11 Best Hotels In Amazon Rainforest Brazil

There’s no place on the earth as mystifying as the Amazon rainforest. Whether it’s the dense, verdant foliage, the towering canopies, the avian symphonies, or the nucleus of it all — the formidable Amazon River — the place elicits a sense of wonder. So, when we went looking for hotels in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil, we were astounded by the sheer variety of stays that we found. While rainforest lodges are undoubtedly the most popular, the state of Amazonas, where a major part of the rainforest is tucked away, also has cities with regular hotels and even hostels, if you’re looking for them. Of course, nothing beats staying deep in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by the virgin rainforest and its beauty. That’s why it’s one of the world’s most unique rainforests. To that end, check out the best stays in the Amazon rainforest in the heart of Brazil.

Also read: The most beautiful places in Brazil.

Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge, Manaus, Amazonas

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We begin with the Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge, which sits just half an hour outside Manaus on the Tarumã Açu River, a tributary of the Amazon. This rustic jungle lodge was the perfect base for us to explore not just the urban side of the Amazon, but also the heart of the rainforest. Are you visiting the region during the dry season? The waters of the river recede, creating a natural beach on the river’s edge right at the property. What fun!

Since this lodge sits in the jungle, all staying packages here include not only accommodations, but also tours, all meals (full borad), as well as in and out transfers. The tours included everything from night trips for observing wildlife, forest sightseeing trips, amateur fishing, visits to local villages, ecological hikes in the forest. What’s more, the lodge even had excellent bilingual staff, shuttle services, and an on-site restaurant serving all meals, including a sumptuous breakfast to start your day.

Choose from a host of rustic yet comfy bungalows, all of which had air conditioning, mod-cons, windows fitted with security screens, and large balconies. Even though there were no TVs, we didn’t need them, as the jungle completely overtook our senses. Did we mention that there were even minibars? Yes!

M/Y Tucano, Manaus, Amazonas

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Exploring the Amazon Rainforest is special as it is, but imagine doing it aboard a boat that’s specifically designed to sail deep into the heart of the rainforest! Welcome onboard the charming M/Y Tucano, which is an expedition vessel with a shallow draft and comfortable accommodation to sail the verdant jungle for days together.

Welcoming up to 18 guests in 9 staterooms, the relatively small-sized boat, with an agile design, left the main tourist paths, or rather waters, far behind. So, we not only didn’t see other boats or people for days, but we also got to experience the magnificent ecosystem of the Amazon that was otherwise not visible to other travellers. Despite not being a luxury vessel, the Tucano was fun, efficient, intimate, and comfortable. Not only did it have water and electrical systems, but every cabin had individual volume controls for the boat-wide sound system and air-conditioning thermostats. Plus, the state-of-the-art navigation and communications equipment allowed us to stay in contact with the outside world.

Since a 2018 renovation, and thanks to the calm Amazon River waters, the boat had three decks, large interiors, and even full-size bathrooms in the cabins. Our favorite place, though, was the glass-walled salon where we’d dig into delicious meals while soaking in views of the rainforest.

Alta Vista Amazon Lodge

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Budget with a view is what describes the gorgeous Alta Vista Amazon Lodge the best. It’s all about the beauty of the river at this riverside lodge, which sits on the Manacapuru River around 110 km (62 mi) from Manaus. So, it’s all about waking up to views of the river, spotting pink dolphins, and paddling through the flooded forests of this serene Amazonian retreat.

On the inside, the lodge was all about blending rich wood hues with rustic charm. We had the choice of many charming but airy bungalows, all of which came with panoramic river views. Not only did they have air-conditioning, but they also had private bathrooms and balconies with amazing views of the garden or partial or complete views of the river.

Our days at the lodge began with a sumptuous breakfast, followed by multiple tours for exploring the region. These include canoe tours, dry land trails, boat tours for visiting floating villages, and even land tours for seeing the point of “Meeting of the Waters.” Back at the lodge, we’d unwind on the sunbeds in the expansive garden and enjoy Amazonian drinks, beverages, and cuisine.

Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge, Novo Airão, Amazonas

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Since we wanted to stay by the riverside in the Amazon rainforest but also stay close to civilization, we chose the stunning Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge. This luxurious jungle rainforest lodge sits around 200 km (120 mi) northwest of Manaus, in Novo Airão. Sitting on the Rio Negro, it faces the Anavilhanas National Park, allowing us sweeping and spectacular views of the lush greenery from everywhere.

The entire structure of the hotel has been conceived, planned, and designed as an upside-down ship. We had the choice of 12 spacious suites, all of which came with living rooms, balconies with hammocks, large bathrooms with showers and hot tubs, minibars, and even air conditioning to keep us comfortable in the hot and humid weather.

