Compare The Amazon Odyssey by Amazon Nature Tours vs Rio de Janeiro Short Break by Intrepid Travel

Day 1

Meals: Dinner

This afternoon we embark on the Motor Yacht Tucano in Manaus, Brasil. We depart on the Rio Negro and as the vessel glides upstream we will have our first talk about Amazon environments. By late afternoon we enter one of the world’s largest river island systems, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. The boat will weave along a winding channel with rainforest on both sides in a riot of brilliant vegetation. Weather permitting, we will go for a launch excursion in the gnarled and dense flooded forest known as the Igapó. Along the river bank we may see some Squirrel Monkeys and we may hear 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 and we are sure to see some of these brightly colored jewels perched in the treetops. We return to the M/Y Tucano for hors d’oeuvres on the observation deck and a toast to the rainforest sunset. Following dinner we will embark in our launches in search of nocturnal creatures such as the Caiman, the Amazon’s crocodilians. We may also see one of the large night birds such as a Potoo with its bulging eyes and large mouth adapted to swallow the huge Mariposa Moths.

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Shortly after sunrise this morning we explore the Anavilhanas Archipelago, a reserve that includes the world’s largest system of river islands and also areas of tall dense rainforest. Here we will see the strange environment called the Igapó, the black water flooded forest where dense forests grow right out of the dark water of the Rio Negro. Mid morning we return to the vessel for a hearty Brasilian breakfast. After some time to relax, weather permitting we will disembark at mid-morning and will go for a walk in the type of rainforest known as the Terra Firme. Here we have 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 we will excursion in our launches along the edges of the dense forest and listen to the sunset chorus of birds, howler monkeys, and frogs. Weather permitting, tonight we will have an excursion to spot caiman (the Amazon’s crocodiles) and other nocturnal creatures. We very often see arboreal porcupines or sloths scrambling high in the limbs.

Day 3

This morning we awaken to another remote rainforest area where we will explore in our launches early in the morning, and walk in the forest in mid morning. During the middle of the day the vessel will venture downstream to a small village on the east bank of the Rio Negro. Late this afternoon we will visit this community to learn how traditions help families survive in the remote interior. Later this evening our vessel will weigh anchor and we will voyage downstream through the night to the Xiborena Peninsula that divides the two of the world’s most storied rivers: the Rio Negro and the Amazon River.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Rising early, we excursion in the Lago Janauari Ecological Park, a dense forest that is flooded with the coffee colored water of the Amazon River. We explore a labyrinth of small channels overhung with gargantuan trees and vines. Listening to the chatter of creatures in the undergrowth we also keep our eyes open for monkeys, Three Toed Sloths, and the occasional Collared Anteater. By mid morning we return to the M/Y Tucano for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax. Later this morning we foray off the vessel again to explore this environment rich in life. Following lunch we navigate to the “Encontra das Aguas”, the several mile long joining of two of the world’s greatest rivers, the Rio Negro and The Amazon. The dark and light waters run side by side for several miles without mixing. Often Pink River Dolphins and also Grey River Dolphins leap and cavort along this stark line of contrasting currents. We then will turn our bows upstream to cruise on the Amazon River until the late afternoon. On Brasilian maps this river is given the name Rio Solimões - but it is the same vast, turbulent, mighty river that we know of as the Amazon. At this point in its course it has truly become the most magnificent river on the planet and carries fully 20% of all the fresh water on Earth. Late afternoon we will have another launch excursion in a fascinating environment known as the Varzea where we may angle for piranhas or thrill at brightly colored birds that hunt in these the vast fields of waving grass. At sunset we slowly begin to ascend the Rio Negro, cruising along but not stopping at the Porto de Manaus, one of the world’s great ports. More than a thousand miles from the sea, Manaus is the major port for much of the entire Amazon. We will see boats of every imaginable shape and purpose that serve this  continent sized forest. Tonight we will sample the national drink of Brasil, the Caipirinha and have a farewell dinner.

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast

Early this morning travelers will disembark the vessel at the riverside dock of the Hotel Tropical.

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro

Bem-Vindos! Welcome to Brazil. There is nothing planned for the first day so relax and enjoy. The locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio'. In this heaving metropolis, set against the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay and surrounded by the slopes of Sugarloaf and Corcovado, it's hard not to be caught up in the passion of the city's residents (known as Cariocas). The French were the first to settle here as they logged wood along the Brazilian coast, but they were soon driven out by the Portuguese, who built a fortified town named Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro and quickly amassed wealth during the gold rush of Minas Gerais. In the 19th century, the Portuguese monarchy fled from the threat of Napoleon in Europe and took up residence in Rio, where they built grand buildings that still stand today. These days Rio is a fascinating and diverse city best known for its contrasting images of favelas (shanty towns) and the glitz and glamour of Carnaval.

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to join a city tour to see the sights. From Corcovado Hill we drive the 4km up the mountainside through the world's largest urban national park to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Take in the sweeping, panoramic views before continuing the drive to the Maracana Stadium, passing the Sambadrome and Metropolitan Cathedral. Next are the famous arches of the Lapa neighbourhood and then on to Copacabana where we stop for lunch - a traditional Brazilian BBQ of course! After eating your fill, travel on to Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy the views over the city. Then it's back down the mountain and returning to your hotel. The rest of the day and evening is free to spend as you wish.

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro

Today is a free day for you to relax on one of Rio’s famous beaches such as Ipanema or Copacabana, or explore the city further at your leisure.

Day 4 Rio de Janeiro

As there are no included activities today you are free to depart at any time.