Independent Brazil & Argentina with Brazil's Amazon

After arriving at your hotel, meet up for private city sightseeing to view vestiges of Manaus’ glory days during the rubber boom. Your first stop will be the famous opera house, built in 1896, with materials imported from Europe. Next, visit a bustling local market filled with regional foods and wares.

Today, your “Meeting of the Waters” cruise passes by the impressive British-built Customs House and the floating port. Cruise along the chocolate-hued Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-gray Rio Solimões, where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles, the differently shaded bodies of water flow side- by- side and never mix! After lunch on the river, explore a jungle island (seasonal) with fascinating native flora and fauna. Later this afternoon, arrive at the eco-lodge, situated on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazon rainforest. (B,L,D) Please note: The itinerary in the Amazon is subject to favorable weather conditions and water levels. When conditions are unfavorable (drought season is generally September – November), alternative eco-lodging and excursions will be provided.

Accompanied by a naturalist, enjoy a guided jungle walk that introduces you to the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon. After lunch, depart the lodge and sail up the river to visit with a Caboclo native to learn about their traditions and culture. Later, visit the Monkey Jungle Reserve (seasonal), where researchers work to rehabilitate captive primates and reintroduce them to the jungle. Here, you have the opportunity to see the feeding of spider, squirrel, woolly, and capuchin monkeys. This evening, maybe venture back out with your naturalist via canoe into the flooded forest to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. Keep watch for small alligators (and other night creatures)! (B,L,D)

This morning, depart your Amazon lodge for a flight to fabulous Rio. Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel, where your Local Guide will be available with suggested activities during your free time. (B)