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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
63 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Explore trendy Palermo in Buenos Aires, Marvel at the mighty Foz do Iguazu
  • Take an unforgettable Amazon River tour, Spot native animals in the Amazon rainforest 
  • Explore the vast Pantanal wetlands , Walk along Paraty's colonial streets
  • Experience the rhythm and colour of Rio de Janeiro, Travel along the beautiful coast of Brazil
  • Tour the ruins of San Ignacio Mini, Snorkel with colourful fish at Bonito
  • Enjoy classic South American cuisine and hospitality, Walk the cobbled streets of Salvador
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Local Culture & Cuisine, Historical Sites, Walking Tour
Other: Rafting, Mountain Biking, Waterfalls, museum, sightseeing, ruins, boat, Camping
$3375USD
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TRIP MAP
See the locations you'll visit!

Buenos Aires to Manaus

Get a taste of the infectious rhythm of Argentina and Brazil on this overland tour from Buenos Aires to Manaus, taking in the spectacular Iguazu Falls, the vast Pantanal wetlands and the futuristic capital city of Brazil along the way.
Get a taste of the infectious rhythm of Argentina and Brazil on this overland tour from Buenos Aires to Manaus, taking in the spectacular Iguazu Falls, the vast Pantanal wetlands and the futuristic capital city of Brazil along the way. Enjoy an incredible Amazon tour from Manaus, visit historic cities, natural wonders and kick back on Brazil's north coast. From tango to samba, Spanish to Portuguese and wine to caipirinhas, Argentina and Brazil are distinct - but share a zest for life that is sure to have you enthralled.
Days 1-2: Buenos Aires
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Argentina.
The trip begins with a group meeting at 6pm.
You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If your flight arrives too late, we recommend that you consider arriving a day early and book a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your kitty, insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader.

Buenos Aires must be the ultimate cosmopolitan city. With Latin passion, European elegance and a distinctive style all of its own, this is a city that will steal your heart. The Portenos (the local residents) are justifiably proud of BA, which is comprised of distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own style.
Visit San Telmo for its weekend antiques market and artists displays. La Boca, settled by waves of immigrants who built brightly painted buildings, is home to the world-class Boca Juniors football team. Recoleta is the place to browse museums with Buenos Aires' well-to-do. There are many sights in the heart of the city with churches, cathedrals and historic buildings aplenty.

When you've finished exploring, settle down at one of the many streetside cafes and prepare yourself for a night of tango at one of the many milongas.

As there is a great deal to do in Buenos Aires we recommend arriving a few days early to make the most of this exciting city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, our reservations team will be able to assist.to our reservations team who can assist in booking extra nights accommodation.

Optional Activities
  • Gran Cafe Tortoni Show, Buenos Aires - ARS15.00
  • Recoleta, Buenos Aires - Free
  • Visit Montevideo (Uruguay), Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires - USD106.00
  • City Tour, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires - USD10.00
  • Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires - ARS10.00
  • Visit Colonia (Uruguay), Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires - USD75.00
  • Football Ticket, Buenos Aires - USD150.00
    Accommodation
    Hotel (2 nts)
Day 3: Concordia
Today we drive roughly 415 km towards Concordia where we bush camp for the night.
Concordia lies on the western shore of the Uruguayan River and is the national capital of citrus production. The river dissects Argentina from Uruguay and many people take rail and road journeys to and from Concordia to Salto in Uruguay.

Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)

Day 4: San Ignacio Mini
A 560 km drive takes us to the Jesuit Mission of San Ignacio de Mini. We spend the night at a campsite with facilities.

The small town of San Ignacio Mini was once the centre of a Jesuit mission and its ruins can still be seen today. The buildings are very well preserved and include a church, cemetery and monastery and provide an interesting insight to the history of this area.

Included Activities
  • Jesuit Mission ruins and museum, San Ignacio de Mini
    Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 5-7: Iguazu Falls
This morning we drive 230 km drive to Puerto Iguazu. The afternoon is free for optional activities near the waterfalls. We spend the night at a campsite with good facilities.

