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Brazilian Amazon - Cruises

Generally speaking, cruise offerings in the Brazilian Amazon tend to mostly be rustic and affordable. Comfort is however something we never sacrifice. We’ve selected the most modern boats to make your cruise down the Brazilian Amazon a memorable experience. Hop on a sailboat, ferry, or eco-cruise ship, and navigate to the Anavilhanas archipelago and incredible Meeting the Waters!

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You might also be interested in our  Peruvian Amazon Cruises and Ecuadorian Amazon Cruises

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The Best Amazon Riverboat Cruises in Brazil

The mighty Amazon River is the world’s biggest and most incredible waterway. Home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, the best way to discover its beauty is by floating along her tranquil waters on a fully equipped cruise ship. A number of different vessels ply the river and its tributaries, from luxurious cruise liners to more basic and intimate offerings. Let’s take a look at the best river cruise ships in Brazil.

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As Brazil’s most grand vessel, the 148 passenger Iberostar offers five-star luxury similar to what you’d expect on an ocean-going cruise liner. Just some of the many on-board amenities include a restaurant, bar, conference room, two swimming pools, a jacuzzi and even a discotheque. Cruises depart from Manaus and run anywhere between four to eight days, including numerous dinghy launches to bring guests right up close to the wildlife.

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Amazon Clipper Premium

As the most luxurious small ship in the Brazilian Amazon, the Amazon Clipper offers comfort and sophistication on a vessel capable of getting right up close to the action. Featuring 16 cabins, some of which come with private balconies, the Clipper’s petite stature makes for a superb wildlife viewing experience. Guests can relax on its top floor sundeck or jump in an outboard motor-powered canoe to scour narrow channels and flooded forests for native fauna.

Perhaps the most charming of Brazil’s river cruise ships, the Desafio is a classic old schooner that takes guests on a journey back to the days of yesterday. Recently refurbished, this small luxurious vessel has just 12 cabins which creates a sociable atmosphere while still retaining a high level of comfort. Most voyages travel from Manaus to the Anavilhanas Islands and the grand Rio Negro, including plenty of canoe trips and hikes along the way.

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Amazon Dream

For an authentic experience, consider opting for a voyage on the Amazon Dream, a wooden vessel built in the traditional Amazonian style. With just nine cabins, this small and intimate ship sails for five to ten days around Santarem – a little known region that is rife with wildlife and natural beauty. Particularly popular with French passengers, the Amazon Dream offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, well off the beaten path.

Although not as luxurious as other offerings, the M/Y Tucano is a hit for its low cost and authenticity. This small wooden vessel often departs with as few as 14 passengers, making for a friendly on-board experience with an excellent guide to guest ratio. Departing from Manaus, her focus is on exploring rarely visited sections of the Amazon in order to escape the crowds. Best of all, the the M/Y Tucano provides the option of sharing a cabin which is perfect for solo travelers on a budget.

Boasting one of the strictest environment policies on the river, the Lo Peix runs entirely on solar energy which avoids the need for a generator and allows guests to truly appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. The vessel tends to stick to lesser known regions such as the Anavilhanas islands and is particularly popular for its highly customisable itineraries that include an array of exciting activities. From swimming with river dolphins, to climbing trees or camping overnight in the jungle, every day is an adventure on the Lo Peix.

Jacaré-Tinga

The smallest vessel on our list, the tiny Jacaré-Tinga has room for just eight passengers, giving it authorization to sail through the more remote regions of the Amazon. Highly traditional, everything from the boat’s construction to its on-board cuisine has been inspired by the traditional caboclo culture, riverside people of mixed European and indigenous descent. Some love it for the numerous cultural community visits while others are more appreciative of its all inclusive policy (unlimited caprihinis, anyone?).

Keen to cruise down the tranquil waters of the mighty Amazon? Then get in touch with the folks at Rainforest Cruises , the true experts in the region.

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Destinations

Amazon river cruises 2023/2024.

Have you ever wished to visit the Amazonian jungle, but felt too afraid to do it? Take a riverboat cruise on the Amazon and explore unique sceneries from a safe distance with the highest rate of comfort. How is that possible? World’s leading cruise companies are providing our travellers with exquisite services and splendid itineraries. Look no more! Our variety of river cruise adventures have the best deals and the cruise reviews speak for themselves.

42 Amazon river cruises with 131 reviews

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3 days - Tambopata Amazon Jungle

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Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery (2024) (Lima to Lima, 2024)

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From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon with the Nazca Lines & Galápagos Cruise 2024

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Amazon cruise reviews.

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Manaus (Amazon River), Brazil

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Visit the famed Manaus Opera House. See the old mansions and the Indian Museum, featuring artifacts that chronicle the heritage of the region’s tribes. Journey into the jungle and trek along a rainforest trail. Take a riverboat to the “Meeting of the Waters,” where the dark, clear Rio Negro and the muddy, yellow Rio Solimões join to form the mighty Amazon.

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Rio & Amazon Tour

This 10-day classic Rio and Amazon tour offers a great way to see Rio De Janeiro and the Amazon Rainforest. Start your amazing Amazon river tour from Rio de Janeiro, visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer, take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, explore the urban forest of Tijuca, and see the highlights of the city. Then head to the Amazon, where you will cruise through the Anavilhanas archipelago and the rivers of the watery forest, spot exotic wildlife in the jungle, meet an indigenous community, and swim with pink river dolphins.

