6-day Manaus to Tabatinga boat: Amazon River journey

Six days on the Amazon without arranging the boat yourself

A 6-day boat journey from Manaus to Tabatinga along the Amazon River, traveling by cargo vessel with meals and hammock accommodation included. The boat departs from Manaus port and follows the river flow downstream, arriving at the Colombia border. Pickup from Manaus is arranged. You bring your own hammock and sleep alongside local passengers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Manaus

• Depart from Manaus port

Day 2: Travel on Amazon River

• Continue trip on Amazon River

Day 3: Travel on Amazon River

• Continue trip on Amazon River

Day 4: Travel on Amazon River

• Continue trip on Amazon River

Day 5: Travel on Amazon River

• Continue trip on Amazon River

Day 6: Arrival at Tabatinga

• Arrive at Tabatinga

The experience

Getting a boat ticket from Manaus to Tabatinga on your own is difficult: the cargo boats that run this route don't advertise widely, and schedules shift with river conditions and cargo loads. This booking handles the logistics: you're assigned a spot on one of the regular boats that travel between the two cities, and pickup from Manaus port is included so you don't need to find your way there alone.

The journey takes 6 days following the Amazon River downstream. You'll sleep in a hammock in shared quarters with other passengers and local travelers, which is how the boat operates, not a tourist vessel, but the working transport that connects these two cities. Three meals a day are provided: breakfast, lunch and dinner. The boat moves at the river's pace, so the days are long and the rhythm is slow.

Arrival at Tabatinga puts you at the border with Colombia, opening the route onward if that's your plan. A valid passport is required for travel. You'll need to bring your own hammock, as that's not provided: most travelers buy one in Manaus before departure or arrange it when they book.

What’s included

• Pickup from Manaus port.
• 6 days of accommodation in a hammock in shared quarters.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
• passage on the cargo boat from Manaus to Tabatinga following the Amazon River.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 20

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 50 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Amazing Tours Agency

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving in Manaus without onward transport arranged and want to reach Tabatinga or Colombia without the hassle of hunting down a boat ticket yourself. The pickup from port and the fixed departure mean you don't need a car or local knowledge to get aboard.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What's it actually like sleeping in a hammock on the boat for six days?

You sleep in a hammock in shared quarters with other passengers, which is the standard setup on these cargo boats. The boat provides the space and three meals daily. You bring your own hammock and adapt to the river schedule, which means early mornings and late sunsets as the boat moves downstream.

Do I need to bring food or water, or is everything provided?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the price, so you don't need to bring meals. Bring drinking water or money to buy it onboard, as the boat's water supply may be limited.

What happens if I get sick or need a doctor during the six days on the river?

The boat is a working cargo vessel, not a cruise ship, so medical facilities are minimal. If you have cardiovascular concerns or health conditions that could worsen in isolation, this journey is not recommended. Travel insurance that covers remote areas is wise.

Can I get off the boat before Tabatinga, or do I have to stay the full six days?

The boat follows a set route from Manaus to Tabatinga. Stops along the way are for cargo, not passengers, so you travel the full 6 days to reach your destination.

What do I do about my hammock? Do I buy one in Manaus?

You must bring or buy your own hammock. It's not provided. Most travelers purchase one in Manaus before boarding, as they're inexpensive and easy to find in the city's markets.