Go back to: Voyage to the heart of the Amazon Rainforest on an expedition cruise

Day by Day Itinerary

The Daily Schedule

This will vary according to navigational and weather considerations, but every day will have a basic outline of activities. We’ll get up with the sun and board the launches in search of birds and howler monkeys as they wake from their slumber. By late morning the boat will be under way and we’ll travel until mid-afternoon, stopping for some more exploratory runs in the launches or perhaps forest walk. Come the evening, we’ll have an informal talk about the flora and fauna that we observed during the day, focusing particularly on how plants and animals have evolved in the rainforest and their relationship with their fellow creatures and the physical environment.

Day 01

After boarding the motor yacht, Tucano, in the morning, we’ll depart upstream on the Rio Negro. Throughout the morning, we’ll cruise the world's largest river island system, the Anavilhanas Archipelago, scanning the tangle of vegetation that lies at the water's edge, from the comfort of the observation deck. By mid-afternoon we’ll have left civilisation long behind, entering a wilderness area covered by dense rainforest. There’s no telling quite what we’ll see from one day to the next, we there’s a good chance of encountering pink river dolphins numerous exotic birds along this stretch of water. One thing you can be sure of, though: you’ll be treated to stunning views of the forest, and towards late afternoon we’ll jump in the launches and head off to look for wildlife. We may even go for a swim in some of the cleanest waters on the planet (L,D).*

Day 02

A bright and early start will see us out in the launches, exploring the rainforest along the water’s edge. All being well you’ll hear and (probably see) howler monkeys, accompanied by serenading toucans. After breakfast we’ll take a walk into the forest, for an introduction to understanding Amazon ecology. Then around midday, we’ll return for lunch and the vessel will whizz us off along the river, perhaps stopping at a place to swim. Come late afternoon we’ll explore another area of forest in the launches, stopping at sunset to hear the chorus of birds and frogs, marking the close of another mind-blowing day (B,L,D).

Day 03

This morning we’ll explore the forest as it wakes. Keeping our eyes open for the ubiquitous monkeys, we’ll return to the boat for breakfast before taking a forest walk or an excursion in the launches. Tucano will then whisk us off during the middle of the day, stopping in the afternoon for our excursion. We may even travel on further this evening, giving you a chance to check out the clearest night sky you’ll probably ever see (B,L,D).

Day 04

After two morning excursions and the usual delicious breakfast, Tucano will set off along the heavily forested shore, scouting for wildlife; we may even stop off and visit a local family in their home, carved out of the forest. Come the early afternoon we’ll be close to the beautiful Rio Jauaperi river, where we’ll scout along the shoreline for extraordinary creatures that live in the varzea forest. Weather permitting, we’ll even do a night excursion to check out the nocturnal creatures, too (B,L,D).

Days 05

Today we bid goodbye to the Rio Jauaperi and head downstream for the next two days, on the Rio Negro. Here, we’ll explore a whole new cluster of rainforest habitats, scouting for wildlife in our launches during the day, heading into the forest on foot and hunting for nocturnal wildlife once the sun goes down (B,L,D).

Day 06

Today we’ll meet the locals. After getting up bright and early, we’ll take a walk in the forest before crossing to the West bank of the Rio Negro to continue our exploration. We’ll then call in on the boat-building village of Novo Airão; strolling through the streets here is like stepping back in time to the 19^th Century. Tonight, while you sip delicious caipirinhas and gaze up at the stars, Tucano will take us on downstream, arriving at daybreak near the confluence with the mighty Amazon River (B,L,D).

Day 07

Today we’ll see some truly spectacular sights. Beginning in the morning, we’ll explore the Lago Janauari Ecological Park, which is teeming with wildlife. At certain times of year the thick brown water of the Amazon flows straight through the forest, an image you’ll never forget. At around midday we’ll emerge at the "Encontra das Aguas”, a line of water, several miles long, where the world's two largest rivers (the Amazon and the Negro) meet. Needless to say, it’s a dramatic spot, the dark, tea-like water of the Negro running alongside the opaque brown flow of the Amazon. Come the afternoon we’ll scout one of the hidden streams in the area to get up close and personal with more of the Amazon's beautiful and bizarre creatures. This exciting day will be rounded off with one final excursion after sunset. Keep your eyes peeled… (B,L,D).

Day 08

This is it: goodbye time. After breakfast we’ll disembark from Tucano, those of you who’ve pre-booked taking an optional tour of Manaus before transferring to the airport (B).

Day 09: Fly home with amazing tales to tell

We can tailor make any escape to suit your requirements, so if you wish to add some pre- or post-Amazon arrangements in Salvador or Rio, or perhaps a visit to Iguasu Falls, then just let us know.

* B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner, CH - Comfortable Hotel, FC - Full Serviced Camping