The Amazon in all of its superlative magnificence: seas of green forest and oceans of rivers pulsing with life. Float through mysterious flooded forests and relax on marvelous river beaches.

The sheer diversity of life in the Amazon is well known, but only when you see such animals as a striking white uakari, a strange hoatzin, lovely pink dolphins, a giant pirarucu or a hairy tarantula, do you start to grasp the power of nature.

On paper a significant part of the Amazon Brasin is protected and Brazil’s largest national parks are found here. Sustainable development reserves, extractive reserves and indian lands all try to contribute to making sensible use of the vast but fragile natural resources.

In the middle of the Basin, is a World Heritage Site: the Central Amazonian Complex joins the Sustainable Development Reserves of Mamiraua and Amanã with the Jaú National Park. Brazil’s highest mountain, the aptly named Pico de Neblina (Misty Mountain) is one of the striking tepuis that rise to the north in the Guianan highlands.

The rivers meet at Manaus, gateway to many jungle lodges. On to Silves and then Parintins (Folkloric Festival) and Santarem, with spectacular river beaches and Monte Alegre prehistoric caves.

The Amazon “roars” at its mouth, when the Pororoca, a tidal bore, rolls up the rivers in and around the Amazon Delta. Culture and nature come together in Belém, home of the impressive Cirio de Nazaré procession and fascinating Ver-O-Peso market.