On arrival in Manaus, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to Juma Opera Hotel. In the heart of town, our inviting hotel adjacent to the landmark Amazonas Opera House.
After a leisurely morning, you’ll step aboard the M/Y Tucano for your 4-night cruise deep into the wilds of the Amazon. With its unique open-air design and multiple windows in your cabin, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle as we set sail up the Rio Negro. Late this afternoon finds your vessel navigating the vast Anavilhanas Archipelago, the largest collection of riverine islands on the planet. As conditions permit, join our expert naturalists to explore the dense forests – alive with squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, brightly colored Amazon birds, and an astonishing variety of tropical plants. Return to ship for hors d’oeuvres on the Observation Deck and sit down to a congenial dinner in the dining room. Tonight, weather permitting, you might set out in the M/Y Tucano’s launches for a thrilling night safari to search for nocturnal creatures like the crocodilian caiman. Meals B+L+D
After breakfast onboard, you’ll step off ship this morning to explore the flora and fauna of the Igapó, a unique flooded ecosystem of dense forests rising from the dark, nutrient-rich waters of the Rio Negro. You can explore in a motorized launch or venture into the flooded forest by kayak Later, a hike through a high Amazon forest reveals the flora and fauna of a very different, much drier environment. Rainforest residents like the peccary and jaguar are elusive and often difficult to spot, but our naturalist guides are experts at spotting and pointing out evidence of their passing – from spoor and prints to markings of their territory. Back onboard, our expert naturalists are on-hand to answer questions and enrich your understanding and appreciation of the rainforest. Meals B+L+D
Today’s excursions explore farther reaches of the Rio Negro, as our vessel navigates into remote jungle areas rarely seen by others. As conditions permit, you’ll explore by launch, kayak and on guided forest walks. This evening, we plan to sail up a small east bank tributary for a night safari deep in the Amazon. With sharp eyes and ears, you’ll see and hear the forest’s rich variety of nocturnal species. Meals B+L+D
Arise early this morning for a guided excursion as the rainforest’s inhabitants awake to begin another day. It’s a lively time in the jungle and an ideal time to spot indigenous mammals and exotic birds. Return to the Tucano for a hearty breakfast and then rejoin our expert naturalists for another morning activity. Weather and navigations permitting, you might even swim in the Rio Negro! Later this afternoon, you’ll want to be on deck as our vessel navigates along the Encontra das Aguas, where the brown waters of the Amazon and the darker waters of the Rio Negro flow side-by-side for miles without mixing. Pink and grey river dolphins can often be observed cavorting along this stark line of contrasting currents. As the sun sets and the jungle begins to darken, we’ll return upstream and begin our journey back toward Manaus. Back onboard, you might enjoy a Caipirinha, the traditional Brazilian cocktail, or maybe even learn to samba. This evening’s farewell dinner is an opportunity to share reflections on this unforgettable adventure. Meals B+L+D
After a final breakfast onboard, bid farewell to our staff and crew as you disembark the Tucano in Manaus. Should flight times permit, enjoy a guided tour of this vibrant river port – including the ornate Manaus Opera House; also known as the Teatro Amazonas, this iconic landmark was built more than a century ago by wealthy rubber barons. Then we’ll take you to the airport for your included flights to Iguassu. On arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the 5-star Belmond Das Cataratas, the only hotel located inside Brazil’s Iguassu National Park. While the region’s indigenous inhabitants certainly knew of its thundering beauty (Iguassu means “Big Water” in the local Guarani language), the Falls were officially “discovered” in 1541 by the Spanish Conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca. Meals B
Extensive full-day exploration with our expert naturalists takes you to all the best vantage points on the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls #WHS#. At the famed Devil’s Throat Cataract, the towering spray often acts like a prism – creating thousands of rainbows suspended in the air. This evening, you can continue to take advantage of our hotel’s privileged location to explore the national park after it’s been closed to other visitors! Meals B
After breakfast, you’ll join our expert guide for an in-depth tour encompassing the breathtaking view points on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls. Then we’ll take you to the airport for your onward journey. Meals B
