itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Pick-up at the airport and transfer to the Hotel in Manaus; Further activities in Manaus will depend on your time of arrival. If convenient we suggest some of the main attractions, which is the opera house Teatro Amazonas, inaugurated in 1896 as the symbol of the rubber boom, one of the most prosperous economic cycles in Brazil's history. The splendid neoclassical building has the same size of the Scala, the opera house in Milan, Italy.

Another beautiful example of the rich past of Manaus is the Palácio Rio Negro. Constructed at the end of 19^th century by the eccentric German “Rubber Baron” Waldemar Scholz, it hosts the state government before it became a cultural center.

Then there is the Mercado Municipal, the city's marketplace, where regional food, exotic fruits, unbelievable quantities and varieties of fish, and handicrafts are displayed. The iron structures of the market, inaugurated 1883, were designed by a famous Frenchman called Gustave Eiffel, the builder of the Tour d'Eiffel in Paris.

With time left you can visit the fascinating floating port of Manaus, called Porto Flutuante. A colorful mix of people running busily around to embark or disembark, load or unload the boats that reach practically every corner of the Amazonian universe. Here, at the banks of the Rio Negro, you might try one of the local exotic Drink for refreshment before having dinner in a typical Amazonian fish restaurant at the Theater square.

Day 2

After an early breakfast we check out at the Hotel and go onboard our private Amazon cruiser to start our trip to the confluence of the Rio Negro, Rio Solimões, also called “Meeting of the waters”. Your cabins are airconditioned except if the more adventurous among the group prefer to string their hammocks on the upper deck for more close contact with the Amazonian environment, especially at night.At the indigenous community of Jaraqui we take an extensive walk- through terra firme forest, where extremely high trees like Angelim vermelha Dinizia excelsa reach up to 80 m.

Also, the samaúma known as kapok tree, is very impressive with its enormous buttress roots. The surrounding forest offers other attractions like a massaranduba tree known for its extreme hardness and therefore very much sought after by the construction industry. This tree estimated to have 2000 years of age has gigantic roots like a wall circling ab entire quarter.

Giant vines like Inga edulis also are part of this environment. Since the region is an indigenous reservation, both the chief and the xamã are our friends and will guide us through their land.

Day 3

Soon we will reach the Anavilhanas islands. If the labyrinth of some hundred island is intriguing for the visitor, it poses no problem for our native pilot. Navigating by eyesight and experience. He will drop anchor two hours later to visit a cabóclo family. Cabóclos are people who live from the river and the forest by exploiting rationally their environment, practicing a sustainable economy of resource extraction. They are descendants from native Brazilians and either Afro-Brazilians or Europeans.

After acquaintances our group will be shown the manioc plantation, the Brazil nut trees Bertholletia excelsa and exotic fruits. The extraction techniques from the Hevea brasiliens rubber tree and the latex processing, the processing and use of the manioc press and other equipment will impress us because of its simplicity and functionality.

The pristine and untouched region is also appropriated for some survival demonstrations performed by our guides, including identification of eatable and medicinal plants (see notes) animals, water supplies, building of shelter, manufacturing of weaponry and traps from materials of the forest.

Day 4

We continue now our boat ride through the archipelago until we arrive at the Jaú National Park authorities for identification. We will be stopping by the mysterious wall carvings at the Unini River not fully elucidated by science, caves at Madada and the ruins of the abandoned village of Airão Velho. The town was founded during the Rubber Boom period 1879-1912, when it experienced it´s golden age of prosperity. The mercy less jungle has claimed his toll and overtaken most of the mansions of a better time

In the afternoon we take the canoe for wildlife observation inside the igapó with the caboclo chief being our guide. The igapó is a permanently flooded forest and host many species of birds but also monkeys, tapirs, giant otters, anacondas and other mammals and reptiles. To glide silently over the tree tops of a flooded forest is an adventure only possible in the Amazon. We anchor near the Carabinani rapids for overnight.

Note: during the dry season, from October through April, we will not be able to pass the rapids and would have to have to anchor underneath them at the water level control outpost.

Day 5

Early weak up call to watch the beautiful Amazonian sunrise and listen to the early morning song of the birds welcoming a new day in the jungle. Return to the boat for breakfast.

The Tabatinga igarapé is an area farther away from the regular water ways and rich in wildlife, which we want to be observing and photographing during the next days.

The wildlife list of the region includes among other animals, brown–throated and three-toed sloth, giant cayman, several species of monkeys, tapir, giant and lesser anteater, jaguar Felis onca, or the Felis incolor, the puma, eventually anaconda, tarantula, macaws, toucans several kinds of parakeets.

