tailoring your tripThe itineraries shown are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible, and are routes thatwork particularly well. We can use these as abasis to plan your trip or can design a completelydifferent itinerary to suit your tastes and interests.Please call one of our Brazil specialists to startplanning your itinerary.Telephone: 01993 838 610Getting aroundBeing the fifth largest country in the world meansthat you can cover a serious number of miles inany trip to Brazil, even one focused on just asingle region. As an example the flight from SãoPaulo to Manaus (in the Amazon) takes fourhours, and the most direct road journey betweenSão Paulo and Rio takes six hours. The internalflight network is extensive and generally runs totimetable. Land crossings into Argentina can bemade via Iguaçu Falls.74JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec????????????????????Green Coast UncoveredThis short itinerary is ideal for those looking toenjoy diverse experiences in Brazil without theneed to travel vast distances. Start in Rio wherethere is time to explore the must-see sights before heading west along the Green Coast to the charming colonial town of Paraty. You'll havetime at leisure to explore its cobbled streets andenjoy its churches and artisan shops. End the tripwith a stay on Ilha Grande, with its dozens ofisolated beaches.Day 1Fly from the UK to Rio de Janeiro.Day 2Enjoy a tour of Rio includingCorcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain.Day 3Free time to explore Rio's beaches,museums, galleries and shops.Day 4Travel by road to the small colonialtown of Paraty.Day 5Explore the cobbled streets of Paraty.Day 6Travel to Ilha Grande.Days 7-9Relax on the beaches of Ilha Grande.Day 10Travel by road back to Rio for yourflight home.Day 11Arrive in the UK.Stay longerWith two to three extra days you could includeIguaçu Falls, a short flight from Rio. Alternatively,head east of Rio to the beach resorts of Búzios.Rio de JaneiroIguaçu FallsBRAZILRio de JaneiroIlha GrandeParatyLocal girl, Rio de Janeiro