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“I just wanted to thank our guides Edson and Anselmo once again for making my trip to the Amazon SO wonderful and memorable. I had dreamed of exploring the area for a very long time, and I can honestly say that ,thanks to these guides professionalism, amazing knowledge, patience and excellent English , my visit exceeded all my expectations. I even cried with happiness on the flight on the way home, which happens very rarely".
B.M. Surrey, July 2019
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Brazil - Amazon Wildlife Cruise
Tour Code: BRA07A 10-day wildlife holiday, including a 7-night cruise into the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, visiting the Anavilhanas Archipelago and Jaú National Park.
10 days
from
£6,895 (Inc flights)
£6,895 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£6,195
£6,195
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
A staggering 10% of all species known to science occur in the Amazon, and we have designed this Amazon cruise specially to maximise the chances of encountering some of this superb tropical wilderness’s most prized fauna! We begin with a flight to Sao Paulo and then to Manaus, in Brazil. We will then board the ‘Iracema’, our comfortable river cruiser, which will be our floating home for the next seven nights. We will head deep into the Amazon rainforest, visiting two of Brazil’s finest national parks in search of its superb birdlife, including Festive Parrot, Hoatzin and Agami Heron. Next, we head to the remote Jaú National Park where an incredible variety of wildlife awaits us including 14 species of primate, macaws, King Vulture and Guianan Toucanet. Equipped with camera-traps, an onboard drone and spotlights, we will look for wildlife at a wide range of times of the day during our cruise. After a wonderful eight days along the Amazon, we will visit a small traditional village before returning to Manaus and our onward journeys.
- Over 400 mammal species & 1,300 bird species occur in the Amazon!
- Exclusive charter aboard ‘Iracema’, a comfortable river cruiser with en suite cabins
- Maximum of 18 passengers (on a boat with capacity for 22)
- Led by expert local (English-speaking) naturalist guides
- Includes a 7-night guided Amazon River cruise
- See 3-metre wide Giant Water Lilies & travel deep into the Amazon rainforest
- Explore the Anavilhanas Archipelago National Park in small motorised canoes
- Agami Heron, Festive Parrot & Amazonian Umbrellabird, Anavilhanas waterways
- Both Pink and Grey River Dolphins, Squirrel Monkey, Golden-backed Uakari, Hoatzin, Great Jacamar, Toco Toucan & Harpy Eagle among possible avian highlights
- Jau night-time cruises to spotlight for nocturnal wildlife
- Visit to the Tukano tribe to enjoy ceremonial dancing & a banquet
- Onboard drone & camera-traps to increase the range of wildlife seen
Grading
Grade A. A range of gentle walks and boat safaris.
The Amazon. The very name conjures up images of endless tropical wilderness and of lost worlds awaiting discovery by intrepid explorers. The Amazon basin is vast, covering an area as large as the lower 48 states of the USA, and, even today, 78% is still covered in lush rainforest.
A staggering 10% of all species known to science occur here, amongst them over 400 species of mammal and an incredible 1,300 bird species! To actually see any of this natural abundance is, however, an altogether different matter, and the unfortunate reality of many Amazon cruises is that very little wildlife is actually seen … until now, that is! Through a combination of field research and analysis of academic studies undertaken in the region, Naturetrek has pioneered a new wildlife cruise which maximises our chances of encountering some of the Amazon’s most prized fauna.
Our adventure begins with a flight to São Paulo in Brazil, then another to Manaus. Here we board the delightful 30-metre ‘Iracema’, our exclusively chartered liveaboard river cruiser and our home for the next seven nights. First, we will journey a short distance downstream to witness one of Brazil’s natural wonders, the ‘Meeting of the Waters’. This is the point at which two titan tributaries of the Amazon River, the light-coloured Rio Solimões and the darker Rio Negro, converge to form a remarkable bi-coloured stretch of water that flows for several miles before the waters mix to become one colour. Leaving this unique aquatic spectacle behind, we will spend the late afternoon viewing the magnificent 3-metre-wide Giant Water Lilies before continuing our journey up the Rio Negro, leaving the hustle and bustle of Manaus behind and cruising into the early hours.