This abundance is obviously not displayed like in a Zoo and we need always luck to be there at the moment when the animals are there too.
Before dinner and armed with flash lights we take our canoe again for a ride through the Tabatinga igarapé for some night fishing. Perhaps a delicious piracurú or jaú will be on the menu for dinner.

There is more adventure in store for tonight as we take the canoe for wildlife search of nocturnal animals and in particular the jacaré açu, the Amazonian giant cayman.

Day 6

Again, we start early today for a long walk into the jungle. With the help of our naturalist guide, we will identify more secrets of the deep forests and learning of the interaction of the species in plant life. Usually, we discover also some rare species of orchids and bromeliads on these hikes.

Take a refreshing bath in the clear water river or just rest in the hammocks and enjoy a relaxing and last afternoon as we are now on our way back to the Anavilhanas archipelago and Novo Airão, estimated to arrive at our Pousada in the late afternoon. 

The Pousada offers hot showers and airconditioned double and single rooms. The group may have dinner either at the pousada or in a restaurant in the town.

Day 7

For the morning we have made arrangements to visit to the Almerindo Malaquia Foundation – a social project, founded by a Swiss master carpenter and a Brazilian idealist, to promote labor by on-the-job-training for local artisans and the youth of the region. At the foundation you can purchase beautiful wooden handicraft made from burned or otherwise wasted Amazonian trees. There is also a shop in town that sells authentic handicraft made by the famous Waimiri-Atroari tribe.

Depending on your flight details we transfer you back to Manaus airport for your return flight and connections.

End of our services.

Notes:

Our itineraries depend on your arrival and departure times. Please consult us before booking your flights.

Changes to the itinerary may become necessary due to weather conditions, regulations of national park authorities and other unexpected occurrences. In case we have to adapt the itinerary on short notice before or during your trip, our clients will be notified immediately. Any necessary adaption of the itinerary will be made to preserve the overall and specific content of the trip.

The Amazon is home to a gigantic, diverse flora. You can find several medicinal plants which are indispensable in modern medicine and form the basis of many contemporary medications. Our guides are skilled in identifying these medicinal plants and can tell you more about them during your trip.

Here is an overview of just a few of the plants you might find during your trip.

• Unha de gato, Uncaria tomentosa:
  Ingredient of medicine to treat tumors with Metastasis, Osteoarthritis, Thrush, Herpes Zoster (Shingles), Rheumatoid Arthtitis and Lupus.
  It is anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving, and strengthens the immune system.
• Saracura mirá, Ampelozizyphus amazonicus:
  For blood purification, prevention and treatment of malaria.
• Xixuá, Maytenus Guyanensis biotonikum:
  Pain-relieving for arthritis and rheumatism.
• Copaiba, Copaifera:
  Natural antibiotic oil for inflammation, stomach ulcers and cancer; the bark of this tree provides cough syrup.
• Quina-quina, Yellow cinchona tree:  
  Cinchona officinalis tea made from quinine bark, used against malaria.
• Leite do Amapá, Brosimum parinarioides/Brosinum potabile/Parahancornia fasciculata, Amapá latex:
  From the bark, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, against rheumatism, Siffilis, stimulant of the nervous system, tonic.
• Escada jabuti, Bauhinia rutulans:
  Tea made from bark and leaves for the treatment of rheumatism, siffilis, and hemorrhoids.

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guest comments

Guest Comment

Max and Irene

Zurich, Switzerland

Dear Peter

The 25 days Amazonia and Pantanal were one of the most impressive trips that we as experienced safari fans have ever experienced. The preliminary talks with you and our clearly defined wishes were very pleasant and creative right from the start, the result culminated in this adventure. Just the dimensions of Amazonia exceed our imagination, and then suddenly to find yourself in a side arm of the Rio Negro, far away from any civilization, pure nature, the voices of the birds, howler monkeys, the blowing of the pink dolphins, simply indescribable!

The crew of the IARA was kind of helpful and always focused on bringing us closer to the beauties of this still pristine nature during day and night stalking. Sloth, anaconda, various species of monkeys, caimans, fishing for piranhas yourself and then enjoying it, that's what we call pure adventure. The kitchen of Si, the cook, was very tasty and varied. Saying goodbye to the lovely people was difficult, but the highlight of our trip was still ahead of us, the sighting of the last big cat we were missing - the jaguar. Already on the first stalk from Porto Jofre, we discovered not one, no, three of the beautiful cats, a female with her two teenagers. Unbelievable, and that at distances of 5-10 meters from a safe boat. More sightings were to follow, we were able to observe a total of 9 different jaguars. But there are also countless cute giant otters, capybaras, caimans and two other anacondas. Endless birds in the idyllic narrow gullies, which always offered something new.

