La Jangada

PM: Get excited as we transport you to board La Jangada. Amazonian fruits cocktail will be provided in addition to crew presentations, safety instructions, and information for living onboard. Staff will escort your belongings into the cabins.

We then begin sailing to the water’s meeting point of the Solimões River and the Rio Negro. Simply a spectacle, the yellow waters of the Solimões river are laden with Rio Negro’s charming and dark alluvium. Drawn across the seascape, miles of ochre and black lace emerge, before subtly melting into the mighty Amazon River.

Following this, we navigate against the current of Rio Solimoes to the village of Catalan, where the habitat consists of floating houses made of wood. In the late afternoon, the ship drops anchor on Lake January for our first contact with the luxurious nature of the Amazon Rainforest. Embarking on the following excursion by motorboat, you will discover the local bird species together with delightful flora and fauna, to watch into the sunset. Your first day comes to an end with delectable dinner service onboard, continuing our sail overnight at the mouth of the Purus River to the village of Villa Paraiso.

AM: Breakfast and early morning departure by motorboat for an observation of the fauna and flora at sunrise. Disembark at Villa Paraiso for a visit to the Rubber Museum. This old property that belonged to a rubber baron was later transformed into a museum. The visit will allow you to better understand the golden age of rubber in the Amazon. White gold made the beautiful days of Manaus. The museum is a complete and faithful reproduction of a rubber plantation in the early 20th century.

After the visit, navigation on the Rio Negro, towards Tupé. Acidic waters remove mosquitoes, and despite less rich biodiversity, it is an opportunity to observe wildlife in little explored and sparsely populated areas where hunting is also most often banned.

PM: Lunch on board. At sunset, you will take a motorboat trip to observe the stunning fauna and flora of the surrounding areas. Docking in the cove of the village of Sao Joao do Tupé you have the opportunity to participate in a ritual of the Indians Dessano, Tucano e Tuiúca. This is the first contact you will have with the inhabitants of the banks.

 Finally, dinner on board will be served and followed by our overnight navigation on the Rio Negro to the village of Novo Airão, gateway to the Anavilhanas Archipelago. We dock for the night in a cove of Rio Negro close to Tres Bocas.

AM: Explore an aquatic labyrinth in the heart of the Amazonian forest. Early morning, breakfast, and departure by motorboat for an exploration of the islands and surrounding lakes. It is time to spot flying birds such as macaws, snowy egrets or blue egrets, fish eagles, and more.

Return to the boat as we navigate to the village of Sao Joao. During the navigation, from the observation deck, you will be able to watch the untouched spectacle of nature as it unfolds before your very eyes.

PM: Lunch on board. In the middle of the afternoon, departure by motorboat to visit the village of Sao Joao. Here live the caboclos - descendants of miscegenation between Portuguese settlers and Natives of the region. You will be able to discover the complex process of the preparation of cassava flour, unavoidable food in the Amazon. The craft hand-made the habitat. A moment of exchange to better know the water people and their surroundings.

Back to La Jangada, it is time to meet your guides at the lounge bar to learn about the indigenous tribes of Rio Negro, their history, their social organization, their way of life, and their crafts while enjoying a cocktail of fruits.

After we return from the heavenly scenery we dine either onboard or host a barbecue on a sandbar - weather permitting of course. The is a chance to have a different dining experience with us which will highlight the diversity of the cuisine you experience. Following this evening of fulfillment, we spend the night sailing to the city of Novo Airao and the caves of Madada.

AM: Early morning, after a hearty breakfast, we begin a trek in the primary forest. This hike is estimated to take roughly 1 hour, rewarding your efforts in finding the caves of Madada. This mysterious place served as a refuge for the indigenous Tucano tribes. One of the most interesting finds is the relief drawings you will see carved on the rocks, dating back more than 3000 years. Your guides will help you discover all the plant diversity of this territory, educating you on the diverse application of tree specimens and lianas for the native pharmacopeia.

You will return to the boar in the late morning. At this time it is optional again for anyone who would wish to swim in the waters of Rio Negro. 

PM: Lunch is provided at this time as we smoothly navigate to the village of Velho Airao, at the mouth of the river Jau.

At the end of the afternoon, you will make your way to a motorboat where your next trip will begin. We commence for an evening of enthralling wildlife watching at sunset. During this beautiful pursuit, you will be combined in groups with your tour and native guides. Here you can take the time to ask any questions you may have about the fascinating areas surrounding you.