At over 2 km long, Iguazu Falls are actually a series of cataracts. There are over 270 falls in all, and with some reaching up to 80m in height, they are wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara. Legend has it that a serpent god intended to marry a beautiful girl called Naipi. She escaped in a canoe with her mortal lover Caroba and in a jealous rage the god chased them, collapsing the river before them so that Naipi plunged over the falls to become a rock, while Caroba became a tree, forever unable to touch his love. A more scientific explanation is that the Rio Iguazu flows over a riverbed of basalt that ends where the lava cooled, leaving the water to fall. The falls were 'discovered' in the modern day by the Spaniard Juan Alvar Nunez who named them Saltos de Santa Maria. The name we know them by today means 'Great Waters' in the Tupi-Guarani tongue.

Bordering Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, there are many different views of the falls.
The next morning we have a visit to the famous Iguazu Falls, from the Argentinean side. In the afternoon we have a short drive across the border to see the falls from the Brazilian side. We stay at a campsite in Foz do Iguazu in Brazil with excellent facilities and a pool.
Close to the borders with Argentina and Paraguay, Foz do Iguazu is Brazil's gateway to the Iguazu Falls.
The Brazilian park features a number of cleverly constructed walkways that allow you to get right out over the water up close to the falls themselves - and you will often be able to see fantastic rainbows forming as the sun catches the spray. If you want the ultimate waterfall experience, you can also organise helicopter flights here, where you'll be taken out right over the horseshoe of the falls, giving you a spectacular view of this natural wonder from a totally different perspective.

As well as the magnificent waterfalls, there's also a great bird park in Foz, where you can see many of Brazil's native species, including toucans and macaws. You can also visit the incredible Itaipu Dam, a vast concrete edifice that spans the Rio Parana and has been described as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.

The third day here is free to enjoy the Brazilian Iguazu Falls, with a range of activities available. We stay for a second night at the same campsite.

Included Activities
  • Visit Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls
  • Visit Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
    Optional Activities
    • Boat Trip, Iguazu Falls, Iguazu Falls - ARS45.00
    • Guided trip to Blue Lake Cave, Iguazu Falls - BRL15.00
    • Bird Park, Iguazu Falls - BRL22.00
    • Boat and 4WD adventure, Iquazu Falls, Iguazu Falls - ARS120.00
    • Helicopter Ride, Iguazu Falls, Iguazu Falls - USD80.00
    • Itaipu Dam tour, Iguazu Falls, Iguazu Falls - BRL30.00
      Accommodation
      Camping (with facilities) (3 nts)
Days 8 -10: Bonito
Today is an all day drive day as we travel 800 km drive to Bonito where we camp at a good site with a pool.

The area around the small town of Bonito really is unique. Its main attractions are its crystal clear rivers, springs and caves, not to mention the abundant wildlife, which includes monkeys, alligators, anaconda, over 30 varieties of fish and tremendous birdlife. Unsurprisingly, the town is often described as the "ecotourism capital of Brazil". There are endless activities on offer, from spectacular walks through the surrounding hills and forest, to caving, horse-riding, abseiling, and snorkelling. Many of the best attractions are on private land and the area is being very carefully managed in order as to protect the wildlife and habitats found here.

The next two days are non-driving days allowing you free time to enjoy the range of activities available in Bonito such as snorkelling, rafting or a jungle trek.

Optional Activities
  • Rafting, Bonito - USD15.00
  • Sucuri River - Snorkelling, Bonito - BRL90.00
  • Prata River Snorkelling, Bonito, Bonito - BRL93.00
    Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (3 nts)
Days 11-13: Pantanal
We spend the next 3 days in Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal. From a ranch base we explore the surrounding area on horseback, from boats and canoes, from farm trucks and on foot before on the third day we drive in the afternoon roughly 250 km to a bush camp.

About the size of France, the Pantanal is the world's largest wetland area and one of the best wildlife spotting places on the continent. Sixty-five million years ago, the Pantanal was an inland sea that gradually dried out. These days the vast alluvial plain is seasonally flooded by the Paraguay River, giving a home to a wonderfully diverse wildlife. Jabirus and macaws are frequently spotted and with any luck we'll see howler monkeys, giant otters, anteaters, macaws and caiman (although hopefully not too close).

