Rio and Amazon Cruise
~ 10 Day tour Starting at $2,349
Enjoy the highlights of Rio de Janiero combined with the adventure of an Amazon River cruise from Manaus. This tour is designed to show you the contrasts between Brazil's vibrant city life and the vast wealth of the world's mightiest rainforest.
Rio and Amazon River Cruise:
Brazil’s incredible Rio de Janeiro is without a doubt one of the world’s most impressive cities. Stretched between jungle-covered mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Rio de Janeiro’s long golden beaches, emblematic views and exuberant cultural life will leave a lasting impression. Highlights of the Rio portion of this itinerary include visits to both Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Rio de Janeiro, combined with a comprehensive visit to the Amazon, aboard a regional style Amazon Riverboat, allows travelers the chance to explore contemporary city life along Brazil's rich coast, and the raw, wild-appeal of untamed Amazonia.
Manaus is the unequivocal capital of the Amazon Basin. From this dynamic city you explore the Amazon Ecological Corridor, a mosaic of parks and protected areas, which together comprise the largest protected area in the entire Amazon. View iconic wildlife, interact with local communities, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Amazon Rainforest from the comfort of your riverboat.
Note: Amazon Riverboat will be either Awape or Jacare-Asu, depending on group size.
Rio and Amazon Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
You are met at the airport in Rio and escorted to your hotel, conveniently situated near Ipanema or Copacabana Beach. Depending on your arrival time, you either have the day to explore the city, or rest in your comfortable hotel. Rio boasts some truly spectacular nightlife, so if you are up for some fun, take a stroll on Ipanema's boulevard!
Day 2: Christ the Redeemer
This morning your tour will begin with a drive through Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. You will reach the peak of Corcovado Mountain, home to the iconic statue of 'Christ the Redeemer.' Corcovado offers spectacular views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf, the beaches and the ocean. In the afternoon, take time to enjoy Rio's beautiful beaches. (Meals - B)
Day 3: Sugar Loaf and City Tour
Today's tour of Rio takes you to the historic city center in the morning, passing the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Candelaria Church, as well as many more of the city's important buildings. You will then be taken to the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, from where you ride the famous cable car to the top. With a commanding view 300m above the sea, the views over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and up to Corcovado are spectacular. (Meals - B)
Day 4: Flight to Manaus
Today, enjoy a morning at leisure before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Manaus. Manaus is a vibrant jungle city, rich in history and bustling with activity. It is also an ecotourism hotspot, and departure point for your Amazon River cruise. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your comfortable hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. (Meals - B)
Day 5: Madada' Observatory
Early morning pick-up and transfer to Novo Ariao, embarkation point for your Amazon cruise. You will receive a brief orientation and materials related to your expedition. After lunch, we will enjoy a boat tour of the Anavilhanas Archipelago with probable sightings of Amazon River dolphins. Take a dip in the river and enjoy the scenery before retiring to the Madada Observatory for the evening. (All Meals)
Day 6: Caves and Virgin Rainforests
Today, enjoy dawn in the Amazon with a hearty breakfast and spectacular views. We will enjoy a hike through virgin forests reaching the Madada caves, where you are given a mini jungle survival lesson. An afternoon swimming, combined with a visit to an indigenous community, cap off an action-packed day in the rainforest. In the evening, we enjoy a bonfire under the vast Amazon sky. (All Meals)
Day 7: Jau National Park
Today is our first day in the Jau National Park. Upon arrival, we will register with IBAMA (Brazil’s environmental authority) before exploring the park. In the high-water season we search for a resident family of River Otters. In low-water season, we explore Pauini River’s boulder-filled rapids. Evening canoe ride in search of nocturnal creatures such as the Black Caiman. (All Meals)
Day 8: Jau National Park
In the morning, we pay a visit to the Aturia community, where we have the opportunity to interact with local residents and children. We will learn about tropical agricultural practices, and view local handicrafts.
In the afternoon, we can either hike to a waterfall and enjoy a dip, or take the chance to harness-climb of a giant Chestnut Tree. (All Meals)
Day 9: A Swim with River Dolphins
Our last day on the river is mostly dedicated to navigation. We head in the direction of Novo Ariao, stopping at our last destination - a location that allows for swimming with Pink River Dolphins. We will receive a guided city tour of Novo Ariao and lunch before returning to Manaus for the evening. (Meals - B, L)
Day 10: Return Home
After a breakfast at your leisure, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. We hope you have enjoyed your adventure in Brazil! Rainforest Cruises would like to thank you for enjoying the beauty of Rio, and the wonder of the mighty Amazon with us!
Per Person Tour Prices
Group Guided Tour:
~ 3* Hotels: $2,349
~ 4* Hotels: $2,599
Private Guided Tour:
~ 3* Hotels: $2,749
~ 4* Hotels: $2,899
Note: All prices are per person in double occupancy. Prices subject to change without prior notice depending on seasonality (ie: high season, special holidays, festivals, etc). Group and Private tours refer to the Rio de Janeiro excursions. All excursions aboard Amazon riverboat are group guided.
Hotels Included in Quote
3* Accommodations:
~ Rio de Janeiro: Ibiza Copacabana
~ Manaus: Go Inn Manaus
~ Riverboat: Awape or Jacare-Asu
4* Accommodations:
~ Rio de Janeiro: Ipanema Plaza
~ Manaus: Tropical Hotel Manaus
~ Riverboat: Awape or Jacare-Asu
Note: Hotel selection may change due to availability. We reserve the right to replace with hotel with similar characteristics, which may affect the price of your tour. Hotels and Services can only confirmed after payment is received.
Included with Tour:
- 5 Nights in Hotels; 4 Nights aboard Riverboat
- All Necessary Transfers
- All Meals during Amazon cruise
- Entrances During Excursions
- English Speaking Guides
- Free Travel Insurance*
Note: Free Travel Insurance included with combined Cruise and Land Tour Booking
Not Included with Tour:
- Domestic & International Airfares
- Airport Taxes
- Anything not Stated in Itinerary
- Tips or Alcoholic Beverages
- Any Required Visas
- Reciprocity Fees
Service List:
Day 1:
- Delivery of Documents and Vouchers (Rio Airport)
- Transfer from Rio Airport to Hotel
- Overnight Rio
Day 2:
- Breakfast
- Half-Day, Guided Tour of Corcovado
- Overnight Rio
Day 3:
- Breakfast
- Half-Day, Guided Tour of Sugar Loaf
- Overnight Rio
Day 4:
- Breakfast
- Transfer from Rio hotel to Airport
- Transfer from Manaus Airport to Hotel
- Overnight Manaus
Day 5 - 9:
- All Meals
- Transfers to/from Manaus
- Amazon River Cruise
- Overnight aboard Ship (days 5-8)
- Overnight in Manaus (day 9)
Day 10:
- Breakfast
- Transfer from Manaus Hotel to Airport
