From Iquitos in Peru, explore the upper tributaries of the Amazon River, wander along the Ucayali and Sapote rivers, spot sloths and iguanas and spy beautiful toucans flittering about in the trees. Discover the majestic ceiba kapok tree and among the abundant fauna find egrets, macaws, capuchins and squirrel monkeys. From Manaus in Brazil, hike deep into the Amazon jungle to meet local tribes people at an Amazonian village, spot caimans, watch exotic birdlife high in the jungle canopy, fish for piranha and later feast on your catch.

Cruise in style down the yellow-tinged Amazon River from Belem at the mouth of the river to Manaus in the heart of the forest. From Manaus, cruise on to Iquitos in Peru. Or take a trip aboard an authentic all-wood triple-decker Amazon riverboat. Take an excursion on a Zodiac rib or speedboat up the narrow and black Rio Negro, then explore the waterways by kayak or canoe. Trek to the peaks of Pico de Neblina or head south to the villages and territory of seldom-met tribes of the Yanomani Indians.

Highlights

Flora and fauna – Trees of every shape, size, colour and configuration; creepers hanging from vines that weave among the trees; and numerous colourful orchids and bromeliads. Watch monkeys crashing through the treetops; snakes and tortoises making their way along the forest floor; sloths, toucans and bright red macaws travelling through tree branches along with humming birds, jacanas, cormorants, herons, kingfishers, hawks, chacalacas and toucans; and alligators and river dolphins cruising through the waters.

The river – The Amazon River is an incredible sight and the lifeblood of the region, so expect to see livestock and freight, loggers, ranchers and Indians floating by in a variety of craft, from dugout canoes to old-world riverboats of all shapes and sizes. Here, riverboats carry everyone.

Feeding dolphins – At Novo Airão, a small jungle town on the west bank of the Rio Negro, you can feed pink dolphins from a floating restaurant. Jump into the water and if you’re lucky the dolphins will circle you, splashing and bumping into you in the hope for some food.

Teatro Amazonas – When in Manaus don’t miss the amazing Teatro Amazonas opera house. Built in 1896 in the elaborate style of the Italian Renaissance, it symbolises the opulence of the Manaus of old when rubber fuelled spending on magnificent public buildings and private residences.

Ver-o-Peso Market – Belém’s traditional market is a great place to watch the local trade and buy local handicrafts, aromatic oils, medicinal plants and herbs. The market is located in an old part of town, full of crumbling Portuguese colonial mansions and churches.

Best time to go

It's best to visit during the dry season between May and November (with August the driest), when you can easily walk around. Or visit during the rainy season from February to April when the flooded rainforest can be explored by boat or canoe – flooding lifts boats some 6m closer to the jungle canopy. This is a rainforest, so you can expect heavy rain and not too much sunshine from December to May, with light showers year round. Temperatures range from 23˚C to 30˚C. The dry season lasts from July to November and ranges between 26˚C and 40˚C.

What to pack

Lightweight clothes and waterproofs for the rainy season. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, toilet paper and insect repellent.

Shopping

Various jungle items are available such as bows and arrows and blowpipes.