21 de March de 2017

River tours

Meeting of the Waters by boat including lunch (full day) – this tour is on board of a typical Amazonian wooden boat with decks, docked at the Manaus Floating Port (the port is not a fixed strcuture as the river waters vary more according to the seasons some 10 m / 32.8 ft. – record high was 17 m / 55.7 ft.). Leaving from this dock, sail down Negro (Black) river passing by the city’s riverfront – houses built on stilts. The Negro river in front of Manaus is 6 km / 3.7 mi. wide. Reaching the point known as the “Meeting of the Waters” – where the muddy Solimões, meets the sediment free waters of the Negro river. The river meet but the waters will only mix some 17 km / 10.5 mil. downriver. From this point on is that the river is called the Amazonas / Amazon we hear about. Reaching the Janauary Ecological Park dock, a visit to a special place where you will see all the 3 types of forest, the Terra Firma (high grounds), igapós (flooded) and the várzea (flooded from February to July). On catwalks, a visit to a lake to see the Victória Régia (giant water lilies), the flowers are in bloom from March to June. Its flat dish-like leaves can measure up to 2.5 m / 8.2 ft. in diameter and hold, evenly distributed 40 kg / 88 lbs. Lunch will be served at the Floating Restaurant, a delicious buffet of freswater fish, meet, chicken, side dishes, salads and dessert. After lunch, board canoes to visit the igapós (the flooded forest – during high water months – February to July) or take a jungle trek (when the waters are low – August to January). Return to Manaus. Duration: 6:30 hrs

Meeting of the Waters including Piranha fishing and lunch (full day) – leaving Manaus Floating Dock on a typical Amazonian wooden boat with decks (the port is not a fixed strcuture as the river waters vary more according to the seasons some 10 m / 32.8 ft. – record high was 17 m / 55.7 ft.). Sail down Negro (Black) river passing by the city’s riverfront – houses built on stilts. The Negro river in front of Manaus is 6 km / 3.7 mi. wide. Reaching the point known as the “Meeting of the Waters” – where the muddy Solimões, meets the sediment free waters of the Negro river. The rivers meet but the waters will only mix some 17 km / 10.5 mil. downriver. From this point on is that the river is called the Amazonas / Amazon we hear about. Visit to the village of Catalão seeing how the river people live. Lunch at the Floating Restaurant, a delicious buffet of freswater fish, meet, chicken, side dishes, salads and dessert. After lunch, a visit to the Janauary Ecological PArk board canoes to visit the igapós (the flooded forest – during high water months – February to July) or take a jungle trek (when the waters are low – August to January), and the highligh of the day – have a go at Piranha Fishing! this elusive little and voracious fish is famous for nibbling at one’s hook stealing the bait with the fisherman noticing! Return to Manaus. Duration: 8:30 hrs.

Anavilhanas Archipelago visiting an indian village, lunch included (full day) – with more than 400 islands, this is the largest river archipelago in the world that could be likened to a maze for navigators. Taking a NW route from Manaus, sail up Negro river seeing the impenetrable forest by the water. The boat will stop for a visit to some of islands and a special stop at a river beach for an open air lunch, a swim and time to enjoy the surroundings. Resuming navigation, visit to a small village and after learning how they live and how they explore the forest for produce, return to Manaus at the end of the day. Duration: 9:30 hrs.

Alligator Spotting with dinner – leaving the Manaus dock on a speedboat, cruise the Negro river stopping for dinner at either a jungle lodge or a floating restaurant. It is a surprise to visit the forest at night. It is not silent and one can hear all types of animals calls. Passing by lakes and igapós (flooded forest) hear and watch how “busy” the forest is. Caymans are easy to spot, their bead like mesmerized eyes focus on the boat flashlight, the guide will catch one bringing one board for a close look, photos and maybe even holding it. The catch will depend on the caymans, sometimes there are few and big, not a pleasant “on board” companion. Duration: 3 hrs.

The Amazon Rainforest including lunch and dinner (full day) – a combination of the full day Meeting of the Waters tour, except for the visit to the Victória Régia lake, including piranha fishing and cayman spotting. This is ideal if you are on a tight schedule and while in town will not miss a visit to the rainforest. Duration: 12 hrs.