Into the Wild Amazon

This afternoon, board the Motor Yacht Tucano in Manaus, Brazil, and begin the journey upriver on the Rio Negro. As the vessel moves upstream, learn about the unique Amazon environments during an informative talk. By late afternoon, enter the Anavilhanas Archipelago, one of the largest river island systems in the world. The boat navigates a winding channel flanked by dense rainforest filled with vibrant plant life. If weather allows, take a launch excursion into the tangled flooded forest, known as the igapo. Along the riverbank, spot Squirrel Monkeys or listen to the eerie calls of Howler Monkeys resonating through the ancient forest. Keep an eye out for some of the Amazon’s brilliantly colored birds perched high in the treetops.

Back on the M/Y Tucano, enjoy hors d’oeuvres on the observation deck while watching the sunset over the rainforest. After dinner, embark on a nighttime excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife, including Caiman, the Amazon’s crocodilians. You may also encounter fascinating creatures like the Potoo, a large night bird with wide eyes and a mouth designed to catch massive Mariposa Moths.

Shortly after sunrise, explore the Anavilhanas Archipelago, home to the world’s largest river island system and thick rainforest. Visit the igapó, a black-water-flooded forest where towering trees grow out of the dark Rio Negro waters. By mid-morning, return to the vessel for a filling Brazilian breakfast. After some downtime, disembark for a walk through the terra firme rainforest, where you may spot signs of the Amazon's large mammals, like peccaries or even a jaguar.

Around midday, head back for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon, take a boat excursion along the dense forest's edge, listening to the sounds of birds, howler monkeys, and frogs as the sun sets. If conditions allow, take an evening trip to observe caiman and other nocturnal animals. You may also catch sight of arboreal porcupines or sloths moving through the trees.

Today you will voyage to the west side of the Rio Negro and continue to scout in the launches and walk in the forest. Explore according to the weather and water depth areas rarely visited by anyone else. Tonight the M/Y Tucano goes downstream and river depth permitting, it will enter an east bank affluent of the Rio Negro and explore deep into the rainforest on this small river. After nocturnal exploration of the rainforest in the launches, return to the Motor Yacht Tucano for “Caipirinha Night” and perhaps try a bit of samba on the top deck.

Begin the day with a dawn excursion hunting for wakening wildlife followed by a full Brazilian breakfast. Go one last time into the forest. In the mid-afternoon, you will begin to journey downstream to arrive late in the day at the “Encontra das Aguas” a stark several-mile-long line where two of the world’s largest rivers, the Amazon and the Rio Negro join in a turbulent maelstrom. Here the dark water of the Negro runs beside the opaque brown water of the Amazon. At sunset, the M/Y Tucano will once again turn her bows upstream on the Rio Negro and journey to your overnight anchorage north of the City of Manaus. As you pass in front of Manaus, marvel at the scale of one of the world’s largest and most vibrant port cities, which is over one thousand miles from the sea. Tonight you will have a farewell dinner and prepare for an early departure in the morning. 

Early this morning, after a hearty breakfast, all guests disembark from the M/Y Tucano. 

Optional City Tour of Manaus: This three-hour tour of Manaus includes the boisterous Mercado Municipal of Manaus, the Teatro Amazonas - the famed opera house of the Amazon, and the historical starting point of Manaus, the Praça Dom Pedro II. Included are the services of a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and transportation to and from the Tucano Rendezvous. Please note that museums may be closed on holidays. Kindly inquire for rates.