tours amazonas manaus

EXPERIENCE THE AMAZON FOREST

The Amazon, as nature intended you to see.

As a professional Amazon Tour Guide, I am here to show you the diverse delights of landscape, culture, and cuisine in and around the Amazon at Manaus, Brazil.

Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifeti me?

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Explore our curated tour packages and feel fr ee to get in t ouch if you have any question s. i look forward to accommodate your needs..

THE ADVENTURE TOUR

Step into the vibrant world of the Amazon with our most praised Adventure Tour.

Traverse dense jungles, fish for fierce piranhas, and spot elusive caimans under the starlit sky. Every moment promises a thrilling experience, wrapped in the beauty of nature. Ready to ignite your adventurous spirit? Dive deeper into the full Adventure Tour and let the Amazon's allure take over.

THE SURVIVAL TOUR

Dive Deep into the Heart of the Amazon with the Survival Tour

Ever dreamt of truly immersing yourself in the Amazon's raw beauty? Our Survival Tour offers just that. Navigate the dense forest with a group of like-minded adventurers, guided by our expert. Set up camp, forage for meals, and master jungle survival techniques. From spear-fishing to climbing trees and imitating animal sounds, this tour is a deep dive into the indigenous Amazon lifestyle. Curious about life off the beaten path? Explore the full Survival Tour and embrace the wild side of the Amazon.

TRIBE EXPERIENCE

Let's go on a captivating 10-hour journey through the Amazon. Witness the mesmerizing 'Meeting of the Waters', explore traditional floating villages, and swim with the mysterious pink dolphins. Connect with the Dessana tribe and discover their traditions. 

Emelie Sabel, Sweden

"It was a breath taking experience. In order to understand how much the rainforest can rain, you have to be there, in a boat, with no umbrella. What a truly vivid and thrilling experience! Wow!"

YOUR TOUR GUIDE

Hi! I'm the guy behind Jaguar Amazon Tours

I'm Josuel. I am a professional Jungle Tour Guide, originally born and raised within the Amazon forest. With my deep and profound knowledge of life in the jungle, I can help you make your Amazon trip a truly amazing experience. This will be not just any vacation for you, but a truly unforgettable one filled with many inspiring and enriching experiences.

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Amazon Rainforest Tours & Trips from Manaus

10 amazon rainforest tours from manaus with 20 reviews.

Explorer Family Christmas & New Year +1

Amazon Jungle - 3 Days

"The food, landscape. accommodation,, everything was pretty good and what I want to emphasize is the excellent tour guide." Takuya, traveled in February 2023

Active Family Wildlife Explorer Christmas & New Year +2

Manaus Amazon Jungle Adventure 5D/4N

"The food was great, accommodation was comfy and the experience was so unique and different from anything else we had ever experienced!" Asad, traveled in February 2019

• 10% deposit on some dates

River Cruise Family Wildlife Christmas & New Year +1

Amazon Boat Cruise - 4 Days

"All the meals were prepared to perfection and the excursions were at my request." Vera, traveled in May 2024

Wildlife Family Jungle Trekking Hiking & Trekking In-depth Cultural Christmas & New Year +4

Amazon Rainforest Sustainable Experience

"Organization of and the Tour itself were excellent! I can highly recommend this Tour!" Lukas, traveled in November 2022

Hiking & Trekking Family Jungle Trekking Christmas & New Year +2

4 days Unique Experience @ Tariri Amazon Lodge , Total Immersion in the Amazon on a Jungle Adventure - Brasil

Manaus, Discovering the Amazon

Amazon Rainforest Adventure 4 Days /3nights

Amazon Survival Experience

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Amazon Boat Cruise - 6 Days

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Discover the amazon rainforest

Enjoy it's beauty, plants and animals in a great tour

If you  dream to discover the beauty and mystery of the Amazon rainforest, a tour with a native indian for whom the jungle has always been home, is the best choice for you.

Amazon jungle tours

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Amazon river cruises

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About your guide

Rosiney Lima Maia

Hi I am Ney and will show you around in the jungle, the place where I grew up.

From Manaus: 4 or 5 Day Amazon Rainforest Tour

From Manaus: Embark on an unforgettable 4 or 5-day Amazon Rainforest Tour. Delve into the heart of the world’s largest rainforest, immersing yourself in its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore the wonders of the Amazon, from navigating its winding rivers to encountering exotic wildlife and learning from indigenous communities. Book your journey now and experience the magic of the Amazon Rainforest firsthand.