Unfortunately, the area's fantastic wildlife has brought some unwanted attention. Although a portion of the wetlands has been designated as a national park, poachers still kill up to two million animals here annually.

Accommodation
Hacienda (2 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)
Day 14: Brotas
Today is a full day 650 km drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeast Brazil. We stay at a camp site with good facilities.

Located in southeast Brazil, in the state of Sao Paulo, the remoteness of Brotas has meant that the forests surrounding this isolated town are teeming with species crucial to the maintenance of global biodiversity. The perfect location in which to experience untouched natural environments, Brotas has subsequently become an important destination in Brazilian eco-tourism. Alongside those visiting to enjoy the remarkable fauna that inhabit this area, Brotas is gradually acquiring a reputation for the quality of the adventure activities that are on offer such as horse riding and canyoning, rafting and kayaking.

Optional Activities
  • Half Day White Water Rafting, Brotas, Brotas - BRL60.00
  • Half Day Canyoning, Brotas, Brotas - BRL45.00
    Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 15-17: Paraty
We drive 450 km to Paraty on the Emerald Coast where we have 3 nights at a beachside campsite with facilities. There is plenty of free time to explore, including boat trip out to a small island to go snorkelling or diving.

Sitting between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Paraty is one of the world's best preserved Portuguese colonial towns. This World Heritage-listed town was originally settled in 1531 on the opposite side of the river but in the 17th century the Indians who lived on the current site were driven away and the town moved. Paraty later became a booming port town, famous for its sugar cane liquor but after the abolition of slavery it was slowly forgotten. With the opening of new roads, the town was 'rediscovered' and declared a national monument.
The patron saint of Paraty is Our Lady of the Medicines. Three hundred years ago a wealthy benefactor donated land for a church in her honour. In return, she asked only for an annual mass. Each year a wooden effigy of the virgin, adorned with silver is carried in a procession through the town during the Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios.

At high tide, some of Paraty's cobblestone streets are partly covered in sea water, adding to the rustic, colonial charm. The water of the bay is always right for swimming and the surrounding national parks are filled with trails, wildlife and waterfalls.

Included Activities
  • Boat trip
    Optional Activities
    • Horse Riding full day, Parati, Parati - BRL40.00
    • Buggy hire ful day (Parati), Parati - BRL85.00
    • Scuba Diving, Parati, Parati - USD95.00
    • Mountain Bike hire full day, Parati, Parati - BRL13.00
      Accommodation
      Camping (with facilities) (3 nts)
Days 18-19: Rio de Janeiro
Today we drive 240 km into Rio, one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. We stay in a great hotel in Flamengo, close to the beach.

The locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio'. In this heaving metropolis, set against the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay and surrounded by the slopes of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado, it's hard not to be caught up in the Cariocas' (residents) passion.
The French were the first to settle here as they logged wood along the Brazilian coast, but they were soon driven out by the Portuguese, who built a fortified town, naming it Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro and quickly amassed wealth in the gold rush of Minas Gerais. In the 19th century, the Portuguese monarchy fled from the threat of Napoleon in Europe to Rio where they built grand buildings, still in existence today. These days Rio is known best for its contrasting images of favelas (shanty towns) and the glitz and glamour of Carnaval.

Rio is deservedly famous for its live music scene, which encompasses myriad styles such as samba, jazz, bossa nova, hip hop, reggae, rock and many other fusions of regional styles. The neighbourhood of Lapa offers great dance halls where you can join locals in doing some serious dancing - or just soak up the vibe.

For some seriously eye-popping people watching, head down to the white sand beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema - skimpy bathing suits optional.

This afternoon we visit a community favela project that we support.
Morrinho is a 300m2 model favela created by children living in the local Pereira da Silva community, from recycled materials such as bricks, scrap metal and wood. The model was started in 1998 by Nelcirlan Souza de Oliveira and, when his friends became involved, the 'play set' gained considerable size. The reproduction of favela life in their model is so accurate that it has gained a world wide reputation appearing on Brazilian TV and has been the subject of a documentary which is now on sale. Morrinho has even been recognised by many art critics as an expression of contemporary art. The model is now being used to generate money by NGO Morrinho, a charity that provides professional qualifications to the residents of the Pereirão Community through workshops, including audiovisual production; art-education; Brazilian culture; and youth and citizenship. The charity is also involved in utilising the project as a film set, which has raised awareness of how harsh life is for shanty town dwellers.