After we return from the heavenly scenery we dine either onboard or host a barbecue on a sandbar - weather permitting of course. The is a chance to have a different dining experience with us which will highlight the diversity of the cuisine you experience. Following this evening of fulfillment, we spend the night sailing to the mouth of the Jau River, in the heart of Jau National Park.

AM: Make sure you get a good night's rest because at sunrise the Jangada will navigate you to the base of the ICMBio (the Institute for Biodiversity Conservation), named after the environmental activist Chico Mendes. Here we will take care of obtaining permits for you to enter the sanctuary. Advancing consistently in its marine nature and conservation resources sustainable use strategies, it is a protected and beloved area of Brazil.

Afterward, you will enjoy early morning breakfast on board and our team will simultaneously undertake navigations on the glistening river Jau. Arriving at a pre-organized location, you will get going on one of the local motorboats. In the company of experienced native guides, you will penetrate the "igarapés", small streams and submerged areas where you will get the time to immerse yourself and soak up all the viridescent surroundings. Many aquatic mammals are present in this protected area, like many species of birds and monkeys. In the high water season, from January to May, motorboat expeditions are provided to also admire the waterfalls of the Gato River.

In the late morning, you will make your return to the incredible Jangada and sail to the town of Moura, located a little further upstream after the mouth of the Union River. Remarkable lunch will be issued on board, as you take pleasure in loosening up and observing the natural landscapes.

PM: In the middle of the afternoon, exit yet again by motorboat for a visit to the city of Moura. Exploring the city will be the highlight of the evening before you are transported back to your vacation home, Jangada for another extraordinary dinner on board. After dinner, we begin navigation to Novo Airao.

AM: From sunrise, it's all the magic of the Amazon rainforest that is revealed to you. The reflections of the trees and the sky in the water, the flight of birds we never get tired of, the daily life and its multitude of smells, sounds, and landscapes. Around 8 am, we land for a dip with the pink dolphins. This experience is truly incomparable and will be completely unforgettable. Discovery of the Ariau River follows your extended morning, a rich ecosystem full of charming surprises. Lose yourself in your final moments aboard the luxurious Jangada.

14:00 marks the time for disembarkation of all passengers. We will be sorry to see you say goodbye, but leave you with confidence that you have had the best vacation experience possible! The drop-off point is located in front of the hotel Tropical, where reception assistance will be aided by English-speaking guides for all of your final needs.

AM: In the morning, meeting point at your hotel or welcome to Manaus airport by your English-speaking guides.

PM: Boarding the Jangada. You will be greeted with an Amazonian fruit cocktail, crew presentation, safety instructions, and information on life on board. Installation in the cabins. Lunch and navigation to Vila Paraiso where the Rubber Museum is located. This old property that belonged to a rubber baron was later transformed into a museum. The visit will allow you to better know the golden age of rubber in the Amazon. White gold made the beautiful days of Manaus. The museum is a complete and faithful reproduction of a rubber plantation in the early 20th century. It was created for the film "Selva" by Leonel Vieira, freely inspired by the book "Virgin Forest" by Ferreira de Castro, a Portuguese writer, and journalist.

After the visit, navigation on the Rio Negro, towards Domingos. Acidic waters remove mosquitoes and despite less rich biodiversity it is an exploration sail to observe wildlife in little explored and sparsely populated areas where hunting is now most often banned. At sunset, take a motorboat trip to observe the fauna and flora. Berthing in the cove of the village of Cipié to participate in a ritual of the Indians Dessano, Tucano e Tuiúca. First contact with the inhabitants of the banks. Dinner on board and night navigation on the Rio Negro to the Apuau river, gateway to the Anavilhanas Archipelago.

AM: Light coffee early in the morning and departure by canoe for an exploration of the mouth of the Apuau River. In the morning, at sunrise, it's time to fly birds: macaws, parrots, snowy egrets, eagles fishermen. You may also see the ballet gray and pink dolphins. After this observation trip, return to La Jangada for breakfast. An hour later, out for a walk in the forest of "terra firma" (land never flooded). Explanations by your guides of the resources offered by the diversity of the flora for the natives. Wood and palms for the construction of habitat, pharmacopeia thanks to trees and lianas such as Araba, Amapa, and Piquia. A few hours to slip once again between the giant tree trunks and the tall creepers for furtive encounters with the animals of the reserve.

PM: Lunch on board and navigation to the mouth of the river Camanau. It's time to relax or go to the lounge bar to talk with your guides about the native tribes of Rio Negro. Shoreline observation from the third bridge, time goes by slowly to the rhythm of navigation. At the end of the afternoon, canoe expedition to observe the fauna and the beauty of the landscapes at the golden hour of the sunset. Dinner on board or barbecue on a sandbank, weather permitting. Night at anchor on the Camanau River.