We pick you up at your hotel at 8:00 and then we head off to the port of Manaus to baord a boat which will take us to the meeting of the waters. Where the Rio Negro  (  The black water  ) and the Solimoes ( The Amazon  ) meet. Your guide will explain why the waters appear to never mix. We then head off to our Jungle lodge, Ipanema Lodge located on the Solimoes River.  There we will stop to have lunch and afterwords we will will go bird watching in the Passaros area. The birds we will see are, King fisher, Great Egret, Purple Tiger Heron and others. Bring your camera and binoculars. We will also be able to see the Pink river dolphins and later in the tour you might have an opportunity to swim with them. We the will return to the lodge for Dinner and a relaxing evening in the Amazon.

We begin this tour early in the morning 5:30 am where we take a canoe trip to enjoy the sunrise and see the awesome birth of a new day on the Amazon. After which we return to the lodge to prepare for a Jungle trek where we will hike into the jungle to observe the animals and plants of the Amazon Rain forest. Your guide will show you how to climb palm trees and will call your attention to any animals found along the way. After a few hours in the Jungle we return to the lodge where we will have lunch and prepare for the afternoon activities, Piranha fishing. We will the head into the Jungle to make a camp to spend the night where we will have dinner and in the evening go spotting for Alligators and caymen.ample Description

The tour starts early, at 8 am, with exploration of the small islands in the region, in search of iguanas and dolphins. During the day, participants will fish for piranhas and enjoy an outdoor lunch.

In the afternoon, you will visit a place where three rivers meet to swim and enjoy a barbecue near the dolphins. It is recommended to bring a camera to capture the moments. Return to the accommodation will be at 6:30 pm for dinner.

Later, there will be an excursion to observe nocturnal birds, such as snakes and Amazon fireflies.

We begin this tour after breakfast at 8:00am We head off into the Jungle to see some Snakes, Monkeys and Sloths. It is here we will see the greatest tree in the jungle , the Samahuma tree the largest tree in the Amazon Rain forest. We will return to the lodge for lunch and then we will head off to visit the native community of Marinhero there we will see how the natives live and survive in the jungle and watch a native ritual dance. This we will do until evening and on our return to the lodge we will take some time to see the awesome Amazon sunset. On our return to the lodge we will have dinner and retire for the night.

We wake for breakfast around 7:00 am and afterwords we head off on the river by canoe to the Igarape Tracaja ( The Trantula Igarape ) We head into the flooded forest in this region and explore the jungle the eco-system and the creatures that live in it. We will also observe some of the birds that lve there such as, Wattled Jacana – Hoazihuppe – Black collard hawk – Snailkite – Green Macaw and Horned Screamer. We then head back to the Lodge for lunch In the Afternoon we will head off to a place where we can enjoy a refreshing swim. Catch the sunset and head back to the lodge for dinner and the evening

We wake for breakfast after which we head into the jungle one last time. Our hike will last about three hours during which we will learn about medicimal plants looking for small insects and animals along the way. On our trek we will stop at an area where we can swim. Soon you will be returning to Manaus so we are taking this one last look at the Jungle before returning to the lodge at around Noon There we will have lunch and pack our things for the return trip to the port of Manaus with our planned arival at around 5:00 pm.

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Manaus Amazon Tours & Vacations

Manaus is where the adventure starts! This tenacious metropolis is a major port town, despite being 1,500km by river from the ocean, and the most popular gateway for entering the legendary Amazon Rainforest . From the bustling ingenious Porto Flutuante (floating docks) that rise and fall with the greatly fluctuating river levels, you can embark on an Amazon river cruise, taking in the giant Victoria Amazonica waterlilies and watching the Meeting of the Waters at the confluence of the brown Rio Negro and clear Rio Solimões.

The wonders of the Amazon jungle may dangle tantalizingly outside this urban hub but a Manaus tour within the city itself will lead you to interesting zoos, museums, and some great colonial architecture not to be missed, such as the Teatro Amazonas – a magnificent vestige of the rubber boom era.

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Best Amazon Jungle Tours and River Cruises

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Book now cheaper than getyourguide or viator free cancellation, amazing amazon jungle tours, amazon jungle tour to alligator ipanema lodge 2-7 days.

