River Boat Travel

Amazon River Boats

If one has the time, the best way to explore the rivers, cities, towns and forests of Amazonas, to go on the river boats. These boats come in a variety of sizes, but I have always found its best to take one of the larger ones - double or triple decker - especially if you are traveling any distance.

These boats provided cabins - if one wants private accommodations, or you can hang your rede (hammock) in the center of the boat with the majority of the passengers and get the feel for communal living.

Depending on the distance you are traveling, meals are included, although you have to pay for beverages other than coffee.

These boats carry passengers and freight between the majority of the cities and towns in Amazonas. Although progress has been made in the construction of roads, the rivers necessitate that when crossing the rivers it will either be on a ferry or a boat.

For most who enter Manaus by air, to see the rest of the state, it is necessary to go to the Port and book passage to the city of your choice. Although many cities and towns boast airfields, the majority only take small passenger planes.

Traveling by boat allows you to see the jungles that make up the majority of this enormous state. Farms along the river banks, fishermen using canoes and large nets, troops of monkeys traveling through the trees, birds beyond imagination flying across the river, are all sights one misses by sticking to air.

If you are the traveler who needs luxury then many of the tourist agencies can provide river travel with more luxurious conditions, at a price to match.

However you do it, take the time, if only for a day, to get out in a boat and see the wonders of this land of rivers and jungle.

More in the next edition.