Optional Activities
  • Christ the Redeemer cable car, Rio de Janeiro - BRL45.00
  • Sugar Loaf cable car, Rio de Janeiro - BRL53.00
  • Tram to Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro - USD2.00
    Accommodation
    Hotel (1 nt)
Days 20-23: Rio de Janeiro
These days are a break in the itinerary and are not covered by the kitty. You will need to pay for your own accommodation for the night. You are free to explore this amazing city, but are not on tour.
Day 24: Rio de Janeiro
The next leg of the trip begins today with a group meeting at 6pm. The day is free until then. Tonight's accommodation is included in the trip.

Optional Activities
  • Sugar Loaf cable car, Rio de Janeiro - BRL53.00
  • Christ the Redeemer cable car, Rio de Janeiro - BRL45.00
  • Tram to Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro - USD2.00
    Accommodation
    Hotel (1 nt)
Day 25: Petropolis/Teresopolis
We head north and will journey 200 km to Teresopolis where we will camp for the night in a campsite with good facilities. Before arriving at our campsite we will stop off in the beautiful colonial town of Petropolis for a chance to explore.

Included Activities
  • Visit to Petropolis
    Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 26-27: Ouro Preto
Today is a full day 430 km drive to the beautiful old colonial mining town of Ouro Preto where we stay at a campsite with facilities.

Ouro Preto is a beautiful colonial town with cobbled streets and many baroque churches. Famed for its school of mining, it was originally the capital of Minas Gerais, one of the world's great mining regions. Many different types of gemstone can be bought here. We can visit the gold mine of Minas de Passagem and you may wish to also visit the Museum of Mineralogy. Some of Ouro Preto's many churches feature the work of Aleijadinho - Brazil's most famous sculptor - who worked in wood and soapstone. Replicas of his carvings can be bought in the town.

The following day is free to visit the mine, museum or many of the baroque churches here.

Optional Activities
  • Museum of Minerology, Ouro Preto - USD3.00
  • Guide Minas de Passagem, Ouro Preto - USD5.00
  • Entrance Minas de Passagem, Ouro Preto - USD15.00
    Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)
Day 28: Bush Camp
We journey 400 km through Brazilian countryside and towns before finding a nice spot to bush camp for the night.

Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 29-30: Brasilia
A full day's drive of some 500 km brings us to the futuristic capital of Brasilia. We stay in a great campsite and the following day we enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating, labyrinthine city.
Brasilia is listed as a world heritage site and is one of the major examples of this century's modern movement in architecture and urban planning. Oscar Niemeyer was the chief architect for the incredible project, an amazing feat that turned unpopulated swamp land into a purpose built city. To really appreciate the plan of the city with its bow and arrow or plane shape, try a trip up the television tower for a panoramic view. From there take taxis or walk to sights of your choice. The Metropolitan Cathedral shaped in a crown of thorns with amazing angels suspended from the ceiling should not be missed, neither should the incredible blue glass of Dom Bosco. Whatever you have time for, there is an amazing wealth of fantastic architecture and sculpture to take in within this unique city.

Included Activities
  • Full day guided tour - Brasilia
    Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Days 31-33: Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park
A short 150 km drive brings us to Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park followed by two full days to explore the landscape and wildlife. We stay in an eco-tourism campsite.

Located in the state of Goiás, about 250 km from Brasília, the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is, according to NASA, the most luminous point seen from the Earth's orbit. This is due to the quantity of quartz crystals present in the soil, besides several other metals and minerals.

The main river that flows in Veadeiros National Park is Rio Preto. Along its course, there are many spectacular waterfalls, including Rio Preto Falls (120 metres high, 80 metres at the base) and the Cariocas. The canyons are just as beautiful, with walls of up to 40 metres high and valleys of up to 300 metres. Forests are also present in the region, and are well worth exploring primarily because of the rich variety of flora, more than 25 species of orchids can be found for example. The rich fauna of the region includes species threatened with extinction such as the Pantanal deer, the jaguar, the maned wolf. More common are the rhea (Brazilian ostrich), seriema, tapeti, armadillo, anteater, capybara, tapir, toucans and vultures. While the forests are home to this amazing wildlife it can be quite difficult to see. Nonetheless this is a great place for us to explore for the amazing flora and landscape alone.

