How to Get the Most of Your Amazon River Cruise

 

The second-longest and the biggest river in all of the globe is the Amazon River found in South America. This legendary body of water passes through Brazil for the most part, and then Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. If you go on an Amazon River cruise, you will enjoy the opportunity to view exotic animals in the likes of jaguars, caiman lizards and so many species of frogs. These cruises also often include guided trips into the wild, enabling you to see and learn about life in the jungle.

 

If you want to enjoy your amazon river cruise the most, there are a few things to remember. You'll need a hammock, for instance, along with rope for hanging it (unless you have no intention to sleep for days.) When it gets too cold, a sleep sack or a sheet is going to be perfect. Also keep in mind that there will be lots of people on the cruise, so get on the boat ahead of everyone (six hours early is good) so you can secure a nice spot for your hammock. By the time you depart, the area will probably be all jammed, and you'll likely find other passengers swimming right above or under you.

 

There are usually three decks in a boat - the lower two are occupied by the hammocks and the topmost is intended for passengers who want to party or hang out. Because the engine is on the first deck, the middle deck is certainly more preferable. Don't stay near the toilet, just in case it smells, and also keep away from the buffet area (the fare is not inclusive of buffet meals, by the way) because it can get too cramped and noisy out there at mealtimes.

 

There are usually porters who will offer to find you a good spot for your hammock and tie it too, both for about R$2 to R$3. Not all boats - in fact, only few of them - have air-conditioning and hammock areas allotted for women, so do ask before making a ticket purchase. And remember to take along enough of the basics like toilet paper as well as water.

 

Amazon river cruises aren't known for thefts, but always lock your zippers and knot your drawstrings anyway for added safety. Don't ever leave valuables unattended, especially during stopovers. Try to be friends with fellow passengers so  they won't mind keeping an eye on your stuff. It's usually okay to request the captain to stow your bag in a secure area, but you might have a hard time getting access to it midtrip.

 

 

Finally, most boats have a few cabins and suites with bathrooms and air-conditioning. If you stay in one of them, you'll be sleeping on a bed, not a hammock, you can lock up gear and the food is way better. But you won't  have those unique memories from sleeping in a hammock with other adventure-seekers. Should you decide to get a cabin or suite, avoid the top deck where the music can get really loud and bothersome.