A Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon

13 days from £5420 per person

Brightly coloured scarlet macaw in flight

Representing over half of the planet's remaining rainforest and home to a richly varied collection of species, the Amazon boasts unmatched biodiversity. This memorable six night cruise ventures deep into one of the world's most pristine environments – a vast ecological reserve which is also protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelling on the comfortable MY Tucano, travel past secluded villages and experience the Amazon’s great biodiversity with onboard naturalists. Leaving the jungle, end the journey in vibrant Rio de Janeiro for culture, music and the beach. Please note that this cruise is operated on a 'join-in basis' with other travellers.

Route: Manaus – Amazon River Cruise – Manaus – Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary Highlights

Manaus is a modern sophisticated city, deep within the Amazon rainforest. On the banks of the Negro River, the city is a major departure point for Amazon River journeys.

Amazon River is one of the longest rivers in the world. Within its 6400 kms there are 40,000 species of plant, 1500 of bird, 430 of mammals and 3000 of fish. A naturalist’s paradise.

Founded in 1565 by the Portuguese, Rio de Janeiro is celebrated for its natural setting, Carnival, samba and wonderful beaches. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is an iconic landmark.

Itinerary: A Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon

Day 1 Depart UK (Thursday)

Today depart the UK on the overnight flight from London Heathrow to Sao Paulo with British Airways. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Sao Paulo (Friday)/ Sao Paulo to Manaus – by air

Arrive into Sao Paulo and connect onto Manaus. Capital of the state of Amazonas and over a thousand miles from the sea, Manaus is one of the most remote cities in the world. Located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Manaus was once an isolated jungle outpost but today is a major metropolitan city and a starting point for many exploratory jungle cruises. (N)

Accommodation in Manaus: Tropical Manaus Ecoresort (or similar)

Day 3 Begin Amazon River Cruise (Saturday)

This morning join the Motor Yacht Tucano to begin your six night Amazon Cruise. Led by accomplished naturalists the MY Tucano, with just nine cabins and a maximum of 18 guests, is a comfortable and spacious expedition cruise vessel with generous sleeping quarters, large observation deck and air-conditioning. This cruise travels to places that have remain unchanged for millions of years, visits secluded villages and crosses a corner of the world that is heart-stopping in its immense beauty and sheer scale. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Onboard river cruise

Days 4 - 5 Cruise (Sunday & Monday)

Over the next two days travel far up the Rio Negro – the least inhabited river in the Amazon. Explore the rainforest on foot, use the MY Tucano’s small launch, visit local communities and swim in some of the cleanest water in the world. You will be travelling through tens of thousands of square miles of uninhabited wilderness in a region known for its great variety of vegetation types and biodiversity of flora and fauna that is almost unparalleled even in the wider Amazon. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Onboard river cruise

Day 6 Cruise (Tuesday)

Today arrive at the Rio Jauaperi and spend the remainder of the day exploring the surrounding rainforest. There is plenty of wildlife here to see including many exotic types of bird and several rare species including the pink river dolphin, gray river dolphin, river otter and giant river otter. The Amazon's crocodiles, including the giant black caiman, are common in this area as are macaw parrot, toucan and harpy eagle. The Amazon manatee, jaguar and the world's largest freshwater fish, the arapaima, also inhabit the wider region but you will be lucky to spot these elusive creatures. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Onboard river cruise

Day 7 Cruise (Wednesday)

Navigate the south western bank of the Rio Negro and continue to scout in the launches and take guided walks through the forest in areas that are very rarely visited. Later in the evening travel up a small tributary of the Rio Negro deep into the jungle for an unforgettable nocturnal exploration of the rainforest. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Onboard river cruise

Day 8 Cruise (Thursday)

This morning begin the day with a dawn excursion into the rainforest in the hope of spotting waking wildlife. Following breakfast, return to the jungle for one last visit then travel downstream back towards Manaus. In the late afternoon you will arrive at the ‘meeting of the waters’, the tempestuous place where the world’s two largest rivers, the Amazon and Rio Negro, join. Returning past Manaus, anchor overnight north of the city. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Onboard river cruise

Day 9 Manaus to Rio de Janeiro – by air (Friday)

Leave the MY Tucano after breakfast, take a brief sightseeing tour of Manaus and later transfer to the airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Home to magnificent architecture, exceptional galleries and museums, exquisite beaches and the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio is one of the world’s great cities. (B)

Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro: Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Rio de Janeiro (Saturday)

Spend the day sightseeing the eclectic city of Rio with your guide. This morning enjoy a visit to Corcovado Mountain to see the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer and the nearby Tijuca Forest. Also visit Santa Teresa, a charming bohemian district, noted for its colonial and 19th century buildings. In the afternoon, visit the historical area of the city. Stop off at Cinelandia Square which features the Municipal Theatre, National Library and National Museum of Fine Arts. (B)
Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro: Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Rio de Janeiro (Sunday)

This morning relax and enjoy the city at your leisure. Rio de Janeiro is an inspiring city of contrasts and the mountains, ocean, beaches and architecture all add to make a memorable stay. In the afternoon travel by cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain and take in the spectacular views and watch the sun set over the city’s skyline. (B)
Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro: Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Depart Rio de Janeiro (Monday)

Today you are at leisure. In the evening you will be met and taken to the airport and depart Rio de Janeiro on the British Airways flight non-stop to London Heathrow. (B)

Day 13 Arrive UK (Tuesday)

Arrive back into the UK in the morning. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
Hotel accommodation and taxes
Cruise accommodation and sightseeing with other passengers

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.