Roam Rio’s Famous Landmarks

In Rio de Janeiro, ride the historic train up to the 2329-foot peak of Corcovado mountain for a close-up experience of the colossal statue of Christ the Redeemer, which not only stands tall as the iconic image of Brazil but is also counted among the seven man-made miracles of the world. Be blown away by the incredible view. Take the exciting cable car ride to the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, which towers over the Guanabara Bay. This is an experience you’ll never forget, while the jaw-dropping vista from the summit is truly spellbinding.

Explore Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world and admire the gorgeous Tijuca Waterfall Cascatinha. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the world-famous Selaron Steps, the vibrant colors of which have transformed this area of Rio into an artistic masterpiece. Enjoy a short tour of the traditional Cinelândia Square and its historical buildings; relax and people-watch on both Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach.

Explore The Secrets Of The Amazon

Transfer to the jungle city of Manaus, which serves as a gateway to the Amazon rainforest. The port is located on the dark waters of the Negro River, just east of where it meets the muddy waters of the Solimões River to form the mighty Amazon. The largest rainforest in the world is fed by ten of the world’s largest rivers, including the Amazon itself. Step aboard the wooden, 8-cabin Jacaré-Açu, for an exciting cruise during which you’ll explore parts of the Anavilhanas archipelago.

Ride on a motorized canoe through the islands and lagoons, and keep your eyes peeled for river dolphins, herons, egrets, macaws, parrots, caciques, oropendolas, and jacamars. Head to the Madadá Observatory for a spectacular lookout over the Rio Negro. Hike through virgin rainforest to Madadá Caves, and stop by an Amazon farmhouse to learn about local customs, farming techniques, and crops. Cool off with a dip in the Rio Negro. Cruise through the Rio Negro State Park and try your hand at fishing for piranha.

Follow the Rio Jaú, a river of mirror-like waters, see the igapó forest and canoe through the Jaú National Park looking for giant otters, and later caiman and nocturnal animals after dark. Meet and interact with the indigenous community of Aturia, and gain an insight into their traditional lifestyle in the Amazon. Continue to Novo Airão and jump at the opportunity to swim with the elusive pink river dolphins. End with a city tour of Novo Airão, to see the ship-building, the craftsmanship, and other attractions of this Amazon River town.

Floating through the rainforest along the biggest river system on the planet is one of the greatest experiences any traveler can ever have. This thrilling tour, combining the contrasting life of the city with the life of the rainforest is perfect for couples, families and groups of friends.

Itinerary & Prices

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro!

We arrive in Rio in the form of a private transfer and straight into the beating heart of the samba rhythm of Brazilian life. Rio is known for its warm, friendly people, its beaches, and Carnival, but the city is rich in myriad ways and any trip to Brazil requires Rio to form a strong part of the itinerary.

Situated along the coast and with a string of beautiful beaches (the most famous being the Copacabana) this seaside city has sun, art, culture, and no shortage of fantastic visitor attractions.  Although often thought of as the capital city, Rio has not been the de jure title holder of that honor since 1960, but it is very much the de facto hub of Brazil as far as tourism and outright beauty are concerned. Rio is home to dozens of beaches, all set along the spectacularly lush coast which is home to dozens of tall islands that dot the sea.

When in Rio we recommend visiting some of, and if not all of the following places: Sugar Loaf, Corcodova, Tijuca Forest, the city center, and last but by no means least, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, or Rodizio.

Iconic Sugar Loaf and Corcovado

After breakfast, we embark on a trip to visit Corcovado Mountain. We take the cable car from Cosme Velho Station and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Our journey takes us through the dense Atlantic rain forest of Tijuca and offers us a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy the scenic landscapes of the beaches and city. Perched on top of the 2,300-foot high granite peak of the aforementioned Corcovado, the Cristo Redentor is as famous a landmark as there is globally.

While everyone will be familiar with it, not everyone has the chance to visit it up close and personal and appreciate just exactly how immense and imposing it is. Built between 1922 and 1931 in the art-deco style of the era, the statue is an enormous 100 feet high and the outstretched arms are only a few feet shorter.

We head on to the Aterro do Flamengo and the neighborhood of Urca and the site of the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain. You will travel all the way to the top in two steps by cable car. The first cable car takes us to Urca Hill, a vantage point some 215m (nearly 700 feet) high, from where we can enjoy fantastic views of Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. The second leg of our cable car journey reaches the top of Sugar Loaf and from here we get a whole new set of views of such sights as Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress, and several beaches of Niterói.

Tijuca Forest and City Tour

Today, we head to the Tijuca Forest National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world, and a rare strand of Atlantic rainforest which is now nearly extinct. The trip is done partly in a 4 x 4 vehicle and partly on foot. There are two ways of entering the park and we opt for the less well-known route as the better views can be found on this road. Our first stop is at a lookout known as the Vista Chinese due to the oriental-styled pagoda-like gazebo. From here we get spectacular panoramic views of the south of Rio de Janeiro before rejoining the more well-trodden path and arrive at the second entrance to the park.

Once past the Açude da Solidão, (the secondary entrance to the forest), we make a stop at the famous Tijuca Waterfall Cascatinha, a waterfall so beautiful it almost looks like it has been designed and admire the natural beauty of the water cascading down from the rock. After driving a bit further into the forest we begin a short trail of around 30 minutes which allows us to really appreciate the rarity of a jungle forest within the confines of a city! After finishing our trail we still have time for a panoramic tour of downtown and a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral which was built in a pyramidal form with an internal diameter of 96 meters and a height of 80 meters.

