The Amazon is simply the world's greatest bio-system. The region of Amazonia, the correct name of this area, houses the most diverse collection of flora and fauna in the world. As much as 20% of all the world's species are found in the enormous rivers and jungles of Amazonia. The common way to refer to this whole area is simply: The Amazon.

The Amazone river is the second biggest river in the world (just behind the Nile in Egypt) and just happens to pass through the region of Amazonia in Brazil. The river is formed at the meeting of Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes. At this location, appropriately named, Meeting of the Waters, the black waters of Rio Negro join and mix with the clay-colored waters of Rio Solimoes. The effect can be brilliantly enjoyed right in front of a visitor's eyes, and happens to be one of the greatest highlights of the region.

The Meeting of the Waters happens just near the central city in Amazonia: Manaus. This city has the biggest airport in the region and serves as the base for most trips into the surrounding Amazon.

The Amazon's fantastic size has bewildered the minds of many adventurers and explorers, giving rise to as many myths and legends, including those of giant sloth and amorous dolphins. Fantastic plans to dominate and profit from this natural wonder, from Henry Ford's attempts to tame the wild rubber trees to Brazil's Finance Minister Delfini Neto's attempts to pay off the countries' foreign debt through profit from the Amazon, have all ended in failure, and have given this mystical and steaming green land the alternative title of Brazil.

The Amazon

The Amazon is simply the world's greatest bio-system. The region of Amazonia, the correct name of this area, houses the most diverse collection of flora and fauna in the world. As much as 20% of all the world's species are found in the enormous rivers and jungles of Amazonia. The common way to refer to this whole area is simply: The Amazon.

The river amazon is the second biggest river in the world (just behind the Nile in Egypt) and just happens to pass through the region of Amazonia in Brazil. The river is formed at the meeting of Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes. At this location, appropriately named, Meeting of the Waters, the black waters of Rio Negro join and mix with the clay-colored waters of Rio Solimoes. The effect can be brilliantly enjoyed right in front of a visitor's eyes, and happens to be one of the greatest highlights of the region.

The Meeting of the Waters happens just near the central city in Amazonia: Manaus. This city has the biggest airport in the region and serves as the base for most trips into the surrounding Amazon.

The Amazon's fantastic size has bewildered the minds of many adventurers and explorers, giving rise to as many myths and legends, including those of giant sloth and amorous dolphins. Fantastic plans to dominate and profit from this natural wonder, from Henry Ford's attempts to tame the wild rubber trees to Brazil's Finance Minister Delfini Neto's attempts to pay off the countries' foreign debt through profit from the Amazon, have all ended in failure, and have given this mystical and steaming green land the alternative title of "Green Hell."
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Exploring the Amazon

EcoLodges in the Amazon

A great way to experience the rainforest is by living in it. Eco Lodges provide this unique opportunity, with an array of options depending on how wild or "uncivilized" you want to be. Some Eco Lodges come fully equipped with pools, air conditioning and telephones. Others are closer to the ground, both literally and figuratively, and give you a sense of the immensity of the jungle- heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and all.

Cruises in the Amazon

Another popular way to experience the Amazon is on a multi-day cruise. A variety of ships and itineraries are available to you on such adventure.

Activities in the Amazon

There are many options available to you, depending on your interests. You could take a brief flight into the Amazon to experience a quick love affair with the forest and then return back to "regular" civilization. For the more adventurous traveler, it is also possible to immerse yourself in the steamy jungles and lush waters and experience first hand the way of life of the local people.

Specialized Activities in the Amazon

Some activities and excursions are not included in standard trips to the Amazon, but that does not mean they do not exist. Specialized trips such as fishing, hunting, and deep jungle exploration can certainly be enjoyed in this great region.

Amazon Map - Manaus Area

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After ownership of the Portuguese colonial rulers, Brazil is the largest country in South America, and most are pure wilderness. Amazon basin is a forest of Brazil's largest and most famous, but there are other forests, Pantanal, in southwest Brazil, the only beautiful and exotic, if not more. A variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians living in the swamps and forests in this region, one of the world's best wildlife discovery.

There are two major cities in the Pantanal, which is located in the state of Mato Grosso near the border of Bolivia and Paraguay. Cuiabá is the state capital, and is the largest and most popular destination for tourists to the Pantanal, as there are many pousadas, or inns nearby. Another goal is to Campo Grande, in the south. Pantanal forest inn offers travelers everything possible, including all meals, lodging, and guided tours to view wildlife, go piranha fishing, ride horses, do the 4x4 safari tours, and river boat ride.

Pousada Aguape Lodge is located 160 km from Campo Grande in wet soil that fertilized by Aquidauana River. This inn is open all year, and 13 simple rooms have views of Laguna Ibera, equipped with air conditioning and ceiling fan, and is available with a private deck. All meals - all delicious cuisine, especially lamb and homemade pasta - is served in the dining room inn. Lodging also has a swimming pool, beach volleyball, and soccer field. From the inn, visitors can ride a horse, ride a boat lagoon, 4x4 safaris, nature trip, piranha fishing, and night tours to see the caiman.

Baia Grande Lodge is another very good inn located on a farm about 20 km from Campo Grande. Lodging, or farms, dedicated to promoting local culture and conserving the environment. Located in the nearby Great Bay, where visitors can tour the boat to look for caiman, piranha fishing, or ride a horse through the swamp. Lodging offering an attractive and relaxing environment, complete with hammock, pool, and a place to cook. Each air-conditioned rooms, and in the living room there are TV and DVD player.

In the Pousada do Rio Mutum Lodge, located near Cuiabá, visitors can spend only three or five days if they wish, relax in a comfortable inn truly liberated from a busy city, or enjoy a wealth of exotic wildlife in the forest in various activities. On the boat trip along the River Mutum, giant otters, stingrays, and tropical fish are often seen, and there are so many birds at a meeting of Sia Mariana Bahia and Bahia de Chacorore. One of the most spectacular events on offer in this forest are boating during the morning, where visitors can watch the sunrise as the birds and wildlife to get up in the new day.

READ MORE - Top Lodging in Forest Brazilian Pantanal