The Naturalist - Best of Eco programs

( 5 Star )

Visit: Manaus - Cuiaba - Pantanal - Iguassu Falls - Sao Paulo

Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

Manaus - Capital of Amazonas, the largest state in Brazil, is a modern city. It is also the ideal point of departure for visiting the rest of the Amazon region. Tour boats leave Manaus to see the Meeting of the Waters, where the black waters of the Negro River meet the light waters of the Solimoes River, flowing side by side without mixing for several miles. Visitors can also explore river banks and "igarapes", swim and canoe in placid lakes or simply walk in the lush forest.Arrive in Manaus - transfer to hotel Overnight at selected hotel

This morning, Half day city tour of Manaus - Visit to some typical neighborhoods in Manaus with a stop at the Rio Negro Palace, where the local Mayor lives, visit to the Indian Museum, where we can see some of the tradition, objects and costumes used by this people. After that, visit to the Teatro Amazonas (Opera House), the mainly tourist spot in the city.In the afternoon, board the Amazon Clipper Premium boat, for a 3 nights cruise on the Amazon Forest (Departures only on Wednesdays). Leaves the Hotel Tropical landing-stage at 02:30 pm. Presentation on board of the staff, route and facilities.Navigation to the Ariau river (tributary of Rio Negro). Canoe trip shortly before sunset, returning after dark, with the possibility of observing nocturnal animals and perceive the change in the forest as night falls. Dinner. Navigation to Açu-Creck or nearby tributaries. Overnight at selected hotel

Walk in the forest with commentaries by specialists. Observation of flora. Visit to a "Caboclo" family. Change to see the local way of life, preparation of manioc flour (the staple food stuff of the Amazon), the health and education situation of children, etc. Lunch.Navigation through the Anavilhanas Archipelago. Visit to the small, isolated town of Novo Airão with opportunity to see local boat building sawmills, market, sometimes the commerce of palm-fiber and ornamental fish, and other activities. Navigation. Dinner.Night trip to see Caymans and possibly frogs, sloth, snakes and other species, depending on the season. Overnight at selected hotels

Breakfast. Navigation to Praia Grande or other while-sand beach. Swimming if conditions permit, and observation of vegetation of sandy areas. Canoes trip in Lake Acajatuba or adjacent lake to see typical flora (rubber trees, Brazil nuts, useful palm trees of various types). Fishing for piranhas. Lunch. Depending on water-level and wind: stop at the Paricatuba community to see old, abandoned rubber-boom buildings, now overgrown with strangler fig trees, or canoe trip in the Jacareubal area. Dinner. Navigation. Overnight at selected hotels

Lake Januari. Canoe trip at sunrise for bird watching. Breakfast. Navigation to the “Meeting of the Waters”. Return to the Hotel Tropical landing-stage, with fine views of Manaus waterfront buildings, activities and commerce. Arrival at 11:30am in Manaus. Transfer to airport for flight to Cuiabá. Arrival and transfer to hotel.Overnight at selected hotels

Pantanal - Along with the Amazon Basis, the Pantanal is one of the last virgin areas on the face of earth. A huge lowland plain, it is entirely overgrown by luxuriant vegetation dotted by thousands of rainbow colored flowers which bloom during the rainy season (Dec to March). It shelters innumerable rivers and crystal clear lakes. Along their shores are rare species of animals such as jaguars, peccaries, bob-cats, wild boards not to mention flocks of ducks, Gray Teals, pigeons, partridges and herons who live in total and undisturbed freedom protected by the laws that created the National Parks.Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Pousada Rio Mutum passing through the small village of Mimoso, where Mal. Candido Rondon was born. On the way, observation of many kind of birds, small mammals and typical landscapes. After check-in, introduction to the lodge and area around it and lunch. Afternoon with activiities at the pousada. In the evening a delicious piranha soup is served just before dinner. After dinner, introduction to the activities of the following days. Overnight at selected hotels

