Kayaking Adventure in Brazil's Amazon - 8 Days

Highlights

• Take a tour of Manaus and see where Rio Negra and Rio Solimões meet
• Kayak along the Rio Urubu to see abundant and diverse flora and fauna 
• Trek through the Amazon rainforest in search of remote waterfalls and wildlife
• Find peace as you camp under the stars among the sounds of the jungle

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Manaus, City Tour

Welcome to northwestern Brazil! Upon arrival at the airport in Manaus, a driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall to take you to your hotel. Manaus, the capital of Amazonas, sits on the banks of the Rio Negro, where it meets the mighty Amazon. This is an ideal base for trips into the rainforest. Once you get settled at your hotel, meet your local guide for a city tour.

Day 2: Meeting of the Waters Tour, Visit the Museu da Amazônia

This morning, meet at the port to board a boat that will take you to the point known to locals as the Meeting of the Waters, where the Amazon begins. Sail about 6 miles (10 km) away along the Rio Negro until you reach the Rio Solimões. At this point, you'll clearly see the union of the Rio Negro, the darker water, which is almost black, cross with the Rio Solimões, which is much clearer. For 4 miles (6 km), the water of the two rivers flow side by side without mixing due to the differences in temperature, speed, and density of the two rivers.

After observing this fascinating phenomenon, continue cruising to the Ecological Park of Janeiro, where you'll see well-known aquatic plants and have a chance to purchase Indigenous crafts. Have a break for lunch and then take a motorized canoe trip through various channels of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões. At the end of the tour, you'll return to your hotel through the jungle, seeing various birds in the lush Amazon.

Later today, immerse yourself in the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon at Musa, an extraordinary living museum located within the Adolpho Ducke Reserve. Explore the Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden, home to a rich variety of fauna and flora studied by the National Institute of Amazonian Research for over 60 years. Wander through 1 mile (3 km) of trails, visit the library, laboratories, aquariums, orchidarium, and butterfly garden. Climb the 137-foot (42 m) tower for a stunning panoramic view of the rainforest. This experience combines the wonder of nature with scientific discovery.

Day 3: Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 1), Amazon Forest Hike

The Rio Urubu is an affluent of the great Amazon that lies east of Manaus. It's almost 310 miles (500 km) long and very narrow, making it perfect for experiencing the rainforest by kayak. Few people live along this river, and you'll enjoy peaceful days without disturbance. The gentle current will guide your journey downstream, but you might also get to shoot down some mild and thrilling rapids.

Start by meeting your guide in the hotel lobby for a two-hour drive through the Amazonian landscape to reach Urubu's riverbank. Upon arrival, your guide will provide the basics of kayaking and water safety. Then you'll hop in for two hours of kayaking through the lush tropical forest. Be on the lookout for blue and yellow macaws and other native species. Later, you'll get out and walk through the jungle to see a cave where bats live during the breeding season.

After a snack, you'll get back in and paddle to your campsite located on an 80-foot (a 25 m) cliff wall, where tiny orchids cling tenaciously to the vertical surface. When you arrive, your guides will set up camp while you relax and enjoy a caipirinha. Your hammock will be covered with a mosquito net and a large shield on top in case of rain, and your guide will provide you with some helpful techniques to maintain it and enjoy your night. Enjoy a well-deserved hot meal for dinner this evening before sleeping under the stars.

Day 4: Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 2), Uninhabited Forest Hike

While you have breakfast, take in the fresh air and the lush surroundings as you listen to the different birdcalls in this fascinating region. Afterward, you'll kayak for about an hour and then take a short hike to visit two remote waterfalls. Feel free to jump in and cool off in this utterly secluded area. Climb a bit higher, and you'll reach a cliff ledge behind the waterfalls, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the jungle. Along this hike, you'll learn about flora and fauna and how they can be used as natural first-aid remedies in the rainforest. Next, you'll return to the kayaks and have lunch.

In the afternoon, hop back in your kayak for a long, isolated route that promises more beautiful scenery and gentle but exhilarating rapids. At the end of the day, return to base camp, perhaps do some stretching, and watch the fantastic sunset while waiting for dinner to be served.

Day 5: Morning Jungle Hike, Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 3)

Rise early this morning and set out on a sunrise hike, followed by more kayaking along the river. After approximately an hour of paddling, you'll reach your next hiking point, where you will have lunch, relax and then continue trekking to one of the largest waterfalls near the Urubu. You'll then kayak to your next campsite, an excellent place to visit in the dark and enjoy stargazing while listening to the sounds of the jungle. This is also a great place to fish if you want to try your hand at catching piranhas. Or, go on a night hike for a chance to spot nocturnal animals.

Day 6: Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 4), Hike to Remote Waterfalls

This is your last full day of kayaking, so make it the best day yet. Rise early and hop in your kayak. Since you'll make little noise as you glide through the water, it'll be easy to spot endemic species up close. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as monkeys, reptiles, colorful birds, and plenty of unusual plants and trees. You'll come upon more waterfalls as you explore the rainforest further, so stop to take a dip and relax on nearby rocks. After another long and rewarding day, a hot meal will be waiting for you when you return to the campsite.

Day 7: Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 5), Transfer to Manaus

On your last day of the kayaking adventure, you'll paddle to reach the final destination of your journey, where a van will be waiting for you. Bid farewell to the jungle while you have one last lunch al fresco. On your return trip to urban life, you'll stop for cold beers to celebrate the completion of your kayak adventure before heading back to Manaus.

Day 8: Depart Manaus

At the scheduled time, you'll be picked up at the hotel for a transfer to the Manaus airport for your international flight back home. Safe travels!

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