Included Activities
  • Guided Tour
    Optional Activities
    • Abseiling, Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park - USD30.00
    • Canyoning, Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park - USD30.00
      Accommodation
      Camping (with facilities) (3 nts)
Day 34: Calvacante
We overland 150 km along a beautiful stretch of road to the small town of Cavalcante. Here we stay for the night taking in the amazing scenery and visiting the Kalunga community. We stay the night in a campsite.
Included Activities
  • Visit to Kalunga community
    Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)


Day 35: Terra Ronca/Bush Camp
A 200 km drive in the morning brings us to Terra Ronca, the largest cave system in South America. We will enjoy a guided visit of the cave system before heading on and crossing into the state of Bahia where we will find somewhere to bush camp for the night.

Included Activities
  • Guided tour of cave system
    Accommodation
    Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)
Days 36-38: Chapada Diamantina
We head 250 km to the town of Lencois, the gateway to Chapada da Diamantina National Park. We camp in Lencois giving you the opportunity to enjoy a variety of treks into the stunning scenery of the national park.

In the hinterland of Salvador, just outside of the town of Lençóis, lies the Chapada Diamantina, or Diamond Highlands. Valleys of lush green dotted with bright tropical flowers surround a mountain range of twisted red-rock formations reminiscent of the American Southwest. Numerous small rivers carve their way through the highlands, splashing over waterfalls and natural slides. There are also numerous caves, some many kilometres long. Many are quite popular, some just being discovered, some restricted yet to geologists who are trying to figure out just how they and the rock formations they contain were formed.

The gateway community of Lençóis is an old colonial town of stone streets and little churches, with little signs of the modern world. The attractions here are entirely natural. We have the chance to walk the highlands, explore caves, mountain bike old miners' tracks, and swim in natural pools and waterfalls. This is the Brazil that so many travellers miss. It is the other Brazil, away from the crowds of Rio and from the beaches or famous sites. This is the sort of place that you can visit so easily on an overland trip but that is so often inaccessible to the normal tourist or traveler.

Here you will have the opportunity to trek to many of the locations within the park, depending on your fitness and sense of adventure but either way is a wonderful place to spend a few days.

Optional Activities
  • Trekking, Chapada Diamantina - USD70.00
    Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (3 nts)
Days 39-41: Salvador da Bahia
Today we drive 400 km to the beautiful town of Salvador da Bahia. We stay just by the old centre of Pelourinho in a lovely hotel.

Situated on a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Salvador da Bahia was the capital of Brazil when it was first colonised, but now it can only claim to be the capital of the state of Bahia. Bahia is strongly influenced by its links with Africa, both in its language, religion, food, dance and music, and this certainly dominates the atmosphere in Salvador. If time allows we will take in a night at the Bale Folclorico da Bahia or the Oludum drummers for a taste of local traditions.

Apart from the historic interest of the town, there are some excellent beaches to visit nearby, but you should definitely try to get to a 'Candomble' evening while you are here. Candomble is a popular religious cult in the region, and the ceremonies offer a fascinating insight into the culture of this area.
Salvador is also well known for its spectacular Carnival and other festivities, but the nightlife is good here at any time of the year.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary, meet your new fellow travellers, and collect the next part of your kitty.

Optional Activities
  • Forte Santo Antonioa da Barra, Salvador da Bahia - USD10.00
  • Temple, Salvador da Bahia - USD1.00
  • Candoble ceremony, Salvador da Bahia - USD40.00
  • Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, Salvador da Bahia - USD1.00
    Accommodation
    Hostel (2 nts), Hotel (1 nt)
Day 42: Pirambu
We drive roughly 460 km north up the coast stopping at a beach camp site at Pirambu and allowing us the chance to visit the Tamar Turtle Project.

Included Activities
  • Tamar Turtle Conservation Project
    Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)
Day 43: Olinda
We head a further 430 km north up the coast to the lovely old town of Olinda where we stay in a pousada for the night.