We head on to the world-famous Escadaria Selarón, also known as the ‘Selaron Steps’, a wonderful colorful staircase comprising of some 215 individually mosaiced steps. They are the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón who claimed it as “my tribute to the Brazilian people. We end our day’s excursions with a short tour of the traditional Cinelândia Square and its historical buildings.

Free Beach Day

Today we leave you a free day to enjoy the sights and smells of Rio at your own leisure. No trip to Rio is complete without experiencing one of its famous beaches, the most famous of which are of course the Copacabana and Ipanema, and these are easily accessible from your hotel.

A standard day at the beach for a Cariocas (native Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro) usually involves iced coconut water and a lot of people watching. Street food in Rio is also something worth trying and the classic combo is Coxinha com uma Caiprinha (soft fried cassava dough with a lime and cachaca alcoholic drink) or queijo coalho em espetos (fresh cheese which the vendor cooks in front of you on a portable grill).

N.B If you would prefer to experience the above with a guide, one can be arranged for you.

Departing Rio

Today, you will be taken to the airport in Rio for your flight to Manaus.

On arrival, we pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the jungle city of Manaus. Manaus is located right in the middle of the world’s largest rainforest and was founded when the Portuguese needed a base from which to defend their claim on the surrounding area from the Dutch who were based in what is now modern-day Suriname. Manaus became known worldwide as a city in the 19th Century with the Rubber Boom, and at the time was amongst the richest cities in the world.

These riches prompted extravagant spending, and a series of one-upmanship from rubber barons left a legacy of marble-clad buildings and huge estates that soon fell into disrepair once the rubber boom ended. Modern-day Manaus is a testament to this fascinating period in South America, and any visit to the Amazon in Brazil should include a stay in Manaus in order to understand modern-day man’s impact and interaction with the surrounding rainforest.

Cruise Embarkation

AM : At 9:00 we pick you up from your hotel or the airport in an air-conditioned van, and drive to the riverside town of Novo Airão. We arrive here in the early afternoon and give you a briefing on Amazon’s biology, history, and the things you may see, along the way. After boarding the Jacaré-Açu, we start sailing through the spectacular Anavilhanas Archipelago while enjoying our first delicious lunch on board.

PM : In the afternoon, we take a ride on the motorized canoes through the islands and lagoons of the archipelago. This is an area rich in wildlife, and we hope to see two species of river dolphin, as well as multiple species of birds, such as herons, egrets, macaws, parrots, caciques, oropendolas, and jacamars. Once back on the boat, we set sail to Madadá Observatory, a spectacular lookout over the Rio Negro, with basic bungalow facilities in the middle of the jungle. After dinner onboard, you can choose if you want to spend the night in your cabin or a hammock at the Observatory.

Meals: (B, L, D)

Anavilhanas & Madadá Caves

AM : After breakfast, we make a three-hour round-trip hike through virgin rainforest to Madadá Caves, with our guides giving a mini jungle survival course, along the way. We then visit an Amazon farmhouse to learn about local customs, farming techniques, and crops. In the late morning, we have a chance to cool off with a dip in the Rio Negro.

PM : After lunch on board, we set sail for the Rio Negro State Park area and a chance to try our hand at piranha fishing before sunset. Once back on the boat we set sail to Sleepy Beach, on the Rio Jau, where we will anchor for the night and enjoy dinner and sit around a bonfire for a night of native folklore storytelling.

Jaú National Park

AM : This morning we sail to the Jaú National Park Ranger Station, and then along the Rio Jaú, a river of mirror-like waters, with likely sightings of aquatic mammals and birds. The Park consists of three major rivers – Unini to the North, Carabinani to the South, and Jau in the middle – along with countless smaller black water tributaries.

The water level varies drastically during the year and the igapó forest found near the waterways can be flooded for up to eight months of the year. This type of forest is tropical and humid, with as many as 200 species per hectare. In the rainy season, we moor the boat and take the canoes through the Park’s creeks, looking for families of Giant Otters. In the dry season, we explore the Rio Pauini, a tributary filled with boulders and waterfalls.

PM : On return to the Jacaré-Açu, we sail to the indigenous community of Aturia where we moor for the evening. After dark, we go looking for caiman and nocturnal animals in the canoes, using spotlights.

AM : This morning, after breakfast, we visit Aturia village, where we can learn more about traditional life in the Amazon. The children of the village are always extremely happy to interact with visitors, so be prepared to get involved in a game of soccer or swimming or some impromptu arts and crafts.

Later we will be visiting a giant tree around the community, a very old lady from the ancient forest, before we begin an aquatic trail with regional canoes, keeping a lookout for Bicoh Monkeys and other animals.

PM : Once back on the boat, we have lunch on board before we return to the IBAMA base and sail out of Jaú National Park.

Disembarkation

AM : Today we continue sailing from Jaú to Novo Airão. On the way, we may have the chance to swim with Pink River Dolphins. A real highlight. Once back in Novo Airão, we take a city tour to see the ship-building, the craftsmanship, and other attractions of this Amazon River town.

PM : We have a farewell lunch at “Flor do Luar”, a floating restaurant in the Anavilhanas National Park. before taking the van back to Manaus, arriving mid-afternoon.

Meals: (B, L)

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Amazonian Brazil

• June 1 – 17, 2024

With a tail not capable of grasping, the Golden-faced Saki moves through the canopy by leaping between trees using all four limbs. © Jonathan Rossouw

Access narrow waterways and remote areas of flooded forest by slender boat for more intimate viewing of wildlife in the canopy. © Ignacio Yúfera

The brilliant-orange Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock is known for its spectacular displays at the beginning of the breeding season. © Jonathan Rossouw

Giant River Otters can grow as long as six feet. They move quickly through water detecting prey with their large eyes and sensitive whiskers. © Ignacio Yúfera

Explore over 1,000 miles of the Amazon’s many tributaries and countless micro-habitats aboard the classic riverboat, Iracema .

