Brazil Amazon Extension | Ecopark Amazon Lodge

• 4 days

DAY 1: Amazon Ecopark Lodge - Arrival

On arrival into Manaus you will be met and transferred from Manaus airport to the Amazon Ecopark Lodge, a 30 minute boat ride away, on the banks of the Rio Taruma.

After settling in to your comfortable room, we visit the Monkey Jungle Reserve and marvel at the many different species of very playful and friendly monkeys. The Monkey Jungle is a centre for the rehabilitation of primates that were rescued from illegal traders or from areas of Brazil that have been flooded or burned. Many of the monkeys are orphans. On arrival the animals receive any necessary veterinary treatment and time to acclimatize to their new home, before being released into the wild. Species of monkeys at the Monkey Jungle include the Spider monkey, Woolly monkey, Squirrel monkey and Capuchin monkey.

Later in the evening, a delicious dinner will be followed by a trip by canoe to spot alligators.

DAY 2: Amazon Ecopark Lodge - Nature Hike

We awake to the fresh morning mist and the magical sounds of the jungle coming alive. After breakfast we set off on a Nature Hike: with over two million species of flora and fauna the thick, impenetrable jungle will have you in awe of its immensity! There are around 10kms of jungle trails in the Ecopark area, which includes virgin rainforest, natural savannahs, creeks and crystal clear steams. The guide teaches you how to find potable water, how to improvise a shelter from natural resources found in the jungle, what plants can be eaten as well as basic orientation and first aid.

We return to the lodge for lunch and time to relax, after which we visit the homes of caboclos or local Amazonian residents. Learn about their traditions and customs, the history of the Amazon, how cassava meal is prepared and the rubber cycle including how they smoke the extracted rubber sap. There is also the opportunity for piranha fishing. The notorious piranha is perhaps the most feared freshwater fish in the world. However, it is a common misconception that they are vicious man-eaters and the majority of species are not carnivorous. They make a delicious meal, if you manage to catch them … with the help of our experts!

DAY 3: Amazon Ecopark Lodge - Meeting of the Waters

This morning we depart on a full day tour to the “Meeting of the Waters”, a remarkable phenomenon where the black water of the Rio Negro converges with the lighter muddy brown water of the Rio Solimões before they finally merge to form the mighty Amazon River. The two rivers are different temperatures and run at different speeds alongside each other without mixing for several kilometres, in what is known as the “Meeting of the Waters”.

Following this excursion we have the option of more piranha fishing from canoes.

We return to the lodge in the early evening for dinner and another atmospheric night in the jungle.

DAY 4: Depart from Manaus

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Manaus airport for your onward flight.

• Experience two of South America's most vibrant cities and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in the 9-day Signature Buenos Aires to Rio. This itinerary is a well-paced overview of three must-see locations. You will have the chance to immerse yourself in the history and culture, experience a traditional Asado dinner and watch a Tango show in Buenos Aires, visit Christ the Redeemer and head up Sugarloaf for panoramic views of Rio, and explore both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides at Iguazu Falls. 

• Extend your time in Brazil and explore the worlds largest wetlands area and snorkeling in crystal clear freshwater springs with our Pantanal and Bonito Extension. Explore these unsurpassed waters through the comfort of a beautiful ecolodge in the Pantanal, experiencing the world’s densest flora and fauna ecosystem, then discover for yourself how the town of Bonito got it's name.

• For something different and unique, consider heading north for the Northern Brazil Extension. This region is considered one of the most diverse and culturally rich regions of Brazil and deserves the trip. Explore the glorious Chapada Diamantina National Park with it's variety of canyons, waterfalls, caves, rivers, natural pools, and more. You will also get a great mix of big city vibes in Salvador, and relaxed beach destinations like the island of Morro de Sao Paulo (so relaxed even cars aren't allowed).

Being environmentally accountable is a crucial part of our organisation. Chimu is currently striving towards using less paper, taking several initiatives to do so and tracking our progress along the way. Our goal: A paperless organisation. For this reason, all information given to you will be sent electronically. We encourage those who choose to travel with us to support our aspirations and actions and ask that you reconsider printing out documentation. To view these documents, you can download them to your iPad or portable computer before and during your trip.

Chimu is passionate and dedicated to sustainability measures and understands the crucial part sustainability plays within the tourism industry.

We use local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprint. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you’re visiting. Our guides are all highly qualified (most with university degrees) or equip with many years of experience and are paid above the standard wage. Whether it be our knowledgeable local guides, locally produced meals or the transport on tour, we do not use imported goods when local products are available. We aim to minimise our impact on the environment and give as much back as possible to the communities we work in.

While visiting the many national parks, heritage sites, museums and landmarks our travellers are encouraged to explore whilst remaining culturally aware and sensitive. We further encourage you to buy appropriate souvenirs and discourage the buying of anything wrongfully made or taken from the environment i.e. shells and endangered species products. Information on how you can be environmentally conscious, and travel responsibly will be made available in our Travellers Guides and provided during your travels by guides and staff.

For more information on our sustainability policies, including how we are striving towards being a paperless organisation, click HERE