Amazon Odyssey

Day 1 Manaus, Rio Negro / Embark Tucano

This afternoon embark on the Tucano in Manaus, Brazil. Depart on the Rio Negro and as the vessel glides upstream 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 a launch 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 the launches 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. (D)

Day 2 Anavilhanas Archipelago

Shortly after sunrise this morning explore the Anavilhanas Archipelago, a reserve that includes the world’s largest system of river islands and also areas of tall dense rainforest. Here see the strange environment called the Igapó, the black water flooded forest where dense forests grow right out of the dark water of the Rio Negro. Mid morning return to the vessel for a hearty Brazilian breakfast. After some time to relax, weather permitting disembark at mid-morning and will go for a walk in the type of rainforest known as the Terra Firme. Here have a good chance to see the markings, if not the animals themselves, of some of the Amazon’s great mammals like peccaries (wild pigs) or even a jaguar.

Around mid-day return to the vessel for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon excursion in the launches along the edges of the dense forest and listen to the sunset chorus of birds, howler monkeys, and frogs. Weather permitting, tonight have an excursion to spot caiman (the Amazon’s crocodiles) and other nocturnal creatures. You may see arboreal porcupines or sloths scrambling high in the limbs. (BLD)

Day 3 Rio Negro

This morning awaken to another remote rainforest area where you will explore in the launches early in the morning, and walk in the forest in mid morning. During the middle of the day the vessel will venture downstream to a small village on the east bank of the Rio Negro. Late this afternoon visit this community to learn how traditions help families survive in the remote interior. 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.

Day 4 Amazon River

Rising early, 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 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. Later this morning foray off the vessel again to explore this environment rich in life.

Following lunch navigate 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. Then turn your bow upstream to cruise on the Amazon River until the late afternoon. On Brazilian maps this river is given the name Rio Solimões - but it is the same vast, turbulent, mighty river that known as the Amazon. At this point in its course it has truly become the most magnificent river on the planet and carries fully 20% of all the fresh water on Earth.

Late afternoon have another launch excursion in a fascinating environment known as the Varzea where you may angle for piranhas or thrill at brightly colored birds that hunt in these the vast fields of waving grass. At sunset slowly begin to ascend the Rio Negro, cruising 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. You will see 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. (BLD)

Day 5 Manaus / Disembark

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