Brazil's Culture, Wildlife & Cities: Manaus, The Amazon, & São Paulo - 11 Days

Highlights

• Learn about the rich biodiversity of the Amazon at the Museu da Amazônia 
• Try your hand at fishing for tasty piranha and other fish on the rivers of the Amazon
• Hike through the rainforest and feast on regional cuisine cooked over an open fire
• See colorful street art in São Paulo's lively Vila Madalena neighborhood

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Manaus, Guided City Tour

Welcome to Brazil! Your flight lands in Manaus, the bustling capital of Brazil's Amazonas state. Located in northwestern Brazil, on the banks of the Río Negro, Manaus is considered the primary departure point for expeditions into the Amazon Rainforest. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a private driver and transferred to your hotel, where, after check-in, you'll meet up with an expert local guide for a tour of this fascinating city. 

Start at the Black River Palace, an architectural masterpiece built in the early 20th century by Italian architect Antonio Jannuzzi. Originally named Scholz Palace, it was once the private residence of German rubber merchant Waldemar Scholz and, in later years, the residence of the governor of the Amazonas. Stop at the Museu do Índio to see exhibits on the history, traditions, and artwork of the country's native peoples, then visit the 19th-century Customs House, a neoclassical building that once played a crucial role in controlling the flow of goods in and out of the Amazonas.

Visit the neoclassical Palace of Justice, with its elegant columns and intricate stonework, then conclude your tour at the Amazon Theater, a stunning opera house with a colorful dome and pink facade built during the rubber boom. Head back to your hotel with a deeper appreciation for the region's rich history and diverse culture, taking tonight to relax after the long day.

Day 2: Visit Museu da Amazônia (MUSA) & Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden

Today's excursion takes you to the Museu da Amazônia (MUSA), an extraordinary living museum within the Adolpho Ducke Reserve. This immersive experience allows visitors to explore the Amazon Rainforest's biodiversity. Within the reserve, you'll find the Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden, a subject of study for over 60 years by the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA) due to its rich flora and fauna.

Walk along the museum's trails, where you'll learn about the diverse plant and animal species that inhabit the rainforest. Visit the on-site library and laboratories, where researchers work tirelessly to expand our knowledge of the Amazon's wonders while promoting conservation and appreciation of the environment. Then, visit the aquarium, which showcases the region's aquatic life, and the orchidarium and butterfly house, home to a beautiful variety of orchids and butterflies.

Finish the tour by climbing to the top of the museum's observation tower, which, at a towering 137 feet (42 m), offers panoramic views of the rainforest canopy. As you take in the scenery, your guide will share captivating stories about the science and research behind MUSA's ongoing preservation efforts. 

Day 3: Boat to the Amazon, Canoeing & Nocturnal Animal Excursion

The day starts early as you check out of your hotel and meet your driver, who will transport you to the river port of Ceasa. From here, board a speedboat and travel to the village of Careiro da Várzea. Along the way, you'll stop at the Meeting of the Waters, where the Río Solimões and Río Negro meet, creating a junction point between the rivers that run side by side for quite a distance without actually mixing until they join to form the great Amazon River. Keep your eyes on the water because you're also likely to see a few curious river dolphins. 

Continue by vehicle to the Río Tupana, where you'll board a motorized canoe and make your way to the Amazon Tupana Lodge, your rainforest home for the next few days. Nestled amid the lush vegetation, the lodge offers eco-friendly accommodations with natural, rustic architecture that creates a sense of full integration into the remote forest. Arrive and, after check-in, enjoy a warm greeting from your hosts and a welcome drink, then have your first lunch at the lodge, comprised of both regional and international cuisine.

After lunch, depart for a canoe trip, exploring the region's igarapés (Amazonian creeks) and the igapós (flooded forest), accessible only by paddle canoes. See birds and other wildlife, and listen to the peaceful sounds of the forest. Speaking of forests, later tonight, take an evening wildlife expedition. This two-hour tour takes you into the forest at night—the best time to see the region's nocturnal animals. Your guide will stop at various points, using a flashlight to aid in the search as you seek out frogs, owls, anteaters, and caimans, who freeze when the light hits their eyes, making them easy to spot.

Day 4: Amazon Tupana Lodge: Sunrise Birdwatching, Fishing Fun, Evening Lecture

There's nothing quite like a sunrise in the Amazon, and this morning, you'll get a chance to experience it firsthand. Depart with your guide in the early hours, watching the sky change color, and the birds awaken. Spot different tropical birds with the binoculars provided, and keep your camera ready for some great shots.

Afterward, enjoy an educational jungle walk accompanied by an expert guide who will introduce you to the area's flora and fauna. Learn about the uses of the plants that grow here and which ones are edible or medicinal. Spot monkeys and birds in the trees as your guide shares information about their daily habits and see how this essential ecosystem functions. The guides also carefully use different paths during the walks to avoid damaging the forest with overuse.

Return to the lodge for lunch, then take an exciting fishing excursion to a nearby river, where, in addition to other Amazonian fish, you'll get to angle for the carnivorous piranha! Visitors might also be surprised to know that this isn't mere sport fishing—piranhas are a regional delicacy and quite delicious. Tonight, you'll feast on the day's catch while you listen to an informal lecture by one of the lodge's guides, discussing everyday life in the Amazon alongside the legends, traditions, and culture of the region.

