Manaus, the “Paris of the Jungle,” is the capital of Brazil’s state of Amazonas. The former river village rests along the left bank of the Rio Negro, which merges with the mighty Amazon. Carved from the dense jungle by rubber barons in the 19th century, Manaus has become an ideal starting or ending point for visitors to the mid-Amazon region. Riverboats can be taken through the myriad of tributaries, estuaries and small creeks, where the richest wildlife can be seen. Attractions include the stunning Renaissance-style Opera House and the Customs House, prefabricated in Liverpool England complete with clock tower and known as “Little Big Ben.”
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 caiman —both of which you will have a good 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 1- December 24th, 2023
Right after the ship’s clearance, your local guide will meet you at the gangway for the 30-minute transfer to the Marina Tauá and to its floating jetty. Here 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 followed by an informal buffet lunch.
After lunch, meet your guide in the lobby for your first thrilling jungle excursion. Embark on a motorized canoe —the main form of transportation in the jungle — and 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.
In the evening, depart again by motorized canoe 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 tour return to the lodge for a Christmas Eve dinner with typical specialties from the region.
DAY 2 – December 25th, 2023
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. Next, visit the 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.
When your approximately two-hour canoe and hike exploration draws to a close, return to the lodge where you will be refreshed with an informal buffet lunch.
As the morning eases into the afternoon hours, bid farewell to your friends at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge and by early afternoon, return to Manaus via riverboat and your awaiting vehicle back to the port in time to re-board your ship.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
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. Ecopark Jungle Lodge accommodations are simple.
DAY 1 - Timings may vary slightly depending on the ship’s arrival time
Your ship docks at the Manaus floating pier
Upon clearance You are met and transferred to the Marina Tauá
8:30am Board a local riverboat and transfer to the Ecopark Lodge
10:00am Arrival, welcome drink and check in
12:30pm Lunch
3:00pm Visit the home of some local residents, learn about the traditions of jungle life
TBA Caiman spotting tour via motorized canoe
TBA Christmas Eve dinner
DAY 2 - Timings may vary slightly depending on the ship’s departure time
7:00am Breakfast
8:30am Jungle recognition walk and visit the Monkey jungle rehabilitation center
11:30am Lunch and check out
1:00pm Depart the lodge and travel by boat back to the Marina Tauá and then by vehicle back to the Manaus port
2:30pm Approximate arrival at the port and re-embark your ship
Expected Weather:
It will be hot and humid with the chance of showers intermittently
Minimum 32 & maximum 36 degrees Celsius
What to Bring: It is recommended that guests bring lightweight clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and trousers, T-shirts and shorts, and a sweatshirt or sweater. 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: 110 Volts at the lodge
Luggage: Please pack one small piece of luggage or backpack for this overnight
Documents and Visa Requirements: Valid photo ID and your ship’s identification card
Accommodation:
Ecopark Jungle Lodge
Canal Panemão, s/n - Rio Tarumã, AM, 69025-090, Brazil
Phone: +55 21 3005-5536
Hotel facilities: private but simple rooms, reception, restaurant facilities, and a leisure/bar-lounge area.
Land cost includes:
Roundtrip transfers to the lodge
Welcome fruit juice drink
Visits as per the program
Lunch buffet on Day 1
Christmas Eve dinner on Day 1
Buffet breakfast and lunch on Day 2
Beverages: One soda or bottled water during the included meals
One-night stay at the air-conditioned Ecopark Jungle Lodge – Single or double occupancy
Land cost Excludes:
Any meals or drinks not specified above
Gratuities to drivers, guides and tour director
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