The stunning Crimson-bellied Parakeet lives in the humid lowland forests of south-central Amazon, preferring the dense vegetation at the forest’s edge. © Ignacio Yúfera

Amazon River Cruise

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Arrive into Manaus late this evening and transfer to your hotel, set on a bluff overlooking the Amazon’s largest tributary, the Rio Negro. Overnight at the Tropical Executive Hotel .

After a leisurely morning and lunch, kick off your Amazonian experience with an afternoon stroll around the hotel’s sprawling tropical gardens, a haven for wildlife. The strange and beautiful Golden-faced Saki Monkey is resident here but the real prize would be locating a family of Pied Bare-faced Tamarins, an endangered primate with a highly localized range centered on Manaus. Pale-throated Three-toed Sloths are not uncommon, and with perseverance and careful scrutiny of the treetops you may also locate the shaggy, primarily nocturnal Southern Two-toed Sloth. The familiar yelping of White-throated Toucans and liquid notes of displaying Crested Oropendolas are constant background sounds, and mixed flights of parrots and parakeets are commonly seen high over the Rio Negro. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner and formal briefing at the Tropical Executive Hotel .

Manaus / Embark the MV Iracema / Praia Grande

Depart early this morning to visit the Museu da Amazônia (MUSA) Canopy Tower, situated in the 40-square-mile Adolfo Ducke Forest Reserve. Watch sunrise from atop the 120-foot tower, with a veritable surround-sound cacophony of birdsong, in the realm of dazzlingly colorful cotingas, toucans, trogons, and tanagers. Large flights of parrots, from Scarlet and Red-bellied Macaws to Caica and Blue-headed Parrots, pass by at eye level, and, with luck, you may even encounter the magnificent Red-fan Parrot. Guianan Red Howler Monkeys are often equally vocal, with other primate possibilities including Pied Bare-faced Tamarin and Bearded Saki, with its bizarre bouffant hairdo. Walking the trails below the tower, watch for Red-rumped Agouti and Guianan Squirrel.

This afternoon, board the MV  Iracema, a classic, triple-decker river boat with a shallow draft; comfortable air-conditioned, en suite cabins; and abundant deck space for easy wildlife observation. Meet the experienced captain, Mo Fortes, affectionately known as “Junior”, and his crew, and join the expedition team for drinks on deck as you push out into the Rio Negro and commence sailing.

Be on the lookout for Black Uakari Monkeys. Uakaris are the most active of all New World monkeys, due to a varied diet high in nutritional value, and are highly mobile and tricky to track down, as a result. Searching for these charismatic monkeys is a fitting beginning to an epic voyage, spanning over 1,000 miles, multiple interfluvia, and countless micro-habitats.

Rio Negro and Amazon Confluence

Wake this morning to a routine that will become familiar over the coming days, with sunrise coffee on deck to appreciate the sights and sounds of the rainforest coming to life.

After breakfast, experience one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on Earth: swimming with Pink Dolphins! Known locally as Boto, these undeniably and indescribably pink, freshwater cetaceans are completely wild, and yet accustomed to the presence of humans, allowing close approach in the tea-colored water of the Rio Negro. Then board the slender boats that are your mode of transportation into these narrow waterways, for your first foray into the flooded forest. The trip has been specifically timed to coincide with the peak of the annual Amazon floods, when high water levels facilitate easier access to remote areas, as well as more intimate viewing of wildlife in the canopy.

The Amazon and its larger tributaries act as formidable barriers to dispersion of animals, essentially dividing the great basin into an archipelago of forested “islands”, each home to their own unique fauna. Over the next two days, explore the complex maze of braided channels and lagoons south-west of Manaus, including both the tongue of land sandwiched between the Rio Negro and the Amazon (or Solimões, as Brazilians call the upper stretches), and the waterlogged country to the south of the Amazon.

The elusive Chestnut-bellied Titi and Gray’s Bald-faced Saki Monkey are your two main target primates in this area, known as the Janauacá River, and are amongst an incredible 30 possible primate species to see during our transect from Manaus to Santarém. No other place on Earth boasts so rich and diverse a primate fauna, and one of the primary objectives of this expedition will be to find, and spend time with, as many of these spectacular creatures as possible. Venezuelan Red Howlers, Humboldt’s Squirrel Monkeys, and White-fronted Capuchin Monkeys are all numerous and regularly encountered here.

Travel along the Madeira River—one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon—to the Laguinho area, one of the best places to experience the phenomenon of Amazon river islands. Islands in the main Amazon are constantly shifting, eroding at their upstream edge and depositing on their downstream side, effectively migrating downriver with time. This complex pattern of plant succession creates a spectrum of habitats that appeal to a distinctive suite of unique birds, some of which are never seen off a river island, such as Red-and-white Spinetail, the dapper Black-and-white Antbird, and Varzea Piculet, a minute woodpecker.

Madeira River / Nova Olinda

With high floodwaters, the captain prefers to sail along a system of parallel channels to the main Amazon, and today you enter the small channel of Arariá, from the Madeira River. Just as you enter the channel, you’re in prime territory for spotting the monkey known by the local people as “algodão”, meaning cotton, but known to primate biologists as the Golden-white Tassle-eared Marmoset. While exploring the area in canoes, listen for the distinctive morning chorus of the Baptista Lake Titi Monkey, which has one of the smallest distributions of any primate. The flooded forest around Nova Olinda also hosts the jewel-like Crimson-hooded Manakin, which boasts a head as brilliant as sealing wax.

