Amazon Expedition 2024
The Amazon River basin is home to the largest rainforest on Earth. The basin covers about 40% of the South American continent and includes parts of eight countries.
The basin is drained by the Amazon River, the largest river in the world in terms of flow. The river is made up of more than 1,100 tributaries, and two of them (the Negro and the Madeira) are larger in volume than the Congo River.
The Negro River side is one of the best preserved points in the entire forest, one of the best options for those who want to live a genuine Amazon experience.
That’s what this expedition will provide. Come and discover the deep Amazon with us.
DATE: August 3rd to 10th, 2024
DURATION: 08 days
LOCATION: Brazil
ITINERARY: Manaus / Novo Airão / Anavilhanas / Madadá / Jaú National Park / Xixuaú Reserve / Novo Airão
If among all the attractions that the Amazon offers, your greatest desire is to contemplate wildlife, this is the ideal itinerary.
The Jauaperi River, specifically in the Xixuaú Reserve, is the untouched home of some of the most stunning species of Amazonian fauna – otters, manatees, jaburus, quatipurus, arboreal monkeys, immense black caimans, flocks of red toucans, solitary spotted hawks, and scandalous multicolored macaws. Animals that make up the look and sound of this ecological sanctuary.
It is a different place because it is a private reserve, where in a unique initiative, its residents decided to preserve the animals for eco-tourism purposes. Navigating through streams of crystal-clear water, we will be able to watch porpoises and otters pass beneath our canoes. Manatees in their colloquial tranquility. Guariba monkeys in their throaty and impressive singing. It is forbidden to use explosive engines there; silence is man’s cultivation and nature runs wild. 500 km from Manaus, in the state of Roraima, that is where we are going!
The Xixuaú reserve is located between the Xixuaú and Xiparinã igarapés, in the region of the middle Jauaperi River, an important affluent of the Negro River, just below the Branco River. Its generous biodiversity is the result of 2 factors: geomorphologically rich soil with an absence of predatory hunting – a rare fact in the Amazon. In recent research by Impa, more than 80 giant otters were identified living in the area. Some species that are difficult to observe in the Rio Negro basin, such as Jaburus, Scarlet Macaws and Cuxiús monkeys, are commonly seen in the area. Traditional football in the Matão community, the model school for environmental education in the Matias igarapé, among other cabocla culture activities, can be seen and experienced as an alternative to the intense wild experience provided by this expedition.
This itinerary is recommended for those looking for an in-depth experience of the Amazon and greater contact with natives and wildlife.
Day 01: Manaus / Novo Airão / Anavilhanas
You are transfer from your hotel in Manaus (not included) to Novo Airão for boarding and the start of your itinerary. Briefing and explanations about the Amazon with delivery of materials. You visit the Anavilhanas archipelago with a flying boat ride. Stop for tubing on the Negro River. You overnight in the boat’s cabin or in hammocks at a bungalow in the forest.
Day 02: Anavilhanas / Madadá
3-hour trek (round trip) in primary forest to Madadá Caves. Tour of a caboclo farm with fruit orchard. You can swim with buoys in the Negro River, make Piranha fishing and you visit a community. You overnight anchored at Sono Beach.
Day 03: Jaú National Park
After breakfast, you visit Airão Velho, the Mirituba riverside community and petroglyphs. You entrance to the park and with a short walk, see the great Amazon tree, the Samaúma. The boat Ride along the Jaú River with likely viewing of birds and aquatic mammals. Incursion in canoes along the Pauini River, exploring this large affluent full of waterfalls such as Preto or Carabinani. Return to the boat, that ride to the Community of Aturiá, night canoe trip along the river focusing on alligators and nocturnal animals.
Day 04: Jauaperi River / Igarapé do Matias
You navigate along Encosta dos Pássaros, to the village of Moura, which is the largest community on the Negro River, with around 700 inhabitants. Disembarkation and local exchange. This is the last location for possible purchase of conveniences. You return to the boat and entry into the Jauaperi River. You arrive at the Xixuaú community around sunset.
Day 05: Xixuaú Reserve
After breakfast, you disembark in the Xixuaú community and explore a reconnaissance tour with exchanges with residents. Preparation of the group for the water trails in the lakes and streams of the reserve, in small rowing canoes (2 passengers max.), with a local guide, to observe birds and aquatic mammals. Viewing of otters, dolphins, toucans, probably arboreal monkeys collecting fruit in the igapó, among other animals. You visit to Samaúma, a giant tree, the largest tree species in the region. Incursion with rowing canoes into the lakes for recreational fishing, continuing until early evening. You can pay special attention to the song of the Guaribas, audible during the early hours of the morning and at dawn. Focus on alligators and nocturnal animals.