Over the next four days we will travel ever further into the depths of the Amazon, passing through pristine rainforest and visiting two of Brazil’s finest Amazonian National Parks. The first of these is the stunningly beautiful Anavilhanas Archipelago. Occupying an area of over 300,000 hectares, which includes over 400 river islands, Anavilhanas is the world’s largest freshwater archipelago and a haven for birdlife. Taking to small motorised canoes we will navigate our way through the maze of waterways and uninhabited islands, hoping to find such species as the stunning Agami Heron, the localised Festive Parrot and the bizarre looking Amazonian Umbrellabird. As dusk falls we can expect to see large numbers of Band-tailed Nighthawks descending on the river in search of flying insects.
Continuing our cruise up the Rio Negro we enter the remote and little-explored Jaú National Park where we spend three nights. Covering 2.3 million hectares, Jaú National Park is the largest forest reserve in South America and home to an incredible array of species from both Pink and Grey River Dolphins to Jaguars. Though we would have to be very fortunate to encounter the latter, it is possible to see dolphins throughout the cruise; indeed several pods have become habituated to humans and offer the chance of an incredible close-up experience. Over 14 species of primate have also been recorded in the park and we have an excellent chance of finding Squirrel and Red Howler Monkeys, Golden-faced Saki and the stunning Golden-backed Uakari. Avian delights are likely to include several species of colourful macaw, plus Hoatzin, Great Jacamar, Guianan Toucanet, Toco Toucan and, with luck, a King Vulture or the elusive Harpy Eagle.
During our time in Jaú National Park we will head out at first light and in the late afternoon, either by canoe or on foot, taking advantage of the most productive times of the day and then retreating to the comfort of the ‘Iracema’ in the midday heat. We also plan to undertake several cruises after dark, giving us the opportunity to spotlight for the creatures of the night. It is at this time that the rainforest can seem at its most alive and we will immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of the forest after dark. Equipped with camera traps and a drone on board, our efforts to see and record the wildlife will extend well beyond the limitations of the human eye and ear.
Our return journey back to Manaus will allow us to explore Anavilhanas Archipelago further, and we will conclude our cruise with a visit to a small traditional village of the Tukano tribe, where we will be treated to a display of ceremonial dancing and a dinner banquet — a fitting tribute to a unique and special journey into the very heart of the Amazon basin.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London.
Day 2
Arrive Manaus & begin cruise.
Day 3
Anavilhanas Archipelago.
Day 4/6
Jau National Park.
Day 7/8
Anavilhanas Archipelago.
Day 9
Disembark in Manaus and fly London.
Day 10
Arrive London.
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
For this cruise we have exclusively chartered the Iracema, a comfortable 24-berth river cruiser which features
12 comfortable twin cabins, each with upper and lower berths and private facilities. Whilst the Iracema can carry up to 24 passengers, our cruise will be limited to only 18. For additional information please refer to
the tour itinerary. - Food:
All included in the price with the exception of meals in Manaus. Allow £20.
Reviews
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A wildlife Amazon Cruise with 11 people + crew, we sailed at night and explored in canoes during the day. With no expectations of what we would see every day was an adventure. I loved the peace and quiet as well.
R.P. Wiltshire, Aug 18 -
Paulo Barreiros in particular was brilliant! He is both very knowledgeable and has a very friendly, engaging manner. His help did not end at the end of the cruise, as he also travelled with those of us transferring to the 'Just Jaguars' tour and stayed with us on the flights until we met our driver in Cuiaba. The combination of the riverboat and the smaller canoes used for wildlife viewing enabled us to see a great variety of wildlife (with the expert help of our tour leaders). The most enjoyable part for me was the opportunity to visit such remote and rarely seen parts of Amazonia. Overall an excellent tour.
