Day 1. Welcome to the Amazon, Climb on Board!
On your first day, you receive a friendly welcome from the crew of the MS Jangada, your home for the next 13 days. Soon after your ships departs you witness the first marvelous natural phenomenon of your journey: the black waters of the Rio Negro and the white waters of the Amazon River flow side by side without mixing for miles. Later you enjoy a boat excursion on Limão Lake, where you set your eyes upon the stunning Victoria amazonica, a giant water lily named after Queen Victoria of England.
Overnight: On board (D)
Day 2. Excursions by Day, Encounters by Night
In the early morning, you go on a boat excursion on the Purus River. Colorful parrots, herons, and ibises circle over the treetops as you try your hand at fishing for piranha and catfish, which you learn in a nearby fishing village. On the way to Codajás, everyday life in riverside stilt villages passes by. With a bit of luck, you might see the unique Amazon river dolphin, also known as the pink river dolphin. That evening you enjoy a nighttime boat excursion in the jungle, accompanied by the eerie sound of howler monkeys playing in the darkness. Be on the lookout for the glittering eyes of caimans lurking in the water. Overnight: On board (BLD)
Day 3. Meet the Amazing Açai Berry
Today you take a walk through the lively town of Codajás, a beautiful landscape where everything revolves around the cultivation of açai berries. Later you go on a boat excursion to an açai plantation during which you learn how these amazing berries are harvested from the tree tops and are then processed. On the same excursion you visit the picturesque village of Iracema. From there you go off search with local nature guides to catch a glimpse of otters and capybaras going about their routines. Overnight: On board (BLD)
Day 4. Capital of Brazil Nuts
During the night, your ship reaches Rio Japurá. In the morning, you go on an exciting jungle trek where you learn about the cultivation of the so-called Brazil Nut. On this excursion you also visit the Amazon city of Coari, where the Brazil Nut is also a point of focus. Later you enjoy a boat ride to the picturesque Coari Lake, which is formed by the confluence of the Coari, Urucu and Arauá rivers. Overnight: On board (BLD)
Day 5. In the Footsteps of Missionaries
The heart of Tefé, one of the largest cities on your journey through the Amazon, was founded by Portuguese missionaries in the 17th and 18th centuries. The panoramic view of the ancient river from up high in the monastery is simply breathtaking. And the monastery buildings themselves, which are still in use today, contain many historical artifacts. Later you continue on to the fascinating Mamirauá Nature Reserve, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest highlights of your journey. Here you explore the rain forest on foot and by boat. Every year for about six months, the area is completely flooded, which fosters the growth of some very interesting and unique plant and wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the scarlet-faced uakari monkey or a sloth watching you from the treetops. Cormorants, parrots and toucans are also among the spectacular creatures you might encounter in the foliage. Overnight: On board (BLD)
Day 6. On the Lagoon of the Caimans
In the early morning you go on a boat excursion that gives you the goosebumps. On the so-called Lagoon of the Caimans, not far from the Ucari Lodge, these large alligator-like reptiles glide silently past you. In the afternoon you leave the Mamirauá Nature Reserve and continue westward to Fonte Boa. Back on board, you enjoy the sights of everyday life on the river. Fishermen throw their nets; children in small canoes offer fruits and vegetables to passersby. Multicolored Amazon river boats filled with hammocks for lounging pass by while you listen to interesting talk on by your tour guides. Overnight: On board (BLD)
