RJames

I will be in Brazil in September, I will definitely visit Rio de Janerio, Salvador and Iguacu. I orginally hadn't included the Amazon in my itinerary. I'd like to hear from fodorties who have been to the Amazon, what was it like. I've been to Costa Rica and didn't care for it at all, nor did I like the African safaris I've been on. The only place I've visited where I really enjoyed the wildlife was the Galapagos, probably because it is there in abudance, unlike Costa Rica and the African safaris I've been on - in these places you really need to be patient and hope to see something of interest. I'm not a patient person, and I think that the reason why I didn't enjoy these destinations.

What's the Amazon like, I am debating if I should include it. I doubt I'll be able to travel to Brazil in the near future. I definitely wouldn't consider a boat for accomodation and I'd prefer to stay in a comfortable jungle lodge. I am making a mistake by not visiting the Amazon?

Marija

If you weren't impressed by the wildlife in Africa, I doubt the wildlife in the Amazon will thrill you. We stayed at Anavilhanas lodge and thought it was great, but then we also loved Africa:

http://www.anavilhanaslodge.com/home/

For more details see
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-to-brazil.cfm

RodrigoPintoSP

I second Marija in the opinion that the Amazon will not be for you - it's much more about the lush, dense forest than spotting wildlife. Nevertheless, also recommend the stay at the Anavilhanas Lodge - I have spent a week there with my wife last May and it was amazing. By far the best jungle lodge in the Brazilian Amazon!

If you're interested in wildlife you should head to the Pantanal wetlands - September is the dry season, the best time of the year to see the abundant wildlife of the region (countless birds, caimans, mammals, reptiles - everything!).

Fazenda Barranco Alto & Refugio Caiman are great lodging options in that area and the best airport to access the region is Campo Grande CGR.

bespokebrazil

I agree with both the posters. Anavilhanas lodge is great and there are other good lodges in the Amazon but if you want to see wildlife in Brazil then you need to head to the Pantanal which is the best place in South America to view wildlife and birdlife.

Barranco Alto and Refugio Caiman are fabulous plus there are numerous other fazendas in the area which offer amazing wildlife opportunities.

RJames

Many thanks for the replies. I'll skip the Amazon.