Amazon jungle tour from Manaus: Caves, waterfalls & Iracema Falls

Breathe pure rainforest air as you uncover hidden sandstone wonders and jungle secrets.

A full-day private jungle tour from Manaus takes you by SUV to Presidente Figueiredo, where a local guide leads you on forest trails through the Amazon to Maroaga Cave and Judeia Cave, both hidden sandstone formations beneath the canopy. You swim in natural pools at the caves and at Iracema Waterfall, eat lunch at the rapids, and return to your hotel by evening. The tour includes hotel pickup, a private driver, lunch, and a guide who speaks English, Spanish, or Portuguese. A minimum of two people per booking is required, and the walk involves significant elevation change and uneven terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Presidente Figueiredo40m
2. Iracema Waterfall1h · entry included

Explore caves and waterfalls in Amazon

• Hotel pick-up in Manaus
• Drive 2 hours to Presidente Figueiredo
• Walk forest trail to Maroaga Cave
• Explore Maroaga Cave entrance
• Continue walk to Judeia Cave waterfall
• Swim and relax at natural pool
• Visit Urubui Rapids and Indigenous statue
• Enjoy regional lunch at local restaurant
• Drive 20 minutes to Iracema Falls
• Swim and explore Iracema Falls area
• Return drive to Manaus
• Drop off at hotel in Manaus

The experience

How do you get deep into the Amazon without spending days in a canoe? This tour starts with a two-hour drive from Manaus in a private air-conditioned SUV to Presidente Figueiredo, a town at the edge of the jungle known for its waterfalls and caves. Your guide meets you at your hotel in the morning, and from there the day is built around walking: forest trails that lead to two hidden caves and a series of natural pools where you can swim.

The first stop is Maroaga Cave, a sandstone formation shaped over thousands of years and buried deep enough in the jungle that you reach it on foot through towering trees and thick vegetation. Your guide points out medicinal plants and wildlife as you walk. The cave itself stays shallow for safety, but the entrance sits in a serene clearing. From there you continue on the same trail to Judeia Cave, where a gentle waterfall flows between sandstone walls and feeds a clear pool. This is where you cool off and swim before the walk back. The full cave section takes about two and a half hours. After that, you drive a short distance to Urubui Rapids, where lunch, regional dishes prepared by local chefs, is included and served at a local restaurant overlooking the rushing water. There's an Indigenous warrior statue here that marks the cultural heart of the town.

The final stop is Iracema Waterfall, a twenty-minute drive from lunch. It's the most powerful waterfall on the itinerary, surrounded by forest and a large natural swimming area. You can swim, explore small caves in the sandstone, and take photos before the return drive to Manaus, arriving around 5:30 pm. Bring a swimsuit and comfortable walking or tennis shoes. The trails can be muddy depending on the season, and the terrain is uneven with hills both up and down.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Manaus.
• private air-conditioned SUV with driver.
• local guide in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
• lunch with regional Amazonian dishes at Urubui Rapids.
• access to Maroaga Cave, Judeia Cave, and Iracema Waterfall.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (5 to 60 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Amazon Destinations

Is this one for you?This is a private tour for two or more travelers, so you travel as your own group with a dedicated guide and driver rather than joining others. The full day of walking and swimming suits travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable on uneven jungle trails. It's not recommended for anyone with cardiovascular issues, spinal injuries, or significant physical limitations, or for pregnant travelers or very elderly travelers.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the walk like on this Amazon jungle tour?

The tour involves a high amount of walking on forest trails with significant elevation change and uneven terrain, particularly between Maroaga and Judeia Caves. The cave section alone takes about two and a half hours. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as trails can be muddy depending on the season.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, you swim at two spots: in the natural pool at Judeia Cave after exploring the sandstone formation, and at Iracema Waterfall, where there's a large swimming area. Bring a swimsuit for both.

What does the tour include?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Manaus, a private air-conditioned SUV with driver, a local guide in your choice of English, Spanish, or Portuguese, and lunch with regional dishes at Urubui Rapids are all included. Drinks and tips are not included. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs eight hours total, including the two-hour drive each way from Manaus, the cave walk, lunch, and the waterfall stop. You're picked up from your hotel in the morning and dropped off around 5:30 pm.

What is Presidente Figueiredo?

Presidente Figueiredo is a town about two hours from Manaus at the edge of the Amazon, known for its waterfalls, caves, and rapids. It's home to Urubui Rapids and Iracema Waterfall, both stops on this tour, and features an Indigenous warrior monument overlooking the rapids.