An item on my lifelong travel bucket list—the Amazon—has finally been checked off!
Though it wasn’t entirely perfect, I was in Brazil! And I can always come back… Hahahaha.
I joined a three-day, two-night mid-depth tour that gave me an incredible glimpse into the ecological wonders of the Amazon rainforest. Each day brought something new and exciting. Except for the second night, when we stayed outdoors in a rustic thatched hut with nothing but a basic hammock and tent, everything else was pure enjoyment.
At night, we ventured out to spot snakes and spiders—something I really, really, REALLY didn’t enjoy (thanks to a childhood fear of snakes). In the end, I opted to return to the hotel with the guide. For those who love nocturnal adventures, the nighttime rainforest offers endless surprises. It’s pitch black and feels like a massive sound chamber, with animal calls echoing all around, clearer and more profound than during the day.
You might even look up and find a spider as big as a plate or a snake coiled ominously above you…
Exploring the Amazon rainforest is truly unforgettable. Even though it’s the dry season now, the rainforest can still drench you with sudden downpours at any moment, followed by quick bursts of sunshine and buzzing insects. Despite this, witnessing so many rare plants and animals leaves you in awe of nature’s marvels.
Everything seems fascinating—like trees that conduct electricity, bark that, when soaked in water and consumed, helps with sleep or intestinal issues, plants and roots that lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, wood shavings that can start a fire, insects that take six years to grow before emerging from the ground to live just one year, larvae growing inside fruit pits, bones gnawed by leopards, and even a unique insect repellent made from ants.
With every “wow,” I learned something strange and new. After touring the rainforest, we stopped by the guide’s mother-in-law’s house, where we discovered that the part of the rainforest we explored actually belonged to her. This revelation earned her—and the experience—an instant level of respect 🤪.
I won’t recommend the travel agency this time around. It was suggested by locals, and it was affordable, with friendly guides and clean accommodations. However, when I entered my hotel room, the smell of foot odor nearly knocked me out. And instead of an alarm waking me up in the morning, it was a sheep bleating at my door… But hey, when you’re already in the heart of the rainforest, what more could you ask for, right?
rides: A taxi from Manaus to the dock, then a boat ride, followed by a car transfer, another boat journey, and finally, arrival at your Amazonian jungle lodge.
cost: Enjoy an unforgettable three-day, two-night adventure for just 2000 RMB per person, including accommodation, all meals, guided tours, and all transportation (including boat tickets).
packing tips: Don’t forget essentials like insect repellent (we highly recommend the one shown in the last picture, which is a local favorite), a reliable raincoat (avoid disposable ones, as downpours can strike without warning), swimsuits for refreshing dips, anti-itch medication for unexpected bites, sun-protective clothing and hats, lightweight quick-dry long-sleeve pants (bring at least three pairs), quick-dry short-sleeve shorts, comfortable hiking shoes, sunglasses, and a portable backpack for day trips.
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