Is it expensive to travel to the region?

A trip to the Brazilian Amazon can be very reasonably priced. The most costly part is the air fare (and we may even be able to help you get a great deal there too!). The currency of Brazil is the Real. The current exchange rate is available at <http://www.xe.net/ucc/>. The cost of living in Manaus is very reasonable. Food and lodging are fairly inexpensive and readily available.

Depending on how you decide to spend your time, you can get by on a budget, or live like a king. Ponta Negra is a beautiful up-scale shopping and entertainment district which caters to the international flavors of its visitors from abroad. The area has great nightlife and plenty of restaurants to choose from. For the more traditional experience, you can explore the streets of downtown Manaus with its European architectural cues. You can look for souvenirs in the market at the harbor or the lively shopping district near the Opera House. For a side trip take a boat trip to a remote river community, go on a jungle hike, or spend a day fishing for piranhas.

What’s the best time of year to go?

Anytime of year is a good time. The time of year will influence what you can see and do. During the rainy months (November-February), the high waters mean that the habitat of river dwelling species is expanded and you can enjoy a canoe trip through the forest canopy where you can do a little bird/monkey watching or observe the botos (pink dolphins) at play. During the dry season (July- October) (don’t get us wrong, even during the dry season it still rains), you can observe the wildlife that gathers along the shore of the river (caiman, capybara, otters, etc.). It is also a great time of year for fishing since there are fewer places for them to go. It tends to be a bit cooler in the rainy season, but this is a tropical region and daytime temperatures average in the 80s to 90s Fahrenheit year round.

Is it safe?

Yes. As safe as a trip to a Theme Park. Thousands of people from all over the world visit Manaus and the Rio Negro. There are dangers in the region, but you will be accompanied by experienced jungle guides. Brazilians and people of the forest are friendly and courteous people.

What language do they speak in Brazil?

Portuguese.

About 500 years ago Brazil was colonized by the Portuguese. The Spanish influence in South America was also very strong. After numerous struggles and treaties, the two colonizers came to an agreement. The result is that Brazil is the only South American country where Spanish is not the official language. Brazilian Portuguese compared to the Portuguese of Portugal is sort of like American English compared to the English spoken in England. They use the same words, mostly, and have no trouble understanding each other, mostly.

Indigenous languages are also spoken in the region. In the Negro River region alone there are 22 tribes speaking four dialects: Aruak, Maku, Tukano, and Yanomami. They also speak "lingua geral", general language, created by the missionaries to communicate with the different tribes and now regularly used by most Indians.

For the English speakers out there, no need to fear. There are plenty of folks in the bigger cities that are fluent English speakers. So, you will have no problem getting around. If you speak Spanish, you may have an easier time picking up some Portuguese.

What is Brazilian culture like?

Brazilian culture is a mixture of African, European and Indigenous flavors. With over 160 million people, most of them Catholic, Brazil is the world's 5th largest country. The country is also a dynamic economic and communications center boasting three harvests a year and the largest population of cell phone users on the planet (they also have a growing population of internet users). Brazilians are known for their warm disposition and hospitality. The foods are wonderful and the music is hypnotic. They will make you feel right at home as soon as you arrive.

What's the weather like?

Amazônia is dominated by tropical rain forest which is characterized by heat, rainfall and humidity. The areas we visit are within a few hundred miles of the equator. That may seem overwhelming, until you think of a typical summer day in the U.S. temperate regions where temperature and humidity can rise to uncomfortable levels. Daily highs range from 80-90°F and nighttime temperatures get down to 70°F. June and July are the high water season.

It also rains in the rain forest (don't say we didn't tell you). In the rainy season, it rains almost every day and the rain can be quite heavy. In the dry season it also rains, usually a light afternoon rain which clears the air and can be quite pleasant. Sunny, warm days and cool evenings are the rule. Light cotton clothing is recommended. A poncho or light rain jacket, a comfortable hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are also a good idea.

What do I need before I leave? Visas? Vaccinations?

Preparing for an international trip requires some preparation. You will need a valid Passport and a Visa from the Brazilian government. You are encouraged to get your visa paperwork started at least 6 weeks before your departure. Make sure your passport is current (with at least six months before expiration, otherwise the visa will not be issued). You will need two passport photos to send in with your visa application. Application forms can be downloaded from any of the Brazilian consulate/embassy sites <http://www.brasilemb.org/> or you can pick them up at a Brazilian embassy. Expedited passport and visa services are available at a fee from various companies.

Travel insurance is recommended and is available from various sources. We may be able to help you find a good rate.