• Visit of meeting of the waters
• Canoeing with observation of birds, monkeys, sloths, snakes, jaguars
• Jungle hike with explanation of medical plants
• Fishing for peacock bass, amazon catfish, piranha
• Caiman spotting
• Observation of giant water lilies and huge trees
• Visit of Indigenous tribe
• Introduction in survival techniques in the jungle
• Overnight in jungle camp
• Apartment with air condition and private bathroom
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner included
• English, French, German and Spanish speaking guide

BRL 350 – USD 65 – EUR 61 – GBP 52 per person per day !

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Amazon Jungle Tour to Anaconda Amazon Lodge 2-7 Days

• Swimming with pink river dolphins
• Canoeing with observation of birds, monkeys, sloths
• Observation of giant waterlilies and huge trees

Private Amazon River Cruise 3-5 Days

• Cabin with air condition and private bathroom

From BRL 1500 – USD 280 – EUR 260 – GBP 222 per group per day !

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Private Amazon Fishing Trip 3-7 Days

• Catch peacock bass, Amazon catfish, arapaima and other
• 15hp canoe with electric troller
• Fishing equipment and baits included
• Accommodation in Alligator Ipanema Lodge

BRL 500 – USD 93 – EUR 87 – GBP 74 per person per day !

Full Day Tour to Meeting of the waters and Rio Negro

• Observation of birds, monkeys,, sloths, snakes and caimans
• Visit of Dessano Indigenous tribe
• Lunch at floating restaurant included

BRL 200 – USD 38 – EUR 35 – GBP 30 per person per day !

Full Day Tour to Presidente Figueiredo waterfalls

• Visit of Iracema and Araras waterfall
• Visit of Galo da Serra and Onça cave
• Visit of Lagoa Cristalina
• Lunch at Urubui rapids included

BRL 300 – USD 56 – EUR 52 – GBP 44 per person per day !

Full Day Manaus City Tour

• Amazon theater
• Justice Palace
• Rio Negro Palace
• Police square museum
• Adolpho Lisboa market
• Fish market
• Custom building
• Main cathedral
• Floating port
• Amazon Museum (MUSA)
• Observation Tower
• Jungle walk
• Lunch at panoramic restaurant

BRL 400 – USD 75 – EUR 70 – GBP 59 per person per day !

Full Day Manaus Fishing Trip

• Fishing equipment and bait included

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Joshuas Amazon Expeditions

English, Portuguese, Spanish

About Joshuas Amazon Expeditions

Welcome to Joshua’s Amazon Expeditions!

Where Your Rainforest Adventure of a Lifetime Begins!

For over 15 years, Valberto Joshua Lacruz has been guiding travelers from around the globe on incredible once-in-a-lifetime Brazilian Amazon adventure experiences. As a native of the rainforest, Joshua knows the jungle and its myriad creatures, plant life and breathtaking beauty as well as anyone. And now, he’s bringing that knowledge and love to his new venture, Joshua’s Amazon Expeditions.

Imagine gliding over waterfalls in the heart of the rainforest in a kayak. Playing with the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins. Experiencing the meeting of the waters where the Amazon and Rio Negro rivers merge. Or imagine visiting an indigenous village or seeing birds, plants and wildlife in the most diverse ecosystem on the planet.

You can. And under the watchful guidance of Joshua Lacruz and his team at Joshua’s Amazon Expeditions, it’s a hands-on experience unlike any other.

From day trips to extended stays, Joshua’s Amazon Expeditions is focused on providing the experience of a lifetime. From Eco Tours to Jungle Survival Expeditions, every trip is customized to each visitor’s specific needs, wants and desires. No two trips are ever the same. You can choose to sleep in the rainforest in a camp you built yourself or, choose to stay in an Amazon Jungle Lodge with all of the creature comforts of a private hotel room. Or maybe you prefer to enjoy a private cabin on board a regional Amazon boat? The choice is yours!

And that’s just the beginning. The Amazon offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the world. You can test your skills against exotic species like the Peacock Bass, Piranha, Arowana (otherwise known as the monkey fish) or dozens of other species only found in this vast waterway.

Joshua’s Amazon Expeditions is as unique as your stay will be. No other guide service or outfitter has the resources and know-how to customize adventures in the Amazon Rainforest like JAE. Our complete travel packages provide a TRUE Amazon adventure experience with full service from lodging to cuisine, guides, boats and an unmatched staff. We take immense pride in our service and it shows from the moment you arrive until your board your flight home.

