Kayaking Adventure in the Brazilian Amazon - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Manaus, Gateway to the Brazilian Amazon

Welcome to Manaus, the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can stay in to relax or venture out to explore the area on your own. A good place to start is Manaus Cathedral, built in the late 19th century. Admire the cathedral's facade, adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and decorative elements, then enter to appreciate the religious art and elegant stained glass windows. Continue to the Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa to browse the stalls full of exotic fruits, aromatic spices, and handmade crafts.

Head to the Teatro Amazonas next to step back into a bygone era of grandeur and sophistication. Go inside to discover the ornate chandeliers and frescoes before visiting Ponta Negra Beach to see the Meeting of the Waters, the place where the Negro and Solimões rivers converge but flow side by side without mixing. Stay until sunset to watch the sky transform into vibrant hues of red and orange, then grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants overlooking the water. 

Day 2: Transfer to the Amazon, Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 1)

After a restful night in Manaus, it's time to head into the Amazon. Meet your driver in the hotel lobby at 8:00 am, then set off on a two-hour transfer northeast to the shores of the Rio Urubu to start your kayaking adventure. Don't worry if you don't have experience; your guide will teach you the basics, and you'll be an expert by the end of the week. Then, it's time for a quick swim to introduce you to the dark water stained by organic materials like tannins. Around 11:00 am, enjoy a small snack before jumping into your kayak. Paddle through the tranquil water, keeping your eyes peeled for blue and yellow macaws.

Your first stop is a cave within the rainforest that bats often use during the breeding season. Grab another snack, then complete the kayak journey to your rainforest camp. Depending on river conditions, your camp may be on an 80-foot (25 m) cliff wall, offering panoramic views of the river below. When you arrive, indulge in Brazil's national cocktail, a caipirinha, made with cachaça (a sugar cane spirit), lime, sugar, and ice. Sit down for a delicious dinner, and don't forget to look up at the sky full of stars uninterrupted by city lights. When you're done eating, settle into your mosquito-net-covered hammock for the night.

Day 3: Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 2), Uninhabited Forest Hike

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at camp, then set off on another kayak ride to get to two hidden waterfalls. Paddle along the tranquil river, looking out for wildlife like giant river otters going for a swim or playful monkeys swinging through the trees. Disembark after one hour and start the two-hour hike to the waterfalls. As you walk, your guide will teach you about the Amazon's flora and fauna, pointing out different plant species and their medicinal uses. When you arrive, climb to the top of the waterfall for panoramic views of the cascade and surrounding rainforest.

Then, go for a much-deserved swim in the natural pool below. After exploring both waterfalls, hike back to the starting point to enjoy lunch before setting off again by kayak. This time, you'll be following a long, isolated kayaking route so you can take in your tranquil surroundings. On the way, you'll come across Level I rapids, providing just enough excitement as you navigate the gentle currents. Return to camp to relax, stretch your legs, and watch the mesmerizing sunset while you wait for dinner to be served. 

Day 4: 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'll have lunch, relax, and then continue trekking to one of the largest waterfalls near the Urubu. You'll then kayak to your next campsite, ideally located for fishing or a night trek to spot nocturnal animals like ocelots, tapirs, or even jaguars. If you're too tired, just relax at camp until dinner. 

Day 5: Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 4), Hike to Remote Waterfalls

Take advantage of your last full day in the Amazon with an early kayak ride along the river. 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 6:  Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 5), Transfer to Manaus

Your penultimate day in Brazil starts with one last kayak along the river. Try to spot any wildlife you may have missed, like capybaras or caimans, while you paddle. When you reach your destination, you can disembark and enjoy an al fresco lunch. Then, start the two-hour transfer back to Manaus, stopping for cold beers or soft drinks along the way to celebrate your multiday kayaking adventure. Once in the city, you can relax at your hotel or visit a local restaurant for a traditional Brazilian dinner.

Day 7: Depart Manaus

As the week comes to an end, it's time for you to head to the airport for your flight home. But, if you have a later flight, you can relax on Ponta Negra Beach or go shopping for souvenirs at the Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa. If you miss seeing wildlife, you could head to Manaus Zoo instead for a close-up look at animals native to the region, including jaguars, toucans, and anacondas. When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport. Safe travels!