The Amazon Jungle:

The mythical Amazon can only be described in superlatives. It covers an area of 5 milllion square kilometers of which 80% is on Brazilian territory. It is the largest and most intact rainforest region in the world. Through it flows na extensive drainage system of more than a thousand rivers, which account for 20% of the world’s fresh surface water. The rainforest is thought to hold 30% of the world biodiversity (mainly plants and insects) and na estimated 50% of its species are still to be indentified by science. Such na enormous área is not one homogeneous ecosystem, but a mosaic of sub-ecosystems.

World Wildlife Fund – Brazil has identified 23 distinct eco-regions, based on biogeographic profiles. Not even the rivers are the same: the Amazon follows a more or less straight course to the sea, but its tributaries meander and form creeks, channels and lakes. There are black-water (acid and poor in nutrients) rivers like Rio Negro, clear-water (silty and rich in organic matter) rivers like the Amazon and even blue-green (having some nutrients) rivers like the Tapajós. Along the water´s edge there are Like the ‘the várzea’ and swamp forests like the ‘Igapó’ , most of the rainforest is dry land forest under 800 meters and looks like a green sea, but the structure of the forest and the flora and fauna species found in different áreas varies.

How to get there:
The main ports of entry to the Brazilian Amazon Basin are Manaus, Santarém and Belém (all at the north of the Amazon) but those who want to see a different Amazon should also consider Porto Velho and Cuiabá. Around the big cities most of the primary forest is gone, and one must penetrate further to see real forrest.

This can be done by staying in a variety of jungle lodges doing a canoe/hammock expedition or for more adventurous a trip by a small plane to one of the small towns deep in the jungle and starting the expedition from there. Visits to indian reserves need special permissions.