Each day our Amazon Riverboat navigates along these heavily forested shores, with early morning and afternoon excursions by small boat to search for birds and any wildlife that may be found along the riverbank.
The Amazon has one of the greatest collection of birds in the world, so we should see many perched high in the treetops or along the banks of the river - including colourful toucans and the distinctive hoatzin (or 'stink bird'). We should also see caimans (a type of Amazonian crocodile) as well as squirrel monkeys, and perhaps hear howler monkeys. We may also see pink river dolphins briefly showing their heads above the water.
Daily excursion will include the opportunity to kayak on the river, as well as fishing with a simple bamboo pole for fierce pirana fish. We will also disembark daily for a walk in the rainforest, where you will be shown many magnificent trees and learn about their medicinal properties.
In the evening we set off in our launches for a nocturnal boat ride, armed with a spotlight. If we are fortunate we may see frogs, snakes, sloths or one of the large night birds such as a potoo, with its bulging eyes and large mouth adapted to swallowing huge moths.
At the end of our trip we return downstream, passing Manaus to see the Meeting of the Waters where two of the world’s largest rivers - the Amazon (Rio Solimões) and the Rio Negro - converge. The dark (almost black) waters of the Rio Negro run alongside the opaque brown waters of the Amazon for 3.7 miles (6 km) without mixing. This strange natural phenomenon is due to differences in the temperature, speed and amount of dissolved sediment in the waters of the two rivers. Afterwards enjoy a caipirinha (Brazil's national drink) on deck.
Note: You will probably not have Wi-Fi on your riverboat or, if you do, you will have to pay for it. So ensure you bring books, playing cards or games, and download any other entertainment you may need well before embarking.
Pack long-sleeved shirts & trousers for your jungle walks, as well as good walking shoes & long socks you can tuck your trousers into to keep out the insects. On the boat you will need T shirts & shorts. Also pack a swimsuit & water shoes, and bring your own toiletries (including soap) as there are unlikely to be any on board. As there are no towns along the river, ensure you pack any medicines you may need, including antihistamine cream for wasp stings.
Pack an international adaptor, as some boats have USA plug sockets. We also suggest that you take a variety of snacks onboard with you, and be aware that vegetarian food will be extremely limited.