Comprised of seven states - Amazonas, Acre, Amapá, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins, and occupying approximately half of Brazil's territory, Brazil's north is ideal for those who seek deep adventure and diverse wildlife. One third of the planet's species are found here. An ecotourism's paradise, this region lets you experience the Amazon Rainforest, the world's biggest biological reserve, with all of its unmatched natural resources.
 
The rivers of the Amazon basin, which contain a fifth of the world's fresh water reserves, are arteries that lead to the heart of the forest. Of the twenty major rivers of the planet, ten are situated within the Amazon basin. The Amazon River, over 3,400 miles (5,500 km) in length, is the primary one.
 
Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas, is the usual springboard for discovering the Amazon and its wonders. There are even beaches here on the banks of the Rio Negro. There are many jungle hotels that provide comfort and safety for the discovery and exploration of the region's flora and fauna. Amazonian culture, including its folklore and cuisine is an attraction in itself. In Manaus, one can see several museums and also the turn-of-the-century Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theater), built in Renaissance style with an Art Noveau interior.
 
In Parintins, the folk festival of the Boi-Bumbá is held in the last days of June after the end of the rainy season. It arouses great excitement among the local populace, who gather in the tens of thousands and dress up in the colorful costumes of the Caprichosos (red) and the Garantidos (blue), singing and dancing to the infectious, drum-driven Boi beat. The festival is also celebrated in other parts of the Amazon and is rapidly becoming a cultural export.
  
The region is a great source of handicrafts and native products. For example, colorful native artwork, feather collars and the striking marajoara and tapajônica pottery can be found for sale at the Ver-o-Peso market, in Belém, State of Pará. The name Ver-o-Peso means "check the weight." At this incredible market, you can buy all types of foods, fish, herbs and medicines, local perfumes, jewelry and many other interesting objects.
 
Another great attraction is the island of Marajó, known for the pororoca, the meeting of the Amazon River with the Atlantic Ocean. The Bananal Island, in the State of Tocantins is the world's biggest river island, having beautiful beaches and plentiful fishing.