Abstract: This paper presents the development of ecotourism in the Brazilian Amazon from a legal
perspective. Firstly, it provides an overview of the Brazilian Amazon and highlights the growing importance
of ecotourism in that region. Secondly, it examines the legal principles and rules on ecotourism at the
international, regional and national levels. The regulation of ecotourism is crucial. Unregulated ecotourism is
likely to cause environmental and social harm, particularly to local and indigenous communities. The legal
framework regulating ecotourism activities is still incipient. This activity is generally regulated in an indirect
manner, but it is in any case subject to the general environmental law rules and principles. Because
ecotourism encompasses specific concerns when compared to traditional tourism, associated for example to
the interactions with nature, local and indigenous communities, specific regulation is required. It is found that
ecotourism has been perceived as an alternative for the promotion of sustainable development in the
Brazilian Amazon. The increased importance of such activity might lead to the creation of legal definitions,
principles and rules specifically regulating ecotourism and its impacts.