Rio de Janeiro | Pantanal | Manaus | Amazon
Highlights:
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Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Then tour Rio de Janeiro’s Botanic Garden, one of the ten most important ecological sanctuaries in the entire world, containing more than 6,000 different species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees.
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy a scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon to the bottom of the Corcovado Hill. Embark on a comfortable train that ascends the mountain of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Upon arrival at the top, you can use the panoramic elevators or escalators to arrive at the foot of the statue and then enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Descend the mountain and stop for a delicious Brazilian barbecue lunch. Next, visit Sugar Loaf Mountain, travel to the top in glass cable cars and enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire city including beaches and downtown Rio. (B,L)
Day 3: Rio de Janeiro
Travel to the largest urban forest in the world, the stunning Tijuca Atlantic Forest. Your open-air jeep will make stops at scenic points along the route. (B)
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro | Pantanal
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuiabà (not included in land package). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your lodge. The transfer to Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge is meant to be a photo-safari for the many species of animals and birds found along its length. The vehicle will make several stops for photos. Upon arrival, a welcome drink awaits you. In the late afternoon hike within the surroundings of the lodge, and reach the Mirante da Garça, a 40-foot high observation tower, for a unique view of the sunset. After dinner, have a star gazing trek to hear the sounds of the Pantanal. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Pantanal
The day is dedicated to observing the Pantanal’s flora & fauna at the Araras Eco Lodge private reserve. Your guide will lead you on a 2 to 3-hour horse ride through grazing fields, woods and flood lands. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, join a hike to a different area of the reservation, to watch and learn about this ecosystem. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Pantanal
After breakfast, depart for the Clarinho River. Here, you take a canoe and explore the river banks, mangroves and forest. With some luck, you can spot a family of ariranhas (giant otters) fishing, playing and teaching their babies to swim and fish. You have a chance to fish the elusive piranha. A picnic barbecue lunch will be prepared at the campsite. Return to the lodge at the end of the afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Pantanal | Manaus
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Manaus (not included in land package). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 8: Manaus | Amazon
Early morning departure for a three-hour trip via speed boat, van and speed boat again. During your ride, you may encounter some pink dolphins. Stop to see the amazing Meeting of the Waters. Arriving at Juma Lodge around 11am, a welcome juice prepared with exotic fruits awaits you. After your Amazonian and international lunch, your afternoon activity is a canoe tour through the igarapés (Amazonian creeks) and the igapós (flooded forest). Along the way, you may even see some river dolphins. After dinner, go out in a canoe for alligator spotting. Your guide will try to catch a small alligator with his own hands and bring it on to the canoe (and then safely release it back to the river). (B,L,D)
Day 9: Amazon
Early in the morning departure, around 5:15 am, for a sunrise excursion. You will witness the transformation of the dark water of the Juma River into a mirror and listen to the sights and sounds of the waking birds. Your guide has binoculars and is trained in birdwatching. Breakfast will be served around 7 am, with typical fruits and regional food, then leave for a jungle hike. Once inside the Amazon forest, you feel its charm and greatness. Your guide will pass along important concepts about jungle survival. After lunch at the lodge, tour around the hotel. Juma was built all on stilts and, during this tour, it will be seen from another angle below. Your next tour is by boat (during the rainy season) or on foot (during the dry season). Dinner will be complemented by the fish you caught earlier, cooked the Amazon way. In the evening, one of our guides will regale you about his life and the customs and legends of the river dwellers. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Amazon | Departure
Return to Manaus at approximately 12 noon and then transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
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*Gelber’s Way is an Associate Member of the United States Tour Operators Association. However, Gelber’s Way is NOT a participant in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program and is not held by USTOA to certain standards required of Active Members.”
