Tucano: A First Class Brazilian Riverboat Cruise on the Amazon
Days: 5 & 7 | From $1,750/per person
This is our top cruise recommendation in the Brazilian Amazon. The Tucano is a first-class riverboat that takes 16-18 passengers deeper into the wilderness than most other cruise vessels go, up the pristine Rio Negro. The nine-cabin vessel operates true expedition cruises with a deep focus on nature, meaning the emphasis is on spotting wildlife in the company of expert naturalist guides, learning about the extraordinary diversity of the rainforest ecosystem, and hearing a variety of lectures on-board. The Tucano has earned a reputation as the option of choice for those who want an Amazon experience with a deep emphasis on ecology and natural history. Onboard, cabins are comfortable, with air conditioning and private baths, and travelers enjoy a fun, relaxed Brazilian atmosphere and well prepared local Brazilian cuisine. The Tucano is a great way to experience the Amazon, and it has consistently received outstanding feedback from Vaya travelers.
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Vessel Information
Accommodations
Observation Deck: 1 Yellow Category cabin with one queen and one single bed (up to 3 passengers in this cabin)
Middle Deck: 1 Green Category cabin with bunk beds, 1 Green/Blue Category cabin with single or bunk beds, and 2 Yellow Category cabins with lower berth twin beds (which can be pushed together to form a double bed)
Main Deck: 1 Green Category cabin with bunk beds, 1 Green/Blue Category cabin with single or bunk beds, 2 Yellow Category cabins with lower berth twin beds (which can be pushed together to form a double bed)
Green Category Cabins have bunk beds and are smaller than Yellow Category Cabins. Both Blue Category cabins (for single use) can be converted to a Green Category cabin (for double use).
All cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
Yacht Specifications
Length: 82 feet
Maximum Width: 21 feet
Passenger Capacity: 18
Cruising Range: 1000 miles
Electricity: 110 volt/ 60 cycle
Itineraries & Pricing
6 Night Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 Friday Arrive to Manaus
Upon arrival to Manaus you will be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, located on the banks of the Rio Negro. Depending on the time of your arrival we can arrange a city tour, including a visit to the spectacular Teatro Amazonas Opera House, built in 1896. Overnight in Manaus.
Day 2 Saturday Embark on your Amazon Cruise
In the morning you will transfer to your 82 foot long riverboat and depart upstream on the Rio Negro. As you cruise through the world’s largest river island system, the Anavilhanas Archipelago, you will be able to watch the vegetation and surroundings change as you leave behind the frontier settlements and enter true wilderness. In the afternoon you will have a chance to disembark in search of wildlife, or take a swim in the clean refreshing water before dinner.
Day 3 Sunday Excursions into the Rainforest
In the early morning you can explore the rainforest along the water’s edge, listening to the sounds of toucans and howler monkeys. After breakfast you will enter the rainforest once again with your naturalist guide, receiving an education in the diverse Amazon ecology before returning to the boat for lunch. After lunch you will continue upstream, stopping once more for a quick swim and to explore a bit more of the river in your skiffs.
Day 4 Monday Travel up the Rio Negro / Rainforest excursions
Before breakfast you can enjoy an early trip into the forest as it comes to life. Following breakfast you will set out in the launches, exploring the surrounding rainforest and tributaries. In the afternoon and into the night the Tucano will continue up the Rio Negro. From the observation deck you will have spectacular views of the sky as it changes colors and fills with stars in this area with virtually no man-made light.
Day 5 Tuesday Join the Rio Jauaperi
After your two morning excursions the Tucano will navigate along the densely forested shore, searching for wildlife and potentially stopping at a settler’s home carved out of the forest. In the early afternoon you will encounter the Rio Jauaperi and a forest known as the “varzea.” Here you will search for various animals unique to this particular environment.
Day 6 Wednesday Rio Negro / Night excursion
Today you will depart from the Rio Jauaperi and navigate back down the Rio Negro, exploring new rainforest habitats all the while. In the evening you will have a chance to disembark in search of nocturnal animals that have come out from hiding.
Day 7 Thursday Lago Janauari Ecological Park
In the morning you will have a chance to visit the Lago Janauari Ecological Park, where the thick brown water of the Amazon River flows swiftly through the forest. By midday you will find yourself at the “Encontra das Aguas” (Meeting of the Waters), a miles-long stretch where two of the world’s largest rivers, the Amazon and Rio Negro, join together. Here the almost black water of the Negro runs beside the obscure brown water of the Amazon. Tonight you will have one last evening excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 8 Friday Return to Manaus
After a final morning waking to the sounds of the Amazon, your riverboat cruise will come to an end and you will disembark in Manaus. Depending on the timing of your flight, we can arrange a city tour before you are transferred to the airport for your flight out. We can combine this cruise with any of our other destinations in Brazil or the rest of South America. Please inquire if interested.
4 Night Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 Sunday Arrive to Manaus
Upon arrival to Manaus you will be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, located on the banks of the Rio Negro. Depending on the time of your arrival we can arrange a city tour, including a visit to the spectacular Teatro Amazonas Opera House, built in 1896. Overnight in Manaus.
Day 2 Monday Embark on your Amazon Cruise
In the morning you will transfer to your 82 foot long riverboat and depart upstream on the Rio Negro. As you cruise through the world’s largest river island system, the Anavilhanas Archipelago, you will be able to watch the vegetation and surroundings change as you leave behind the frontier settlements and enter true wilderness. In the afternoon you will have a chance to disembark in search of wildlife, or take a swim in the clean refreshing water before dinner.
Day 3 Tuesday Excursions into the Rainforest
In the early morning you can explore the rainforest along the water’s edge, listening to the sounds of toucans and howler monkeys. After breakfast you will enter the rainforest once again with your naturalist guide, receiving an education in the diverse Amazon ecology before returning to the boat for lunch. After lunch you will continue upstream, stopping once more for a quick swim and to explore a bit more of the river in your skiffs. Weather permitting, you will have another excursion in the evening to search for nocturnal wildlife.
Day 4 Wednesday Rainforest excursions / Village Visit
Before breakfast you can enjoy an early trip into the forest as it comes to life. Following breakfast you will set out in the launches, exploring the surrounding rainforest and tributaries. In the afternoon you will visit a local community and learn about how people live in this remote wilderness.
Day 5 Thursday Rio Jauaperi / Porto de Manaus
After your two morning excursions the Tucano will navigate along the densely forested shore, searching for wildlife and potentially stopping at a settler’s home carved out of the forest. In the early afternoon you will encounter the Rio Jauaperi and a forest known as the “varzea.” Here you will search for various animals unique to this particular environment. Tonight you will cruise along the Porto de Manaus, one of the world’s largest ports, where you will see boats of every imaginable shape and purpose.
Day 6 Friday Return to Manaus
Early this morning travelers will disembark and continue on their journey or return home.
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Pricing
6 Night Trip Departures: Saturday to Friday
4 Night Trip Departures: Monday to Friday
2021 Cruise Rates Per Person:
| Green Category (double occupancy) | 5 day/4 night | $1,750 |
| 7 day/6 night | $3,450 | |
| Yellow Category (double occupancy) | 5 day/4 night | $2,600 |
| 7 day/6 night | $4,800 | |
| Blue Category (single occupancy) | 5 day/4 night | $2,600 |
| 7 day/6 night | $4,800 |
Please note: the first night prior to the cruise and airport transfers are an additional cost. Children 12 years old and under sharing a room with one adult will receive a 50% discount (subject to availability).
Charters: from $32,000 (4 nights & 16 passengers), $55,000 (6 nights and 16 passengers)
Reviews from this trip
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