Brazil & Amazon Yacht Cruising

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro (Sugar Loaf)

Morning arrival and transfer to the Copacabana Palace Hotel. The city that never sleeps, the traditional hangout of the rich and famous, is wedged among famous hills, blessed with miles of world-renown beaches, and surrounded by tropical forests and lagoons. After a morning flight, settle down and catch a first glimpse of the famous beaches. In the afternoon, your private guide will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to one of Rio’s best-known landmarks: Sugar Loaf Mountain and its famous cable car. From Sugar Loaf’s summit you’ll fully understand why Brazilians call Rio “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City). The evening is at leisure. Ask your guide for the latest on Rio’s vibrant nightlife. (B)

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro (Corcovado)

Morning tour to famous Corcovado Mountain. Your private guide will pick you up at your selected time and leisurely drive you along Rio’s famous beaches to the foot of Corcovado to board a cogwheel train for the 15-min. ascent through Tijuca, the world’s largest urban forest. Once atop the mountain you will be amazed by spectacular 360-degree city views and the colossal Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio’s true symbol rising 120 ft. before you toward the sky.

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro

The day is free for relaxing Sun Bathing or shopping. This evening your guide will take you on the popular “Rio by Night” excursion, featuring dinner at a leading Brazilian “Churrascaria” (Brazilian Barbeque) followed by a dazzling Samba show. (B, D)

Day 4 Rio de Janeiro / Manaus - Desafio Amazon Cruise

Morning fly to Manaus. A short tour of the city and transfer to the M/V Desafio. After departure, a briefing with the details of our trip takes place as we navigate along the Negro River towards the “Meeting of the Waters”, a natural phenomenon that takes place at the confluence of the dark waters of the Rio Negro with the muddy waters of the Solimões River. Due to the differences in density, temperature and velocity the two rivers do not blend fully until several miles downstream creating this natural marvel. Continue navigating towards Lake January to view the huge Victoria Amazonica water plant. We will take our first canoe hike into the Amazon tributaries. A stop at an indigenous house to see their way of living.After enjoying the beauty and the lavish green of the Amazon Forest from the deck, we will anchor at Praia do Tatú to overnight. Dinner is served during navigation. (B,D)

Day 5 Desafio Amazon River Cruise

Early breakfast followed by a trekking tour to observe the local flora. Returning to our vessel and take some time for a swim. Lunch is served on board while we start navigating to Samauma Island, located in the Anavilhana Archipelago, the largest river archipelago in the world. This afternoon exploratory tour around the islands and lakes. After dinner we are treated to a night concert courtesy of Mother Nature as we enjoy the sounds of the jungle forest night from our canoes. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Desafio Amazon River Cruise

Early morning we depart the Anavilhanas Archipelago sailing towards Santa Maria, a typical Caboclo village where we will have the opportunity to see the Ribeirinho (indigenous people of the region) way of living. We continue sailing reaching Furo do Meio and lunch is served during navigation. In the afternoon, we will begin our fishing contest as we fish for piranhas. Return to the boat for beach swimming. After dinner we board our canoe searching and spotting of alligators by flashlights. Late evening return to the boat. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Desafio Amazon River Cruise – Manaus / Iguassu Falls

A very early tour to admire the concert of the birds coming out of their night habitats and return to our vessel in time for breakfast. Sail back to Manaus for our boat transfer to the airport and the flight to Iguassu Falls. Meeting services in Iguassu and transfer to the 200-room Tropical Das Cataratas Hotel facing the Brazilian side of the falls. (B)

Day 8 Iguassu Falls

This morning we are picked up at the hotel for the Macuco Safari excursion a combination of nature and adventure. You are seated in an open trailer towed by jeep as we make our way through the forest viewing the exotic flora and fauna of the exotic remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest. At the end of the drive we walk through an old Indian track ending at the river shore along the Macuco Falls where we board zodiacs and travel upstream of the Iguassu River close to the thundering waters of the Iguassu falls. This afternoon we transfer to the Argentine side of the falls to visit "Devil's Throat", a point from where waterfalls never cease and later return to our hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls. Overnight at Das Cataratas Hotel. (B)

Day 9 Iguassu Falls

This morning is free to view the Falls on your own. Afternoon transfer to the airport .(B)

Remarks

Special rates apply over Carnival, New Year's, and certain holidays. Please inquire. US Citizens require Brazilian Visa. Other citizens, please inquire.