From the Brazilian Coast to the Peruvian Rainforest aboard the Clelia II

The Mighty Amazon

Tour Cost Departures & Leaders Trip Rating Download Full Itinerary Route Map Reserve This Trip Terms & Conditions

Rising from a chain of lakes near the western edge of the Andes, the mighty Amazon River is home to 2.5 million square miles of rainforest wilderness on the grandest scale imaginable. Aboard the all-suite Clelia II, we journey along the length of the river, exploring the breathtaking depth and biological diversity of its species-rich ecosystem and enjoying an experience of the Amazon most visitors miss. Starting from Belem on the Atlantic Coast, we venture into tributaries for fantastic birding, visit native villages where we attend ritual ceremonies, and may make nighttime excursions into the jungle before concluding in Iquitos, Peru, with a renewed respect for the delicate balance that exists between man and nature. Our guest lecturers, including John Harwood, PhD, enhance our understanding of this fragile environment.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

March 20–22
Belem / Embark

Fly from the US to Belem, Brazil, arriving on March 21 for a welcome cocktail reception. Belem, a vibrant port city situated near the mouth of the Amazon River, was founded by Portuguese explorers in 1616, and over the next 200 years prospered as a spice trade center and then a rubber boomtown in the 19th century. We explore its 18th century cathedral, with its marble altar and fine paintings; the Basilica de Nazare, boasting beautiful Moorish designs and stained glass windows; the Emilio Goeldi Museum; and Ver-O-Peso, the city’s central market, where fragrant oils, traditional crafts, and other exotic products are sold. Overnight at the Hilton Hotel, including breakfast. On March 22, we board the Clelia II and begin our voyage.

March 23–27
The Lower Amazon

We navigate the Narrows, an intricate system of channels and waterways that at times is barely wider than our ship, then enter the main river, where our fleet of Zodiacs allows us to explore the river’s tributaries and take nature walks in the lush rainforest. We meet the caboclos (local residents) who live in stilt huts along the riverbanks and, if conditions permit, visit the ecological success story of Ilha de Sao Miguel, where the local community has effectively conserved its lakes, forests, and other natural resources.

March 28
Manaus

As we approach Manaus, a former colonial boomtown whose fortunes were made from the export of rubber in the late 19th century, we witness the “Wedding of the Waters,” where the silt-laden waters of Rio Solimoes meet and mix with the clear, dark waters of the Rio Negro. In Manaus, we visit the famed century-old Teatro Amazonas Opera House, the Indian Museum, and historic colonial mansions.

March 29–April 2
The Upper Amazon

We cruise through the vast and virgin wilderness of the Upper Amazon. Accompanied by our naturalist guides, we venture into the hidden heart of the Amazon to wend our way through a labyrinth of tributaries by Zodiac, observe the full realm of flora and fauna, take nature hikes into the rainforest, and visit isolated villages whose inhabitants’ survival is derived from this watery world. Along the way we may spot the bright flash of a toucan, hear the screech of howler monkeys, and view herons skimming across the river’s surface. As we travel upriver, the river narrows. Our daily landings may include the following stops:

• Rio Badajos, a black water tributary where we can search for forest birds such as macaws, the beautiful quetzal, and the rare scarlet ibis, and view the unusual Victoria amazonica water lily, one of the world’s largest flowers, whose leaves can exceed seven feet in diameter!
• Cuxui Muni, a traditional village where we learn about local farming methods and hope to spot three-toed sloths, bush babies, and squirrel monkeys in the nearby forest where gorgeous satyr and morpho butterflies swarm in the understory. We can also spy colorful frogs scrambling along the forest floor—the air simply vibrates with the sounds of wildlife.
• Lago Uara, an Amazon lake whose mirror-like waters are home to more than 1,300 species of fish, including piranha, the unusual giant Amazon catfish, and the gregarious pink freshwater dolphin. We also see many colorful orchids, colonies of hoatzin birds that build their nests over water, and may spot the red eyes of the alligator-like caiman and other creatures of the night.
• Rio Jutai, a pristine stretch of river ideal for birding, where we hope to spot pied lapwing, large-billed tern, spotted sandpiper, and collared plover.
• The Sustainable Development Reserve of Mamiraua, a unique protected area and innovative model of rainforest conservation. The local people have been allowed to remain here, and in turn they contribute to the sustainable use of the area’s natural resources.

April 3–4
Tabatinga, Brazil / Leticia, Colombia / Rio Ampiyacu, Peru

Leaving the Brazilian sector of the Amazon at Tabatinga, we call at Leticia, Colombia’s only Amazon port. We explore this busy and colorful town, known for its handicrafts, then continue to the remote Rio Ampiyacu in Peru, where we visit villages of the Huitoto and Bora peoples for a close look at traditional Peruvian Amazon life.

April 5–6
Iquitos / Disembark / Lima

Our journey comes to a close as we arrive in Iquitos, deep in Peru’s Amazonia. We disembark and transfer to the airport for flights to Lima, where we connect with homeward flights, arriving on April 6.

Questions? Email Us	Download Full Itinerary	Reserve This Trip

Tour Costs From $8,795 per person Prices are based on double occupancy and depend on cabin type Prices are for 2010 **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

Trip Rating Rating Explanation

Departures & Leaders

Route Map

© Wilderness Travel  |  Contact Us  |  1-800-368-2794

Privacy Policy | Site Map | Home | Free Catalog | About WT | Our Trips
E-Newsletter | Reserve a Trip | Contact Us | Private Journeys | Exploratories
Special Events | Testimonials | Special Offers | Photo Gallery | Toucan Club

All content and photography within this website is copyrighted and
may not be reproduced without the express permission of Wilderness Travel.  CST 1007696-40