Heart of Amazonia

A 13 day tour of Brazil
from our Northeastern issue,
Summer 2012.

	Photo: Ariau Amazon Towers
	Small boat tours make it easier to explore Anavilhanas Archipelago’s 400 islets.

Perfect for smaller groups, this Brazil itinerary explores some of the most untouched rainforest in the entire Amazon River Basin.

With the help of accomplished naturalists and tour companies, groups can see creatures rarely seen and visit places that have not changed in eons.

Day One 

Manaus

Arrive in Manaus, a cosmopolitan city of 1.8 million. Explore sites like the Teatro Amazonas opera house built in 1896.

Day Two 

Anavilhanas Archipelago

Board the motorized yacht Tucano and depart upstream on the Rio Negro.

Spend the next week sleeping, eating and cruising through the Amazon River Basin. 

The first stop is the world’s largest river island system, Anavilhanas Archipelago.

As the boat enters Amazon wilderness areas, guests will likely see the rare pink river dolphins and a large collection of exotic birds.

Day Three 

Rainforest safari

Spend the early morning exploring the water’s edge. Listen and look for howler monkeys along with a morning serenade of toucans. 

Stop again in the late afternoon and explore the forest, listening to the sunset chorus of birds and frogs.

Day Four 

Travel the Rio Negro

Start with a jungle exploration.

Bright-eyed visitors are likely to see monkeys as they head down the Rio Negro, the largest of the Amazon’s tributaries.

Day Five 

Shore excursions

Navigate the heavily forested banks of the Rio Negro, scouting for wildlife. See a bit of the local life, stopping at a settler’s home.

Day Six 

River travel

Proceed downstream, spending most of the day on the boat. 

During times offshore look for launches, walk in the forest and scan the shores for wildlife.

Day Seven 

Novo Airao

Cross the west bank of the Rio Negro. Stop at the boat-building village of Novo Airão and see how the 19th century thrives in this remote corner of the globe.

Day Eight 

The Meeting of the Waters

Explore Lago Janauari Ecological Park.

Stop and see the Meeting of the Waters, where the Amazon River begins.

Day Nine 

Manaus and beyond

Disembark from the Tucano and rest up before heading deep into the rainforest to stay at Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, Brazil’s largest protected area conserving flooded forest ecosystems.

	Photo: Brazil Eco-Travel
	Guests to Brazil’s Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve stay at the eco-friendly Uakari Lodge.

Day 10 

Arrive in Tefé

Take the 80-minute flight to Tefé and explore the Mamirauá Project and the all-inclusive, floating Uakari Lodge. Look for pink river dolphins along the way.

Start out by discovering the reserve’s interpretative trail and learning about the flooded forest ecosystem.  

During rainy season, all trails can be explored in canoes operated by guides.

In the evening, dinner is followed by a discussion on the work and research of Mamirauá Sustainable Development Institute.

Day 11 

Flooded forest tour

Explore the marshland on foot with a guided tour.

Spend the afternoon on a motorized canoe on Lake Mamirauá and watch for dolphins, hoatzins and pirarucu fish. 

Head back to Uakari Lodge before sunset and enjoy an after-dinner documentary about the flooded forest ecosystem.

Day 12 

Visiting with locals

Head out to the village and spend the afternoon with a local guide learning about the region’s culture. 

Later, help researchers with their fieldwork. 

Then, enjoy a 40-minute night tour of the flooded forests. Spot nocturnal fauna like tarantula spiders and three-toed sloths.

Day 13 

Depart for home

Depart the lodge and head to Tefé Airport to catch a flight back to Manaus.

GO

Manaus, Brazil, and Amazon River Basin 

SEE

Ecotour Expeditions Motor Yacht Tucano
(800) 688-1822
www.naturetours.com

Mamiraua Sustainable Development Reserve
+55 (92) 3584-4475
www.Mamiraua.org.br (Portuguese)

Teatro Amazonas opera house
+55 (92) 3232-1768

STAY

Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel
(888) 462-7428
www.ariauamazontowers.com

Uakari Lodge
+55 (97) 3343-4160
www.uakarilodge.com.br/Default_en.aspx

ASK

Brazil EcoTravel
+55 (21) 3265-9992
info@brazil-ecotravel.com
www.brazil-ecotravel.com

Embratur, The Brazil Tourism Board
ebt.us@embratur.gov.br
www.braziltour.com

Journeys International Inc.
(800) 255-8735
www.journeys.travel

Tell us what you think or offer your Brazil international group travel itineraries to the editor.
Mail: 2465 112th Ave.
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