Brazilian Amazon by Boat

14 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
This unique trip is dedicated solely to discovering the rich ecosystem of the Amazon, journeying between the cities of Belem and Manaus by a variety of boat. We sail along the unimaginably wide Amazon River, as well as down tributaries along the Rio Negro. Don't expect high comfort levels - this is a trip for an active traveller who is prepared for heat, humi...
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$5,449
From$4,430
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Discover the rich ecosystem of the Amazon by boat
    • See the white-sand beaches of Alter do Chao
    • Find the pink river dolphin and enormous waterlillies on the Rio Negro

What's this trip about?

    This unique trip is dedicated solely to discovering the rich ecosystem of the Amazon, journeying between the cities of Belem and Manaus by a variety of boat. We sail along the unimaginably wide Amazon River, as well as down tributaries along the Rio Negro. Don't expect high comfort levels - this is a trip for an active traveller who is prepared for heat, humidity and simple accommodation with the aim of experiencing something extraordinary. Stargazing - Relax in a hammock on deck, beneath a sea of shimmering stars FLONA Reserve - Walk on forest trails, visit the Jamaraqua community and learn about the history of rubber in the Amazon Rio Negro - Sail around tiny islands, visit a caboclo community and find floating Victoria Regia waterlillies on this offshoot of the Amazon River

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBelem, Brazil
End CityManaus

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • South America
  • Brazil

Attractions

  • Amazon River
  • Manaus
  • Rio de Janeiro

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Belem

Arrive in Belem, the Amazon's port city, situated at the Guaraja Bay in the eastern part of the vast Amazon delta. In the late 1800s, the city owed much of its wealth to the burgeoning rubber trade, and we see this history played out in the number of colonial-era bui...

Day 2 Walking tour of Belem; chance to visit the Goeldi Museum

This morning, a local guide will navigate us through some of the city's main sights, introducing us to the portuguese-tiled houses and beautiful baroque churches of the city centre. One of the most noteworthy attractions is certainly the Ver-o-Peso market with its dis...

Day 3 Public boat to Marajo Island; explore the village and the beach

Rising early this morning we drive out of the city to the ferry port to catch our public ferry across to Marajo Island, a land mass in the Amazon River Delta that is bigger than the Netherlands. The ferry journey takes approximately two-and-a-half to three hours, and ...

Day 4 Full day discovering the farmlife on Marajo Island

The open grasslands of Marajo Island flood during the rainy months, creating a year-round wetland habitat that is excellent for wildlife spotting. It is particularly well known for its water buffalo - the story goes that some 150 years ago, a ship heading for the West...

Day 5 Return to Belem; begin 3 night boat trip from Belem to Santarem

We head back to Belem this morning, this time taking the smaller boats direct to the hidrioviario in the centre of Belem. The faster journey gets us into Belem in just under two hours and we have lunch before returning to the port to board our second boat of the trip ...

Day 6 On the boat; watch life on the Amazon pass by; stargazing

This first day on board takes us through narrow waterways with abundant rainforest, and typical 'caboclo' dwellings on stilts, built to cope with the fluctuating water levels. Caboclo communities are descended from the mixture of the indigenous populations and the whi...

Day 7 On the boat; watch life on the Amazon pass by; stargazing

This morning we awake on the mighty Amazon proper, 10-15km wide in parts, finding ourselves observing both banks at a distance and taking in the atmosphere. One of the highlights of this trip is the sky at night - away from city lights, we have unparalleled stargazing...

Day 8 Dock at Santarem; travel to the river beaches of Alter do Chao

We leave the boat this morning in the port town of Santarem, and drive immediately 35km south to the laid-back town of Alter do Chao. Best known for its beautiful white-sandy beaches, visible at low tide, and transparent waters (an unusual site for anyone expecting th...

Day 9 Visit FLONA, the National Forest Reserve

Today we have a full day trip to the FLONA (National Forest) nature reserve. A massive protected area of primary rainforest, FLONA gives us the opportunity to learn about the delicate ecosystems that exist in the Amazon, as the passionate local guides give an in-depth...

Day 10 Fly to Manaus and board private boat

This morning is free to enjoy the final hours along the river at Alter do Chao. In the afternoon we transfer to Santarem airport and fly to Manaus (taking into account the time zone change, this journey takes a mere 10 minutes!), before heading to the port to board ou...

Day 11 Rio Negro boat trip; visit indigenous communities

During the course of the 3 days on board the boat, there are a whole range of excursions that will allow us to thoroughly explore this Amazon region. Throughout the boat trip we will be seeing the huge Victoria Regia water lily, birdwatching and hopefully spotting pin...

Day 12 Rio Negro boat trip; sail through the Anavilhanas archipelago of 1000 islands

Our final full day on the boat brings our Amazon exploration to an end, and hopefully we will have caught a glimpse of 'the real thing'. Our ideas of the Amazon are so often glamorised - weird and wonderful birds flying overhead, animals popping out of the forest cano...

Day 13 Arrival in Manaus; visit the Opera House and the Meeting of the Waters

This afternoon we disembark in Manaus, where we spend the rest of the day. Although Manaus is generally blown through by travellers who use it as the jumping off point for Amazon trips, it's worth staying for a look at one of the country's most impressive buildings - ...

Day 14 Trip ends in Manaus

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Manaus. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Manaus at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel, and this is the perf...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,430
Price per day$316
Last Updated: 5/10/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
18 May 2024
31 May 2024
$4,510
$780
5 spots left
21 Sep 2024
04 Oct 2024
$4,430
$780
11 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,777
Great
2,252
Average
379
Disappointing
120
Terrible
57
R

Ruth

Dec 2023

Written on

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

Time on the charter boat at Manaus area.

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2023

Written on

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

This was a memorable trip for many of the wrong reasons and a few of the right ones. Accommodation- in many respects it is a backpacker trip in terms of quality of...

L

Lark.

Oct 2023

Written on

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

An amazing trip - highly recommended! The river, tour leader, nature and wildlife were fantastic!

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat, Flight,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat, Flight
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Brazil: Visas are not required for UK or New Zealand citizens. They are, however, required for Canadian, Australian and US citizens. Citizens from Canada, Australia and the US can now get their visa for Brazil online. Applications can be done here - https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/ Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. There is currently an outbreak of Yellow Fever in Brazil. Yellow fever is recommended for those travelling to Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Bahia, Iguazu falls and inland cities such as Brasilia.Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 13
  • Dinner : 6
  • Lunch : 6
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-BAM

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