During this fascinating trip you will explore the Rio Negro upstream as far as the Rio Jauaperi, a very interesting tributary coming in from the north. At the end of the trip we also visit the Amazon River itself. Over several days we will gradually explore the rainforests for up to 200 miles away from our starting point. This region has some of the most untouched rainforest in all of the Amazon and is the least inhabited place on the planet. Our trip also includes the fabulous Iguazu Falls and ends up on a high note visiting world famous Rio de Janeiro.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
The Big Water (Iguassu Falls)
After collecting your luggage, proceed to the reception area, where our local representative will be holding a board with your name on it. You will be greeted with a “Bemvindos a Iguassu” and escorted to our transfer van. We will drive deep into the lush national park until we get to the famous hotel Tropical Cataratas, located next to the famous falls. In the company of our guide we set off for a walking tour along walkways and observation points that offer prime views of the 275 falls from different angles. The inquisitive coatimundis, another attraction of the park, will tag along for most of the tour. The rest of the day is free to take a stroll in the park, put your camera to work or relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Face the falls (Iguassu Falls)
This morning we venture deep into the forest on a jungle train, followed by a short hike along jungle trails that ends at the river. We board specially prepared zodiacs and depart on a thrilling ride on the Iguazu River up to the famous falls. Once there, get ready for a natural shower followed by an up-close look at the thunderous, hair-rising Devil’s Gorge. Return to the hotel in time for lunch. The rest of the day is free. Upon request, we can also include a tour of the Argentinean side of the falls, a complete different experience well worth seeing. (B)
The gateway to the Amazon (Manaos)
Today we have a long day of traveling ahead of us as we traverse Brazil from the sub-tropical forests of the south to the Amazon mighty jungle in the north. Upon arrival in Manaos, the gateway to the Amazon, we will be transferred to the riverside Tropical Manaus Resort, where you can relax and enjoy its famous pools and other amenities. Overnight. (B)
Depart Manaos (Amazon Cruise)
This morning, meet your guide at the reception area, board the M/Y Tucano and immediately depart upstream on the Rio Negro. Through the morning we will cruise through the world's largest river island system, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. From the observation deck we scan the magnificent tangle of vegetation at the water's edge. By mid-afternoon the vessel has gone beyond the frontier of settlement and entered a wilderness area. Both shores are covered by dense rainforest. Though we never know what we will see, we have a good chance of observing pink river dolphins and a large collection of exotic birds. Most certainly we will be treated to magnificent forest vistas and the spectacular trees themselves. In the late afternoon we embark in the launches and hunt for wildlife. We may also go for a swim in some of the world's most clean and refreshing water. (B,L,D)
5
Exploring the forest (Amazon Cruise)
Early this morning we explore the rainforest along the waters edge in our launches. We should hear and perhaps see howler monkeys along with a morning serenade of toucans. After breakfast we go for a walk in the forest where we will get a good start on understanding Amazon ecology. Around midday we return for lunch and the vessel will get underway, perhaps stopping at a place to swim. In the late afternoon we will explore the forest in our launches and listen to the sunset chorus of birds and frogs. (B,L,D)
6
Cruising the Negro River (Amazon Cruise)
This morning there will be an early exploration of the waking forest. We will keep our eyes open for monkeys- on most trips we see them often. We return for breakfast followed by either a walk in the forest or an excursion in the launches. TUCANO will travel during the middle of the day and we stop in the afternoon for an excursion. Tonight the vessel may travel a bit more as we marvel at the night sky crowded with stars. (B,L,D)
7
Jauaperi River (Amazon Cruise)
After our two morning excursions, we will navigate along the heavily forested shore, scouting for wildlife. We may stop for a visit at a settler's home carved out of the forest. In the early afternoon we will be near an extraordinary river called the Rio Jauaperi. Here we will see a kind of forest known as the varzea. We will scout along the shoreline for some of the extraordinary creatures found only in this unique environment. Weather permitting we will do a night excursion to observe nocturnal creatures. (B,L,D)