Abacaxis River

Today, rise to the challenge of trying to view the Satéré Marmoset, an elusive species restricted to the area between the Madeira and Abacaxis Rivers. Golden-backed Squirrel Monkeys are decidedly more numerous, and birding is excellent in this area, with colorful Red-necked and Chestnut-eared Aracaris, Crimson-crested and Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers, and elegant Paradise Jacamars regularly encountered.

Paraconi River

Spend a first morning in the Maués interfluvium, a complex system of lakes and river channels. This is the habitat of yet another rare, little known, and downright glamorous marmoset known as the Maués Marmoset.  Our day is expeditionary, as we forge up the Paraconi River. If the opportunity presents itself, set off on short hikes in the late afternoon and into the evening, searching for nocturnal creatures while appreciating the sounds of the night forest.

Amanã River

A large tributary of the Maués Açu channel, the Amanã River offers an excellent chance to find the hulking Black Howler Monkey, handsome White-fronted Capuchin and Gray’s Bald-faced Saki.

Sail down the Parauari River in the late afternoon, admiring groups of Hoatzins sunning themselves on streamside vegetation, or carefully scanning the treetops for the rare White-tailed Cotinga, before the bats and Ladder-tailed Nightjars start moving over the water.

Campina do Parauari

Dawn will find you high up the Maués River. Higher ground here supports a unique, fairly open and beautiful forest growing on poor soils known locally as “campina”. While exploring this campina, be on the lookout for swarms of army ants, which may be attended by so-called inveterate ant swarm followers, such as Pale-faced Bare-eye and Harlequin Antbird.

In the afternoon, head to high forest on a quest for Golden Parakeet and Bald Parrot and watch the horizon for flocks of these two magnificent and highly endangered psittacines winging to roost. This is among the most pristine forest of your voyage, and you have the possibility of encountering Razor-billed Curassow and White-crested Guan, indicator species of very low hunting pressure.

Furo Maçuari

A pre-dawn departure gets you into position to search for the rare Hoffmann’s Titi Monkey. Favoring areas of dense, vine-tangled forest, titis are medium-sized monkeys best located at dawn, when they vocalize vociferously. If fortunate enough to hear a group within striking range, you’ll carefully pick your way through for a view of these shy, reclusive folivores.

Over lunch, relocate to the small Maués-Mirim River, to another area known to support a healthy population of the gorgeous Black and White Tassel-ear Marmosets, also known as the Santarem Marmoset. Nocturnal excursions are an exciting component of any exploration of the Amazon, yielding a completely fresh complement of creatures, from Spectacled Caimans to Rainbow Boas, and Kinkajous to prehensile-tailed Brazilian Porcupines.

Mamuru River

This morning, continue your exploration of the south bank in the vicinity of the Mamuru River. To the west of the Tapajos River lies the range of the hulking Black Howler, as well as Black and White Tassel-ear Marmoset. Tamarins and marmosets differ from other New World monkeys by their small size and by possessing claws instead of nails. But it is their habit of routinely giving birth to twins that is most endearing, and the hope is to encounter a family with youngsters as they forage for flowers, fruits and plant sap. In the afternoon, cross the great Amazon to be in position to explore the north bank, where species of Guianan affinity may be found.

Lagoa Itapicuru and the Trombetas River

Dawn at Lagoa Itapicuru will find us appreciating one of the Amazon’s most celebrated plants, the Victoria amazonica  water lily. Although the giant, three-foot-wide leaves of this nocturnal blooming lily are capable of supporting the weight of a baby, we’re more likely to find noisy Wattled Jacanas trotting across their lily pads, alongside a plethora of other Amazonian waterbirds, from Anhingas and Black-collared Hawks to Amazon and Ringed Kingfishers.

After breakfast, use the Iracema  as a mobile observation tower, motoring slowly along the forested edges of the Trombetas River, a tributary that penetrates remote territory on the north bank of the Amazon. Scan the treetops for movement and listen carefully for the telltale calls that may reveal the presence of Martin’s Bare-face Tamarins, a rare and localized primate scarcely seen by any Western primatologist until your indomitable captain located a population here.

Ventilado, on the Trombetas River

Visit Ventilado, a village far up the Trombetas River. The settlement traces its roots to refugees from Brazilian sugar plantation slavery in the early 1800s. Meet with some of its inhabitants and discover their way of life, with fishing and subsistence farming traditions remaining unchanged for centuries.

Trails behind the village offer access to tall terra firme forest growing on white sand, an extension of the Guianan forests. Spend the morning searching for groups of Golden-handed Tamarin, a primate endemic to the Guianan center of endemism, along with an array of Guianan avian endemics, from puffbirds to cotingas and woodcreepers to antbirds. In the afternoon, climb to the dancing arena of the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, a brilliant orange cotinga whose display ranks as one of the most spectacular bird displays on Earth. Later, head downstream, and cross the Amazon to the south side, once again.

Alter do Chão

Wake at Alter do Chão, an area of clear, fresh water and sandbars in the Tapajos River. For your primate finale, the forest east of the Tapajos River is home to the impressive Spix’s Red-handed Howler and the diminutive Silvery Marmoset. Although the primates are the principal focus, you will also be looking for such rare and localized birds as White-crested Guan and the glorious Golden Parakeet. This evening, toast the end of a successful voyage in Lago Maripá, as the first fishing bats emerge to skim the waters, then enjoy a festive farewell dinner.

