Combine a wonderful Amazon cruise with a visit to the Pantanal - South America’s prime wildlife watching wilderness. Start with a 6 (or 4) night cruise on the wondrful Tucano - A classic Amazon River vessel converted into a boutique cruise ship. Then fly to the Pantanal for a 4 night stay at the beautiful Caiman Lodge set in a 53,000 estate - Home to Jaguars, giant anteaters, maned wolves and tapirs.
On Tucano we will venture along hidden uninhabited rivers deep into the wild woods where the magnificent plants and animals of the rainforest reign supreme. There are many active excursions into the forest. By day and by night we seek out the mysterious life that stirs in this vast wilderness forest.
With our small group, (a maximum of 18 travelers), our skilled naturalist guides, and our expedition itinerary, we observe creatures almost never seen by other visitors. Far off the beaten path, we also visit small villages where the rhythms of life are tuned to the cycles of the wilderness. On the last day of the cruise we visit the Encontro das Aguas, the confluence of the world’s two largest rivers, the Rio Negro and the mighty, magnificent, Amazon River itself. This experience is well beyond any ordinary cruise and way off the grid - the quintessential Amazon expedition cruise.
We then fly to Campo Grande (Flight at extra expense) and transfer to our luxury lodge in the Pantanal - home to more than 450 species of birds and 130 species of mammal. We spend 4 days searching for the spectacular wildlife whilst learning about the local projects aimed at conserving Jaguars, Hyacinth Macaws, Blue fronted parrots, tapir and a 5600 hectare protected biome.
During your stay in the Pantanal you will be taken on open vehicle wildlife safari, nocturnal walks, hiking trails through the forest and have the opportunity to paddle a Canadian canoe on the lagoon by the lodge.
- Explore the remote Amazon
- Search for Jaguars in the Pantanal
- Visit two great wildlife hotspots
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
In the late afternoon we embark in the launches and search for wildlife. We may also go for a swim in some of the world’s most clean and refreshing water. (LD) We return to the M/Y Tucano for hors d’oeuvres on the observation deck and a toast to the rainforest sunset. Following dinner we will embark in our launches in search of nocturnal creatures such as the Caiman, the Amazon’s crocodilians. We may also see one of the large night birds such as a Potoo with its bulging eyes and large mouth adapted to swallow the huge Mariposa Moths. (D)
An early start as we divide into small groups and explore the rainforest in our launches or kayaks, each group with a naturalist guide. We should hear and perhaps see howler monkeys and we should hear a morning serenade of toucans. After breakfast we go for a walk in the forest where we will get a good start on understanding Amazon ecology.
An early exploration of the waking forest. We will keep our eyes open for sloths... on most trips we see them often. We return for breakfast followed by eitheron foot in the forest or an excursion in the launches. M/Y 
We voyage to the west side of the Rio Negro and continue to scout in our launches and walk in the forest. We will explore according to the weather and water depth areas rarely visited by anyone else.
We begin the day with a dawn excursion searching for wakening wildlife followed by a full Brasilian breakfast. We will then go one last time into the forest..jpg)
During your stay the following tours will be scheduled at the pousada; Nature walks, Canadian canoe rides, nocturnal walks and jeep safari´s, depending the weather conditions.
The trips will be carefully selected, depending the climate and time of the year and will be guided by local guides that know all about the flora and fauna that make this place unique. To avoid the intense heath during the day, the tours are taking place early in the morning and mid-afternoon, at these times of the day, the possibilities of seeing the movement of the animals are a lot bigger. During your stay all excursions and meals are included. Overnights at Caiman Ecological Refuge.(B,L,D).jpg)
Safari
Canadian Canoe Tour
Hiking Trails
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Tucano
| Max passengers | 18 |
|---|---|
| Length | 24 metres |
The Amazon expedition cruise vessel MY Tucano has comfortable cabins with large beds and private baths, and is air-conditioned throughout. With our small groups (Max. 18 pax), trained naturalist guides, and thoughtful itineraries, we offer a genuine, thrilling experience with the REAL Amazon rainforest.
The Salon of the Motor Yacht Tucano is at the forward part of the vessel and is surrounded by a broad balcony. Thoroughly paneled and lighted by brass lamps, this room serves as our vessel library and dining room. It is a good place to observe the forest, read or relax. From this large space, filled with windows and situated at the front of the boat, you can see the fantastic forest around us.The top deck is open and has a large sun canopy --a wonderful place to spot wildlife or soak in the vastness of the Amazon. There is also space to catch some sun and watch the Macaw parrots screeching across the afternoon sky. The middle deck has a wide balcony around the entire front of the boat. Passengers can see where we are going and observe monkeys jumping from one vine to another.
Cabins
All of the 9 cabins are comfortable. Most cabins have individual beds and some have above and below beds. Each cabin on Tucano has a private bathroom with a shower, toilet, and a sink. We have hot water pressurized showers.
Windows to See the Forest
There are 76 large windows on Tucano and all of them open and close. There are large insect screens, though generally there are very very few mosquitos on our voyage.
Air-Conditioning
All the cabins and the Salon are air-conditioned. Every cabin has its own thermostat and individual controls. Your cabin can be as cool or as warm as you wish.
Beautiful Woodwork
All of the walls in the cabins have solid wood raised paneling... varnished and absolutely superb.
Lovely Decks
The decks in the cabins and living room are a deep brown natural finished wood that is kept highly polished.
Dining
Our meals are not gourmet, but wholesome, filling and delicious. We also serve many types of Amazon Fruits. Our cooks rise before dawn to make a large breakfast and there is always a tantalizing scent coming out of the Galley.
