• After arriving at your hotel, meet up for private city sightseeing to view vestiges of Manaus’ glory days during the rubber boom. Your first stop will be the famous opera house, built in 1896 with materials imported from Europe. Next, visit a bustling local market filled with regional foods and wares
• Today, your “Meeting of the Waters” cruise passes by the impressive British-built Customs House and the floating port. Cruise along the chocolate-hued Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-gray Rio Solimões, where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles, the differently shaded bodies of water flow side by side and never mix!
• After lunch on the river, explore a jungle island (seasonal) with fascinating native flora and fauna.
• Later this afternoon, arrive at the ecolodge, situated on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazon rainforest.
(B,L,D)
Please note: The itinerary in the Amazon is subject to favorable weather conditions and water levels. When conditions are unfavorable (draught season is generally September – November), alternative eco-lodging and excursions will be provided
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accompanied by a Naturalist, enjoy a guided jungle walk that introduces you to the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon.
• After lunch, depart the lodge and sail up the river to visit with a Caboclo native to learn about their traditions, and culture.
• Later, visit the Monkey Jungle Reserve (seasonal), where researchers work to rehabilitate captive primates and reintroduce them to the jungle. Here, you have the opportunity to see the feeding of spiders, squirrels, woolly, and capuchin monkeys.
• This evening, maybe venture back out with your Naturalist via canoe into the flooded forest to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. Keep watch for small alligators (and other night creatures)!
(B,L,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• This morning, depart your Amazon lodge for a flight to fabulous Rio.
• Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel, where your Local Guide will be available with suggested activities during your free time.
(B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
• Today, your private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay is one of the New7Wonders of the World and home to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below.
• The afternoon and evening are at leisure.
• Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats that are marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style.
(B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
• Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest some options for your free time.
(B)
INSIDER PICKS
This afternoon, you may choose to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II or take an optional excursion to visit iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.
(B)
