t A giant Samauma tree.
discover Brazil Itineraries
Fly into urban Manaus in the very heart of the tropical Amazon rainforest. Start at the impressive Renaissance-styled Teatro Amazonas before taking a taxi to the Museu do Indio to learn about the Tukano people; call in at the museum shop for great crafts. Lunch at Canto da Peixada (www.cantodapeixada.com), which is perfect for trying local river fish that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. In the evening, continue your sampling of exotic Amazonian food with dinner reservations at Banzeiro Brazilian (www.restaurantebanzeiro.com.br).
Take a one-hour flight from Manaus to Tefé, then a boat ride up the river to the community-run Uakari Lodge, deep in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, and small bills, as you’ll be visiting indigenous communities where you can buy handmade goods. Book into a floating jungle lodge with a hammock-strung patio, and spend an evening watching the tranquil water and listening to howler monkeys roar nearby.
The sounds of the jungle waking up will serve as your morning alarm. Enjoy a generous breakfast and be ready to head out for your first excursion at 7:30am. During the dry season (August to April), you can hike the jungle with experienced guides, while in the wet season (May to July) you’ll be able to paddle through the rainforest instead. Return to the lodge for lunch, and then spend the afternoon aboard a boat on the Mamirauá Lake, looking for the region’s pink and grey dolphins. The boat will set course for home as the sun begins to set, so you should be treated to spectacular views on the way back.
Start your day with a visit to a nearby community, where a local host will show you around the village – don’t forget your stash of small bills in case you want to buy any of the goods on sale. Get back to the lodge for lunch, and perhaps a little siesta, and then it’s back on the water in the afternoon – this time for a canoe trip on the river. When you’re all paddled out, return to the lodge for some downtime in your hammock and a delicious buffet dinner. Get a good night’s sleep in preparation for a long day’s travel tomorrow.
Rise early and after breakfast return to Tefé by motorboat – if you’re lucky you might spot some more dolphins on the way. Fly back to Manaus and check into the Hotel Tropical Manaus (Av. Coronel Teixeira 1320; (92) 2123 5000) for secluded riverside views and some well-deserved pampering after your days in the jungle.
discover Brazil Itineraries
t A giant Samauma tree.