Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 7/10/2003

Question
I have a brochure about a 7 day cruise from Manaus on the Rio Negro and the Amazon, 20 passenger ship, all meals and walks included, expensive package. What do you think? Also what time would you suggest, Sept, Nov Or Dec?
Thank you, Barbara

Answer
Well, first of all, I hope you are interested in adventure/eco-travel because Manaus is not some fancy, quaint city.  It is gigantic, poverty is immense.  But if you have a fascination for the Amazon and the money to burn, then here's what you should know.  

First, you are going to need to get at least one shot.  Yellow Fever for sure, and maybe a shot for Typhoid (if you havent had one already), Malaria (i THINK there is such a shot) and possibly Dengue.  There is no  Dengue problem in Brazil at this time, but it comes and goes.

Also, Dec is the beginning of the rainy season so it will be a bit cooler (and muggy).  Sticky.

The average daytime temperature in the rainy season is usually in the mid-80's with nighttime lows in the mid 70's to high 60's. In the dry season the daytime temperature can go up to the mid-90's though there is much variability and cool days are common. Nighttime temperatures during the dry season are usually in the mid-70's, though there are also some very cool nights.  That will be Sept and Nov.  The temps will be very similar.

Ive never been to Manaus or the Amazon, so I cant make any recommendations. I WOULD go to Manaus and the Amazon however.

I think it takes a certain type of person to handle a trip like that: adventurer, who doesnt mind sweating bullets and can handle the heat, especially handle the heat even while cultures other than your own might be getting on your nerves.  You cant be an American princess in the Amazon, which is not to suggest that you are one.  But you get my drift.  If it is anything like other hot spots in Brazil, dont expect air conditioning in shopping malls or restaurants to turn the indoors into a cool 65 degrees or under, as they do in the US.