AM: Very early in the morning, light coffee and departure by canoe to explore this beautiful site and better understand through your guides this biodiversity unique in the world. Return on board, breakfast, and mid-morning navigation to the river Jauaperi. This is the moment to observe on the banks all the shades of green and the dolphins drawing large circles in the mirrored waters, the birds that fly away from the boat.

PM: Lunch on board. The inhabitants of the banks of this river, have organized themselves in association to protect the fauna and the flora on a territory of more than 200 000 hectares. Here, the primary forest is full of fruits, oils, resins, natural dyes for crafts and medicinal plants. Wildlife offers the visitor spectacular diversity. More than 40 mammal species have been recorded, including 10 reported by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) as being in danger of extinction (jaguar, giant otter, anteater, spider monkey, and manatee). You can also see many species of ornamental fish, rare birds such as the harpy eagle and red Jaburu, according to the seasons.

In the middle of the afternoon, canoeing wildlife observation on the waters of the Jauaperi River, accompanied by your guides. Piranha fishing (Maybe lucky to catch one of these big black piranhas). After sunset return to the Jangada. Dinner on board and night departure by canoe or motorboat. Night at anchor on the Jauaperi River in a cove near the Fazenda do Eli.

AM: At sunrise, a short getaway to scare the caimans often peacefully settled on the bank near the Fazenda. Breakfast on board and exit by motorboat to observe the fauna and flora. Landing to visit the village and discover the Alternative Community School, teaching the study of the environment and native traditions and culture.

PM: Lunch on board, idleness, and observation of the landscapes. Mid-afternoon, landing in a small village caboclo for a meeting with the inhabitants, the discovery of life. Wildlife watching at sunset. Dinner on board. After dinner, go out to observe the caimans and the nocturnal animals. In the noisy silence of the Amazonian night some shivers and emotions in perspective, the concert of the frogs and the dance of the fireflies will surprise you. Night at anchor in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

AM: Light coffee and departure for a new expedition in the water labyrinth of the Jauaperi River in the company of native guides in search of aquatic mammals and birds. It may be possible to observe otters, dolphins, monkeys, and without a doubt many birds. Back on board for breakfast and sailing to Airao Velho, this village of traders created before the city of Manaus and whose remains tell an astonishing story. (5:30) A few hours of observation of ever-changing landscapes from the top of the fourth bridge or comfortably installed in a deck chair or on the terrace of your cabin. Conference at the bar "Legends and the myths of Amazonia".

PM: Lunch on board and relax while the boat continues to sail to the village of Airao Velho. In the middle of the afternoon, disembarkation and visit of the village, observation of the fauna at sunset. At the end of the day return on board and meeting at the bar with your guides to comment and complete all that has been seen during this long day on the Rio Negro. Dinner on board La Jangada and anchor night in a Rio Negro cove.

AM: Early morning, after a hearty breakfast, landing for a trek in the primary forest to the caves of Madada that you will reach after an hour of walking. This mysterious place served as a refuge for the indigenous tribes more than 3000 years ago. Your guides will make you discover all the plant diversity of this territory and the use of a large number of trees and lianas for the native pharmacopeia.

PM: Return in the late morning for lunch aboard La Jangada. After lunch, sail to Novo Airao. This small town on the banks of Rio Negro offers beautiful crafts, a craft brewery, and a very warm welcome. In the afternoon visit crafts and shipbuilding workshops. Back on board and sailing to the village of Acajatuba. Dinner on board and overnight at anchor in a cove near "Praia Grande".

AM: Early morning breakfast and departure by motorboat for a last swim in the waters of Rio Negro, happy dive to meet maybe the pink dolphins. Back on board and time to change outfit, departure to the village of Acajatuba for a visit of this small community. Discover the daily life of cabocles, "Casa da Farinha" where cassava flour and tapioca are prepared, crafts, and beautiful encounters.

PM: Lunch on board. In the middle of the afternoon, departure by motorboat to the Ariau, this natural channel joins the Amazon and Rio Negro. Beautiful territory for the observation of the fauna and in particular of the monkeys. Barbecue on the sandbar of "Praia Grande" (weather permitting). Night at anchor at "Praia Grande".

AM: Breakfast and navigation to Manaus, allowing disembarkation of the passengers making the shorter cruises, as we stop to re-fuel.

