DAY ONE

Once we arrive in Manaus, we’ll transfer and check in to the hotel, giving us time to relax, recuperate post flight and prepare ourselves for the Amazon. In the evening you will receive a comprehensive brief from your Expedition Leader on the adventure you are about to undertake.

DAY TWO

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to a local village situated on the edge of the Amazon. This journey will give you a contrasting view from the bustling city of Manaus to the natural iconic beauty that the Amazon rainforest has to offer. Once we arrive in the village, we’ll be greeted by its residents and learn how they live alongside their beautiful natural environment. The local villagers will divulge their culinary secrets and allow us to practise in producing some of their flavoursome classical dishes. We’ll be introduced to their major local crop, Mandioca, which is the third largest food source of carbohydrates in the tropics. Specific methods must be used to prepare this crop before it can be developed into a variety of foods. In the evening we’ll ensure we are set up in our bespoke hammocks and enjoy the fresh Amazon evening.

DAY THREE

Today we’ll start off by spending several hours paddling along an adventurous creek through the dense, lush Amazonian water channels. As the rising sun bathes the tranquil mesh of Amazonian natural scenery and wildlife, we’ll eventually join the Rio Negro, one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon River. Rio Negro is famed for ‘The Meeting of Waters’, where its dark black coloured water runs alongside the distinct sandy coloured river waters of the Rio Solimoes River without mixing for 6km. Here we will meet up with speedboats that will transfer us across to the Prairie Grande, a long stretch of white sandy beach where we will spend the night under the starlit sky.

DAY FOUR

As the sun rises across the white sandy beach, we’ll start to prepare ourselves for the next part of the journey. Today we’ll make our way to the home of the pink dolphins, which are endemic to the Amazon River. Among the five species of river dolphins, Amazon pink dolphins are considered the most intelligent of them all. If conditions allow, we may be able to swim with these gracious creatures. We’ll then make our way to an isolated homestead on the banks of a water channel, where we will spend the night. This location is the home of the Piranhas, which we will also be able to fish for. The homestead is situated around the outskirts of the jungle, making it an excellent location for a short trek. Here we can visit a giant local tree, known as Samuma, which is an amazing 20 metres in diameter.

DAY FIVE

Today we travel by a small boat navigating our way through a flooded forest until we arrive deeper into the jungle. Once we arrive at our destination we’ll explore our undisturbed surroundings by foot. During the trek we’ll learn how machetes are an essential tool in forging a track through the dense forest undergrowth. We will learn the critical techniques and skills of how to set up a jungle camp, which is where we will stay the night. You’ll be amazed at how the jungle becomes alive at night; this is nature at its best.

DAY SIX

Where does one find food and water in the deep Amazon jungle when in need? If one has the skills and knowledge, the jungle offers an abundance of supply. Today we’ll learn and practice these vital skills on a trek through the jungle’s complex web of vegetation. These skills include where to discover nutritious supplements, such as grubs, which offer a protein rich snack for those who are in need (an optional treat for you of course). Or we can learn how to build a sturdy shelter using only the products of the environment. Whilst out on the trek, we may also get the opportunity to spot some of the Amazonian wildlife, such as the Howler Monkeys. We’ll set up camp again and stay in the jungle for a final night around a fire.

DAY SEVEN

Once we’ve eaten breakfast under the morning sun, we’ll steer through the flooded forest and travel to Rosewood Road. Here we’ll be met by our next mode of transport that will take us towards the Equator and the Venezualan border. This route offers impressive views of the vibrant lush jungle. Our destination is a small town called Presidente Figueredo. This piece of Amazonian paradise offers a range of waterfalls, rivers, caves and rapids surrounded by the tropical environment. With this vivacious jungle in our back garden, we’ll be able to relax and lay back in our accommodation for the evening.

DAY EIGHT

From Presidente Figueredo, we’ll make our way through the land of the indigineous Waimiri tribe of Northern Brazil. Farming is the main means of subsistence for this tribe and they are known for weaving distinct geometric patterned baskets and backpacks. We’ll visit the Waimari tourist area to learn more about the tribe’s rich culture and history alongside the development of the local government. From here we’ll head to the city of Rorainopolis that lies close to the equator line, which is where we will spend the night.

DAY NINE

Today we’ll depart Rorainopolis and make our way to Caracai to catch a flight that will take us right to the heart of the Amazon. This deep part of the rainforest is home to the Yanomami tribe. The Yanomami are the largest relatively isolated tribe in South America and live in some 200–250 villages across northern Brazil. The Yanomami are known as hunters, fishers, and horticulturists; where the women act as gatherers and the men act as the hunters.

DAY TEN

Today we’ll discover how the Yanomami live which mirrors that of how their ancestors lived centuries ago, attuned and at one with the natural environment. The Yanomami culture, including harvest rituals of dances and body decorations, is completely unique and gives us an insight into their beliefs and way of life. In the late afternoon we’ll say farewell to this remarkable community and travel back to Manaus. This sudden contrast in way of living will certainly be impactful and give you some food for thought.

DAY ELEVEN

Depart Manaus and fly back home.