U.S. Government information about traveling to Brazil is available at <http://travel.state.gov/brazil.html>.

To enter Brazil you will need a yellow fever vaccination. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Yellow fever is a very rare cause of illness in travelers". The CDC has a web site with lots of information on travelers' health issues and specific information about travel in tropical South America <http://www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm>. Don't let any of this information frighten you. The chances of illness are low and the feeling you get from travelling exotic lands is well worth the small risk.

What should I bring with me?

Bring plenty of light cotton clothing- shorts are a must, but don’t forget to pack several long sleeve shirts and pants. The evenings, believe it or not, can get a little cooler and you will also want to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Plenty of cotton socks, a hat, windbreaker, swim suit, bath towel, a pair of hiking boots, wet sport shoes and sneakers are also in order. Don’t forget the sun block, bug repellent and any personal medications you will need. A spare set of glasses (in case your other pair fall in the river), flashlight, camera, spare batteries, ziplock bags (to help keep things dry), extra roll of toilet paper.

I'm not an experienced adventurer. Can I still go?

Yes. If you are in reasonably good health. Our trips can include some strenuous activities, such as trekking through dense forest in a warm and humid environment. River travel can involve sitting in an open boat or canoe for extended periods and road travel can get a bit bumpy. Our experienced guides will be there to help.

Are we doing harm to the rain forest by visiting?

No. On the contrary, we hope to do good. By visiting the area you will gain a new appreciation for the beauty of the rain forest and help us provide badly needed supplies and medical attention to the people of the region. We work with local guides and services and provide a source of income to the local people without doing harm to the environment. We try to follow the credo of "Take only pictures, leave only footprints".

What are the accommodations like in general?

The accommodations can be as posh as those found in a five star resort or as unencumbering as a lodge hidden deep in the interior of the forest, it’s completely up to you. Most rooms have a shower, although some of the smaller places only provide cold water–believe me, this will not be a problem once you experience the sultry afternoons of this tropical paradise. You will surely welcome the cold water. Most rooms have a television and/or radio. Reception is limited the further you move away from the city of Manaus. Telephones are also available even though making international calls can be a little difficult during the peak hours.

Are there phones and access to the internet?

Yes, there are both. But once again, keep in mind these amenities are more readily available in the bigger cities of the Brazilian Amazon. The infrastructure is lacking in some places, so expect very slow connections for e-mail. Phone service is available in some of the river communities but international calls are difficult to make during peak hours of communication. The best advice is to get your communications done before you leave the city and just enjoy the sunshine and sparkling waters.

What's for dinner? (breakfast? lunch?)

Brazilians believe in ample food. Staples of the local diet include beans and rice, manioc flour (or farinha) and fresh fish. The meals include fresh local fruits and fruit juices. The larger cities have a wide variety of foods from all over the world. You can eat in an Italian restaurant one night and have fresh sushi the next. New tastes abound, but there is always something for everyone. In the tropics it is important to keep yourself hydrated. Ask for "agua sem gas" to get bottled mineral water.

Brazil info:

The largest country in South America and the 5th largest in the world, Brazil's official name is the Federative Republic of Brazil (República Federativa do Brasil). It's population of over 160 million people is primarily Catholic in religion and speaks Portuguese, the language of its colonial origins. Brazil is a large and diverse nation. (for more info, see About Brazil)

Manaus info:

Manaus is the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas and the largest city in the area (and has been since 1850). Historically the city was a center for the booming trade in natural rubber which took place in the late 1800s. The rubber boom has passed, but the area was designated as a free trade zone in the late '60s. That explains why a city far from modern civilization is the heart of a bustling trade and industrial area which supports the population of over 1.5 million people. Despite many fine restaurant and shopping areas, museums and historical sites, the real attractions are the surrounding rain forests, rivers and creatures. (for more info, see About Manaus)

Rio Negro info:

The Rio Negro is the largest tributary to the largest river in the world. It's name means literally "Black River" because it's waters appear as a dark reflective surface. The waters are actually tea-colored because of the slow decay of plant materials which raise the levels of acidity. The most important result from the travelers' viewpoint is that mosquitoes do not breed in black waters. The Negro joins the Solimões River at Manaus to form the Amazon. This meeting of the black waters of the Negro and the silt laden, "cloudy" waters of the Solimões results in a confluence of waters which do not mix for miles. The swirling eddies of light and dark colored waters are flowing side-by-side right now, have been for countless years, and will be when you get here to take a look. (for more info, see About Negro River)