Then the fantastic private flight with the Cessna 206 from Campo Grande from 1h 20 over the wide Pantanal and then the landing directly in front of the Hacienda Pousada das Pedras where we were warmly welcomed by Rita, the lovable and experienced hostess. The newly built, spacious suite rooms and top bathrooms were very appealing, and the kitchen was also extremely tasty, including caipirinhas and wines. Great! Here we should discover the last "missing" animals with our guide and Rita. We were able to sneak up on 2 tapirs and 3 anteaters in Indian style against the wind and take great photos. But also armadillo, pantan fox and swamp deer paid their respects. We could watch hyacinth macaws and toucans right in front of the room from the hammock.

Then it was time to travel back to the civilization of Rio de Janeiro, where we were allowed to enjoy another 4 wonderful days, until we had 2000 photos and 90 videos in our luggage. We said:

Adeus Brazil, foi muito lindo!

Southern Cross and by that, we mean mainly Peter the owner, definitely delivered and never promised too much. The four guides who looked after and guided us all this time were top class. Both as people and as extremely experienced specialists in their field. We were able to learn a lot and take it with us from this fantastic, most biodiverse country on earth, many thanks for everything Peter.

Max and Irene

Verena And Patrick Dengler

Germany

Dear Peter

The 25 days Amazonia and Pantanal were one of the most impressive trips that we as experienced safari fans have ever experienced. The preliminary talks with you and our clearly defined wishes were very pleasant and creative right from the start, the result culminated in this adventure. Just the dimensions of Amazonia exceed our imagination, and then suddenly to find yourself in a side arm of the Rio Negro, far away from any civilization, pure nature, the voices of the birds, howler monkeys, the blowing of the pink dolphins, simply indescribable!

The crew of the IARA was kind of helpful and always focused on bringing us closer to the beauties of this still pristine nature during day and night stalking. Sloth, anaconda, various species of monkeys, caimans, fishing for piranhas yourself and then enjoying it, that's what we call pure adventure. The kitchen of Si, the cook, was very tasty and varied. Saying goodbye to the lovely people was difficult, but the highlight of our trip was still ahead of us, the sighting of the last big cat we were missing - the jaguar. Already on the first stalk from Porto Jofre, we discovered not one, no, three of the beautiful cats, a female with her two teenagers. Unbelievable, and that at distances of 5-10 meters from a safe boat. More sightings were to follow, we were able to observe a total of 9 different jaguars. But there are also countless cute giant otters, capybaras, caimans and two other anacondas. Endless birds in the idyllic narrow gullies, which always offered something new.

Then the fantastic private flight with the Cessna 206 from Campo Grande from 1h 20 over the wide Pantanal and then the landing directly in front of the Hacienda Pousada das Pedras where we were warmly welcomed by Rita, the lovable and experienced hostess. The newly built, spacious suite rooms and top bathrooms were very appealing, and the kitchen was also extremely tasty, including caipirinhas and wines. Great! Here we should discover the last "missing" animals with our guide and Rita. We were able to sneak up on 2 tapirs and 3 anteaters in Indian style against the wind and take great photos. But also armadillo, pantan fox and swamp deer paid their respects. We could watch hyacinth macaws and toucans right in front of the room from the hammock.

Then it was time to travel back to the civilization of Rio de Janeiro, where we were allowed to enjoy another 4 wonderful days, until we had 2000 photos and 90 videos in our luggage. We said :

Adeus Brazil, foi muito lindo!

Southern Cross and by that, we mean mainly Peter the owner, definitely delivered and never promised too much. The four guides who looked after and guided us all this time were top class. Both as people and as extremely experienced specialists in their field. We were able to learn a lot and take it with us from this fantastic, most biodiverse country on earth, many thanks for everything Peter.

Max and Irene

Verena And Patrick Dengler

Germany

Hi Peter,

yes, we arrived back home sound and safe. We had fantastic holidays. Everything went the smoothies possible ways, pick up at the airport, transfers, a wonderful boat and great crew. Thumbs up for everything. It has also been a privilege to have Mo, Your guide, with us. We will highly recommend him and your company. Thank you very much for this outstanding experience.

