Other cryptidexpedition siteAmazon tropical rainforestAmazonas, Brazil-3.4653°, -62.2159°

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest represents the world's largest tropical rainforest, covering over 6 million square kilometers across nine South American countries. This vast ecosystem of dense canopy, winding rivers, and indigenous territories has long harbored legends of the Mapinguari — a towering, shaggy cryptid distinct from North American Bigfoot traditions. Unlike the Pacific Northwest's temperate forests, the Amazon's year-round humidity, three-tier canopy structure, and incredible biodiversity create a unique environment where large unknown species could theoretically remain hidden. The region's 3,344 indigenous territories preserve oral traditions spanning millennia, many describing encounters with massive, hair-covered forest beings.

Timeline

Historical period

Early European explorers documented indigenous accounts of giant forest creatures

20th century

Brazilian researchers reported tracks and vocalizations from unidentified large primates in remote areas

2015

Finding Bigfoot team conducted cryptid investigation in Brazilian Amazon

Notable Sightings

1980s· rubber tapper working in the region
Reported encountering a tall, reddish-brown creature with long arms that fled into dense undergrowth when approached. The being reportedly left behind a strong musky odor and disturbed vegetation at considerable heights.
The witness had extensive forest experience and was familiar with regional wildlife including jaguars and large primates. The description matched traditional accounts from indigenous groups.
Early 2000s· indigenous guide on expedition
Observed a massive bipedal figure crossing a riverbank at dawn, described as very tall with thick body hair. The creature reportedly paused before disappearing into the forest canopy.
The guide belonged to a local tribe with extensive forest knowledge and was initially reluctant to discuss the encounter.

What the Shows Found

Finding BigfootS07E02
Did: The team conducted night investigations using thermal imaging along riverbanks, interviewed local indigenous witnesses, and performed call blasting techniques adapted for tropical forest acoustics. They also examined traditional artwork and collected oral histories from tribal elders.
Found: Recorded several unexplained thermal signatures and distant vocalizations that didn't match known Amazon wildlife, though no definitive visual evidence was captured during the expedition.

What the Science Says

The Amazon's incredible biodiversity — with new species discovered regularly — makes it theoretically possible for large unknown primates to remain undetected. South America's fossil record includes large primate species, and the continent's isolated evolutionary history could support relict populations. The region's indigenous knowledge systems, refined over generations, consistently describe creatures matching cryptid reports.

Local wildlife that could cause misidentifications includes giant anteaters, large sloths, and various primate species, though experienced indigenous guides are intimately familiar with these animals and distinguish them from reported encounters. The creature's reported size, bipedalism, and behavior patterns don't align well with known Amazon fauna.

While no definitive physical evidence has emerged, the consistency of descriptions across unconnected indigenous groups and the forest's vastness keep this an intriguing open question. The Amazon remains one of Earth's least explored ecosystems, with new mammal species discovered as recently as the 21st century.

Lore & Fun Facts

Indigenous traditions refer to the creature by various names often meaning 'the roaring animal' or similar descriptors

Some traditional accounts describe the creature as having unusual physical characteristics, possibly referencing scent glands

The Amazon basin contains an estimated 16,000 tree species — more than all of North America

Several indigenous groups maintain that sightings increase during fruit season when forest activity peaks

Planning a Visit

Access

Access requires permits and indigenous community approval for most areas. Organized expeditions through licensed Brazilian guides are essential due to the forest's dangers and complex territorial jurisdictions.

Nearest Town

Manaus, approximately 100-200 kilometers depending on specific investigation area

Best Time to Visit

Dry season from May to September offers better river access and reduced flooding, though the forest remains challenging year-round.