Santarém / Disembark

This morning, sail into Santarém, a bustling river port some 500 miles upstream of the Atlantic Ocean, at the confluence of the Amazon and Tapajos Rivers. Bid farewell to Mo and the rest of the crew of the Iracema  and transfer to the airport for your flights homeward.

• Leaders Kevin Clement, Diogo Lucatelli & Gerald Broddelez
• $12,280 Per Person Rate
• $15,260 Solo Rate
• 17 days Trip Length
• Manaus Start
• Santarém End
• Download Full Brochure

The Fine Print

Call us to reserve your spot on this exciting expedition!

Map of Amazon River Brazil

Have a question call us at 206.669.9272 / 800.861.6425 . prefer online, kevin clement, diogo lucatelli, gerald broddelez.

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The Amazon’s Curious Pink River Dolphins

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Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon

• Trip Details
• Rates & Dates

Accommodations

• Testimonials
• Extend your trip
• Travel Guides

Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon is a true expedition that cruises deep into the untouched Amazon rainforest aboard the 18-guest Motor Yacht Tucano. The 5- and 7-day cruises begin in Manaus, Brazil, and venture far up the Rio Negro seeking out the abundant wildlife that lives in the world’s greatest wilderness, away from civilization. 

An Amazon cruise on the M/Y Tucano can be quite active with 4-5 daily excursions in groups of 6-8 people, including naturalist-guided walks in the forest, frequent canoe and kayak excursions, swimming, fishing and a possible village visit. Each evening, native and bilingual guides offer a brief discussion about the extraordinary ways in which the plants and animals have evolved to live in this ancient rainforest. 

Cruise upstream northwest on the Rio Negro as far as a major river called the Rio Jaueperi, about 200 miles from Manaus, Brazil. Along the way explore many small tributaries where the forest is wild and undisturbed with numerous rainforest habitats and spot a great diversity of wildlife. Travel to the “Encontra das Aguas,” the meeting of the waters of two of the world’s largest rivers: the Amazon River and the Rio Negro. The light-colored water of the Amazon and the dark water of the Negro do not readily mix, and the two rivers flow side by side for many miles. Explore the beautiful and fabulously rich environment where these rivers meet and visit the Lago Janauari Ecological Park, which lies in a wedge-shaped delta that divides these two storied rivers. 

The M/Y Tucano is the only vessel that explores far into the world’s largest Amazon reserve and the only expedition cruise in a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, the Central Amazon Conservation Complex. Within this reserve are tens of thousands of square miles of uninhabited wilderness. Along the Rio Negro there are only a few small settlements large enough to be considered towns. It remains a true wilderness. Beyond the tangle of vines and limbs along the river banks are hundreds of thousands of square miles of primitive forest where the forces that shape plant and animal evolution continue on as they have for millions of years. Because of the exploratory nature, the small groups and the skilled guides on the Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon, this is considered the most authentic cruise in the entire Brazilian Amazon. Make it your own, private Amazon cruise—the Tucano is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter due to her unique region of operation and cozy size.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Amazon cruises and Amazon trips .

Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon Itinerary

The 7-day Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon begins and ends in Manaus, Brazil, traveling northbound then southbound up and down the Rio Negro.  

Board the Motor Yacht Tucano early, depart upstream on the Rio Negro and cruise through the world’s largest river island system, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. From the observation deck scan the magnificent tangle of vegetation at the water’s edge. By mid-afternoon you’ll have traveled beyond the frontier of settlement and entered a wilderness area. Both shores are covered by dense rainforest. There’s a good chance of observing pink river dolphins and a large collection of exotic birds as well as magnificent forest vistas. In the late afternoon, embark in the launches and search for wildlife, possibly even swimming in some of the world’s most clean and refreshing water.  

lunch, dinner

Early this morning, divide into small groups and explore the rainforest along the water’s edge of Lago Turia in launches or kayaks, each group with a naturalist guide. Listen and look for howler monkeys and a morning serenade by toucans. After breakfast, walk in the forest and begin to understand Amazon ecology. Around midday return for lunch and the vessel will get underway, perhaps stopping at a place to swim. In the late afternoon, again explore the forest in launches and listen to the sunset chorus of birds, frogs and howler monkeys.

breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, explore the waking forest on an early expedition, keeping all eyes open for sloths. 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 stop in the afternoon for an excursion. Tonight  the vessel may travel a bit more below a dark night sky crowded with stars.

After two morning excursions, the Tucano navigates along the heavily forested shore, scouting for wildlife. Perhaps stop for a visit at a settler’s home carved out of the forest. In the early afternoon, approach an extraordinary river called the Rio  Jaueperi , where this kind of forest is known as the  varzea , or seasonal floodplain. Scout along the shoreline for some of the extraordinary creatures found only in this unique environment. Weather permitting, take a night excursion to observe nocturnal creatures.

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

Begin the day with a dawn excursion hunting for awakening wildlife followed by a full Brazilian breakfast. Then go one last time into the forest. In the mid-afternoon 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 Tucano will once again turn her bows upstream on the Rio Negro and journey to the overnight anchorage north of the city of Manaus. While passing 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  enjoy a farewell dinner and prepare for an early departure in the morning.  

Early this morning, after a hearty breakfast, disembark in Manaus, Brazil. A post-cruise, guided city tour of Manaus is available with transfers, entrance fees and services of a bilingual guide if you wish to explore further with your fellow passengers. See Extend Your Trip for more details.