Techincal Specifications
Cabins: 9 cabins with private facilities
Group Areas: Forward facing salon and a full Observation Deck
Length: 82 feetMaximum Width: (beam): 21 feet
Standard Passenger Capacity: 18
Charter Passenger Capacity: 18-25
Crew: 8
Cruising Range: 1000 miles
Air-conditioning: Central to all cabins
Electricity: 110 volt/ 60 cycle
Vessel Built and Launched: September 1997
Vessel Refit: August 2003 and annually
Best time to travel in the Central Amazon
Our trips take place in the very middle of the Amazon - a thousand miles from the ocean and 1700 miles from the Andes. We begin our voyages at about two degrees of the Equator and we explore north on one of the least inhabited, and wildest rivers in the Amazon, The Rio Negro. The temperatures in this area are warm year round, so the most important seasons are the rainy and dry season - but read on below and see that the rainy season is a good time to travel! The rainy season runs roughly from mid-December to mid-May, the temperature is a bit cooler than the dry season which runs roughly August -November. Amazonia!
One important weather fact about central Amazonia is that it rains much much less than in the Peruvian Amazon or at the eastern Amazon of Brasil. It rains as much as 30% less than in these regions so the rainy season is much less pronounced. The average daytime temperature in the rainy season is usually in the mid-80's [F] with nighttime lows in the mid 70's to high 60's. In the dry season the daytime temperature can go up to the mid-90's though there is much variability and cool days are common. Nighttime temperatures during the dry season are usually in the mid-70's, though there are also some very cool nights.
Rainy Season
So, is it desirable to travel to the Amazon in the Rainy Season? Yes! Even though it does rain more this time of year, it is also true that many plants have evolved to fruit and flower during the rainy season which attracts pollinators, birds, and primates to the water's edge for us to observe. When it rains our expedition boat The Motor Yacht Tucano is very comfortable and will keep us dry and when the rain stops we go out exploring again. The gigantic thunderstorms are even a great pleasure to observe from the windows of the salon.
Dry Season
How about the dry Season? The dry season has some advantages too. The weather is dryer but more importantly, the lower water attracts some kinds of creatures that are not as commonly observed in the rainy season. The dry season is a time when the levels of most of the rivers in central Amazonia begin to drop, showing sandy beaches. This is a great time to see beach nesting birds like black skimmers and many kinds of terns, and also this is when the crocodilians of the Amazon mate and lay eggs..... and it is one of our travelers' great pleasures to listen to them bellowing to one another in the dark Amazon night. When the waters are at their most shallow, in November through January, it is sometimes possible to see millions upon millions of migratory fish in the shallows laying eggs. These fish attract every type of tropical fishing bird including large storks, spoonbills, osprey, and countless millions of swallows. The Amazon's marine mammals, pink and grey dolphins and giant river otter crowd into the smaller channels gorging on the abundance of fish.
Staterooms Sizes by Number
|
Stateroom Number |
Stateroom Sq. Ft. |
Bath Sq .Ft. |
Total Sq. Ft. |
|
0 (Yellow Category) |
85 |
15 |
100 |
|
1 (Blue Category) |
70 |
25 |
95 |
|
2 (Green Category) |
70 |
25 |
95 |
|
3 (Yellow Category) |
86 |
28 |
114 |
|
4 (Yellow Category) |
86 |
28 |
114 |
|
5 (Yellow Category) |
80 |
23 |
103 |
|
6 (Yellow Category) |
80 |
24 |
104 |
|
7 (Green Category) |
62 |
24 |
86 |
|
8 (Blue Category) |
60 |
20 |
80 |
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
Includes
During the cruise
- accommodations, guided excursions, and meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Bottled water is served free of charge.
- On Day One passengers join the group on a complementary transfer to the embarkation point. This can be from the recommended hotels or the arrival / departure lounge, the Tucano Rendezvous.
- The cruise ends with an complementary transfer from the disembarkation point to the city center of Manaus. This can be to the recommended hotels or to the Tucano Rendezvous.
In the Pantanal - Caiman Lodge
Includes accommodation in Double room, meals and non-alcoholic drinks, private transfers from/to Campo Grande with English speaking driver, daily shared activities Open vehicle safari, nocturnal walks, forest hikes and kayaking on the lagoon) with shared English speaking guide, preservation fee.
Excludes
Flights from Manaus to Campo Grande, available at extra cost. Cost will depend on date and class of seat. Prices from £300.
Special Excursions as part of the conservation programme
Onçafari Project - FD morning and afternoon - total 6-7 hr min. 2 - max. 6 pax
Group £ 370
Private £ 935
Observe jaguars in their natural habitat through an initiative aimed at the conservation of the species. Guests must book in advance and donations go directly to the project.
Hyacinth Macaw Project - HD half day - morning or afternoon min. 2 - max. 6 pax
Group £175
Private £525
Hyacinth Macaw Project - FD morning and afternoon - total 6-7 hr min. 2 - max. 6 pax
Group £260
Private £775
Accompanied by biologists from the Hyacinth Macaw Institute, this activity invites travellers to closely monitor the Hyacinth Macaw nests. Guests must book in advance and can donate directly to the project.
Horseback riding – HD morning or afternoon - total 3 hrs min. 2 - max. 9 pax
Group £100
Private £450
The most memorable way to experience the Pantanal. Lasting about 3 hours, the activity explores a variety of landscapes.
Birdwatching – FD morning and afternoon - total 6-7 hr min. 2 - max. 6 pax
Group £315
Private £935
Accompanied by expert guides, the tour highlights the biodiversity at Caiman, where around 350 bird species have already been registered.