Family Vacation: Great Reasons to Take the Kids to the Amazon

Family vacations are excellent opportunities to strengthen connections between parents and children. The more memorable the destination, the greater the chances of creating unforgettable memories. A great example of such a place is the Brazilian Amazon, where you can experience natural phenomena, explore the local wildlife and flora, taste delicious regional ingredients, and see iconic historical buildings.

The journey can start in Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state. The city is home to the Bosque da Ciência (Science Forest), where kids can see animals such as giant river otters, alligators, and even manatees up close. It’s also worth visiting the zoo at the Centro de Instrução de Guerra na Selva (CIGS) – also known as the Manaus Zoo – which is home to over 200 species of local wildlife, including the famous jaguar.

Another popular spot among families is the Museu da Amazônia (Museum of the Amazon), located in the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve. In addition to its exhibits on the region's history and curiosities, the museum complex is perfect for outdoor activities, featuring trails, blooming gardens, aquariums, and insect and butterfly enclosures.

The area near the port is also great for sightseeing. Here you’ll find the Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa, the perfect place to taste typical Amazonian ingredients that are hard to find elsewhere in the country, such as tucupi, jambu, and guaraná.

As you wander through the city, travelers can also admire European-style buildings that date back to the Rubber Boom era. The most famous of these is the Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theatre). Built in 1896, this neoclassical building is renowned for its stunning dome, made of thousands of ceramic tiles in the colors of the Brazilian flag.

Right in front of the theatre is Juma Ópera, an excellent family-friendly hotel option. The boutique hotel offers a restaurant that serves typical Amazonian dishes, international culinary classics, and special recipes for younger guests. The hotel also features comfortable, well-equipped accommodations.

The same group also runs Juma Amazon Lodge, a jungle lodge that welcomes tourists of all ages. Located in Autazes, three hours from Manaus, the journey to this eco-lodge is an attraction in itself, as the route is made by boat and offers a chance to witness the famous meeting of the Negro and Solimões Rivers.

The lodge offers charming bungalows built on stilts in the treetops. The main focus is on connecting guests with people, nature, and local culture. The property includes a hammock area, a river pool (the only one of its kind in Brazil), a restaurant, and even a small museum dedicated to the Amazon.

The major attraction, however, is the array of guided activities. Both adults and children can enjoy jungle hikes, lectures by local inhabitants about the customs and legends of the riverside communities, canoe trips, and even a visit to the enormous Sumaúma tree, which can reach 40 meters in height and diameter.

To wrap up the family vacation in the best possible way, families can try tree-climbing activities. Available for children from three years old, this experience is led by skilled professionals and allows participants to climb the tallest trees for a unique view of the rainforest.