North Brazil & Amazon Basin

North Brazil is dominated by the Amazon basin, a region of superlative scale that serves as a living classroom for biology and geography. The primary gateway is Manaus, a city in the heart of the jungle where families can witness the "Meeting of Waters." Here, the dark Rio Negro flows alongside the sandy-colored Rio Solimões for kilometers without mixing, a phenomenon that fascinates children and adults alike. From Manaus, most families transfer to jungle lodges or river cruise boats to experience the rainforest proper.

Activities in the Amazon are centred on the water and the forest canopy. Guides lead excursions to fish for piranhas (which are often released), spot caimans by flashlight at night, and search for the famous pink river dolphins. Many lodges offer visits to local indigenous communities, where children can learn about traditional foods like manioc and açai in their source environment. Canopy towers and walkways allow families to observe birds and sloths from the upper levels of the trees, keeping them safely above the forest floor.

Further east near the Atlantic mouth of the river lies Belém. This city mixes Portuguese colonial architecture with Amazonian ingredients. The Ver-o-Peso market is a sensory experience where vendors sell medicinal herbs, giant Amazonian fish, and exotic fruits not found elsewhere. Nearby, the Mangal das Garças provides a controlled park environment with butterflies and wading birds, perfect for younger children who might find the deep jungle daunting.

When planning a trip, families should note that the "dry" season (usually June to November) means lower water levels, revealing beaches and hiking trails, while the wet season allows boats to penetrate deeper into the flooded forest (igapó). Humidity is high year-round. While malaria prophylaxis is often recommended for remote areas, many tourist lodges operate in zones with lower mosquito density due to the acidity of the local river water.