Brazilian Amazon by Boat

Days 1-2 Belem  
On arrival in Belem, transfer to your hotel. Spend the next two days getting to know this port city, including a guided tour on the morning of day 2 that takes in the distinctive Ver-o-Peso market and the impressive opera house. The rest of the time is free to explore at leisure.  

Days 3-4 Belem to Marajo Island
Catch a boat to Marajo Island and spend the afternoon either canoeing along its waterways or wandering its deserted beaches. The following morning take a motorised canoe to a buffalo farm and enjoy a regional lunch before exploring the pastures and spotting wildlife.

Days 5-7 Marajo Island to Santarem  
Head back to Belem this morning, this time taking the smaller boats direct to the hidrioviario in the centre of Belem. The faster journey gets us into Belem in just under two hours and we have lunch before returning to the port to board our second boat of the trip for the journey to Santarem. This public boat is a huge passenger vehicle, serving predominantly local Brazilians who use it as a functional journey to travel upriver. The standards here are not equivalent to a western overnight ferry, and you should expect basic accommodation levels*. This first evening we watch the vanishing lights of Belem as we set off on our way to Santarem. Travel through narrow waterways with abundant rainforest, and typical 'caboclo' dwellings on stilts, built to cope with the fluctuating water levels. Caboclo communities are descended from the mixture of the indigenous populations and the white adventurers, such as rubber tappers and prospectors. Awake on the mighty Amazon on day 7, 10-15km wide in parts, finding ourselves observing both banks at a distance and taking in the atmosphere. One of the highlights of this trip is the sky at night - away from city lights, we have unparalleled stargazing opportunities.

Day 8 Santarem to Alter do Chao
We leave the boat this morning in the port town of Santarem and drive immediately 35km south to the laidback town of Alter do Chao. Best known for its beautiful white-sandy beaches, visible at low tide, and transparent waters (an unusual site for anyone expecting the muddy brown Amazon), it is also idyllically situated on a blue lagoon and flanked by forest reserves. The town has attracted many beachside dwellers, and there is a lively feel to the town with Carimbo (Amazonian folk music) being played by many of the small local bars. This afternoon is free to explore, swim and relax in these surroundings

Day 9  Flona
Enjoy a full day trip to the FLONA (National Forest) nature reserve awaits. A massive protected area of primary rainforest, FLONA gives us the opportunity to learn about the delicate ecosystems that exist in the Amazon, as the passionate local guides give an in-depth view of the many different plants and bird species living here as well as a history of the rubber trade in the area. We'll take a boat ride along the clear waters of the Tapajos River flanked by forest, to the Jamaraqua Community Centre, where we'll be welcomed with a coffee before setting off on our jungle walk. This 10 kilometre / 6.5 mile walk will acquaint us with medicinal plants and the flora of the forest. Active people will find this trail fairly easy, but the weather is hot and humid which can make it more challenging. The walk will take us approximately four hours, with plenty of stops for photos and explanations of the nature around us. We'll also have some swimming opportunities while in FLONA..  

Day 10  Alter do Chao to Manaus  
This morning is free to enjoy the final hours along the river at Alter do Chao. In the afternoon we transfer to Santarem airport and fly to Manaus (taking into account the time zone change, this journey takes a mere 10 minutes!), before heading to the port to board our private boat. This really is the climax of our Amazon journey as we cruise down the Rio Negro for 3 nights, sleeping in hammocks under the stars. On board our boat is a galley, a small bar and basic washing facilities. We will be sleeping on deck, so be prepared for a certain lack of privacy. Hammocks are provided and your Tour Leader can tell you the right way to sleep in a hammock (diagonally) in order to get the best night's sleep!

Days 11-12  Rio Negro
During the course of the 3 days on board the boat, there are a whole range of excursions that will allow us to thoroughly explore this Amazon region. Throughout the boat trip we will be seeing the huge Victoria Regia water lily, birdwatching and hopefully spotting pink Amazon river dolphins playing alongside us in the water. The final full day on the boat brings our Amazon exploration to an end, and hopefully we will have caught a glimpse of 'the real thing'. Our ideas of the Amazon are so often glamorised - weird and wonderful birds flying overhead, animals popping out of the forest canopy every two minutes and spear-toting indigenous tribes behind each tree. This journey is dedicated to discovering this incredible world region and should defy some of the myths whilst giving us a sense of understanding and appreciation for this amazing ecosystem.

Days 13-14  Manaus
This afternoon we disembark in Manaus, where we spend the rest of the day. Although Manaus is generally blown through by travellers who use it as the jumping off point for Amazon trips, it's worth staying for a look at one of the country's most impressive buildings - the Teatro Amazonas. Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast on day 14 and are free to depart from Manaus anytime.

*We have simple twin cabins with air conditioning, a shower and WC. Buffet-style meals are all served on the boat with a limited variety of food available. You will need to bring a lightweight sleeping bag liner (a sheet or two will also suffice) and a towel, as not all bedding is provided.