Day 06: Xixuaú Reserve
Before breakfast, you watch alligators on the riverbank, at the community port. Breakfast on board and mini camping expedition with overnight stay in the forest, in a privileged location for wildlife observation (optional included). The journey to the site is made by canoe, in streams of crystal-clear water, with stops for diving with masks and observation of submerged aquatic life. Setting up the camp, building the tapiri (house where we set up the hammocks). Lunch. Menu of the day: freshly caught fish, with garnishes brought from the boat. Bonfire, chat, tales, and folklore about forest creatures: Mapinguary, Matinta-Perêra, Curupira and Cobra Grande. You overnight in hammocks at the tapiri.
Day 07: Xixuaú Reserve / return
You ride along the Jauaperi River to Igarapé do Matias, where you will learn about an alternative Community School model, with environmental education practices and dissemination of local culture. 3-hour trek in primary forest, to visualize birds and land mammals (Monkeys, Tapirs, Sloths, Queixadas), and all the sounds that Amazonian biodiversity offers us. You return to the boat and have lunch on board. Farewell meeting with exhibition of local crafts and celebratory drinks. 3pm: Start of return navigation (no stops).
Day 08: Novo Airão
Your arrival in Novo Airão is scheduled for 10 am. Cetacean observation on the Boto Cor de Rosa floating boat. City-tour in Novo Airão with handicrafts, artisans’ workshop, shipbuilding yards and city attractions. Farewell lunch at the Flor do Luar Floating Restaurant. Transfer Novo Airão – Manaus, scheduled to arrive at 3:30 pm. End of the service. You can consult for accommodation in Manaus or to expand your trip.
The regional style of the vessels is to give customers the feeling of traveling on traditional boats like the natives of the region do, but with comfort, safety, and onboard service. Entire hardwood boats, from 40 to 80 feet, with motorized boats and canoes depending on the needs of the excursions.
Jacaré-Açu vessel
– 3-floor regional-premium, 64-foot;
– Decorated cabins, air-conditioned with dressing table and private bathroom, spring mattresses and feather pillows.
– 4 double cabins
– 4 cabins with two single beds (bunk beds)
Jacaré-Tinga vessel
– 2-floor Regional-luxury, 53 feet;
– Air-conditioned cabins with private bathroom, high-density mattresses, and goose down pillows.
– 2 double cabins
– 1 cabin with 4 single beds (2 bunk beds)
For groups with up to 7 passengers, departure is made with the Jacaré-Tinga vessel. With 8 or more passengers, on the Jacaré-Açu vessel.
Comfort items present on boats:
– 110/220V power 24 hours a day in all cabins;
– 12V-110V Battery Bank, offering clean, noise-free energy when stopped.
– GPS, Sonar, Radar, Radio, Nautical Charts, Iridium telephone;
– First aid kit, pharmacy, experienced and trained staff;
– Full kitchen with oven, freezer, refrigerator, utensils;
– Equipment for overnight stays in the jungle, powerful flashlight for focusing on alligators, radio/walkie-talkie;
– Binoculars for bird watching;
– Multiple leisure areas: Solarium, Living Room, Bar, Observatory and Leisure Decks.
– Card games, dominoes, checkers, chess, and backgammon.
– Thematic library with maps and photographic books.
– Buoys and accessories for diving in the river and waterfalls.
– Leisure area with shower, chairs, sun loungers, chilled drinks, and barbecue;
– Fishing rods, bow and arrow, blowgun and zagaia;
– Boat inspected/legalized and pest control.
– Optional tree climbing equipment
Crew:
Commander, native chief guide, chef, assistants, sailors, and chambermaids.
Food
Full board scheme, including:
– 3 meals a day + snacks
– Drinks: sparkling water, natural juices, soft drinks, caipirinhas, beer
All food is washed and cooked with mineral water.
The boats’ showers are not heated, the water is at natural temperature.
– Accommodation on a luxury vessel for 7 nights;
– Optional accommodation in the forest (as described in the itinerary);
– Free arrival and departure transfer;
– Full board with fresh and freshly prepared items;
– Drinks: water, juices, various beers; assorted vodka and cachaça caipirinhas;
– Chief native guide and onboard crew as described;
– Third-party tours and attractions;
– Comfort items on the vessel;
– Airline tickets and fees
– Accommodation in Manaus
– Items of a personal nature, laundry, telephone, souvenirs, etc.
– Travel/hospital insurance
– Tips/gratuities
– Any extras not mentioned above
– Light/moderate difficulty route
– Mandatory travel insurance for participation
– Yellow fever vaccination certificate
– Complete double bed cabin for two people: 8900 USD per cabin*
– Bunk cabin: 5300 USD per individual PERSON**
– Full bunk cabin for two people: 8400 USD per cabin
All cabins have private bathrooms.
*The cabin with a double bed can only be reserved full.
**The bunk cabin can be booked individually. Occupants will be of the same gender.
Payment:
30% down payment at the time of booking + 30% one month before the trip.
PayPall Payment.
Balance when arriving in Manaus.
