Amazon round trip: jungle, adventure & relax

Manaus

Day 1: Welcome to Brazil!

Arrival in Manaus (the former capital of rubber) on the banks of the Rio Negro (one of the largest tributaries of the Rio Amazon): you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to acclimatize and explore São Sebastião Square and the surrounding area with its bars & restaurants. The majestic Teatro Amazonas is still one of the most beautiful in the world today (we can also arrange a visit with a local guide if you wish).

Manaus is a bustling urban centre with brightly coloured residential homes and modern high-rise buildings. located on the banks of the Rio Negro, just a few kilometres from where it joins the Amazon River This confluence is known as the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, accessible by boat from Manaus. According to local lore, the two rivers run side by side for six kilometres without mixing.

Manaus

Day 2: Adventure into the Amazon

This morning, visit the typical fish market (including unique species such as the gigantic pirarucu, the largest freshwater fish in the world) then set off by motorboat to the unreal Encontro das Aguas (the dark Rio Negro joins the gloomy Rio Solimões, forming the Rio Amazon). Then you will reach a local community (residents of Palafitte). Keep your eyes peeled for local fauna (monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and even the anaconda). Follow the Igarapé (a small water channel created in the rainy season) to reach a stilt house restaurant where you can have lunch (not included). In the afternoon visit an indigenous community and take part in a dance ceremony. Later, you’ll reach a small lagoon where you can swim with the famous "Boto cor de Rosa" (pink dolphins) and then continue to the beautiful beach of Tupe (with time to relax and bathe) before returning to the port of Manaus. Free evening. 

Manaus - Presidente Figueiredo

Day 3: Forest trails & waterfalls in Presidente Figueiredo

In the morning, depart for Presidente Figueredo (2 hours drive). Situated in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, Presidente Figueiredo is known as the Land of Waterfalls, the ‘Terra de Cachoeiras’. Once there, you will walk along some forest trails to reach some of the natural caves and waterfalls in the area - with time to go for a swim. Highlights include: Iracema, Caverna do Maroaga, Gruta Judeia, Santuario, Cachoeira da Onza, Asaframa and Pedra Furada. After lunch, return to Manaus. Free evening

Manaus

Day 4: Explore Manaus & embark on your Amazon cruise

In the morning, enjoy a short city tour of the commercial area and the characteristic Lisboã market (where you can buy souvenirs and groceries) before you embark on a typical riverboat (public line) for an exciting cruise along the Rio Amazon. Overnight stay in a double cabin (bunk bed) with private bathroom and air conditioning. Today is self-guided.

Manaus

Day 5: The ‘Brazilian Caribbean'

Continue your journey along the Amazon river. Relax on the deck and take in the view. Lunch on board is included today. Upon arrival in the city of Santarem, transfer by car to Alter do Chão and settle into your hotel. Between the Amazon jungle and gorgeous sandy beaches of the Tapajos, Alter do Chão is often referred to as the ‘Brazilian Caribbean’. It is home to what has been named the most beautiful freshwater beach in the world, Ilha do Amor. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, a variety of watersports, and great sundowners of fresh fish and beer. The Praia do Cajueiro is another fantastic option and is backed by a lovely promenade. Make sure to spend an afternoon at the Ponta do Cururú to do some dolphin spotting. This laid-back but well-kitted-out town makes an excellent base for exploring the numerous natural parks and jungle surrounds. It’s also known for its sublime indigenous art store.

Alter Do Chao

Day 6: Beach day: fishing and swimming!

Morning on the beach on the paradisiacal Ilha do Amor and after lunch excursion by motorboat to the other side of the Rio Tapajos and the Jari Canal, where we could fish for the terrifying piranha. On the way back, you will stop at the Black Lake (where you can swim) and the beautiful Ponta das Pedras beach, which ends with the Pontal do Cururu (a strip of sand that juts out over the river), where the crystal clear waters reflect an unforgettable sunset. Free evening.

Alter Do Chao

Day 7: Pindobal beach & Tapajos Park

In the morning, excursion by private car (or motorboat, depending on the location of the access roads) to the beach of Pindobal (where you can swim and have lunch) and to Tapajos Park, where we will take a walk (2 or 4 hours, according to your preference) within a protected forest region to get to know the characteristic Amazonian vegetation. On the way back, already surrounded by the lights of the sunset, dinner (optional and not included) will be served in a typical hut of a local community Return to the hotel in Alter do Chão. Free evening.

Possibility (with surcharge) of overnight stays in a traditional house on stilts with a view of the river in the local community. In this case, the morning of the next day is dedicated to the direct transfer to Santarem Airport with a possible city tour (optional).

Belém

Day 8: Fly to Belem

Free morning on the beach of the heavenly Ilha do Amor and transfer to Santarem Airport (possibility of a short visit to the optional city - not included) in time for the flight to Belem. Upon arrival in Belem, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Later this afternoon, walk along the Estação das Docas (postcard of the city) where you can try a typical Amazon beer, watch the setting sun on Baia do Guajará, and enjoy a delicious dinner (not included).

Soure

Day 9: City tour of Soure & Marajo island visit

Morning (8.30 a.m.) city tour (4 hours): the old area (the old colonial houses and the Forte do Presepio), the port area with the colorful market of Ver or Peso (the largest and best-filled Amazonian market for spices and medicinal plants), the Basilica of Nazarè (one of the most beautiful and important Brazilian churches) and the São Braz market (optional), where you can taste the famous Açai do Parà. After lunch (not included) Transfer to the port to take a public boat to the island of Marajò (3.5 hours drive), the largest river island in the world, at the mouth of the Amazon. Arrive at the port of the island and transfer to the hotel in the village of Soure. Free evening

Soure

Day 10: Pesqueiro village & Praia do Ceu beach

In the morning, private excursion to get to know the typical village of Pesqueiro, where we take a motorized canoe up an Igarapé immersed in lush vegetation to the magnificent Praia do Ceu. Free time to relax with walks on the shore and freshwater / brackish water baths. After lunch (not included) visit a fazenda (farm) in a huge grassland (Pantanal of Amazonia), where we have the pleasant experience of riding the buffalo (animal symbol of the city), going for a walk and a short boat trip by canoe to observe the local fauna (mainly birds, capivara and caimani) before returning to the hotel, accompanied by the return to the Guará nests (Scarlet Ibis). Free evening.

Belém

Day 11: Local artisans

After breakfast, you will visit the ceramic artisans (with decorations from the ancient Marajoara culture that are native to the region) and those of the buffalo skin (animal symbol of the island). Later transfer to Salvaterra Beach where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before heading to the port where you will pick up the boat and return to Belem Port and drive to the hotel. Free evening

Belém

Day 12: Mangal das Garças Park & departure

Free morning and transfer to the airport depending on the time of the return flight. Possible excursion (optional and not included) to Mangal das Garças Park, where we can have close contact with different species of birds, butterflies, and iguanas, as well as a 360° panoramic view of the city (from the top of the lighthouse).