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INFORMATION

RESERVATIONS

tucano boat -best small river boat in the amazon

This trip departs every other Sunday and explores some of the most untouched rainforest in all of the Amazon. On our expedition vessel, the Motor Yacht Tucano we venture far up the least inhabited river in the Amazon Basin: The Rio Negro. We explore areas very rarely visited and seek out the mysterious life of the wilderness that stirs in the forest and in the heart of wild nature.

700AM Meet on the lobby of hotel Tropical Manaus your tour guide for transfer to the M/Y Tucano. Briefing on the next day activities and do's and dont's aboard this river cruise. (L,D)

In our well equipped expedition boat The Motor Yacht Tucano, we explore far up the least inhabited river in the Amazon, The Rio Negro. We explore the forest by foot or in our launches, go for swims in the cleanest water in the world, visit with local settlers that live deep in the forest, and spend a great deal of time hunting for and observing the greatest collection of wildlife on earth. (B,L,D)
Day 4

We arrive at extraordinary river called the Rio Jauaperi and spend the day in this unspoiled and lovely rainforest area. (B,L,D)
Days 5

Today we proceed down the southwestern bank of the Rio Negro observing the different wildlife found on this side of the river. Our walks and explorations of the forest continue and our list of creatures observed gets larger and larger. (B,L,D)
Day 6

Today we visit the village of Novo Airão. We will walk through the streets and marvel at how the 19th Century thrives in this remote corner of the globe. We travel through the night to the confluence of the Amazon and Negro Rivers. (B,L,D)
Day 7

This morning we visit the Lago Janauari Ecological Park where the thick brown water of the Amazon flows swiftly through the forest. This area is thick with life and we are almost guaranteed to see monkeys. We then travel to the “Encontra das Aguas” the stark several mile long line where the world’s two largest rivers, the Amazon and the Negro, join in a turbulent maelstrom. In the evening we will return to Manaus and overnight on the boat. . (B,L,D)
Day 8

8AM After breakfast passengers will disembark from the Tucano and in the afternoon or evening, transfer to the international airport. (B)

(Note: It is possible by prearrangement for guests to disembark the evening prior to the last day to catch early morning flights)
 

Degree of Difficulty: Passengers must be able to get in and out of small boats and walk comfortably for up to two hours at a time in the forest.
Group Size: Maximum of 18 passengers
 

Departures 2010

May 08-15 May 22-29  ,Jun 05-12  ,Jun 19-26 ,Jul 03-10 ,Jul 17-24 ,Jul 31-Aug 07 ,Aug 14-21 ,Aug 28 -Sep 4 ,Sep 11-18 ,Oct 02-09 , Oct 16-23 ,Nov 06-13 ,Nov 20-27 ,Dec 04-11 ,Dec18-25

Departures 2011:

(Saturday-Saturday): Jan 01-08, Jan 15-22, Jan 29-Feb 05, Feb 12-19, Mar 05-12, Mar 19-26, Apr 2-9, Apr 16-23, Apr 30-May 07, May 14-May 21, May 28-Jun 04, Jun 11-Jun 18, Jun 25-Jul 02, Jul 09-16 (Family Departure), Jul 23-30, Aug 06-13 (Family Departure), Aug 20-27, Sep 10-17, Oct 01-08, Oct 15-22, Oct 29-Nov 05, Nov 12-19, Nov 26-Dec 03, Dec 10-17, Dec 24-31
 

Cruise Cost per passenger, double,
2010: US$ 2,491

2011: US$ 2,650
 

Itinerary: Amazon Odyssey

5 days / 4 nights

Monday to Friday
Day 1

This afternoon we embark on the MOTOR YACHT TUCANO in Manaus, Brasil. We depart upstream on the Rio Negro and as thevessel 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,
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. (D)
Day 2

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 when we should reach 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)
Day 3

We begin our day with an early launch excursion, but for our mid-morning excursion will go for a walk in a small village. We will appreciate the slow pace of life that follows the rhythms of the seasons and river cycles. About midday the M/Y TUCANO will return to the deep brown and forceful current of the Amazon River. Our destination this afternoon depends on the vessel’s Captain. We will go either to the north or south side of the Amazon River depending on the season and the weather. Our choice will be whichever offers us the best chance of observing wildlife. Late afternoon we will further explore the wilds of this tropical paradise. (BLD)
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, passing 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)
Day 5