G.H. Cambridgeshire -
The boat crew and catering were outstanding but the star for me was Paulo Barreiros who was always available with his encyclopaedia knowledge and good humour. The canoe trip with Eduardo in the Amazon was not just incredible but totally magical and enchanting.
J.P. Hampshire -
I think the itinerary was exactly what was hoping for, i.e. genuine exploration of remote, pristine wilderness. This to me was very exciting. The boat was very comfortable, the food excellent. Trips out in small canoes was definitely a highlight. The other highlight was a trip to the rapids. Unforgettable sunrises and sunsets- a very special experience.
A.E. Greater Manchester -
It was one of the best wildlife holidays ever. There was so much to see. We cruised to some truly remote Amazon tributaries which we explored in small canoes with just the wildlife for company. We were constantly rewarded with sightings of pink river dolphins, monkeys, sloths and an overwhelming variety of tropical birds. A highlight was a flight of 12 scarlet macaws flying across the river in front of the boat with the morning light emphasising the brilliance of their scarlet and blue plumage.
Z.M. Dorset -
We cruised the Rio Negro experiencing the uniqueness of Amazonia and all the wildlife, sharing sightings and stories with like-minded travellers. Guided by knowledgeable and patient guides and our every need was catered for by an exceptional and caring crew. No-one fell in(!) and on the dawn explorations by canoe the only man-made sounds were from the gentle splashing of paddles and the occasional camera shutter - we had forgotten what pure silence is like! For us this has to be one of the best holiday experiences ever.
P.E. Surrey -
The variety of both mammals and birds as well as cultural interest made this a great trip. The flashlight spotting after dark was particularly enjoyable. Paulo, our leader, was so knowledgeable and sensitive towards the creatures. He greatly enhanced our experience.
Mr & Mrs M. Dorset -
The Amazonia experience of wildlife, so much water and trees. Not seeing another tourist for the whole week was great. The way local villagers are being encouraged to conserve wildlife rather than eat it all. The whole timetable ran very much to timetable and all transport was where it should be at the right time.
L.B. Berkshire -
It was fantastic travelling so far up the Rio Grande, we didn't see another tourist after leaving the outskirts of Manaus until our return. I felt very privileged to see the golden-backed uakari monkeys as well as another 5 monkey species. Sloths seemed to be everywhere and we saw lots of wonderful wildlife. The guide, Paulo, was very knowledgeable. Like-minded people in the group and a good tour leader and local host made this a very enjoyable week.
C.H. Berkshire -
The trip was well organised by Paulo, the crew worked hard to make it a great success. Good sightings of birds and mammals from ship and canoes, everywhere was so green and lush. I enjoyed the night trips by canoe, it was so quiet and peaceful and to see nocturnal wildlife was magic.
E.L. Merseyside -
Paulo Barreiros was brilliant as was his knowledge. This trip was absolutely fantastic. Loved every second of the experience. I enjoyed everything about this holiday and the Amazon from swimming in the Meeting of the Waters and with the Pink River Dolphins, to the wide variety of bird life and animals especially the Sloths. The word that I use to describe my experience is simply WOW.
K.D. Lanarkshire -
The boat was wonderful - the owner and crew couldn't have been more helpful, and it was all quite perfect. I loved having the dawn trips in the canoes, setting off at dark in perfect silence, just the quiet splash of the oars in the water, and watching the sun rise and birds start to fly and sing - and hear the howler monkeys roaring. I also loved being in the water with the pink river dolphins. But I also liked cruising on the boat - it was all really good.
E.H. Surrey -
The opportunity to experience Amazonia and all the resident wildlife, and to share the experience with like-minded travellers.