The gastronomic restaurant here was top-notch, with mouth-watering local and international fare. There was also a wellness space and an outdoor swimming pool, but the real ticket here was the daily activities and excursions. Whether it was sleeping in the hammocks, walking trails to the caves and the forest, canoeing, or meeting the local communities and learning about them, staying here was as relaxing and enjoyable as it was a thorough learning experience.

Uakari Floating Lodge, Uarini, Amazonas

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If you’re an eco-conscious traveler, especially when it comes to the stunning Amazon jungle, then there’s no place you should stay other than the Uakari Floating Lodge. A stalwart in the world of sustainable tourism, the lodge sits in a remote region deep in the state of Amazonas. It sits on the Japurá River, which is a major tributary of the Amazon River (it’s the same as Colombia’s Caquetá River), So, we had to pre-arrange our transport, flying from Manaus to the river town of Tefé, after which we had a 1.5-hour speedboat transfer.

We had the choice of five bungalows, each with two bedrooms and its own private bathroom. So, every bungalow has two separate rooms/suites, per se. What’s more, they all boasted porches with spectacular views of the forest and the river.

The central floating area with a small deck was the nucleus of the lodge, which also had a library, a video room, a bar, a restaurant, and a kitchen. This lodge is managed by the communities from Mamirauá Reserve and the Mamirauá Institute, with 10 different communities managing the lodge, the salespeople, the contractors, and the employees. Not only are the facilities sustainable, but they also collect and store rainwater, they have ecological tiles, and the food is traditional to Brazil and the specific region, complete with seasonal fresh fruit.

Hotel Villa Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas

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Best urban. We wanted to stay in absolute luxury in Manaus itself, which is why we chose Hotel Villa Amazônia. This luxury hotel, which was nestled in a heritage mansion in Manaus’ historic center, Centro, had chic, contemporary interiors with oodles of local Amazonian style. In fact, the décor draws inspiration from the splendid mansions of the famous Brazilian rubber barons.

On the inside, the hotel is as understated as it is elegant and simple-chic. Choose from around 30 rooms, suites, and apartments, all of which feature natural accents and local textiles. They’re all arranged around the natural stone pool and indoor garden, with an airy décor that felt cool and light even in the city’s tropical heat. What’s more, all polished digs had mod-cons such as mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, plush beds, and balconies, with upgraded ones even adding living areas and bathtubs.

When we weren’t in the rooms, we’d be down by the stunning outdoor pool, which is surrounded by foliage and sprinkled with daybeds and umbrellas. Breakfast was a sumptuous affair (included in the room prices), and the bistro/restaurant offered amazing Amazonian cuisine. A gym, a garden, and a bar rounded up the amenities here.

Na Casa Hostel, Manaus, Amazonas

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Best value-for-money. Manaus is the city that sits right in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. So, if you want to stay in the city on a budget, but with access to the rainforest, then Na Casa Hostel is perfect.

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This social, relaxed hostel felt like we were staying with friends. The location was excellent, as we could reach Manaus’ historic center, local markets, and river ports and viewpoints easily. On the inside, the common areas were well-designed for mingling and socializing. Not only did they have comfy seating and an open, ventilated plan, but also there were lots of natural foliage and light too. What’s more, the staff was excellent, helping us out with everything from extra towels to tips about traveling into the rainforest. Rounding up the features were free Wi-Fi, a garden, a shared kitchen, a sun terrace, a lounge, housekeeping every day, as well as luggage storage.

We loved the clean, simple, and elegant dorms with wooden beds, comfy mattresses, immaculate shared bathrooms, tiled floors, and even air-conditioning. There were also options for private rooms with their own private bathrooms, as well as balconies with garden views.

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Cristalino Lodge, Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso

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Best eco-conscious. In the State of Mato Grosso, in the heart of the Amazon jungle, sits the stunning Cristalino Lodge, a sustainable and architecturally impressive hotel. Home to more than 1,800 species of animals and birds, this high-end resort, which is surrounded by a protected forest, has some of the world’s best wildlife and bird viewing.

In fact, the lodge is famed for its guided expeditions into the privately protected Cristalino Reserve, which are led by professional birding and nature guides. What’s more, there are many walking trails, forest walks, canoe tours to explore the waterways, and even rainforest canopy towers for indulging in wildlife and bird spotting. Since the lodge is also committed to conservation, it even gets involved in the surrounding communities. So, they invite students from surrounding areas to educate us guests about the research, conservation, and ecosystem in the reserve! The best bit? These educational sessions, boat excursions, and jungle tours are included in the rates.

This massive property has just 16 bungalows and rooms, so staying here felt exclusive and intimate. In fact, it was all about unique culinary experiences, luxury-level attention to detail, and superior personal service here. Despite the remote location, all rooms and suites were loaded with modern amenities and touches, including Wi-Fi. For the ultimate, choose the Special Bungalow with a private garden with an open-air bathtub and shower. Finally, a floating deck with parasols, hammocks, and rocking chairs, a lodge bar, and a restaurant round up this place.

