Amazon Odyssey

DAYS 1-2: WELCOME TO BRAZIL!

Your adventure begins in Manaus, a vibrant metropolis carved out of the heart of the rainforest. After arriving via an overnight flight, you will step into the “Paris of the Tropics.” Navigate the lively local markets teeming with exotic fruits and silver-scaled river fish before stepping inside the legendary Teatro Amazonas. This Renaissance masterpiece built during the rubber boom dazzles visitors with Italian marble and Murano glass. This evening, board the RV Brasilian Dream, your intimate sanctuary for the next 10 nights. Sip a welcome cocktail on the deck as the city lights fade and the rhythmic symphony of the jungle takes over. L, D

DAY 3: RIO NEGRO

Wake to the call of the wild as the sun pierces through the jungle canopy. Keep your binoculars ready for macaws and toucans painting the sky, and look for the surreal ripple of pink and gray river dolphins breaking the glassy surface of the Rio Negro. A guided morning trek introduces you to the “pharmacy of the forest” where your local experts reveal the medicinal secrets of towering palms and ancient vines. Later, cruise toward Três Bocas and navigate a labyrinth of islands by small boat to get a front-row seat to the most elusive wildlife of the Amazon. B, L, D

DAY 4: MADADA CAVES

Venture deep into the emerald brush to discover the Madadá Caves. These mysterious rock formations house 3,000-year-old engravings that offer a hauntingly beautiful connection to the indigenous people who first called this paradise home. The trek is a masterclass in biodiversity that showcases the complex ecosystem of the jungle. In the afternoon, swap your hiking boots for motorized canoes and weave through the floating vegetation of the Meduini River. B, L, D

DAY 5: JAÚ NATIONAL PARK

Experience the Amazon through the eyes of those who call it home. At sunrise, join local villagers for a paddling canoe excursion and move silently through the flooded forest. Visit a riverside community and school to offer a rare and humbling glimpse into the traditions and resilience of “Caboclo” life. After a relaxed afternoon of cruising, the adventure takes a thrilling turn. After dark, set out with flashlights for nocturnal wildlife spotting. Watch for the glowing red eyes of caimans lurking along the muddy banks under the starlit canopy. B, L, D

DAY 6: LIFE ALONG THE JAÚ RIVER

Experience the Amazon through the eyes of those who call it home. At sunrise, join local villagers for a paddling canoe excursion and move silently through the flooded forest. Visit a riverside community and school to offer a rare and humbling glimpse into the traditions and resilience of “Caboclo” life. After a relaxed afternoon of cruising, the adventure takes a thrilling turn. After dark, set out with flashlights for nocturnal wildlife spotting. Watch for the glowing red eyes of caimans lurking along the muddy banks under the starlit canopy. B, L, D

DAY 7: ITAOBAL TRAIL

Nature meets history on the Itaobal Trail. Hike through the jungle to reach a hidden waterfall and a crystal-clear lake, which serves as a perfect oasis for a refreshing pause. The mood shifts in the afternoon as you explore Airão Velho, a once-prosperous rubber boom town now being slowly reclaimed by the roots and vines of the jungle. Walking through these crumbling ruins offers a poignant look at the rise and fall of the 19th-century “Rubber Barons.” B, L, D

DAY 8: NOVO AIRÃO

Arrive in the charming riverside village of Novo Airão, a place famous for its skilled artisans and colorful wood carvings. Explore the local craft shops or perhaps sample a brew at the regional brewery before heading back into the wild. Your vessel enters the Anavilhanas Archipelago, one of the largest river archipelagos in the world. From the vantage point of your small boats, navigate the narrow channels of Acajatuba and come within arm’s reach of the vibrant Amazonian flora. B, L, D

DAY 9: ACAJATUBA & THE ARIAÚ RIVER

Wander past the bright, stilted houses of Acajatuba and learn how the locals adapt to the rising and falling tides of the river. Navigate the Ariaú Canal, a lush natural corridor connecting the Amazon and Rio Negro. This area is a playground for wildlife. Keep your eyes on the treetops for the mão amarela (yellow-handed) monkeys as they swing overhead, and listen for the distinct chatter of the many avian residents of the jungle. B, L, D

