Brazil is a land of six senses where the soul of the place and its people is as perceptible as any of the physical senses, which are tantalized with the myriad of sights, sounds, scents and sensations of this multi-faceted country. Brazil is the largest country is South America. It is little wonder then that one can experience the wide expanses of the Amazon River as it carves through the largest concentration of rain forest in the world, and mercurial urbanity within one country. The cuisine is a reflection of this diversity with enticing combinations of flavors that tell the nose what the eyes have already seen, the ears heard, the skin felt, and the tongue anticipates. Welcome to Brazil and drink in the adventure.
Degree of Difficulty –
Your journey begins as you board your flight to Brazil. Arrive Manaus where you will be met and transferred to your luxurious hotel, located on the banks of the Rio Negro in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Located in the historic center of Manaus, just steps from the Amazon Theater, your new hotel is charming and offers every comfort VILLA AMAZONIA.
(Welcome Dinner)
Today you will be treated to a brief tour of Manaus, founded as a fort in 1632. Transfer this afternoon to your premium river craft for a cruise up the Rio Negro, the world’s longest black water river. Receive a brief orientation on what you can expect to see, then retire to the sun deck for exceptional views of the river. The next morning board small canoes for an xploration of the riparian landscape. In a four square mile patch of the rainforest are as many as 1,500 flowering plants, 750 species of trees, 400 species of birds, and 150 species of butterflies. Return to the boat for lunch before heading out again for Anavilhanas National Park which encompasses one of the world’s largest fresh water archipelagos. See protected species such as the Amazon pink river dolphin, pirarucu, the world’s largest freshwater fish, and several species of freshwater turtle. On your last day aboard ship, angle your way through the morning testing your luck against that of some of Amazonia’s fish, such as piranha (mind the teeth). After lunch you will take a guided tour of a local village. Five hundred years ago, this ecosystem used to be home for over six million indigenous people. Today, less than 250,000 members of tribal communities are left. Aboard your vessel, relax in the comfortable cabins or let the sights and sounds of the Amazon soak in while you enjoy the outdoor whirlpool on the 3-story deck. AMAZON CLIPPER
PREMIUM.
PREMIUM.
(B,L,D Daily)
Spend part of the morning exploring the Lake January Ecological Park, located on a wedge-shaped delta that divides the upper Amazon River from the Rio Negro and home to the Victoria Amazonica, a giant water lily, whose leaves can reach a diameter of 6 feet and which can support the weight of rabbit sized animals. Navigate to the confluence of the world`s two largest rivers, the Amazon or Rio Solimões as it is called at its upper reaches, and the Rio Negro. Return to Manaus for your afternoon flight to Iguassu Falls, via Brasilia, arriving in the late evening. Here, you transfer to your luxury hotel on the Argentinian side of the Falls , set amongst the rainforest. LOI SUITES HOTEL.
(B,L)
Witness the awe inspiring natural wonder of the Iguassu Falls. A World Heritage Site, this is the largest sequence of falls in the world. The subtropical forest of the encompassing Iguassu National Park, recognized by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage of Humanity, matches the spectacle of the falls with a plethora of indigenous flora and fauna. Your morning guided excursion to the falls will be on the Argentinean side. Trek along the wooden platforms built over the falls until you reach the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), the Fall’s fastest, most thrilling section. In the afternoon, take a 4×4 excursion into Iguassu National Park, then take a powerful riverboat and get up close and personal with the San Martin Falls and Devil’s Throat. LOI SUITES HOTEL.
(B,L)
Today you will experience the falls from a different angle. Return to Brazil and the Iguaçu National Park, the Brazilian counterpart to the Iguassu National Park. Take in the astonishing cascades of the Floriano Fall and enjoy unforgettable breathtaking panoramic views from above the churning Devil’s Throat. Enjoy lunch then visit the very unique Bird Park. LOI SUITES HOTEL.
(B,L)
Arise early and take some last photographs before your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Tonight delve into the heart of Brazilian cuisine at Brasileirinho and begin to learn the ways of the carioca, as Rio natives call themselves. Your home in Rio is located at the northern end of Copacabana Beach, surrounded by shopping malls, cinemas, trendy bars and fashionable restaurants and the many attractions of Copacabana. MIRAMAR BY WINDSOR.
(B,D)
Start off your day by taking the cog train through the luxuriant Tijuca Rain Forest to the top of the 2,310 foot Corcovado Mountain, the site of the inspirational Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the tallest Art Deco sculptures in the world. Enjoy the spectacular views of Rio and the surrounding countryside from the observation deck. Experience the history and culture of Rio when you have lunch at Confeitaria Colombo, founded in 1894. Next day, visit Serra dos Órgãos National Park, named for its organ pipe shaped mountains, for a full day of wildlife sightseeing and hiking. After a good night’s rest, ascend the iconic slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car or on foot and enjoy stunning views and a refreshment at the summit. Dinner at Fogo de Chao, an eatery infused with the culture and flavors of the carioca. MIRAMAR BY WINDSOR.
(B,L; B,L; B,L,D)
On your last day in Brazil enjoy a day at leisure, or optional activities (at an additional cost) such as:
• Stand up Paddle Boarding Lesson in Copacabana
• Morning Beach Yoga in Copacabana
• Bicycle Tour of Rio
• Brazilian Cooking Lesson
Late in the evening, depart on your overnight flight home, bringing with you the sights, sounds, scents and sensations of Brazil, as well as an added touch of carioca to your spirit.
• Stand up Paddle Boarding Lesson in Copacabana
• Morning Beach Yoga in Copacabana
• Bicycle Tour of Rio
• Brazilian Cooking Lesson
Late in the evening, depart on your overnight flight home, bringing with you the sights, sounds, scents and sensations of Brazil, as well as an added touch of carioca to your spirit.
(B, Meals Aloft)
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Chartered flight between Porto Jofre and Posada Caiman in light aircraft.
- Flights between Sao Paulo and Iguassu Falls on the pre-extension.
- Flight between Campo Grande and Rio de Janeiro on the post-extension.
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Breakfast daily; other meals as indicated in itinerary, including welcome dinner at the Figuira Rubaiyat.
- All transfers in air-conditioned motor coach or minibus.
- Visits to Conservation projects at Caiman Ecological Refuge.
- Visit to Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Project on Rio extension.
- Specialist guide throughout with 10 travelers on main trip and extensions.
- Complimentary bottled water in vehicles and at meals.
- All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All entry fees.
- Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet.
- Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.
The dry season in The Amazon runs from July to December. This period features intense heat and humidity but relatively limited precipitation. Water levels in lakes and rivers recede during these months, exposing trails and beaches while cutting down on the number of mosquitoes. The dry season is the best time to visit the Amazon if hiking or fishing is what’s most important. The wet season spans January to June. Heavy rains contribute to high water levels and flooded forests. Intermittent showers occur nearly every day, so you should expect to get soaked on a regular basis. On the positive side, the rainy season provides better boat access to wetlands and temporarily flooded forests. This makes it easier to cover greater distances on boat tours and see more wildlife in otherwise inaccessible areas. The wet season also offers slightly cooler temperatures, although the uncomfortable humidity remains.