Our best greetings
Verena and Patrick

Bruni, Rebecca and Clarissa

Heilbronn, Germany

Dear Peter,

back to our everyday life in Germany, we would like to thank Southern Cross Tours & Expeditions sincerely for the excellent organisation of our Amazon tour. My daughters and I loved it – what a contrast to Rio and Sao Paulo. We have returned from the Amazon full of new impressions and great memories. The decision to explore parts of the Anavilhanas and the Jau National park by boat was the only right one, and as you had predicted we did not feel ready to leave this paradise yet after 5 days.

As I said, the trip was amazing. I was sceptical at the beginning, also because of the long distance from Rio. However, my daughter Rebecca was being so stubborn about this, so I finally gave in, and I do not regret this decision. I was simply fascinated and I wish we could have stayed a lot longer. The boat ride was beautiful, informative and very relaxing. No hectic, no tourist crowds, jungle excursions, swimming in the Rio Negro river, no noise, only the sounds of the jungle and its overwhelmingly beautiful nature. Thanks as well to Sebastiana, who has prepared outstandingly delicious meals for us, and of course to Valmir, the Southern Cross Guide who was accompanying us. All of you have contributed in order to make this trip an unforgettable experience for us.

One can only hope that environmental protection will bring about an end to the destruction of this paradise called Amazon rainforest soon.

Antje Weißenberger, Axel Köhler and Johann Pressl

Dresden, Germany

Dear Peter,

its been 4 weeks that we arrived back home from our holidays. If I would have to give a short resume on our Amazon tour I would say: it was something very, very special and a small part of our hearts have remained there. Your guides have decisively contributed to make the time there unforgettable and did everything to make it as pleasant as possible for us.

There was Ben, the always good humoured story teller and there was Keka whom we admired for his always alert senses for that what surrounded us and what we have not been able to detect. His trained eyes and his ear for sounds of the jungle, his patience and instinct to make us actually see the animals of which we have heard only their noises before. Also his cooking skills were extraordinary, when you consider the simplicity of means at hand. The fish we catched ourselves and he cooked to perfection, covering it with a Banana leaf, was something out of this world. Unforgettable.

When the boat glided silently through the Igarapé flooded forest we were totally and absolutely disconnected of the hectic and stressy life back home. We also never thought it possible to go for a swim in a river that is home to anacondas, sting rays, piranhas and cayman. In short, we experienced a pristine jungle first hand - Adventure holiday was what we wanted and what we got.

We also would like to thank you, dear Peter, for the perfect organization and the great guides. We definitely will recommend Southern Cross Tours & Expeditions.

Best greetings

Antje, Hans & Axel

Heike Stock and Matthias Richter

Nürnberg, Germany

Well, the weather was just bad luck but as I said, both of our guides put their shoulders to the wheel to make even. We had many great moments together with Bernhard and Keka.

Except of the misfortune with the Indians we had no complains regarding organization, equipment, guides, the tour,etc. It was a fantastic trip with super competent guides, very good equipment and excellent cuisine. Keka even had packed beer together with the other provisions. It was served ice cold.

Also the Hotel in Manaus was good and our guide Mario there really put in all efforts to show us around in Manaus. All worked out fine and we will recommend the tour.

Regarding the Pantanal we expect to see many animals & as bigger as better. The whole program: anacondas, jaguars, giant anteaters, other snakes, spiders and everything what nature there has to offer.

Judy Kjellman

Hi Peter,

The pictures you sent were great. I look forward to receiving some more .......Good crew and good food.

I especially liked the staff telling us about where they are from.

Accommodations were good both in the hotels and on the boat. Liked visiting the native villages and the wood artisans.

Also, I wouldn't have wanted to miss the village on the last day so it was worth being rushed. And all this time I thought you were an expert on everything! You are right about the cost. When I went on a Lindblad cruise to the Galapagos they had nightly talks about geology, oceanography, animals, plants, etc., but it was an expensive trip and I'm sure they paid those experts well.

It was a good trip with Amazon Travel Brazil and I would recommend it to others. Have a good summer (or I guess its winter for you),

Thanks,

Judy Kjellman

Nancy Jean Lust

Hi Peter,

this is Nancy writing. You asked for feedback on the trip and here it is. I had a blast! As an educator, I found it very interesting that we got to go to some places not typically associated with tourism...like the Manioc farm with explanation of how to make it, and the artisan wood studios. Obviously, I wish we could have done all of the things on the original itinerary (like learning more about how the natives use which plants for what purpose...Day 6), but I understand why we had to deviate from this original plan.