Accommodations; guided excursions; meals as indicated in the itinerary; bottled water free of charge; transfers to/from from Tucano Rendezvous arrival/departure lounge or recommended hotels.  

Exclusions  

Airfare; airport transfers; departure taxes; visa fees; soft drinks or alcoholic beverages; gratuities; insurance of any kind; and items of a personal nature.  

Payment & Cancellation  

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $300 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:  Up to 61 days – 100% deposit 60 to 45 days – 50% of total trip cost 44 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost  

Terms & Conditions  

This trip is subject to  AdventureSmith  Explorations  Terms and Conditions . Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure  

The Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon begins and ends in Manaus, Brazil (MAO). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. On Day 1, a  complimentary 7:30am transfer is available from the Hotel Juma Opera, the Hotel Casa Perpetua and the Hotel Villa Amazonia . Other passengers, by pre-arrangement, can join the cruise at 7:00am at the arrival lounge, Tucano Rendezvous (208 Sete de Setembro, Praca Dom Pedro II, Centro, Manaus). Due to port regulations, it is not possible to meet the group on the vessel.

Disembarkation on Day 7 is at 7:00am with drop-off at Tucano Rendezvous, the Hotel Juma Opera, the Hotel Casa Perpetua and the Hotel Villa Amazonia. Plan outbound flights for anytime after 11:00am on Day 7. Guests who need to depart earlier can arrange for special disembarkation and added-cost, e scorted airport transfers with the operator. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our   Booking Flights  resource page.   

Activities  

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. A cruise on the M/Y Tucano can be quite active with 4-5 daily excursions in groups of 6-8 people. Adventure activities may include naturalist guided walks in the forest, canoe and kayak excursions, swimming, fishing and a village visit.  

Room Configuration  

Single travelers willing to share with another same gender passenger will be charged the Green Category rate, even if a roommate is not available. Single travelers who request a private cabin pay the Blue Category rate. If a single traveler wishes to reserve a Yellow Category cabin, he or she must pay the full rate fare for 2 travelers at the Yellow Category rate. Three travelers can share cabin “0” and each traveler pays the Green Category rate.  

Families & Children  

Kids 11 years and under who share a room with an adult receive a discount of 30% off the cruise rate for whichever stateroom category they select, subject to availability.  

Travel Insurance  

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details.  Learn more about travel insurance  or  get a free quote .

Itinerary Notes  

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.  

Into the Wild Amazon Itinerary

The 5-day Into the Wild Amazon cruise begins and ends in Manaus, Brazil, traveling northbound then southbound up and down the Rio Negro.

This afternoon,  embark on the Motor Yacht Tucano in Manaus,  Bra z il . Depart on the Rio Negro and as the vessel glides upstream, learn about the Amazon environments. By late afternoon, enter one of the world’s largest river island systems, the  Anavilhanas  Archipelago. The boat weaves 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 riverbank look for squirrel monkeys and listen for 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 so be sure to keep an eye out for these brightly colored jewels perched in the treetops.  

R eturn to the M/Y 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  c aiman, the Amazon’s crocodilians.  Hope to  see one of the large night birds such as a  p otoo  with its bulging eyes and large mouth adapted to swallow the huge  m ariposa  m oths.

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. Experience the strange environment called the igapó, the black water flooded forest where dense forests grow right out of the dark Rio Negro.  Mid – morning ,  return to the vessel for a hearty  Bra z ilian  breakfast. After some time to relax and weather permitting, disembark and walk in the type of rainforest known as the terra  firme . There’s 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 , ride in the  launches along the edges of the dense forest and listen to the sunset chorus of birds, howler monkey s  and frogs. Weather permitting,  go on a nighttime  excursion to spot caiman (the Amazon’s crocodiles) and other nocturnal creatures.  A rboreal porcupines  and  sloths  are sometimes seen  scrambling high in the limbs.

V oyage to the west side of the Rio Negro and continue to scout in  the  launches and walk in the forest.  E xplore according to the weather and water depth areas rarely visited by anyone else.  Tonight  the M/Y Tucano goes downstream and ,  river depth permitting, enter s  an east bank affluent of the Rio Negro  to  explore deep into the rainforest on this small river. After  the  nocturnal exploration of the rainforest in launches ,  return to the Motor Yacht Tucano for “Caipirinha Night” on 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  Bra z ilian  breakfast. Explore one last time in the forest. In the mid-afternoon, 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 once again turns her bow upstream on the Rio Negro and journeys overnight to anchorage north of the City of Manaus. Marvel at the scale of one of the world’s largest and most vibrant port cities that is over one thousand miles from the sea.  Tonight  enjoy 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. A post-cruise, guided city tour of Manaus is available with transfers, entrance fees and services of a bilingual guide if you wish to explore further with your fellow passengers. See Extend Your Trip for more details.

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $300 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:  Up to 61 days – 100% deposit 60 to 45 days – 50% of total trip cost 44 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost  

This trip is subject to  AdventureSmith  Explorations  Terms and Conditions . Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.  

The Into the Wild Amazon cruise begins and ends in Manaus, Brazil (MAO).  We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. A complimentary 11:00am transfer is available from the Hotel Juma Opera, the Hotel Casa Perpetua and the Hotel Villa Amazonia. Other passengers, by pre-arrangement, can join the cruise at 10:30am at the arrival lounge, Tucano Rendezvous (208 Sete de Setembro, Praca Dom Pedro II, Centro, Manaus). Due to port regulations, it is not possible to meet the group on the vessel.