So, let us customize a once-in-a-lifetime Amazon adventure for you, your family or your group.

Experience:

Eco Tours of the Rainforest

Kayaking or Canoeing in the Amazon

Indigenous Villages and the natives of the Amazon

Legendary amazon Pink Dolphins

The meeting of the Rivers- The Amazon and the Rio Negro

Camping in the Rainforest

Hiking the Rainforest Trails

Incredible Rainforest Birdwatching Adventures

Fishing for Exotic Amazon Fish

Wilderness Team Building Retreats

Jungle Survival Adventures

All Customized to Satisfy the Most Discerning Outdoor Adventure Traveler!

Ask us! We can do it all! Experience the earth’s last great wilderness with Joshua’s Amazon Expeditions.

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Passing Thru Travel

10 Shamanic Tours in the Amazon Rainforest

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

The Amazon Rainforest, a vast and mystical expanse, has long been a source of intrigue and spiritual questing. It is home to ancient traditions and shamanic practices that have been preserved for centuries by the indigenous peoples of the region. For those drawn to the mysteries of the natural world and the healing powers of traditional medicine, a shamanic tour in the Amazon offers a profound journey into the heart of spiritual healing and connection with nature.

1. Iquitos, Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Christian Vinces

Iquitos, a bustling city accessible only by river or air, serves as the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon and its shamanic traditions. The city is surrounded by rivers and rainforests, offering access to numerous indigenous communities and retreat centers where visitors can engage in traditional ayahuasca ceremonies led by experienced shamans. These ceremonies are intended for deep spiritual exploration and healing, guided by the powerful plant medicine known to induce visionary states of consciousness.

2. Manaus, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gustavo Frazao

Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state in Brazil, stands as a historical and cultural hub amidst the dense Amazon Rainforest. Beyond its urban facade, Manaus offers pathways to shamanic experiences within the surrounding jungle, where the rich biodiversity of the Amazon supports a plethora of medicinal plants used in traditional healing practices.

3. Tena, Ecuador

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wirestock Creators

Tena, known as the “Cinnamon Capital” of Ecuador, is a lesser-known entry point to the Amazon Rainforest, offering a more intimate setting for shamanic exploration. The region is home to several indigenous tribes, such as the Kichwa, who maintain a deep connection to their ancestral lands and traditions. Shamanic tours here often involve cleansing rituals, traditional music, and storytelling, providing insights into the spiritual relationship between the people and the rainforest.

4. Pucallpa, Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / diegoguiop

Pucallpa, situated on the banks of the Ucayali River, is a vibrant city that acts as a conduit to the Shipibo-Conibo communities, known for its intricate art and profound shamanic practices. The city is a blend of urban and indigenous cultures, with easy access to remote villages where traditional ceremonies, including ayahuasca and San Pedro cactus rituals, are practiced.

5. Rurrenabaque, Bolivia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Elzbieta Sekowska

Rurrenabaque is a small town on the edge of Bolivia’s portion of the Amazon Basin, serving as a gateway to the Madidi National Park and the Pampas. It offers a unique blend of Amazonian and Andean shamanic traditions, with tours leading participants into the jungle’s heart for ceremonies, wildlife observation, and plant medicine walks. The area is known for its rich biodiversity and the presence of powerful plant medicines, including ayahuasca.

6. The Sacred Valley, Peru

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tetyana Dotsenko

While not in the Amazon, the Sacred Valley near Cusco is vital to Peru’s rich tapestry of spiritual traditions, including those with roots in Amazonian shamanism. The valley is a serene landscape of towering Andean peaks and ancient Inca ruins, where traditional Andean and Amazonian spiritual practices merge.

7. Marajó Island, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tamara Cerqueira

Marajó, an island at the mouth of the Amazon River, is one of Brazil’s hidden gems, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. The island’s unique ecosystem, rich in both Amazonian and marine biodiversity, supports a distinct culture that includes traditional shamanic practices.

8. Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / nati.fantato

Alto Paraíso de Goiás, located in the heart of Brazil’s Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, is a renowned spiritual and ecological sanctuary. Though not in the Amazon, it is a significant site for Brazilian shamanic practices, attracting healers and seekers from around the world. The region’s stunning waterfalls, crystal formations, and pristine landscapes provide a powerful backdrop for transformative spiritual experiences, including ceremonies and retreats that draw on a blend of Amazonian and indigenous traditions.

