MANAUS ECOPARK EXPERIENCE
Code: MAOL02
This exciting expedition affords a look at the jungle of the magnificent Amazon. You will make your way via riverboat to a lodge situated in the heart of the jungle, home to playful monkeys and elusive crocodiles-both of which you will have a chance to see.
The Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge is scientific and educational property, created and directed by a private initiative in 1991, opening its doors to the public as an Ecotourism Lodge in 1995. It's approximately one hour from Manaus, and right in the middle of the Amazon Forest, several streams of clear water run through the area. Over 6 miles of jungle trails including un-catalogued species, natural savannahs and creeks enable visitors to explore the jungle, observe orchids and giant trees. The lodge also has a beach and four natural small pools.
DAY ONE - Manaus
Right after the ship's clearance, your local guide will be at the gangway for the 30-minute transfer to the Marina Tauá and to its floating jetty, where you will board a riverboat for a cruise of approximately 30-minutes along the Rio Negro to the Amazon Ecopark Lodge. With several streams and over six miles of trails running through the area, the Ecopark Lodge is an ideal launching point for jungle explorations. During such expeditions, you are likely to admire orchids, gaze at giant trees and spy un-catalogued species of wildlife.
Before enjoying a chance to spot the creatures of the Amazon, savor the comforts of the lodge by taking a moment to sip a welcome fruit drink and check in.
Then it will be time to meet your guide in the lobby for your first thrilling jungle excursion: a visit to nearby Monkey Island. At the Island, you will observe researchers working to rehabilitate monkeys that were once held captive. The spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, wooly monkeys and Capuchin monkeys-many of which are orphans-now roam free in this sanctuary.
Returning to your own sanctuary of the Ecopark Lodge, you will be refreshed with an informal buffet lunch and time at leisure.
In the afternoon, embark on the day's second outing, a motorized canoe cruise through the area's 'Igarapes' or small creeks, for a close-up look at the magnificent jungle scenery. You may stop to visit a local native home along the riverside and, if river conditions permit, you may even fish for voracious piranhas.
Your approx two-hour canoe exploration will draw to a close and you return to the lodge.
After dinner, depart again by motorized canoe-the main form of transportation in the jungle-and penetrate the dense vegetation until you are completely surrounded by the darkness of the jungle. Your native guide will then begin flashing a strong light on the river's surface until, with luck; it catches the shining eyes of a caiman. While the caiman remains hypnotized by the bright light, you will slowly approach until the guide is able to catch it with his bare hands, allowing you to take a few photographs before the alligator-like creature is released, unharmed, back into the water.
After this exciting day return to the lodge for a relaxing overnight stay.
DAY TWO - Manaus
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before stepping aboard a canoe for a journey into the forest, where you will enjoy a guided hike. Learn about survival techniques and the natural remedies used by the locals during the walk.
As the morning eases into the afternoon hours, bid farewell to your friends at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge and by 11:30am, return to Manaus via riverboat and your awaiting vehicle back to the port in time to explore the town on your own before your vessel departs Manaus.
Overnight Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. The timings indicated are only approximate, and are given here for general reference purposes.
As water levels on the Amazon and its tributaries vary, the program itinerary and content is subject to change. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. As this program involves walking over uneven surfaces and through dense undergrowth, it is not recommended for guests with physical and/or walking difficulties. This program is not wheelchair accessible. As the canoes are not covered and rain showers can be expected, guests should be prepared to get wet.
DAY ONE
Upon clearance Meet and greet by our experienced English-speaking guide at the Gangway. Transfer from the Port to the Marina Tauá.
9:30am-10:00am Board a local riverboat and transfer to the Ecopark Lodge.
10:00am-10:30am Arrival, welcome fruit juice drink and hotel check in
11:00am-11:10am Motorized canoe ride to the Monkey Island
11:10am-11:40am Visiting the Island and picture taken with the monkeys
11:40am-11:50am Return to the lodge.
12:00N-1:00pm Lunch time
2:00pm-4:00pm Canoe ride through Igarapé & opportunity to visit a native house & fishing
4:00pm-7:00pm Free time to explore the lodge
7:00pm-8:30pm Dinner
8:30pm-9:30pm Caiman spotting tour via motorized canoe
DAY TWO
7:00am-8:30am Breakfast
8:30am-10:30am Canoe & guided hike through out trails
10:30am-11:00am Hotel check out
11:30am Depart hotel back to the Marina Tauá and by vehicle to the Manaus port
12:30pm Arrival at the port.
Expected Weather: Minimum 32 & maximum 36 degrees Celsius
What to Bring: It is recommended that guests wear lightweight clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, T-shirt and shorts, and a sweatshirt. Please bring sturdy walking shoes or boots, a hat, a raincoat, sunglasses and sunscreen. It is also recommended that guests bring binoculars.
Currency: Brazilian Real
Electricity: Hotel has 110 Volts
Luggage: Please pack one small case or backpack for this overnight
Language & Religion: Portuguese & Catholic
Documents and Visa Requirements: Photo ID
Accommodation: One night stay at the air-conditioned Ecopark Jungle Lodge .
Land cost includes:
Roundtrip transfers to the lodge.
Welcome fruit juice drink,
Visits as per the program,
Lunch & dinner buffet on Day One
Buffet breakfast on Day Two.
Land cost Excludes:
All meals and drinks not specified above.
Tips to driver, guide and tour director.
Gratuities, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.