Tour Operators
Though most tour companies will pick you up at the airport and drop you off following your adventure, airport pickup should not be assumed in all situations. It's often included in tour packages, but ask while making arrangements. Local naturalist guides are often available at lodges. Though knowledgeable, they're neither biologists nor teachers and may not always impart accurate information.
Amazon Jungle Tours. This Manaus-based tour operator offers a variety of jungle excursions for those on a budget: four- to six-night riverboat cruises, four-night stays at jungle lodges, and seven-day jungle survival trips. Trips include airport pickup, English-speaking guides, three meals a day and mineral water, activities, and accommodations at basic, no-frills lodges. 10 de Julho St. 708, Centro, Manaus, Amazonas. 092/3087–0689; 092/9184–8452; www.amazonjungletours.com.br.
Amazon Tours Brazil. Specializing in private boat cruises that take you far from traditonal tourist spots, this tour operator is run out of Manaus by Carlos Damasceno. Bilingual Carlos was born in the Amazon jungle and personally leads many of the tours. Amazon Tours Brazil has cruises ranging from three to five days, with prices starting at US$1,000 per person for a three-day cruise sleeping in a hammock on a regular riverboat, to US$1,800 per person for a four-day cruise on a luxury boat with special air-conditioned cabins. Prices vary depending on the number of people and days. Credit cards are not accepted, so payment needs to be done by wire transfer or in cash. Manaus, Amazonas. 092/915–67185; www.amazontoursbrazil.com.
Katerre. One of the more luxurious options for exploring the Amazon by boat, this quality specialist runs three of its own boats (sleeping up to 16 people) on six different routes across the western Amazon, ranging from 3–10 days. Some are geared toward wildlife spotting, while others are focused on adventure, including a 10-day cruise to the Aracá mountain range, one of the most unexplored corners of the Amazon, where the El Dorado Waterfall can be found. Boats are usually booked privately, but they also run group excursions. Rua São Domingos 03, Nsa Sra Auxiliadora Novo Airão, Manaus, Amazonas, 69730-000. 092/6973–0000.
Maia Expeditions. This expert tour operator creates personalized itineraries through the Amazon for a range of different budgets. Alongside traditional day-trips from Manaus and excursions to luxury jungle lodges, owner Max Maia also owns the excellent Turtle Lodge, a sustainable eco-pousada run by the local community, with fantastic guides and a reforestation program. The adventurous should consider Maia's Amazon Survival Expedition, which includes sleeping overnight in hammocks or caboclo homes, canoeing, hunting for food, and constructing shelters. Rua Badajo 62, Parque Shangrila, Flores, Manaus, Amazonas, 69058-112. 092/99983–7141; www.maiaexpeditions.com.