Juma Ópera Boutique Hotel & Spa, Manaus, Amazonas

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If you’re looking to stay in Manaus with easy access to historic city landmarks as well as the Amazon jungles, then the Juma Ópera Boutique Hotel & Spa is perfect. Not only did we have easy access to historic landmarks such as the bustling Adolpho Lisboa Market and the grand Amazonas Opera House, but we could also easily hop onto a pboat tour for the mesmerizing “Meeting of the Waters,” where the Rio Negro and the Solimões rivers converge, without mixing, transforming into the mighty Amazon River.

Staying at this boutique hotel put us right in the very heart of Manaus, making for an exclusive stay in a historic setting. We loved the classic and elegant vibe, which blended wonderfully with the modern touches, making for a comfortable stay. While there was a restaurant on the property that served wonderful meals, including a sumptuous breakfast, our favorite place was the rooftop pool. On hot and humid days, it was the ideal place for us to unwind and relax. A fitness center, a sun terrace, and a spa with a hammam and a steam room round up the features here.

Choose from a host of luxurious air-conditioned rooms and suites, all of which come with mod-cons and private bathrooms. Plus, we could choose city or garden views, ensuring an enjoyable stay.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, Novo Airão, Amazonas

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Best overall. What could be better than a Robinson Crusoe-type luxurious hideout on the banks of the Amazon River deep in the heart of the rainforest? Behold the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, where experiencing nature in comfort is their motto.

“There’s nothing like living in luxury right in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, and experiencing its beauty, thanks to Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge.”

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This award-winning rainforest lodge, which was a 35-minute seaplane ride and a 3-hour van ride from Manaus, is part of the national park and is deeply connected to the river, which has some 400-odd islands. So, it’s not surprising that we spent most of our time on boats, exploring the region extensively. Our experience included sunrise boat rides, visits to the nearby local communities, nocturnal sightseeing, fishing, dugout canoeing through wetlands, and dry land hikes. While we chose the five-night package, there are shorter and even longer packages that offer you more time to explore the region. What’s more, we saw the region’s stunning wildlife, including caimans, snakes, and even sloths. An excellent restaurant, a pool with a deck (obviously), and a sitting room complete the place.

We had the choice of luxury eco cabanas on stilts, all of which had plush beds, mod-cons, and private balconies with hammocks. If you’re looking for absolute luxury, go for the Panoramic Bungalows, which have long glass walls overlooking the Amazon rainforest.

Our Verdict!

While we loved every one of these stays, the ones below are extra-special.

• Best overall: Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, Novo Airão, Amazonas
• Best eco-conscious: Cristalino Lodge, Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso
• Best value-for-money: Na Casa Hostel, Manaus, Amazonas
• Best urban: Hotel Villa Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas

Where to Stay in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil?

The Amazon Rainforest in Brazil largely lies in the enormous state of Amazonas in northwestern Brazil. We had the choice of many larger and smaller cities, including the capital, Manaus, a gorgeous, historic river port. Not only is it the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon, but it’s also a hub for luxury river cruises and is the place of the “Meeting of Waters,” where the Solimões and the blackwater Rio Negro rivers merge into the Amazon River.

Next, there’s the gorgeous Presidente Figueiredo, which sits north of Manaus and is famously called the “land of waterfalls.” With numerous waterfalls and caves, this place is perfect for those looking to indulge in eco-tourism. Tucked deep in the heart of the rainforest, on the banks of the Rio Negro, is Novo Airão. Lying northwest of Manaus, it’s the gateway to one of the world’s largest river archipelagos, Anavilhanas National Park. It’s home to the now-abandoned Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel, one of the world’s coolest treehouse hotels.

The town of Parintins, which lies on the Amazon River east of Manaus, is famous for hosting Brazil’s second-largest annual festival, the Parintins Folklore Festival (a.k.a. BoI-Bumbá). Finally, there are the cities of Coari, Tefé, and Itacoatiara, which are major ports along the Amazon River and hubs for exploring the region.

What clothes do I need for staying in the Amazon rainforest?

It’s best to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, waterproof jackets, and sturdy hiking boots when trekking in the Amazon jungles. While the stays might be luxurious and have equipment for keeping insects at bay, it’s best to carry DEET-strength insect repellent with you.

Are there 5-star hotels in the Amazon rainforest?

Yes, some of the most popular ones are Loft Vista Ponta Negra, the Grand Amazon Expedition – All Inclusive, and Hotel Villa Amazônia.

What makes Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge unique?

The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge features thatched roofs and stilt structures in the form of 24 bungalows and cottages, so the surrounding forest isn’t impacted. What’s more, they feature hammocks on private verandahs and air conditioning to soak up the jungle environment while staying comfortably.