Early this morning travelers will disembark the vessel at the riverside dock of the Hotel Tropical. (B)
Meal Codes: B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner.
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
 

Cruise Cost per passenger, double,
2010: US$ 1,600

2011: US$ 1,650
 

Schedule 2010 - (Monday to Friday)
Sep 6-10; Oct 11-15;  Oct 25-29 Sold out;  Nov 01-05; Nov 15-19 Sold out;  Nov 29-Dec 03;  Dec.13-17
 
Schedule 2011
Jan 24-28; Feb 07-11 ; Mar 14-18; Mar 28-Apr 01;    
Apr 11-15; May 23-27; Jun 06-10; Jun 20-24; Jul 04-08; Jul 18-22; Aug 01-05; Aug 15-19; Sep 05-09; Oct 10-14            Oct 24-28; Nov 07-11; Nov 21-25; Dec 05-09 
 

Prices Include: Prices above are per person, double occupancy. Accommodations, transfers as indicated in the itinerary, meals as indicated in the itinerary. Bottled water served free of charge on the M/Y Tucano. Prices and itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Prices Do Not Include: Any airfare, departure taxes, visa fees, items of a personal nature, Insurance. (Airfare available upon request...about $700-800 from Miami, plus taxes)

Single Travelers: No single supplement will be charged if the passenger is willing to share with another same sex passenger. Guests may request single occupancy with a fare supplement of 40% of the cruise cost. Single accommodations on the cruise may not always be available. The single cabins on the boat are not as large as the double cabins.

Triple Cabins: Some of the cabins on the M/Y Tucano can accept three travelers. This is helpful for families. In cabins "3" and "4" a third narrow bed can be placed between the single beds. Cabin "0" has a queen size bed and also a single bed. There is no discount for triple occupancy; passengers pay the double rate.

Discounts for Children: On regular departures children 12 years and under who share a room with an adult are eligible for a discount of 50% off the Cruise Rate, subject to cabin availability.

Family Departures: All of our trips are family friendly, but the scheduled "Family Departures" include some additional activities suitable for children. On these departures children 12 years and younger can travel at a discount of 50% from the Rack Rate.

NOTE:

Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are included in the cruise cost no matter when the passengers arrive. All airport transfers are to and from the international airport and the Hotel Tropical, Manaus.
 

Hotel Nights
We strongly recommend that passengers spend one night in Manaus in a hotel prior to the cruise. On request, we can book reservations at the five star Hotel Tropical where the Motor Yacht Tucano boards passengers. Check-in time is 12:00pm. Early check-in is available at additional cost.