PM: Lunch on board. In the early afternoon, sailing towards the meeting of waters between the Solimões River and Rio Negro. Here, the waters of the yellow Solimões, laden with alluvium and those of Rio Negro dark, draw for miles on ocher and black lace before melting and give birth to the mighty Amazon River. Leaving the waters of the Rio Negro behind you, sailing to Lake Janauaca. Sunset on the Solimoes River and first contact with the lush nature of the banks of this river with white waters. In the early evening, the ship drops anchor on Lake Janauaca for the first contact with the lush nature of the banks of the Amazon. Dinner on board and overnight at anchor on Lake Janauaca.

AM: Early morning, after a light coffee, just at sunrise, wildlife observation on Lake Janauca by motorboat. Nature awakens, birds fly in search of food, dolphins hunt in the muddy waters, the first pirogues of sinners appear from behind the trees hiding the houses, it is the life which takes again its rights after the night. Return to the Jangada and breakfast. Navigation to the Manacapuru River, one of the dozens of Rio Negro tributaries. During the navigation, the boat sails close to the banks, it is the moment to observe the daily life in the Amazon. In the middle of the morning, a conference "Legends Amazonian" will take place at the bar.

PM: Lunch on board. In the early afternoon, the boat drops anchor at the mouth of the Manacapuru River. The time to put on the lifejackets and it is a new start in a motorboat to observe the fauna and flora, meet the inhabitants of the banks, until sunset. This river gave its name to a much sought-after aquarium fish, the scalar which has a bright red forehead or back. At the end of the afternoon, return on board. Dinner, nightlife observation, and sailing to the small town of Anama.

AM: At dawn, La Jangada wets anchor in a cove of Solimoes, close to Anama. After breakfast, disembarkation for a visit of the city, its market, its stalls, and shops, discover the market, local crafts, and the intense activity of a small Amazonian city that stood out during World War II with his "rubber" soldiers. A walk to better know Amazonian life.

PM: Lunch on board, relaxation, and new expedition. Presentation of the culture of acai, this magic bay, the fruit of a palm tree, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. The harvesting of açaí berries is done by hand by the local population from August to December. The pickers climb the trees with the strength of their legs using a rope wrapped around their feet. After cutting a bouquet loaded with fruit, the climber comes down from the tree trying not to lose too much fruit. Experienced, he can harvest between 150 and 200 kg during the day. The harvest must be done in the morning, the often rainy weather in the afternoon makes climbing dangerous. After harvest, the berries are sorted and stored in large baskets. As the roads are almost non-existent, these large baskets are transported to the markets by boat at night, when the temperatures are more basic, to ensure better conservation of the fruits.

Late afternoon return on board and navigation to the mouth of the Purus River. Dinner on board and overnight at anchor in front of the village of Pao.

AM: Early in the morning, at sunrise, but after breakfast, motorboat expedition to observe the birds on the lakes and "Furos" (small canals joining the lakes and the main river) a little upstream of Rio Purus. It's time for herons, white or blue egrets, the concert of Jacanas, gracious little waterhens, and the majestic flight of fish eagles. Before leaving the ship, you will launch, helped by the sailors, lines of funds to try to catch some big fish and improve the menu of the day. Meeting with the inhabitants of the village do Pao. They live from catfish fishing giant, Surubim, Pirarara, large Siluriformes, up to three meters in length. Visit of the village. In the late morning return to the Jangada. It's time to shoot the fishing lines hoping for good surprises.

PM: Lunch on board. Navigation to the Lake Janauari. Relaxation and observation of banks always very eventful, colorful, and full of life: floating houses or on stilts, fishing scenes with the sparrowhawk, women, and children at the time of the laundry or the bath, loading of merchant boats of all kinds, and wild life. In the late afternoon, on the course, motorboat excursion to explore the surrounding islands and lakes. Meeting with the inhabitants and observation of the fauna and flora. The pink dolphins always at the rendezvous. Before dinner, over a drink in the bar exchange with the guides on the beautiful surprises and meetings of the day. Presentation of the program of the next day. Dinner on board and overnight at anchor on Lake Janauari.

AM: Early morning, after a light coffee, take a fast canoe trip to explore Lake Janauari. Observation of fauna and flora. The pink dolphins will probably be one last time at the rendezvous. You can also admire the Vitoria Regiae, a giant aquatic plant up to 2.50 m in diameter. Afterward, we head back on board for breakfast and navigation to Manaus. 

It's time to quietly pack your suitcases for a late-morning landing to Manaus, in front of the port of Sao Raimundo. We bid you farewell around 11:00, as the end of the cruise is upon us.