After breakfast, horseback trail riding in the jungle, up to the edge of the Siá Mariana bay. During the whole year, a big variety of birds, animals and reptiles can be observed. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, boat ride for a photographic safari in Mutum River. In its crystal clear water it is possible to see giant otters, stingrays and shoals of small fish. At the Mutum river banks, a large variety of birds can be observed. Return to the lodge for dinner, then nocturnal animal spotting by jeep in the lodge surrounding area. Overnight at selected hotels

Early morning (4:30am) – Canoeing in the Mutum river to observe the sunrise and the beauty of wildlife at the break of dawn in the Pantanal. Return to the lodge, breakfast and check-out. Transfer to the Cuiabá airport for flight to Iguassu. Iguaçu's falls are one of the planet’s natural wonders. Thousands of Brazilian and foreign tourists visit one of the main tourist attractions on the country. Foz do Iguassu is the municipality where the main tourist attractions go hand-in-hand with the most exuberant scenery provided by nature and mankind in the “Land of the Falls” it is possible to take in the splendor of the Native and man-made forests, rivers and lakes, and still in this ecological paradise, have the opportunity to shop for the most varied products, not only in Foz do Iguassu but in Ciudad del Leste (Paraguay) and Puerto Iguaçu (Argentina). Formed on Iguaçu river, the falls go down an average height of 60 meters by an extension of 2700 meters. The number of falls varies from 275 to 150, depending on the river's outflow. The major part of the falls is located in Argentina, but all its beauty can be admired on Brazilian side. Surrounded trails by ostentatious subtropical forest of Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (Iguaçu National Park) takes the visitor to runways and lookouts to observe the falls. Arrive Iguassu, transfer to Hotel. Overnight at selected hotels

Am tour of the Brazilian side of the Falls - Tour stars walking from the Hotel. Located Inside the Brazilian side of National Iguassu Park, a walk is undertaken inside the sub-tropical forest during 45 minutes. After that we will take to enjoy the Macuco Safari boat tour - Towed by jeep, visitors are driven through the forest watching birds wild animals and exotic vegetation. At the end of 2 miles ride, a boat takes visitors upstream the nearest possible under the thundering water wall. Overnight at selected hotels

Am tour of the Argentina side of the falls -Located inside Argentina's side of National Park. Visitors cross the Argentinean border and end up into the Parque National del Iguassu, 40 km away from the Brazilian border. A walking tour on the falls. Pm transfer to airport for your flight to Sao Paulo to connect for your international flight back home.

Inclusion

Airport transfer on arrival 9 nights’ accommodation Transfers and meals as specified

Exclusion

International airfares Optional activities Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program Personal equipment Travel insurance Gratuities Voluntary tips for guides or drivers Travel and medical insurance Any items not mentioned as included

Note

City Room Tax at hotels is NOT included and should be paid directly by guests upon checkout, unless requested upon booking. Room tax is only charged at some Brazilian hotels. The majority of hotels have a fixed check-in at 2:00pm and check-out at 12:00 pm, but there are exceptions. If your passenger needs an earlier check-in or later check-out, it is necessary to indicate on the reservation as it involves an additional cost. The hotels and services apply the following criteria:The age requirement for the child listed is the correct age. Example: Under five years of age means that the requirement stands until the child completes six years of age upon entry to the hotel. In the case of an accommodation, gratuity will apply if the child is accompanied by two paying adults. The food policy for children follows the same policy as the paying adults, except when there is a specific information at the Hotel's General Conditions. Surf boards, bikes, or any other type of luggage outside of the normal luggage conventions are not recommended. For domestic flights in Brazil, the luggage limit is ONE large suitcase (23kg/55 lbs) per person and a small carry-on. If the passenger exceeds this limit, we ask for the client to inform us in advance in order to avoid any inconveniences during the land transfer. The hotel prices noted in this document are not valid during Carnival, New Year’s, national holidays, or during large conferences and events. Any change in rate for a specific time period will be noted upon booking. Please find below the most important Congresses & Events and holidays during which a special rate may be charged (please note that this calendar is not fixed and may change during the year).