Amazonian home near Santarem, Brazil
Despite a history of gold deposits and despite being one of the largest cities located along the Amazon, Santarem and the surrounding area is rich with the flavour of days gone by. If you are seeking a more historical Amazon, slower-paced, and a more pastoral bit of civilization, then Santarem is the place to go.
If you think coming through airport security in North America is tough, try South America — in particular — Brazil. I couldn’t believe what was confiscated from me in the Manaus airport recently.
“Hey, lady! Want to meet my pet?”
Boca da Valeria. Ever heard of this place? It’s a tiny village in Brazil. If someone offers you the chance to visit here, grab it. It’s not the greatest experience you’ll ever have, but I guarantee it will be an experience you have never had before.
Boca da Valeria is located on the great Amazon River in Brazil. For some people, this tiny village is just not there thing. But for others, it is the perfect out-of-the-ordinary adventure.
Spending time in the Amazon is one thing, but hunting caimans at night on the Amazon River is just spectacular.
Here is something I wrote while in the heart of one of the most ethereal adventures of my life:
Port of Manaus, Brazil: A Photographer’s Dream Shoot
Manaus, Brazil? Who has ever even heard of Manaus, Brazil except, of course, a few corporate giants like Honda and Sanyo? And those folks who have set the Amazon River as a destination.
Yet, Manus is one of those cities that simply must be visited at least once in a traveler’s lifetime.
Moonrise over the Amazon
If you are looking for a truly memorable adventure, an awe-inspiring vacation, then set your sights on Brazil and the Amazon River.
At first glance, the dirty brown Amazon is confusing, but once you get into a small wooden boat or canoe, and head off down one of its tributaries, it will all come clear.
Ambling up the Amazon River - It’s not a Disneyland Experience!
Traveling up the great Amazon River, now touted to be the largest river on the planet, is a slow murky process. Large chunks of verdant vegetation float leisurely by on water that looks as brown and as opaque as chicken gravy. Land can be seen in the distance, but these landmasses are islands, not the South American mainland. (According to our onboard naturalist, Hutch, the Amazon is composed of thousands of islands and we cruise in and around them on our way to Manaus.)
Yes, drugs. And the accompanying side effects.
It’s not possible to travel to many countries today without first getting topped up with a variety of inoculations and prescription drugs. Take Brazil, for instance. Getting the plane ticket or the cruise ship ticket is the easy part. Then it’s time to roll up your sleeve. The sleeve on your needle arm, that is.
Read on . . .
Long gone are the days of simply buying a ticket and hopping on a plane; travel today is a much more precise science, especially if you are planning a trip into the Amazon, or other parts of Brazil.
When budgeting for a trip into Brazil, be prepared for all the extra fees you will encounter, fees that have nothing to do with your flight or your accommodations. Like the cost of getting a Brazilian tourist visa.
You may be living in a country that is exempt from needing a Brazilian visa, but if you are Canadian, Australian, or American, you must apply. (Citizens from countries like Germany, France, and Italy do not require a Brazilian visa.)
In addition, no matter what country you hail from, Brazil (especially the Amazonian area) is disease-carrying mosquito territory, and you must prepare. That means getting vaccinated for Yellow Fever, as well as Hepatitis A and B.
Read on . . .