Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls & Amazon River Cruise

Day 1 Welcome to Rio de Janeiro!

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, also known as the "Marvelous City." The second biggest city in Brazil, Rio is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Guanabara Bay and blessed with endless natural beauty.

Ease your way into this sprawling city with a stroll through the historic center filled with architectural gems. The Theatro Municipal, built in 1909, was modeled after the Opera Garnier in Paris!

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro

Today you will embark on a full-day tour of Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountains! Both of these imposing mountains make up the iconic skyline of Rio. Admire the views from both summits before touring downtown Rio. 

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro

Rio is perhaps most famous for its beach life, and two beaches in particular: Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio residents (known as cariocas) can be seen playing soccer, sunbathing, and swimming all along the 2.5-mile stretch of Copacabana Beach. Among its trademarks is the Atlântica Avenue boardwalk, with mosaic waves of stones designed by landscape architect Burle Marx.

More upscale than Copacabana, the area around Ipanema Beach is considered the “little Paris” of Rio for its avant-garde galleries, bookstores and movie theaters.

Day 4 Rio de Janeiro - Iguassu Falls

Say goodbye to Rio as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls. 

Located close to the point where the Iguassu River empties its waters into the Parana River, Iguassu Falls is the world’s widest waterfall and a natural wonder. On the border of Brazil and Argentina, the city of Foz do Iguassu is a busy town thanks to the many visitors that come to see the falls and Brazilian shoppers who come to purchase imported goods in Ciudad Del Este, the Paraguayan tax-free city right across the border.

Day 5 Iguassu Falls

Today, enjoy a tour of Iguassu Falls. Made up of a system of 275 waterfalls, Iguassu Falls is nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls and rivaled only by Victoria Falls in Africa. 

Day 6 Iguassu Falls - Manaus

Leave Iguassu Falls today and transfer to the airport for your flight to Manaus, the capital of Amazonas State. Manaus is the hub of the whole Amazon Region and is located four miles from the point where Rio Negro meets the Solimoes River to form the Brazilian Amazon River. 

Check into your accommodation and get settled before starting your river cruise in the morning.

Day 7 Amazon River Cruise

Your 3-night Amazon River Cruise begins today! Board the Amazon Clipper and cruise toward the Amazon River while you enjoy a welcome drink and listen to information about the route and ship facilities. Explore the ship's nooks and crannies and enjoy a caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil.

After dinner, explore the river's edge with powerful searchlights and get the chance to see the region's unique wildlife including caimans (close relatives of the crocodile), nighthawks, snakes, brush-tailed rats, sloths and frogs.

*Please note: Amazon Clipper Cruises reserve the right to change itineraries without consulting participants, depending on prevailing natural conditions. In case of any changes on arrival or departure times due to force majeure, Amazon Clipper Cruise is not responsible for missed flights or extra expenses.

Day 8 Amazon River Cruise

In the early morning, explore the river surroundings by canoe where you will find a colorful array of fruit-eating birds like parrots and toucans. After breakfast, depart for a jungle walk and discover the rainforest's lush flora and fauna. Return to the boat around 12pm with time for swimming before lunch.

In the afternoon, you will trek through Anavilhanas National Park, one of the world's largest fresh water archipelagos and a labyrinth of waterways. Later on, board a canoe and learn more about this wonderful nature park.

Day 9 Amazon River Cruise

Today you will sail to Praia Grande, a municipality in the state of Sao Paulo. Relax on the beach or enjoy a swim before heading on a canoe excursion to the Acajatuba River. Get to know the typical fauna of the river and stop for piranha fishing. You'll then visit Paricatuba, a haunting ghost city in the middle of the jungle.

Explore by canoe and scout for wildlife in the late afternoon, then enjoy dinner on the way toward the Amazon River.

Day 10 Depart Brazil

Early this morning, explore the Lago Janauari Ecological Park. This area is a great place to observe wildlife, especially the “Victoria Regia” giant water lilies (the world's largest aquatic plant). During breakfast your boat will navigate to the "Meeting of Waters," the confluence of the world's two largest rivers, the Amazon and the Rio Negro.

Return to Manaus and observe the floating docks, market, old custom house and the dome of the Opera house. Arrive at the hotel around 11:30am and make use of the day room should your flight be later in the day. At the appropriate time, transfer to Manaus airport for your flight home.