Highlights
- Shop for souvenirs at the Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa in Manaus
- Celebrate your first night in the Amazon with a caipirinha cocktail and a river sunset
- Set off on a five-day kayaking and camping journey along the Rio Urubu
- Opt for a night trek to spot nocturnal animals, like ocelots
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Manaus, Gateway to the Brazilian Amazon | Manaus |
Day 2 | Transfer to the Amazon, Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 1) | The Amazon |
Day 3 | Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 2), Uninhabited Forest Hike | The Amazon |
Day 4 | Morning Jungle Hike, Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 3) | The Amazon |
Day 5 | Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 4), Hike to Remote Waterfalls | The Amazon |
Day 6 | Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 5), Transfer to Manaus | Manaus |
Day 7 | Depart Manaus |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Manaus, Gateway to the Brazilian Amazon
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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.
Day 2: Transfer to the Amazon, Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 1)
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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.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 2), Uninhabited Forest Hike
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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.
Day 4: Morning Jungle Hike, Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 3)
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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
![Photo taken by Ramnik B](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/18a6b94b079b52105e0d35adb03f49604209923a/big-d0a9b6f267194585dec8665800b8bce1.jpg)
Day 6: Kayak the Rio Urubu (Day 5), Transfer to Manaus
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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
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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!
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