9. Belem, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pedro Magrod

As the gateway to the Amazon River from the Atlantic, Belém is a vibrant city where the Amazon’s cultural and biological diversity is on full display. It is an essential stop for those looking to understand the Amazon’s urban context and its transition into the vast wilderness. The city’s markets, such as the Ver-o-Peso, offer an array of Amazonian herbs and plants used in traditional medicine, providing insight into the region’s shamanic practices.

10. Acre, Brazil

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PARALAXIS

The state of Acre, in the westernmost part of the Brazilian Amazon, is a frontier of shamanic tourism, offering deep immersion in the region’s indigenous cultures and natural landscapes. It is home to several indigenous tribes and communities that maintain their traditions, including the use of ayahuasca in ceremonial contexts

Ethical Engagement with Indigenous Cultures

Image Credit: Shutterstock / ESB Professional

Engaging ethically with indigenous cultures involves more than just participating in ceremonies; it requires an understanding and respect for their traditions, values, and rights. Visitors should seek experiences that offer mutual respect and benefit, ensuring their presence supports the community and preserves its traditions. Ethical engagement also means prioritizing the guidance of indigenous leaders and healers willing to share their knowledge and practices.

Conservation Efforts and Shamanism

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brastock

The Amazon Rainforest is under threat from deforestation, mining, and climate change, which in turn threatens the biodiversity that supports its spiritual and medicinal practices. Engaging in shamanic tours that are committed to conservation can help support the preservation of the Amazon and its cultures. Look for tours that actively contribute to reforestation, wildlife protection, and sustainable practices.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ammit Jack

Sustainable tourism in the Amazon involves choosing services and experiences that are environmentally responsible, support local economies, and preserve cultural heritage. This includes selecting lodges, guides, and tours owned and operated by local communities or ensuring fair compensation and working conditions for indigenous guides and healers.

Learning from the Land – Plant Medicine and Ecology

Image Credit: Shutterstock / MarcusVDT

The Amazon’s rich biodiversity is not only the basis of its shamanic practices but also a critical component of the global ecosystem. Engaging with the Amazon through a shamanic tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about life’s interconnectedness, plants’ medicinal properties, and the importance of ecological balance.

Cultural Exchange and Personal Growth

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nelson Antoine

A shamanic tour in the Amazon is a journey into the heart of ancient practices and an opportunity for profound personal growth and cultural exchange. These experiences allow for a deep reflection on one’s place in the world, the nature of health and healing, and the importance of cultural diversity and respect.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Panga Media

Seeking shamanic experiences in the Amazon invites an exploration of spiritual practices and a profound engagement with the world’s most biodiverse ecosystem and indigenous cultures. It’s a journey that demands ethical consideration, cultural respect, and a commitment to conservation.

As you embark on this path, remember that the true essence of the experience lies in the connections you forge—with the people, the land, and the myriad forms of life that call the Amazon home. This journey is an opportunity to contribute positively to preserving this invaluable resource and its ancient wisdom, ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come.

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The post 10 Shamanic Tours in the Amazon Rainforest republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Hans Denis Schneider.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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In Brazil, forest entrepreneurs showcase the vast potential of the Amazon to the entire world

Roberto Brito de Mendonça, from Tumbira, Brazil

All photos by Mariana Ceratti/World Bank

Roberto Brito de Mendonça, 48, a community leader from Tumbira, inherited the logging trade from his father and grandfather. For 26 years, he endured many a hungry night in the forest. By day, he cut down trees that would sell for a fair price in the market. This all changed in 2010 when the Bolsa Floresta Program (PBF), a public policy from the Brazilian state of Amazonas, provided resources and training for the community to develop sustainable, community-based businesses, including tourism.

Today, this community, located 64 kilometers from Manaus, is home to a lodge that serves three meals a day with the finest ingredients from the Amazon, along with offering tours and Wi-Fi. "Transitioning to a new way of working was a huge challenge for me, but it led to positive changes. We began to see a viable economic alternative," Roberto recalls.

He remembers Tumbira, then a fragile community of 25 families, and how they gradually witnessed remarkable changes: "Education began to thrive within the community... Tourism brought income and comfort, and it gave us the luxury of sleeping in our own beds and having regular meals."