I LIKED travelling on a slow boat, rather than a speed boat. I live in such a fast-paced world, that travelling slowly up the river was just plain relaxing. Plus it makes for better bird watching. I have never taken a trip by boat before, and I've never really been interested in taking your typical "cruise" but this was completely different. Having a small boat, with a small group, is key. If our group had been bigger, I think it would have gotten on my nerves. You would have to wait too long for people to get ready, there would be constant jockeying for position to get the 'great shot' with the camera, and in this instance, small is just generally better. Our size group allowed us to all get to know each other, without overly separating into cliques. So, despite the fact that more people might be more profitable ...I would recommend keeping the boat and group size small.

As far as the itinerary, one thing that I might try to intentionally plan for is a shopping excursion in Manaus. When I go overseas, I usually try to get some of my Christmas shopping done, and while I appreciated and purchased several items from the local Indians and from the stores in Novo Airão, it would be fun to see what the city had to offer.

Thanks again to Amazon Travel Brazil for helping us to have such a wonderful experience in the Amazon!

Nancy Jean Lust

J.D.Scheurer

Crozet, France

Hello Peter,

My trip went well with some floating times, without gravity. After 2 weeks in Venezuela, I crossed the border in night bus, I joined Manaus, 11 hours of travel but very comfortable. The Seringal Hotel great location and comfortable. I attended two performances at the Amazonas Theatre, costume contest for the carnival, lots of atmosphere.

It was expected Anavilhanas 7 days but after 5 days we returned to Novo Airão, according Gean guidelines. The problem has been resolved and we left two days in the forest, in a very interesting place. We found 3 friendly natives, we could fish in the igarape.

Return to Manaus. Flight to Salvador, visiting the city with a very interesting guide and French. A good day, I tasted the specialities of Bahia. The hotel also good, near the historic centre.

Departure to Lençóis in comfortable bus. Eight fantastic days with Tony, a very friendly guide, which has a lot of charisma also very available. I learned a lot with Tony, he knows the Chapada as his pocket! Chapada is great, only negative there was little water in the rivers, the Cachoeira da Fumaça was dry, not a drop of water, damage!

Back in Salvador, tired, many km. up and down, and more hot, fortunately rivers for swimming.

Dense trip went too fast but very satisfied with this trip to Brazil. I still have many places to see in this country. I think go next year in the Pantanal, but as usual take my time, several days, no express trip.

Best greetings.
J. D. Scheurer

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prices & dates

Prices and Travel Dates

Best time to travel

The tour takes place throughout the year. Recommended time for travelling is June - November.

Difficulty level

Easy jungle hikes. Normal physical fitness required

Climate

Equatorial, average 80 % humidity, hot average + 25° C, precipitation 3,496 mm/year!

To bring and clothing

Clothing should include two set of shorts, shirts with long sleeve, light cotton socks, swim wear, several sets of t-shirts and underwear, rain cape, warm clothing for the night. Solid rubber trekking sandals to ford or bath in creeks, streams are recommended for hiking.

Equipment

travel bag pack and small attack bag pack for day hikes, sleeping bag, termo flask, binocular, photo equipment, flash light, Swiss army knife or similar,hut, sunglasses, insect repellent.

Health

Vaccines mandatory: yellow fever, hepatitis, tetanus.

Vaccines not mandatory: malaria prophylaxis.

Drinking water

Mineral water available

First aid

Granted by guides, bring your personal medicine.

Meals

Fresh meat and fish, soups, rice, beans, pasta, fresh vegetables, crackers, cookies, biscuits, banana and guava sweets, coffee, tea, milk.

Payment conditions

Upon confirmation a deposit of 30% to our German bank account becomes due. The remaining amount must be deposited on our account 30 days before beginning of journey. The dead-line for reservations is 40 days.

Disclaimer of warranty

This journey has the character of a light expedition. Rivers and rainforest replace highways, streets and roads. The conditions which are encountered on route will be completely new for the traveller. A correct attitude and mental preparedness for a different and fascinating environment is imperative. The unexpected can happen, whereupon the traveller is expected to react flexible and, depending on the situation, relaxed or immediately. The guides with their knowledge of the environment, are experienced trekkers and expedition leaders and absolutely reliable. The willingness of the traveller to cooperate and interact tolerantly with other participants is required also in strenuous situations. As operator we disclaim ourselves of any warranty for any risk during this journey.

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