churwitz

We're looking at going to Rio in April and would like to go to Manaus and take the jungle tour. Where can we find cheap flights from Rio to Manaus and back? Right now, it looks like we can find for $400 per flight on Ocean Air, but that seems rather expensive. Anyone got any better recommendations.

Susan7

Try GOL which I think is the cheapest domestic airline.

jfcarli

You might be better off if you reverse: arrive in Manaus and then fly to Rio.

churwitz

Thanks for the suggestions - will look into both of those!

Eddwarm

Although GOL is suppose to be a cheaper airline, I would NOT recommend it. Two years ago there was a crash; this airline was involved. Fly TAM which I think is the more credible of airlines of the country. Book a tour by flying from Rio to Manaus. Stay in this city for a day or two, taking in the opera house of which it is most notable; then board a huge vessle (ferry-like boat) and journey to the jungle, staying in a pousada (small guest house) for at least 3 days. Take as many special tours as possible. Visit the hotel that is on stilts which is the only one in the jungle where one can see for miles and miles.

Three years ago I spent four to five days in the Amazon Jungle area (Brazil). I've forgotten the name of the pousada where I stayed, but this trip will always be remembered. In October there were only 10 guests at this venue-- 8 German musicans and I the lone American. I had my personal guide who took me everywhere via boat and then walking.
...learned a lot about what the jungle provides in terms of medicines, etc. We saw crocs at night while riding on the river, fished, toured a village of the indigneous people (This I did not do because my guide and I went to that hotel on stilts (my choice). ...stayed in one large cabin type room and had to adapt to the slightly crude/unique bed.

We had a tour after breakfast-- returned back for lunch-- waited around the facility or in our respective room until the early evening-- then we went out again. Remember the jungle is hot. Bring sunscreen with deet-- a hat-- long pants to keep the insects from attacking your legs--get your required shots---. ENJOY!!! ENJOY!!! ENJOY!!

Remember fly from Rio on TAM; that's what I did, and it was all lovely!

Eddwarm

Buy a Brasil Pass; you can do up to five or six flights at no additional costs. You can also go to more than two areas. I did Rio, Sao Paulo, Manaus, Foz Igasu (sp), and Salvador for about $600+. Inquire at www.brol.com which is based in Miami. Ask for Ms. Krol. I cannot remember her first name, but I engaged the services of this firm and her on three occasions, three different trips to Brazil during this decade.

Jill_Brazil

The hotel on stilts that you refer to Eddwarm is actually Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel.
www.AriauAmazonTowers.com

It is the only tree top hotel in the Brazilian Amazon with over 10 miles of canopy walkways.