Desafio Amazon Schooner Cruise

The M/V Desafio is a classical schooner that offers guests old world charm and a comfortable, intimate atmosphere on Brazil's mighty Amazon. She is currently undergoing a major re-fit in dry dock, to enlarge the cabins and update the facilities, but will be ready to resume sailing in July 2013.

With only 12 cabins, the boat is small enough to explore remote areas and for passengers to get to know their fellow travelers; but still spacious enough to provide comfort and casual elegance.

Cruises begin in and end in Manaus, exploring the Anavilhanas Islands, the majestic Rio Negro and the legendary Amazon River, by canoe and on foot, along the way. Guests enjoy all-inclusive home-made regional and international cuisine, daily expeditions by motorized boats, and experienced bilingual guides who will happily share their knowledge of the area and its biology. There are also visits to local river communities to learn about their unique culture and lifestyle. 

The four-day Maguarí itinerary departs every Thursday; and the Desafio is available for charter at other times.

Please note that a pre-arranged visa is required by holders of US, Canadian and Australian passports, among others, in order to enter Brazil. Ask us for more details.

4-Day Amazon Schooner Itinerary: Maguarí

This four-day cruise departs from Manaus and visits the Anavilhanas Archipelago, the largest river archipelago in the world, and its igarapés - permanent river channels - and igapós - non-permanent river channels. We explore these in daily excursions on small motorized boats that are ideal for the environment. 

And once back on board, passengers can enjoy rich Amazonian cuisine in the panoramic restaurant, and plenty of relaxation in comfortable cabins or well-appointed public areas.

NB. Owing to the natural acids in the river water, mosquitoes are much less of an omnipresence as elsewhere in Amazonia.

Day 1: Thurs: Depart Manaus
(Dinner)

This afternoon, we board the M/V Desafio, your floating hotel for the next three nights, at the Manaus Tropical Hotel, which has its own pier.

Once on board, the naturalist guide will host a 'welcome to the Amazon' briefing, highlighting the broad spectrum of life in this unique region. The guide will assist in the identification of the flora and fauna, provide a historical framework and enrich your ecological understanding of this unusual destination and of the natural world.

After dinner, we enjoy a ride in the expedition canoe to listen to the sounds of the jungle at night. Be sure to look upwards, as the spectacle of the Southern hemisphere constellations in an unpolluted sky is unmissable. 

Day 2: Fri: Anavilhanas Archipelago
(All meals)

Early this morning, we take a guided hike through the jungle to learn about the local fauna and flora. With so much bio-diversity, we can only scratch the surface!

After lunch, we sail towards the village of Samauma, located in the heart of the Anavilhanas Islands, the largest river archipelago in the world.

Later this afternoon, we use the motorized canoe to visit the surrounding lakes and narrow creeks.

After dinner, we board the canoes again for an exciting nighttime excursion to spot caiman, the alligators of South America, which are near the top of the food chain.

Day 3: Sat: Anavilhanas Tributaries
(All meals)

We have an early start this morning in order to enjoy the sun rising over the rainforest, which is the perfect time to see thousands of birds emerging from their roosts in search of breakfast.

After breakfast, we go fishing from our motor boat for some of the many hundreds of species found in the waters of Amazonia, including the aggressive piranha.

The rest of the day is spent exploring the creeks, islands and tributaries of the world’s greatest freshwater system.

Day 4: Sun: Meeting of Waters & Return to Manaus
(Breakfast)

After another tropical breakfast, we arrive at the emblematic Meeting of the Waters, where the River Negro and Solimoes meet each other to form the great Amazon River. The contrasting colours of each river, which take several miles to mix, are a remarkable spectacle. 

We then continue sailing back to Manaus, where the tour ends. 

Please note that the above program is subject to change, according to weather conditions, river water levels and any other operational criteria that the Captain deems relevant to the safety and enjoyment of the passengers. 