Also in Tumbira, on the banks of the Rio Negro, you'll find Izolena Garrido's workshop ( below ), where she creates and sells vibrant bio-jewelry made from seeds and other materials from the forest. As a teacher and artisan, Izolena remembers key milestones in the community's journey to better living conditions, from the 1980s to today.

"We experienced a significant boost in the handicraft sector, and people's lives improved. It's incredibly rewarding to hear someone say they're earning more by doing sustainable activities than they did by logging in the forest," she says with pride. For Izolena, the most important goal is for the communities of Amazonas to become self-sufficient. "It's about believing that 'yes, I am capable. I can continue to be a forest entrepreneur, with or without investment. I will continue to be the person who can keep the forest standing,'" she says with conviction.

It's important to note that Tumbira is part of the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, a state-protected area where families have land-use rights, enabling them to engage in sustainable economic activities and seek investments.ChatGPT

The sustainable development reserve was established as part of the Amazon Protected Areas Program (ARPA), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which has the World Bank as its implementing agency. This program, now 22 years old, has been providing annual financial support to the reserve and local communities for the past 16 years. Across Amazonas, ARPA backs 46 protected areas—24 state-run and 22 federally managed—and also supports environmental initiatives led by the State Secretariat of the Environment.

Valuing communities

The stories of Roberto and Izolena are among the success stories of the Bolsa Floresta, established in 2007 and implemented since 2008 by the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation (FAS). The program rewards traditional populations that commit to zero deforestation and has four components: income, association, family, and social.

The PBF Income component supports small businesses focused on sustainable production models. The Association component helps local associations manage collective bioeconomy enterprises, including community-based tourism, fishing, crafts, and the cultivation and processing of cocoa, Brazil nuts, and vegetable oils.

The Bolsa Floresta Family initiative began by providing a monthly stipend of R$ 50 ($10) to mothers in riverside families living in forest conservation units. These families commit to avoiding slash-and-burn practices in primary forests, keeping their children in school, participating in local associations, and attending workshops on climate change and environmental services. The Bolsa Floresta Social invests in education, health, communication, and transportation, tailored to the needs of the local population.

The World Bank's support for the Bolsa Floresta—now known as Guardians of the Forest—started in December 2020 as part of the First Amazonas Fiscal and Environmental Sustainability Programmatic Development Policy Financing . With a $200 million loan, Amazonas restructured its public finances, increased administrative transparency, strengthened environmental conservation, and prepared for a REDD+ system and forest concessions.

These funds also helped extend the Guardians of the Forest's reach to 14,500 families, up from 9,602, and supported the development of community infrastructure, such as small river ports, throughout the state.

Werner Kornexl, the World Bank's project manager, emphasizes that supporting payments for environmental services, a feature of the Guardians of the Forest, is one of many efforts that recognize the contributions of bioeconomy-dependent communities. "Feeling that the State and other institutions are acknowledging their efforts is a significant form of recognition," he states.

Ana Lice Chagas (first from right to left) and her family

Looking ahead

Seventeen-year-old Ana Lice Chagas is helping to shape an inclusive and sustainable future for the Amazon's economy. As she prepares to graduate from high school in Tumbira, which received investments from Bolsa Floresta, she aspires to continue her education, but not in the traditional sense. "I'd rather learn English and other languages to better welcome our visitors," she says, having introduced both Brazilian and international tourists to the traditional craft of making cassava flour.

Ana Lice is also involved in the production chain of cupuaçu, an Amazonian fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, in juices, or as ice cream. On her family's small farm, they produce the base for crystallized cupuaçu and cupulate, the latter a treat with a chocolate flavor and hints of coffee and nuts. These artisanal products are part of a larger array that demonstrates the Amazon's biological and creative potential.

To further support forest entrepreneurs, the World Bank and Amazonas are preparing a new project. This initiative will include reviewing state bioeconomy legislation, reforming the Tax on the Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS in Portuguese) to reward environmental conservation efforts, and structuring REDD+, a mechanism to compensate communities that preserve their forests.

The project also aims to strengthen the capacity of state environmental agencies, considering the public policies needed to adapt to climate change. These improvements are eagerly anticipated not only by communities near Manaus, like those of Roberto, Izolena, and Ana Lice, but also by those in more remote areas.

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