Day 5: Amazon Tupana Lodge: Jungle Trek & Picnic, Learn About Amazonian Culture

Learn more about life in the Amazon today, starting with a jungle hike deep into the rainforest. Your guide will accompany you along dense trails, sharing stories about the region's history and culture as you go. Stop in a beautiful resting spot for lunch, where you'll feast on regional cuisine cooked over an open fire. Then, rest for a bit in hammocks, just as local rainforest dwellers do.

Later, visit with an Amazonian local and learn about the traditional medicinal plants that have long been used to treat various illnesses. You'll also learn about the production of manioc flour, one of the region's primary exports and economic drivers. End the day with another delicious dinner at the lodge, relaxing in your room, or stepping outside for a walk around the grounds. 

Day 6: Amazon Tupana Lodge: Sumaúma Tree & Local Craft-Making

Head back into the rainforest for a guided visit to a giant Sumaúma tree. This species of tree is recognized as being the biggest in height and diameter in the Amazon, reaching upwards of 130 feet (40 m) in height. Your guide will share interesting facts about the trees, and you'll have a chance to walk around and take photos if you like. 

This afternoon, spend time with a local guide at the lodge, where they'll host classes on local crafts. Learn to make objects from naturally sourced items such as babaçu leaves, açaí seeds, fish scales, and more. Have a last dinner at the lodge, and get a good night's rest as your travels continue tomorrow. 

Day 7: Fly to São Paulo, Flavors of São Paulo Tasting Tour

Depart the Amazon for São Paulo, a bustling metropolis known for its incredible architecture and rich culture. You'll transfer back to Manaus for the three-hour flight, meeting your private driver on arrival for transport to your hotel. Once you've checked in and regrouped, it's time to discover the city in one of the best ways possible—through its superb gastronomy!

With over 12,500 restaurants and more than 50 different types of cuisine, São Paulo seeks to please every taste, from traditional dishes to those interested in trying new and unusual flavors. Meet your guide and start with a visit to the Pátio do Colégio, which marks where the city was founded. Sip some authentic Brazilian coffee from one of the vendors here, then continue to the Asian district of Liberdade for temaki (hand-rolled sushi).

Try garapa (sugar cane juice) at one of the city's street fairs, or enjoy a classic mortadella sandwich at the Municipal Market. Your guide will curate the tour to suit your tastes, and you'll be free to stop at the places of your choosing and sample the food items you prefer. Return to your hotel afterward, or explore more of the city on your own. 

Day 8: São Paulo City Tour: Parks, Shopping & Avenida Paulista

This morning, see more of São Paulo with a guided city tour. Meet your guide after breakfast and start at the lovely Ibirapuera Park, the city's version of New York's Central Park. Featuring a nearly 400-acre (160 ha) oasis of greenery in the town, you'll find walking paths, pavilions, a lake, and colorful gardens here. You can rent bikes at the main entrance or grab a bite from one of the local food vendors. 

Walk through the historic downtown district, home to sites such as the Sé Cathedral and the Piques Obelisk, which dates back to the 1800s, then stroll down Avenida Paulista. This famous 2-mile (2.8 km) long street connects the "old city" to the "modern city" and is known as a hub for the arts. See the Moreira Salles Institute, a glistening glass-fronted building that showcases the work of photographers from around the world and the modern architecture of the Art Museum of São Paulo. End at Trianon Park, a serene green space that resembles an English garden.

Day 9: Discover the Art of Vila Madalena

Art is undoubtedly a huge part of São Paulo's rich history and culture, and today, you'll get to take a deep dive into the visual delights and creative minds of the Vila Madalena neighborhood. Once a haven for bohemian artists in the 70s, when students with little money moved into the area, the neighborhood is now home to art galleries, exhibits, workshops, and music schools. 

Start with a walk through Beco do Batman, an area with colorful street art at every turn and lots of shops and vendors. Then, stop by galleries such as Tato or Millan, which feature works from local and international artists, or buy some designer wear at Farm or Flavia Aranha. See cool furniture in Paulo Alves and Barauna, then end with lunch at one of the neighborhood's many cafés and restaurants.      

Day 10: Zu Lai Temple & Sunday Market at Embu das Artes 

Make the most of your last day in Brazil with a guided tour of Zu Lai Temple, located in Cotia, it's the largest Buddhist temple in South America. Meet your guide in the morning for the one-hour drive, then walk around the expansive grounds, taking in the carp lake and cherry trees. The temple has roots in Mahayana Buddhism, which teaches that Buddhahood is within the reach of all.  

Continue to the village of Embu das Artes, or the "City of Arts," an international gathering place for painters, sculptors, and artisans to exhibit their work. The town's historic center is filled with galleries, handicraft stores, and antique shops, which you'll have time to peruse. You can also visit the Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art), which has a collection of religious art from the 16th to the 20th century.

If you happen to be there on a weekend, you'll want to check out the Embu das Artes Fair, a large outdoor market where you'll find handmade crafts, plants and flowers, and art. Have a traditional Brazilian lunch at one of the restaurants here before returning to São Paulo for the evening. 

Day 11: Depart São Paulo

Your adventures in Brazil come to a close as you take a private transfer to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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