Ecoexplorer - Amazon Tours & Cruises Off The Beaten Track, Brazil

Explore the Amazon River and its tributaries. This expedition will take you to remote Amazon destinations well off the beaten path, away from the usual routes. The boats have cabins and hammocks accommodations and shared bath. The varied daily excursions, led by local guides, provide an insightful look at life along the river. Daily departures all year round from Porto Velho, Manaus, and from Santarém.

Program 01
RIO MADEIRA - AMAZON RIVERBOAT EXPEDITION
4, 5 & 7-DAY NATURE & WILDLIFE CRUISE ON THE
M/V CAP. BRUNO and M/V DEUS E AMOR
Travel by regional Amazon riverboat and explore the Rio Madeira and its tributaries. This area hosts the greatest amount of native wildlife to be found in the entire Amazon. On our expeditions, you will have the opportunity to visit three types of ecosystems. Information about the natural history of the flora and fauna and rainforest ecology will be provided by our guides. You will enjoy hikes in the forest by day and night and explore small rivers and lakes by boat and canoe. Other activities include bird watching, wildlife viewing, and dolphin watches. Medicinal plant tours, one night camping in the forest, one night stays with local families, piranha fishing, observing caimans and nocturnal animals by flashlight are also available.
The itineraries vary depending on river conditions and the interest of the passengers. The boats are in 24-hour radio contact with the operation office in Porto Velho-RO.

THE BOATS

The CAP. BRUNO is a two-level river cruiser that measures 19 meters by 4.30 meters. It contains 4 double cabins. Rooms are ventilated via screen doors and windows plus electric fans. Bathrooms and showers are located at the stern on the second level. Additionally, there is a bar and covered dining area, and the upper level has a large observation deck that allows a fantastic view of the river. The boat also carries motorized canoes for excursions to remote tributaries and lakes and offers hammock sleeping arrangements.

The DEUS E AMOR has 4 double cabins with air conditioning (only at night) and measures 22 meters by 5 meter. Bathrooms and showers are located at the stern on the second level. Additionally, there is a bar and covered dining area and the upper deck has a large observation deck, covered and not covered, that allows fantastic views of the river. The boat also carries motorized canoes for excursions to remote tributaries and lakes and offers hammock sleeping arrangements.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DEPARTURES-Any day of the week, year round, from Porto Velho, RO.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Early this morning we will board our expedition boat and depart downstream on the Rio Madeira. In the afternoon we will embark in a canoe and search a small Igarapé (river) for wildlife. We’ll have a good chance of observing parrots, herons, kingfishers, flycatchers, and hundreds of other forest birds. After dinner we will explore the Igarapé with flashlight, looking for nocturnal birds, bats, and caimans. Overnight on-board while continuing down river. Tonight we will travel along the Rio Madeira.

DAY 2 - Early morning we go for a 3 – 4 hour jungle walk in the Várzea forest to look for Strangler fig trees, palm trees, the enormous Samauma tree, rubber trees, cacao trees, bromeliads, and other interesting plants. After lunch we take a canoe trip along the Igarapé das Três Casas. Most visitors see Squirrel Monkeys, sloths, lizards, Green Iguanas, Blue Morpho butterflies, toucans, parrots, river turtles, Pink and Gray Dolphins. After dinner we will take a night canoe trip to look for caimans and other nocturnal creatures. Overnight on-board.

DAY 3 - This morning we will leave the boat for an overnight camping trip deep into the forest beyond the inhabited and cultivated areas, stopping frequently to explore smaller tributaries and lakes. Good chance to see sloths, Howler Monkeys, Capuchin Monkeys, Saki Monkeys, macaws, and hundreds of amazing Hoatzin birds. Set up camp in the afternoon on the shores of a jungle lake rich in animal, water and birdlife. Around 4 p.m. we explore the lake by canoe. Here you can see the rare Black Caiman, Pink and Gray Dolphins, 3 species of primates and hundreds of birds. We will also do some Piranha fishing. After dinner we will go for a night hike in search of bats, frogs, snakes, tarantulas and other nocturnal animals.

Day 4 - Early this morning we go for a 3 – 4 hour jungle walk in the Terra Firme forest to look for the giant Brazilian-nut trees, palm trees, as well as many species of Lianas (climbing plants), and probably monkeys, snails, spiders, and leafcutter ants. After our morning hike, we will pack up camp and travel back to our expedition boat. We will stop when we see interesting creatures for observation and photography. After dinner relax and enjoy the magnificent stars of the southern hemisphere from our observation deck.
Tonight we will travel on-board making our way back to Humaita.

Day 5 - After an early breakfast, we will stop at a small local village to learn about local culture and medicinal plants. We continue our way to Porto Velho, stopping to explore tributaries and lakes, arriving in Porto Velho late in the evening. Transfer to hotel or continue your travel. End of our services.

Package includes: Pick up from airport or bus terminal, bilingual guide, river transport, accommodations, mineral water, and all meals during the tour (special diets, such as vegetarian, vegan or food allergies, can be accommodated – please remember to let us know when you book). Soft drinks and beer are available at modest additional expense.

What to bring: Trousers and shorts, long-sleeve shirts and t-shirts, insect repellent, sunscreen and a bar of biodegradable soap, flashlight and spare batteries, binoculars, camera and film, walking boots or strong running shoes and sandals, a hat for sun protection, a water container to carry on outings, rain coat, sleeping sheet. Malaria and Yellow Fever protection is recommended. And a spirit of adventure!

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Program 02
RIO TAPAJOS; AMAZON RIVER CRUISE
Many travelers who set out on the great crossing of the Amazon between Manaus and Belem soon discover that with the majesty comes a long journey. Santarém, a small Amazonian port town halfway between these two cities, offers an alternative jungle adventure. To enhance your crossing of the great river take a break and visit the wonders Santarém has to offer. From the amazing beaches, such as Alter de Chão, to the many tributaries of the Rio Tapajós, this expedition will allow you time to relax and soak in the sun while exploring the surrounding rainforest wilderness. We’ll experience the flooded Igapó forest, Terra Firma forest and the lush diverse Várzea forest. As we pass though this area, our boat’s observation deck will give you the perfect vantage point from which to spot a huge variety of abundant wildlife; such as sloths, monkeys, and pink & gray dolphins. With additional jungle treks, plus day and night canoe trips to deep forest streams, there will also be plenty of time to relax and take in the spectacular scenery, and to enjoy the magnificent beaches and sunsets of the Santarém region.

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Program 03
AMAZON ADVENTURE CRUISES OFF THE BEATEN PATH
We believe that the Rio Purus, Vale do Rio Guaporé, the Rio Javari, the Rio Tapajós, and Vale do Rio Araguaia are perfect areas to explore for people who like to get off the tourist track. If you enjoy the outdoors and would like to see a little-known part of Brazil, then please contact us for more details. Or contact us for a customized itinerary based on your special interests.

FREE CALL (within Brazil) 9014-65-3686-3364 to book your trip or ask any questions you may have.