DAY 10: MEETING OF THE WATERS

Witness one of the most spectacular sights on Earth: the “Meeting of the Waters.” Here, the dark, tea-colored waters of the Rio Negro and the pale, sandy currents of the Solimões run side-by-side for nearly 50 miles without mixing. The striking visual contrast is a photographer’s dream. As you sail through this swirling liquid border, enjoy a sunset that sets the sky on fire and marks our transition into the mighty Amazon River. B, L, D

DAY 11: JANAUACÁ LAKE

Your final full day is spent on the wildlife-rich Janauacá Lake. This fertile floodplain is an avian paradise where kingfishers dart and dolphins play. Explore the local “Varzea” (flooded forests) to see how residents farm cassava and raise livestock in this unique environment. As the RV Brasilian Dream turns back toward Manaus, enjoy a final gala dinner on board while reminiscing with new friends about the jaguars, dolphins, and ancient legends discovered along the way. B, L, D

DAY 12: RETURN HOME

Enjoy one last tropical breakfast on the deck and breathe in the earthy scent of the rainforest one last time. Disembark in Manaus and bid a heartfelt farewell to the crew who have become like family. As you head to the airport for your return flight, you will carry with you the “Saudade,” which is that beautiful Portuguese longing for the mysterious and magical heart of the Amazon. B

QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS:

Nights 2-11: MS Brasilian Dream

Dates:

Aug 1-12, 2027

Price Per Person:

Pre/Post Tour Hotel:

Call for pricing

Depart/Return:

Chicago, IL

Inclusions:

Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Reception and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling
24-hour emergency call service

Arrival Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.

Departure Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our pre- and post-tour hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Vehicle parking during the tour is not included. If you need parking, please contact us in advance, and we will be happy to discuss available options.

Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate and moveable walkways are not common throughout European Airports as they are in the United States.

Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.

Health Concerns
No mandatory vaccinations are required, except for travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic. These travelers must show proof of vaccination (up-to-date vaccination card or certificate) upon arrival at the airport or border crossing. It is also recommended to be up to date with standard vaccinations (diphtheria-tetanus-polio, hepatitis A and B).

Depending on local travel conditions, vaccinations against typhoid and viral hepatitis A and B may also be advisable. Antimalarial treatment is recommended (consult your physician). Tropical-grade mosquito repellents are strongly advised. A consultation with a general practitioner before departure is highly recommended.

The yellow fever vaccine is not required to enter Brazil, including Manaus, but it is strongly recommended for travelers visiting the Amazon region, including those going on Amazon cruises from Manaus.

Weather
Manaus has a tropical climate characterized by a natural cycle of rising and falling river waters. Humidity is high year-round, and tropical showers can occur, often in the form of brief daytime downpours. The highest temperatures are typically recorded during the low-water season. In September, for example, temperatures range from 25°C in the morning to 33°C in the afternoon. The air can feel relatively dry at this time, although sudden tropical rains are still possible.

Currency & Payment Methods
The official currency in Brazil is the real (BRL), symbolized as R$. Additional onboard expenses are settled at the end of the cruise and can be paid in cash in Brazilian reals, Euro, or US dollars. Credit card payments are not possible, due to unreliable network connectivity on the river.

Packing Tips
When packing, consider the following items:

• Lightweight, waterproof, and non-slip hiking shoes (for forest walks). For the boat and beach: flip-flops, sandals, tennis shoes, or boat shoes.
• Comfortable and light clothing for the day: lightweight trousers, Bermuda shorts, skirts, t-shirts, and cotton shirts or clothes suitable for hot, humid weather. Long sleeves and trousers (recommended for protection). Waterproof windbreaker or poncho, and a light sweater.
• Swimsuit
• Cap or wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
• Waterproof backpack or dry bag and waterproof cases for electronic devices.
• Personal first-aid kit.
• Binoculars and a flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries.
• Trekking poles (recommended).

Meals
This trip is offered on a full-board basis. Breakfasts are served buffet-style. Lunches and dinners are either served at the table or buffet-style, depending on the day's program.

Time Zone
GMT-4 (CST +1 hour)

Identification
Valid passport required for travel.

Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.