Independent Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu Falls with Brazils Amazon (ISS22026)

Day 1:
ARRIVE IN MANAUS
• After arriving at your hotel, meet up for private city sightseeing to view vestiges of Manaus ' glory days during the rubber boom. Your first stop will be the famous opera house, built in 1896 with materials imported from Europe. Next, visit a bustling local market filled with regional foods and wares.



Day 2:
MANAUS-AMAZON JUNGLE
• Today, your “Meeting of the Waters” cruise passes by the impressive British-built Customs House and the floating port. Cruise along the chocolate-hued Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-gray Rio Solimões, where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles, the differently shaded bodies of water flow side by side and never mix!
• After lunch on the river, explore a jungle island (water level permitting) with fascinating native flora and fauna.
• Later this afternoon, arrive at the ecolodge, situated on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazon rainforest.

(B,L,D)

Please note: The itinerary in the Amazon is subject to favorable weather conditions and water levels. When conditions are unfavorable (draught season is generally September - November), alternative eco-lodging and excursions will be provided.



Day 3:
AMAZON JUNGLE
• Accompanied by a Naturalist, enjoy a guided jungle walk that introduces you to the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon.
• After lunch, depart the lodge and sail up the river to visit with a Caboclo native to learn about their traditions, and culture.
• Later, visit the Monkey Jungle Reserve (seasonal), where researchers work to rehabilitate captive primates and reintroduce them to the jungle. Here, you have the opportunity to see the feeding of spiders, squirrels, woolly, and capuchin monkeys.
• This evening, maybe venture back out with your Naturalist via canoe into the flooded forest to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. Keep watch for small alligators (and other night creatures)!

(B,L,D)



Day 4:
AMAZON JUNGLE-RIO DE JANEIRO
• This morning, depart your Amazon lodge for a flight to fabulous Rio.
• Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel, where your Local Guide will be available with suggested activities during your free time.

(B)



Day 5:
RIO DE JANEIRO
• Today, your private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay is one of the New7Wonders of the World and home to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below.
• The afternoon and evening are at leisure.
• Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats that are marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style.

(B)



Day 6:
RIO DE JANEIRO
• Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest some options for your free time.

(B)

INSIDER PICKS
This afternoon, you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II or take an optional excursion to visit iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain.



Day 7:
RIO DE JANEIRO-IGUASSU FALLS
•Transfer to the airport and fly to Iguassu Falls. This masterpiece of nature encompasses 275 separate falls and spans almost two miles.
• Upon arrival, you will be met by your Local Guide who will take you on a private tour dedicated to enjoying the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrent from the Brazilian side. See the mammoth series of waterfalls cascading over a precipice almost two miles wide and 250 feet deep. Walk into Devil 's Throat Canyon, where the clouds of mist, thunderous roar, and 180-degree rainbows surround you—an unforgettable experience!

(B)



Day 8:
IGUASSU FALLS. EXCURSION TO IGUASSU FALLS, ARGENTINA
• Your Local Guide will take you across the Brazilian border for a private tour of the Argentine side of the Iguassu Falls. Begin with a short ride on the open-air Ecological Jungle Train through the rainforest.
• From atop the falls, a series of boardwalks takes you above the falls to see the water crashing down more than 300 feet below into the Devil 's Throat.
• Return across the border to Brazil for a free afternoon and evening.

(B)

INSIDER PICKS
Your afternoon is free to explore, or you may opt to visit the Bird Park, home to many species of indigenous birds as well as flora from the area.



Day 9:
IGUASSU FALLS
Your vacation ends after breakfast this morning.

(B)