Photo credit: Cristalino Sunset by Alex Da Riva
Although wildlife is less conspicuous in the tall dense forests, few places on Earth match the allure of Brazil’s Amazon; this is where life on Earth peaks in its biodiversity. The best wildlife viewing is in the forest canopy from canopy towers and along the river from boats. Nocturnal outings in the Amazon rainforest offer the opportunity to witness an environment that never rests and allows for thrilling encounters with many night-time creatures. One of the best introductions to the Amazon is to explore by regional boat navigating the Rio Negro, one of the Amazon’s largest tributaries – here you can explore one of the largest forest reserves in South America as well as the largest freshwater archipelago. One of the wildlife highlights on this boat cruise is to witness the Grey and Pink River Dolphins. If you prefer being lodge based, we would ensure that you are in well-protected habitat with canopy towers and/or small motorized riverboats to access the wildlife hotspots.
WHY WE LOVE THE AMAZON
Home to the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth.
The sheer size of the mighty Amazon River, this is the largest river in the world.
The meeting of the waters – the confluence of the Rio Negro and the Amazon creates a mesmerizing swirl of coffee and cream colours caused by different water properties.
A botanical paradise including exceptionally beautiful orchids and bromeliads.
Beautiful, proud and fascinating Amazonian people.
Primates including the striking Bald Uakari, raucous Howler Monkeys and Spider Monkeys.
Birding at sites such as Cristalino are world-class with a host of Amazonian special species.
Grey and Pink River Dolphins.
Please feel free to contact us should you wish to travel to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, either on our scheduled departure or on a private customized tour.
Photo: Brazilian Tapir by Simon Bellingham
- Giant River Otter
- Brazilian Tapir
- Bald Uakari
- Grey and Pink River Dolphin
- Lesser Anteater
- White-nosed Bearded Saki Monkey
- White-cheeked Spider Monkey
- Red-handed Howler Monkey
Photo: Curl-crested Aracari by Marcos Amend
- Scarlet Macaw
- Hoatzin
- Amazonian Umbrella Bird
- Guianan Cock-of-the-rock
- Agami and Zig Zag Heron
- Razor-billed Curassow
- Musician Wren
- Harpy Eagle
Photo credits: Paradise Tanager, Red-handed Howler Monkey and Giant Otter by Jorge Lopes, Bushmaster by Simon Bellingham, Butterflies by Marcos Amend.
Featured Accommodation
PRIVATE RIVER BOAT
Chartering a private, fully catered boat is an excellent way to ensure a spectacular experience in the Amazon. With a private boat, you have the flexibility to tailor the itinerary according to your interests and group profile.
CRISTALINO LODGE
Cristalino Lodge is located beside the River Cristalino, within a private forest reserve in the southern part of the Brazilian Amazon. It has been carefully designed to integrate harmoniously with the surrounding jungle.
From Simon Bellingham’s desk regarding our Scheduled Brazil 2018 departure including time on the Amazon:
I have a huge appreciation for wildlife the world over but have to admit the Amazon in particular calls me more and more – since I am leading this tour, I thought I would answer your questions….
Amazon
In the Amazon we explore two nature reserves – Jau National park and Anavilhanus National Park in a very comfortable traditional Amazon cruiser (hammocks on the roof, comfortable rooms and outstanding food prepared by a skilled team on board). Smaller tributaries and all wildlife excursions are done with motorised canoes. Seeing wildlife in the Amazon is always tough but we will definitely see scores of Grey and Pink River Dolphins, and a plethora of birds in one of earth’s largest remaining wilderness areas (Jau National Park is seldom visited by anyone and is larger than the Kruger National Park in my home country!!!).
Pantanal
In the Pantanal we will visit Caiman Ecological Refuge in the Southern Pantanal and will be joined by my good friend Mario Haberfeld and the Oncafari Jaguar habituation team (Mario and I are the co-founders of the Jaguar habituation work done at Caiman). The Jaguar habituation work was done to ensure that wildlife enthusiasts could see these elusive felines in order to attract more wildlife enthusiasts which in turn would help conserve the magnificent wildlife on this property. At Caiman you will see more wildlife than in any other part of the Pantanal that I have visited and we will embark on game drives day and night to flush out as many species as possible – Giant Anteater, Lesser Anteater, Ocelot, White-throated and White-lipped Peccaries, Marsh Deer, Red and Grey Brocket Deer and the mammal list goes on before even starting with birds…..
