Amazon Odyssey

Day 1 Manaus, Rio Negro / Embark Tucano

This afternoon embark on your river yacht Tucano in Manaus, Brazil. Depart upstream on the Rio Negro and as the vessel glides upstream you will have your first talk about Amazon environments. By late afternoon enter one of the world’s largest river island systems, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. The boat will weave along a winding channel with rainforest on both sides in a riot of brilliant vegetation. Weather permitting, go for an excursion in the gnarled and dense flooded forest known as the Igapó. Along the river bank you may see some Squirrel Monkeys and hear the other-worldly growls of Howler Monkeys echoing through the primitive rainforest. The Amazon has one of the greatest collection of birds in the world and we are sure to see some of these brightly colored jewels perched in the treetops.

Return to the Tucano for hors d’oeuvres on the observation deck and a toast to the rainforest sunset. Following dinner embark in a launch in search of nocturnal creatures such as the Caiman, the Amazon’s crocodilians. You may also see one of the large night birds such as a Potoo with its bulging eyes and large mouth adapted to swallow the huge Mariposa Moths, Later this evening your vessel will weigh anchor and voyage downstream through the night to the Xiborena Peninsula that divides the two of the world’s most storied rivers: the Rio Negro and the Amazon River. (D)

Day 2 Rio Negro, Amazon River

Rising early,embark on your excursion in the Lago Janauari Ecological Park, a dense forest that is flooded with the coffee colored water of the Amazon River. Explore a labyrinth of small channels overhung with gargantuan trees and vines. Listening to the chatter of creatures in the undergrowth and keep your eyes open for monkeys, Three Toed Sloths, and the occasional Collared Anteater.

By mid morning return to the Tucano for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax. By late morning foray off the vessel again to explore this environment rich in life. Near midday, following lunch, navigate downstream to the “Encontra das Aguas”, the several mile long joining of two of the world’s greatest rivers, the Rio Negro and The Amazon. The dark and light waters run side by side for several miles without mixing. Often Pink River Dolphins and also Grey River Dolphins leap and cavort along this stark line of contrasting currents. Begin to navigate upstream on the Amazon River until the late afternoon.

Travel upstream on the Amazon River into the late afternoon where you will reach a channel on the south bank of the Amazon where, conditions permitting, you can access a large lake called Lago Janauacá. Here encounter a new and fascinating environment known as the Varzea. In launches glide down narrow channels where you can expect to see creatures found only on the South side of the Amazon River.

Tonight foray out in launches to hunt for nocturnal life. In the beam of powerful spotlights see the glowing eyes of Caiman, the Amazon’s crocodiles. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Amazon River

Begin your day with an early launch excursion, but for your mid-morning excursion go for a walk in a small village. Appreciate the slow pace of life that follows the rhythms of the seasons and river cycles. About midday your river ship will return to the deep brown and forceful current of the Amazon River. The destination this afternoon depends on the vessel’s Captain. Either go to the north or south side of the Amazon River depending
on the season and the weather. The choice will be whichever offers the best chance of observing wildlife. Late afternoon further explore the wilds of this tropical paradise. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Amazon River / Rio Negro

This morning scout for more of the bizarre creatures of the Amazon. On your mid-morning excursion visit local homesteaders and walk through their gardens and learn how traditions help families survive in the remote interior. Time permitting visit one of the river towns where trade still thrives in goods that have been grown, caught, or collected in this vast rainforest.

During lunch turn the bow of the Tucano downstream on the Amazon River and navigate east with the swift current. Through the afternoon weave in and out of islands that dot the North bank of the river and enjoy vistas of forest and homesteads along the river banks. In the late afternoon arrive near the Rio Negro and venture out for one moreexcursion along a narrow channel called Parana Xiborena, or return to Lago Janauari Ecological Park. At sunset you ship will slowly ascend the Rio Negro, passing along but not stopping at the Porto de Manaus, one of the world’s great ports. More than a thousand miles from the sea, Manaus is the major port for much of the entire Amazon. Wee boats of every imaginable shape and purpose that serve this continent sized forest. Tonight sample the national drink of Brazil, the Caipirinha and have a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Manaus / Disembark

Early this morning travelers will disembark the vessel at the riverside dock of the Hotel Tropical. (B)