Jungle Rivers & Tropical Islands: Natural Treasures of South America & Southern Caribbean

Day 1 São Luis, Brazil / Embark

Arrive in São Luis and embark Clelia II. Overnight aboard ship docked in São Luis.

Day 2 São Luis

A UNESCO World Heritage site, São Luis is beautifully situated on an island between two rivers and notable for its colonial architecture. Explore the city’s historic center visiting the Cathedral da Se, Leoes Palace, Artur Azevedo Theater, and other landmarks.

Days 3-4 At Sea

Day 5 Paramaribo, Suriname

A Dutch colony from the 16th century until 1975, Suriname is known for its multicultural societies that combine settlers from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Located eight miles up the Suriname River, Paramaribo, the country’s capital, known for its beautiful 18th- and 19thcentury buildings, such as the Governor’s Mansion. Fort Zeelandia, guarding the Suriname River, now houses the Suriname Museum and a colorful market.

Day 6 Georgetown, Guyana

Arrive in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital on the Demerara River, with its stilted wooden houses and tree-lined streets. Evidence of the Old Dutch colonial period is still apparent today in the city’s architecture. See the Gothic-style city hall and St. George’s Anglican Cathedral. Also visit the National Museum and Botanical Gardens. Overnight aboard ship docked in Georgetown.

Day 7 Kaieteur National Park

An air excursion will take us to one of South America’s treasures: the seldom visited Kaieteur National Park. The centerpiece of the park is Kaieteur Falls. Framed by lush and unspoiled rain forest, the falls have a free fall over 700 feet, five times the height of Niagara. The rain forest supports a large variety of plant and animal life, including several endangered species. Return to Georgetown to reboard the ship.

Days 8-11 Orinoco River, Venezuela

Orinoco’s delta is a complex ecosystem comprised of an intricate network of rivers, estuaries, and channels spanning some 10,000 square miles. As we cruise up the Orinoco, you will fall under the watchful eye of the jungle’s residents—the Warao people, who live along the river in houses on stilts—and its keepers—macaws, trogons, horned screamers, and spider monkeys. Clelia II’s Zodiac boats will enable us to explore some of the shores and smaller tributaries along the river.

Day 12 Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago

Aboard private glass-bottom boats, voyage to the Buccoo Reef, where you’ll discover vibrantly hued angelfish, parrotfish, and other tropical species. Alternatively, enjoy an excursion where you will learn about the oldest protected forest in the Western world, the Tobago Forest Reserve. Our destination is Argyle Falls, a triad of waterfalls rushing into a pristine pool and a secluded swimming paradise.

Day 13 Port of Spain, Trinidad

From Port of Spain, Trinidad’s capital, drive to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, home to a large number of bird species, including the white-bearded and golden-headed manikins, toucans, honeycreepers, and hummingbirds. Over 600 species of butterflies are also found here. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Caroni Swamp at dusk, when flocks of Scarlet Ibis fly in to roost.

Day 14 At Sea

Day 15 Curacao, Netherlands Antilles / Disembark

Arrive in Curaçao and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.