8
More jungle adventures (Amazon Cruise)
Today we depart the Rio Jauaperi and for the next two days proceed downstream on the Rio Negro exploring a new collection of rainforest habitats. In the daytime we will continue to scout in our launches, walk in the forest, and at night hunt for nocturnal wildlife. (B,L,D)
9
Novo Airao (Amazon Cruise)
After a walk in the forest we cross to the West bank of the Rio Negro, exploring as we go. We will stop at the substantial boat building village of Novo Airão. As we walk through the streets we'll marvel at how the 19th century thrives in this remote corner of the globe. Tonight TUCANO goes downstream to arrive at daybreak near the confluence with the Amazon River. As we glide through the starry darkness this is a good night to sip the national drink of Brazil, the "Caipirinha". (B,L,D)
10
Lake Janauari and the Meeting of the Waters (Amazon Cruise)
This morning we explore the Lago Janauari Ecological Park where seasonally the thick brown water of the Amazon flows swiftly through the forest. This area is usually a very good place to observe wildlife. Around midday the vessel will travel to the "Encontra das Aguas" a stark several mile long line where the world's two largest rivers, the Amazon and the Negro, join in a turbulent maelstrom. Here the dark water of the Negro runs beside the opaque brown water of the Amazon. In the afternoon we scout one of the hidden streams in the area to try to see more of the Amazon's beautiful and bizarre creatures. Tonight there will be one last excursion looking for nocturnal life. (B,L,D)
11
Welcome to the Marvelous City (Rio de Janeiro)
In the morning all guests disembark from the M/Y Tucano. Depending on your departure flight, there may be an optional tour of the city of Manaus before transferring to the airport for your flight to Rio. Once in Rio, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is free to rest or enjoy a long walk on the beach. Rio has a pulsing nightlife and excellent restaurants. We suggest you check with the concierge for dinner venues and night entertainment. (B)
Touring the city (Rio de Janeiro)
This morning, catch a first glimpse of the city as you tour one of Rio's best-known landmarks: The Sugar Loaf Mountain, a favorite on Rio's postcards. Your private guide will meet you at your hotel for a drive along Rio’s famous beaches followed by a tour to the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain on the cable car, a great opportunity to take in prime views of Rio’s bay. This evening get ready for traditional Brazilian fanfare as we dine on succulent Brazilian barbecue and later attend a fiery Samba show. (B,D)
At leisure (Rio de Janeiro)
There is so much to do in Rio that we would rather have you make your plans for today. You may catch some rays on one of the world-renowned beaches and lunch on fresh seafood, visit the colonial city of Petropolis, join an excursion to Rio’s tropical islands by schooner or even see Rio from the air on an exciting helicopter tour. On Sundays you may also browse the popular hippie fair. (B)
Depart Rio
Today our local representative will transfer you to the airport in time for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon. (B)
PRICES FROM
From $3,866 per person in double occupancy
SPECIALS
June Special : Book any 2010 departure and receive a $75 per person discount!
FACTS
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
2010 Departures: Jul 14, Jul 28, Aug 11 (Family Departure), Aug 25, Sep 8, Sep 29, Oct 13, Nov 3, Nov 17, Dec 1, Dec 15, Dec 29 2011 Departures: Jan 12, Jan 26, Feb 9, Mar 2, Mar 16, Mar 29, Apr 13, Apr 27, May 11, May25, Jun 8, Jun 22, Jul 6 (Family Departure), Jul 20, Aug 3 (Family Departure), Aug 17, Sep 7, Sep 29, Oct 12, Oct 26, Nov 9, Nov 23, Dec 7, Dec 21
Type of services: Private services throughout except during the cruise where excursions are conducted in small groups.
Highlights: The thunderous Iguazu Falls; the exhilarating Macuco Safari Tour; an expedition cruise in the Amazon; Rio, the Marvelous City; a fiery samba show.
Travel documents: American citizens need a tourist visa to enter Brazil. Please check with your closest Brazilian consulate or the Brazilian embassy in Washington DC for further information.
Inclusions: All ground transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International and domestic airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
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