Itinerary
DAY 1 - Monday - Depart Hotel Tropical landing-stage at 14:30 hrs. Presentation on board of staff, route and facilities. Navigation to the "Meeting of the Waters". Observation. Navigation in the Xiborena and Careiro region to Curari. Canoe trip in smaller creeks to see life on the flood plains: jute, market-garden produce, rubber trees, as well as flood plain forest and lakes with giant water lilies (in season). This trip returns after sunset, so that we can observe night life, including caimans. Navigation up the Amazon (the upper part of it called Solimões by the natives) to Lake Janauaca. Dinner on the way.
DAY 2 - Tuesday - Early morning canoe trip for bird-watching. There are good chances of seeing Hoatzins and large flocks of Egrets and Cormorants. Breakfast. Walk in the forest with commentaries by the specialist. Visit to the inhabitants of the lake who live from manioc plantations, fishing, diverse fruit trees, rubber, Brazil-nut trees, wood and other extractive products. Lunch. Navigation. Fishing for piranhas and other types of fish. Dinner. Night trip to see nocturnal animals, sometimes including night-hawks, snakes, toro-rats, sloth and frogs. Navigation.
DAY 3 - Wednesday - Early morning bird-watching trip in the Janauary Ecological Park and nearby waterways. Breakfast. Navigation past Manaus port, with views of the floating docks, market, old custom house and houses on stilts. Navigation to the Pagodão river (tributary of the 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 Creek or nearby tributaries.
DAY 4 - Thursday - Canoe trip at sunrise for bird watching. Breakfast. Walk in the forest with commentaries by the specialist. Observation of the flora. Visit to a "caboclo" family. Chance to see the local way of life, preparation of manioc flour (the staple foodstuff of the Amazon), the health and education situation of the children etc. Lunch. Fishing for piranhas. Navigation through the Anavilhanas, the world's largest fresh water archipelago, more then 1000 miles from the ocean. Navigation. Dinner. Night trip to see caimans and possibly frogs, sloth, snakes and other species, depending on the season.
DAY 5 - Friday – Breakfast. Visit to the village of Novo Airão, with its handicraft boat yards where the "AMAZON CLIPPER" was built, sawmills, market and other activities. Navigation to Praia Grande or other white sand beach. Swimming if conditions permit, and observation of the vegetation of sandy areas. Lunch. Canoe trip in Lake Acajatuba or adjacent lake domains to see typical flora (rubber trees, Brazil nuts, useful palm trees of various types). Dinner. Navigation.
DAY 6 - Saturday - Lake Janauary. Canoe trip at sunrise for bird watching. Breakfast. Navigation to the "Meeting of the Waters". Return to the Tropical Hotel landing-stage, with fine views of Manaus waterfront. Arrival at 11:30 hrs. End of services.

Rate per person - Children up to 12 years old accompanied by parents: 20% off.

The program includes: Welcolme drink, all meals, accommodation in double cabins with bunk berths and excursions as described in the itinerary, bilingual guide.

If you don't have a travel companion, the cruise company will try to find a  roommate.
Prices do not include - Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks, personal expenses, transfers, travel insurance and anything else not listed as included.
Changes in Routing

The Boat Amazon Clipper reserves the right to change itineraries without consulting or warning participants of the tour, depending on the natural conditions prevailing at the time, such as weather conditions or river water level. The Captain has full authorization to modify itineraries in the interest of the passengers and the safe of the vessel, and to ensure the better enjoyment of the trip.

THE M/V CLIPPER

The M/V Clipper is a typical three deck Amazon river boat which accommodates 16 passengers in a 8 air conditioned cabins, each with private shower and toilet. This comfortable ship features ample dining room, bar/library area and comfortable deck chairs for relaxation during the cruise, observing the many different species of birds and plants along the waterways of the mid-Amazon. 120 volts and 12 V.DC is available on board. Smaller boats with outboard motors will be used for excursions during the cruise.

The M/V Clipper  takes travelers on two, three and five night cruises to areas such as the Rio Negro and Ariau in the mid-Amazon, excellent areas for bird-watching and flora and fauna observation.

Scheduled departures leave from the Hotel Tropical dock in Manaus, visiting remote areas allowing passengers to experience life in the Amazon in a comfortable adventurous way on board the Clipper.

Departs every Monday: Depart from Hotel Tropical dock down the Rio Negro to the Amazon Bird Watching Brazil Nut Plantation. During this three day cruise program, passengers will have the opportunity to fish to the legendary Piranha in the waters of Rio Negro and its tributaries. Excursion by launch and hikes through the jungle by day and night time will make this jungle experience unforgettable. The highlight of the cruise will be the meeting of the waters, when the Rio Negro and the Amazon River flow together. Return to Manaus Wednesday morning.

Departs every Wednesday: Depart from Hotel Tropical dock to the Ariau River. An evening jungle hike will be under-taken. Stop at a local Caboclo house to see at first hand what is life about in this part of the rain forest. In Nova Airoa a visit will be made to a local boat building facility. Extensive time will be spent in the Anavilhanes Archipelago rich in flora and fauna. Return to Manaus Saturday morning.

Departs every Monday: This program combines the Amazon Cruise and Rio Negro Cruise. Return to Manaus on Saturday.

For further information about these programs have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours

1-800-327-0080 or send mail to: tara@taratours.com

For more programs to Central & South America visit www.taratours.com

Copyright © 1980- 2010 Tara Tours Inc.    Last modified: August 09, 2010