L A D A T C O    T O U R S
	HOME	South America	Central America	Falkland Islands	Antarctica	Unique Destinations	Unique Experiences	Newsstand	e-mail

BRAZILIAN AMAZON RAINFOREST M/Y TUCANO Heart of the Amazon 7-night cruise Amazon Odyssey 4-night cruise Family Departures Tucano style cruising About the ship Deck Plan Map Frequently Asked Questions

"Amazon Odyssey"
5-day / 4-night - Monday - Friday

 

The Amazon Odyssey explores the two different worlds of the Amazon: the timeless wilderness rainforests of the Rio Negro and the vibrant forests of the Amazon River, teeming with life. These are the most storied rivers in all of the Amazon and on our journey we will experience the sharp contrasts of the two largest rivers in the world.

MONDAY - DAY 1
This afternoon we embark on the Motor Yacht Tucano in Manaus, Brasil. We depart on the Rio Negro and as the vessel glides upstream we will have our first talk about Amazon environments. By late afternoon we enter one of the world’s largest river island systems, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. The boat will weave along a winding channel with rainforest on both sides in a riot of brilliant vegetation. Weather permitting, we will go for an excursion in the gnarled and dense flooded forest known as the Igapó. Along the river bank we may see some Squirrel Monkeys and we may hear the other-worldly growls of Howler Monkeys echoing through the primitive rainforest. The Amazon has one of the greatest collection of birds in the world and we are sure to see some of these brightly colored jewels perched in the treetops.

We return to the M/Y Tucano for hors d’oeuvres on the observation deck and a toast to the rainforest sunset. Following dinner we will embark in our launches in search of nocturnal creatures such as the Caiman, the Amazon’s crocodilians. We may also see one of the large night birds such as a Potoo with its bulging eyes and large mouth adapted to swallow the huge Mariposa Moths, (D)

TUESDAY - DAY 2
Shortly after sunrise this morning we explore the strange environment called the Igapó, the black water flooded forest. At mid-morning we should go for a walk in type of high Amazon forest known as the Terra Firme. Today we will also have a late afternoon excursion weather permitting we will have a night excursion in our ship’s launches.

Later this evening our vessel will weigh anchor and we will voyage downstream through the night to the Xiborena Peninsula that divides the two of the world’s most storied rivers: the Rio Negro and the Amazon River.

WEDNESDAY - DAY 3
Rising early, we will excursion in the Lago Janauari Ecological Park, a dense forest that is flooded with the coffee colored water of the Amazon River. We explore a labyrinth of small channels overhung with gargantuan trees and vines. Listening to the chatter of creatures in the undergrowth we also keep our eyes open for monkeys, Three Toed Sloths, and the occasional Collared Anteater. By mid morning we return to the M/Y Tucano for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax. By late morning we foray off the vessel again to explore this environment rich in life.

Near midday, following lunch, we navigate downstream to the “Encontra das Aguas”, the several mile long joining of two of the world’s greatest rivers, the Rio Negro and The Amazon. The dark and light waters run side by side for several miles without mixing. Often Pink River Dolphins and also Grey River Dolphins leap and cavort along this stark line of contrasting currents. We then will begin to navigate upstream on the Amazon River until the late afternoon. On Brasilian maps this river is given the name Rio Solimões - but it is the same vast, turbulent, mighty river that we know of as the Amazon. At this point in its course it has truly become the most magnificent river on the planet and carries fully 20% of all the fresh water on Earth.

We will travel upstream on the Amazon River into the late afternoon destined for a channel on the south bank of the Amazon where, conditions permitting, we can access a large lake called Lago Janauacá. Here we encounter a new and fascinating environment known as the Varzea. In our launches we glide down narrow channels where we expect to see creatures found only on the South side of the Amazon River. Tonight we will foray out in our launches to hunt for nocturnal life. In the beam of our powerful spotlights we should see the glowing eyes of Caiman, the Amazon’s crocodiles. (BLD)

THURSDAY - DAY 4
This morning we will scout for more of the bizarre creatures of the Amazon. On our mid-morning excursion we visit a local homesteaders and walk through their gardens and learn how traditions help families survive in the remote interior. Time permitting we will also visit one of the river towns where trade still thrives in goods that have been grown, caught, or collected in this vast rainforest.

During lunch we turn the bows of the M/Y Tucano downstream on the Amazon River and we will navigate east with the swift current. Through the afternoon we weave in and out of islands that dot the North bank of the river and we will enjoy vistas of forest and homesteads along the river banks. In the late afternoon we should be near the Rio Negro and we will venture out for one more excursion along a narrow channel called Parana Xiborena or we will return to Lago Janauari Ecological Park. At sunset we slowly ascend the Rio Negro, cruising along but not stopping at the Porto de Manaus, one of the world’s great ports. More than a thousand miles from the sea, Manaus is the major port for much of the entire Amazon. We will see boats of every imaginable shape and purpose that serve this continent sized forest. Tonight we will sample the national drink of Brasil, the Caipirinha and have a farewell dinner. (BLD)

FRIDAY - DAY 5
Early this morning travelers will disembark the vessel at the riverside dock of the Hotel Tropical. (B)

Please note that the day to day schedule must be considered approximate. Due to changing river levels and weather considerations, features and vessel course are altered and adapted to fit existing circumstances.

Degree of Difficulty: Good health is necessary. Though the trip does not include endurance hiking, participants should be able feel comfortable walking at a leisurely pace for 2 to 3 hours at a time.