Mr & Mrs E. Surrey -
I found the exploration of the vast Amazon wilderness an exhilarating experience. I enjoyed the feeling of isolation, peacefulness, calm waters - an antidote to the business and stress of life. The crew, the guides and the experience of our boat home was great. Swimming with pink river dolphins was wonderful.
H.J. Norfolk -
Many highlights but best was being taken through flooded forest in small canoes to search for golden backed uakaris under the guidance of local expert, Siba. Boat owner Mo's characterful persona was a distinct plus! A predawn ride in small boats under the stars was conducted in an hour's silence - rare with a Naturetrek (or any) group and all the more precious for that reason. The number of small boat excursions was good.
D.S. Surrey -
I thoroughly enjoyed the many canoe trips at dawn, dusk and during the day, making this holiday a leisurely conducted intense wildlife experience. The Iracema crew were an outstanding group of dedicated, kind and helpful people, and the overall experience is one to remember and cherish for many years to come, even well after all next Naturetrek trips I hope to join in the future.
J.D.K. The Netherlands
Extensions
Rio de Janeiro Extension
Rio acted as the capital of Brazil until 1960 and is home to some of Brazil's most famous tourist attractions such as Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) and the Christ the Redeemer statue (Corcovado). A stay in Rio will allow you to capture the essence of Brazil as found nowhere else in the country.
Price on Request
Iguazu Falls Extension
Located on the Brazilian border with Argentina and Paraguay, Iguazú is often regarded as one of the greatest waterfalls in the world. Standing over 30 metres taller than the Niagara Falls, their location within the Iguazú National Park surrounds them with a wealth of wildlife and bird species, many of which can be observed via exploring the park's extensive network of walking trails.
Price on Request
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 5th Aug – Thu 14th Aug
SPACES
£6,895
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,195
Room sharing options:
If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.
Female sharing available
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Please note that cabin grades are subject to availability. We recommend phoning the office before booking to confirm that your preference is available.
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[description] => Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Wildlife Cruise Holidays
The oceans are one of the last great wilderness areas left on our planet. Travelling by sea on a nature cruise represents the best way to see many of the world’s wildlife spectacles, as there are still wildlife paradises that are accessible by sea but cannot yet be reached by air.
Naturetrek wildlife cruises offer:
- A range of cruising experiences, from exclusively chartered 50-berth expedition ships to smaller motor yachts & schooners
- Arctic & Antarctic nature cruises in ships with specially strengthened hulls
- Each voyage is accompanied by expert naturalists
- Wide range of wildlife cruises from five continents
We have been running wildlife cruises for over 30 years and if your image of cruising is endless deck quoits or bingo, think again! A life on the ocean waves can be a permit to witness scenes of natural splendour that most people will only ever see on their television screens.
A selection of our most popular wildlife cruises:
- Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands – Unique 2-week Galapagos nature cruise aboard a 16-berth schooner in search of the confiding birds, mammals & reptiles that inhabit these islands made so famous by Darwin
- The Sub-Antartic Islands of New Zealand – Penguins, marine mammals & seabirds (Tailormade)
- Spitsbergen - Realm of the Polar Bear – Polar Bears, Walruses & seabirds
- Baja California – Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, thousands of dolphins & other marine life, plus San Ignacio’s friendly Grey Whales
- Kamchatka Peninsula – Pacific Ocean seabird colonies, spectacular volcanic scenery & over a dozen species of auks, plus Steller’s Sea Eagle, Siberian Rubythroats & much more (Tailormade)
- Brahmaputra Cruise, India – Unique nature cruise visiting Kaziranga & other National Parks
Our specialist recommends...
"If you love whales and dolphins I’d recommend our Baja & Sea of Cortez nature cruise. The world’s largest concentration of cetaceans is found here, but book early as this tour sells out fast. I’d also suggest ‘Spitsbergen – Realm of the Polar Bear’ for a spectacular combination of wildlife and scenery.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Mammal Watching Holidays
Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.
Our specialist recommends...
"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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