Disembarkation on Day 5 is at 7:00am with drop-off at Tucano Rendezvous, the Hotel Juma Opera, the Hotel Casa Perpetua and the Hotel Villa Amazonia. Plan outbound flights for anytime after 11:00am on Day 5. Guests who need to depart earlier can arrange for special disembarkation and added-cost, escorted airport transfers with the operator. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our  Booking Flights  resource page.   

Cruise Rates & Dates

This ship is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter. Contact us for charter pricing and details.

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

This 18-guest Amazon riverboat explores the far reaches of the Amazon River and Rio Negro. With a classic Amazon River style she is reminiscent of a bygone era of Amazon exploration. Unlike other Amazon River cruises, the Tucano offers longer cruises without interruption.

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

Well planned daily activities with some flexibility built in. We were a very small group of 6, 4 of which were us and 2 other of our family members. We worked to included the other 2 travelers so we all felt part of one group.

We were a very small group of 6, 4 of which were us and 2 other of our family members. We worked to included the other 2 travelers so we all felt part of one group.

Accommodations Review

The extra $3000 for a "yellow" cabin was outrageous considering that there was little if any difference between the yellow and green cabins. The common areas on the boat were comfortable and provided for the needs of the individuals and the group.

Meals Review

The meals were all delicious, varied, and plentiful. We appreciated the use of local fruits, vegetables, fish and meats to expand our Amazon experiences.

Crew & Guides Review

Alex was calm, flexible, knowledgeable about the birds and animals and how to find them. He was engaged with the group and willing to adjust to meet our interests.

Itinerary Review

[I most enjoyed] Nighttime outings when we could enjoy the stars and the sounds of the night.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew helped us secure the tour, then served as an effective interface with the tour group in Manaus, getting answers to all of our questions. Andrew arranged our transfers and hotel accommodations for us  and all worked as planned without any hitches.

Traveler Advice

Respect the packing list as being developed from experience. Be sure you know what to expect from your tour - lots of bird watching and looking for mammals and reptiles. Also be aware of water levels at the time of your scheduled tour. Water changes by 50 ft in rainy season. Not good or bad just a fact.

Featured in this Traveler Review

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Join fellow passengers for a city tour of Manaus, Brazil ($80 for 2023 & 2024). This 3.5-hour tour is available at the end of the cruise and includes the services of a bilingual guide, entrance fees and transfers to/from the Tucano Rendezvous lounge. Among other sites, it includes the boisterous Mercado Municipal of Manaus, the Teatro Amazonas (the famed opera house of the Amazon) and the historical birthplace of Manaus, the Praca Dom Pedro II.

Travel to Peru's most spectacular archaeological monument in South America: the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu. This 5- or 6-day Machu Picchu Explorer adventure includes Cusco, the Urubamba Valley and upscale accommodations.

The 5-, 6- or 7-day Explora Atacama adventure offers over 40 explorations in the Atacama Desert, on foot, bicycle or horseback. Explora Atacama Lodge offers the best base from which to experience the many wonders of the driest desert on Earth.

As a Galapagos extension, spend 4 days with a private guide touring the Andes Highlands, including the world-famous Otavalo market, Hacienda Zuleta and Hacienda Pinsaqui. Traditional weaving, bread doll art and optional horseback riding are unforgettable highlights.

Planning Your Trip to the Amazon

There are more Amazon cruises than ever, and if you are confused by all the options we are here to help. Compare Amazon trips throughout Ecuador, Peru and Brazil using this Amazon guide.

The world's best birding trips are found on the water. AdventureSmith Explorations recommends 5 small ship cruises and 2 lodge-based adventures for amateur ornithologists.

Tips every savvy traveler should know when researching how to charter a yacht. This 7-step guide gives you insight from AdventureSmith's many years of arranging charter cruises to exotic destinations worldwide.

Trips You Might Also Like

Aboard the 40-guest Anakonda, cruise the tropical rainforest of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Climb up canopy observation towers, inch down jungle streams, walk the understory through trails and meet the sacred peoples of the Amazon forest over the course of 8, 5 or 4 days.

Cruise along three powerful Amazon tributaries: the Marañón, Ucayali and Pacaya Rivers aboard the Aqua Nera Amazon River Boat. Exciting jungle walks, piranha fishing and skiff rides are the best ways to explore the Peruvian Amazon jungle.

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Ask An Expert - Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon

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Brazil Amazon Cruises

Untamed Amazon

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Desafio Cruise

Brazil Amazon River Cruises

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• Easy Active
• River Cruises
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Negro River Cruise

• Discover wildlife
• Explore Anavilhanas National Park
• Discover Meeting of the Waters

Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon

• Enjoy daily walks and swimming time
• Observe magnificent plants
• Listen for bird and mammal calls
• Look for caimans in the river

Amazon Odyssey

• Tour through the flooded forest
• Learn traditions of local people
• Watch for caiman, sloths and birds

Rio de Janeiro and Amazon Clipper Cruise

• Enjoy views of Rio de Janeiro
• Visit Christ the Redeemer
• Learn about local flora and fauna
• Canoe along the Rio Negro

Brazil Travel Guide

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Favorite Brazil All Trips

• Highlights of Rio
• Undiscovered Brazil
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• Cristalino Jungle Lodge
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• Iguazu Falls: Brazil and Argentina

Top Brazil Amazon Travel Destinations

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Top Experiences in Brazil Amazon

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Brazil Amazon Trips by Activity

• Brazil Amazon wildlife viewing (10)
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