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Brazil Amazon Tour Prices: M/V Desafio

4 Day Amazon River Cruise: Maguarí

~ Lower Deck                         $1,125

~ Upper Deck                         $1,225

Price Policy:
 - All prices listed are PER PERSON in DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Cabins
 - Published Prices for 2013 Amazon Cruises only
 - Single Supplement $500

Included:
 - All meals while aboard your Amazon Cruise
 - Expert, bilingual guides and excursions
 - Drinking Water at all times

Not Included:
 - International or Domestic Airfares
 - Transfer to / from Manaus airport
 - Airport Taxes
 - Cost of medical emergencies including evacuation
 - Gratuities
 - Souvenirs or additional services
 - Travel Insurance
 - Cost of relevant visas
 - Anything else not listed as included

Please note:
- The Desafio departs from the pier of the Tropical Manaus Hotel
- Guides speak English, Spanish and Portuguese. Guides speaking other languages are subject to availability upon booking and rates informed upon request
- Baggage allowance: 20kg
- For every tour or transfer involving boats, the Manaus Port Authorities require a passenger list with full names, date of birth and nationality
- Children younger than two are not accepted on this itinerary

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The recently-restored M/V Desafio provides many of the amenities associated with larger ships. Originally an ocean-going vessel, she is robust enough for all conditions on the Amazon River and her tributaries.

The boat features 12 comfortable guest cabins, with private bathroom, all carpeted and well-lit. Rooms include air conditioning and a color TV.

The restaurant and bar are fully air-conditioned, making them perfect places to unwind and retreat from the Amazon sun.

In addition, the ship has a large sundeck and outdoor bar for observing the breathtaking surroundings.

Specifications: 

Refurbished: 2011 according to Brazilian Port Authority guidelines

Vessel type: Wooden-hulled three-masted sailing ship

Registered: Manaus, Brazil

Length: 33m / 112ft

Width: 7.3m / 25ft

Speed: 5 - 10 knots

Capacity: 24 passengers

Communications: VHF Radio; SSB Radio; Satellite Telephone

Navigation: Radar; Depth Sounder; Electronic Compasses.

Launch Boats: 2 x motorised canoes, with 40HP outboard engines

Safety:

Equipment: all as per Brazil's Merchant Marine Ministry’s rules & regulations, including life vests

Dry-docked once a year for all necessary maintenance

Cabins: 12: all 3m x 3m in size

9 Doubles & 3 Twins

6 on Upper Deck: External

6 on Lower Deck: Internal

All have Private Bathroom with Showers
1 Wardrobe
Safe
Bedside Light
Air-conditioned
Television

Water: 10,000 liters of treated water on board

Fuel: capacity for 19,000 liters

Brazilian Amazon Schooner M/V Desafio: 4-Day Itinerary Dates:

2013

~ Thurs, 4th - Sun, 7th July

~ Thurs, 11th - Sun, 14th July **

~ Thurs, 18th - Sun, 21st July

~ Thurs, 25th - Sun, 28th July

~ Thurs, 1st - Sun, 4th August

~ Thurs, 8th - Sun, 11th August

~ Thurs, 15th - Sun, 18th August **

~ Thurs, 22nd - Sun, 25th August

~ Thurs, 29th August - Sun, 1st September

~ Thurs, 5th - Sun, 8th September

~ Thurs, 12th - Sun, 15th September **

~ Thurs, 19th - Sun, 22nd September

~ Thurs, 26th - Sun, 29th September

~ Thurs, 3rd - Sun, 6th October

~ Thurs, 10th - Sun, 13th October

~ Thurs, 17th - Sun, 20th October

~ Thurs, 24th - Sun, 27th October **

~ Thurs, 31st October - Sun, 3rd November

~ Thurs, 7th - Sun, 10th November

~ Thurs, 14th - Sun, 17th November

~ Thurs, 21st - Sun, 24th November **

~ Thurs, 28th November - Sun, 1st December

~ Thurs, 5th - Sun, 8th December

~ Thurs, 12th - Sun, 15th December

~ Thurs, 19th - Sun, 22nd December **

~ Thurs, 26th - Sun, 29th December
 

** Save $200 p/p off published rate on these selected departures 
 

The Desafio can also be chartered for a customized Amazon adventure. Rates upon request.

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