Brazil: Treasures of the Amazon

This private full day tour takes you to the two major landmarks of Rio, in fact of Brazil: Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain. Begin the tour by riding the cog-wheel train up Corcovado Mountain to reach the spectacular view at the summit. Marvel at the Christ the Redeemer statue, built at the top of the mountain and gaze down on the entire city of Rio de Janeiro. Next visit the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, reaching the top by cable car. From your view at the top look out on the glittering waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful beaches below. (08:00-16:00, Timing can vary and will be reconfirmed on the ground. Private Activity, Lunch included)

Explore Manaus’ past and present on this engaging tour of the city. Visit the Municipal Market home to a large variety of stunning regional products including fish, fruits and herbs found only in the Amazon. View the Government Place and typical houses built on stilts over the many creeks that traverse the region before visiting the floating docks, symbols of Manaus’ commercial connection to the rivers of the Amazon. Finish at the Amazon Opera House, the primary symbol of the city’s golden age during the rubber boom at the end of the 19th century. Admire the splendor of that epic period. (Duration 4 hours. Private Activity)

Explore the Amazon Rainforest, encounter fantastic wildlife and take canoe rides along jungle waterways. After being picked up from Tefe, transfer to the pier for a cruise to the lodge. Sail across the Solimoes River, gliding past riverside communities. Once you check in, lunch is followed by a guided hike through the Amazon varzea forest, home to about 1,000 flood-tolerant tree species. After dinner, attend a presentation on the history of the Mamiraua Reserve. Day two begins with a jungle trek to view wildlife including howler and squirrel monkeys, and the red-faced, bald uakaris. Then, try your hand at piranha fishing and proceed for a night trail or boat ride, to experience the nocturnal wonders of the bush. The next day, follow your naturalist guide through the woodland, where you are likely to spot colorful macaws and toucans. Later, go on an excursion to Mamiraua Lake to see pink and gray river dolphins and caimans. On the fourth day, get to an early start with a morning visit to a traditional floating village. Here, interact with the locals and learn about their customs and lifestyle. Step into a stilt dwelling and learn about the construction techniques used, before taking a canoe ride to catch piranha, jungle style. In the evening, a researcher from a nearby project station will give a lecture on the area’s biodiversity. On day five, transfer to the airport and head back home. (Duration: 5 days/4 nights; Shared activities & transfers; Group size: max 6 ppl; Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy-moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Operates subject to weather conditions)

Embark on an exciting birdwatching adventure in the Amazon Rainforest. Upon arrival at Tefe airport, take a 1.5-hour boat trip to the lodge. After you check in and have lunch, explore the surroundings by motor launch and see flocks of herons, cormorants and short-tailed parrots. Begin day two with an early morning nature walk. After breakfast, head out for an ornithologist-led hike through the Amazon varzea forest, home to about 1,000 flood-tolerant tree species. While here, keep an eye out for the scarlet-crowned barbet and the wattled curassow. In the night, venture out on a canoe ride in search of nocturnal avifauna such as the great potoo and tawny-bellied screech owl. On the third day, ramble again into the varzea forest where you could chance upon the razor-billed curassow, chestnut-capped puffbird and plumbeous anthill. Later, go on a boat excursion to Mamiraua Lake to see pink and gray river dolphins and black caimans. While returning, keep your eyes peeled for howler and squirrel monkeys, and the red-faced, bald uakaris. The next day, spend time spotting birds at the water’s edge of the Solimoes River. The islands of the river are a haven for tui parakeets, white-bellied spinetails and lesser wagtail-tyrants. Later, traverse a trail near the resort to spot the slate-colored hawk, colorful toucans and macaws. On day five, after breakfast, transfer to the airport to conclude your trip. (Duration: 5 days/4 nights; Shared activities & transfers; Group size: max 6 ppl; Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy-moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Operates subject to weather conditions)

During your cruise explore the Rio Negro and Amazon Rivers. Experienced naturalists guide you on this epic adventure. On day one depart from Manaus in the afternoon and head north up the Rio Negro. On day two travel through the Anavilhanas Archipelago disembarking for different excursions through the rainforest. Day three starts back down the Rio Negro, stopping along the way for excursions into the jungle. On day four view the meeting of the Rio Negro and Amazon River with their different color waters side by side without mixing for several kilometers. Finally, on day five return to Manaus in the morning.

Master the art of making traditional Brazilian dishes on this enjoyable tour. Set out in the mid-morning or later to spend the next few hours perfecting secret techniques under the guidance of an expert chef. Choose to make feijoada, a stew with meat and black beans, or Bahian-style moqueca, a seafood stew made with coconut milk. For dessert, try either brigadeiro, a chocolate dessert, or cheese and guava paste. You’ll be working with recipes that incorporate ingredients that are available across the globe, in case you’d like to recreate the magic back home. Pick up helpful tips and hear about the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Brazilian gastronomy, from your chef. Once the dishes are ready, sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor before you head back. (Only possible from Mon – Sat; Duration: 4 hours; Time: between 10am and 9pm; Private activity & transfers; Meals included; lunch/dinner; Fitness level: easy; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)