Olinda was one of the old capital cities of Brazil and has quite a few historic buildings dating mainly from around the mid-1600s, many of which have been restored. It is a culturally important city, and is home to many artists and musicians. A good spot to have a drink and take in Olinda is the Alto de Se, the highest square in the town, it has stunning views of the skyscrapers of Recife shimmering in the distance.

Accommodation
Hostel (1 nt)
Day 44: Cabaceiras
We venture inland some 260 km towards the town of Cabaceiras where we will find somewhere to bush camp for the night. We will explore the prehistoric nature of this area, visiting the monolith at Ingá and the amazingly strange rock formations of Lajedo de Pai Mateus.

The Lajedo of Pai Mateus, is a one-square kilometre rocky elevation, shaped as an inverse soup plate, over which 70 huge boulders are found scattered throughout an area once inhabited by early tribes and an 18th century shaman creating one of the planet's most unusual and exquisite photo opportunities in the world.

Nearby is the monolith atIngá. This is the largest and most impressive archaeological monument in Brazil; a huge monolith inscribed with beautiful prehistoric petroglyphs (ancient rock engravings). It is a large stone block, 24 metres in length and 3 metres high, situated in the river Ingá de Bacamarte. The engraving technique is very careful, with drawings incised with deep and wide grooves. Around it many legends and popular interpretations have emerged, forming the basis of local folklore. Research on prehistoric engravings in Brazil is still in its initial stages, and there are no definitive dating placing them precisely in time. It is believed they postdate paintings which in the north-east exist at least from 25,000 years ago.

Included Activities
  • Lajedo de Pai Mateus
  • Inga Monolith
    Accommodation
    Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)
Day 45: Sousa
We continue 330 km further inland to the town of Sousa where we will bush camp again. The area is world famous for its prehistory and we will explore the Vale dos Dinossauros.

The valley is one of the most important palaeontological sites in the world with over 50 types of footprints of prehistoric animals, scattered throughout the sedimentary basin of the Rio do Peixe in an area of 700 km². Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Iguanodon, and numerous other species of dinosaurs lived in Paraibano between 250 and 65 million years ago. When visiting the area we will get a taste of prehistory by visiting one of the longest dinosaur tracks in the world, extending for more than 55 metres.

Included Activities
  • Visit to the Vale dos Dinossaurus
    Accommodation
    Bush camp (no facilities) (1 nt)
Days 46-47: Canoa Quebrada
We drive 330 km north to the coast where we arrive at the beautiful seaside town of Canoa Quebrada. Here we camp for 2 nights with a chance to relax and enjoy various water sports.

Until the mid 1970s Canoa Quebrada had been but a sleepy fishing village until it began to gain popularity with a group of hippies, who gave to Canoa an air of liberty and tolerance which can be felt until today. The village is now one of the best known and most visited beaches in Ceará with dunes and falesias with heights of up to 30 metres which have served as the stage for several movies of Brazilian cinema and television.

Today, besides the eternally overwhelming landscape, the greatest attractions to enjoy are the buggy tours through the sand dunes along the beach and the red cliffs, and the refreshing dives in the calm blue-green ocean. For the more adventurous there is the opportunity for kite surfing, cliff gliding, capoeira, or you can simply venture through the fishing villages on a long walk or discover the ecological trails that cut through Canoa Quebrada. When the sun begins to set, run to the top of the dunes and you will witness one of the most spectacular sites in the northeast.

Optional Activities
  • Dune buggying, Canoa Quebrada - USD40.00
    Accommodation
    Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)
Days 48-50: Jericoacoara
A 440 km drive along the coast brings us to the laid back and fashionable town of Jericoacoara. We have 3 nights here in a pousada to further relax on the beach.

Jericoacoara is a stunning beach area, located close to the equator in the northeast of Brazil. It is a good example of an area embracing the concepts of responsible tourism. Development has been severely restricted and building is only allowed in the nearby fishing village. To get there, you have to drive off-piste across sand dunes for about 15 km in a 4x4 and this limits the numbers of people who visit the place. It is a remarkably beautiful place with vast fields of sand dunes, turquoise sea and loads to do. For lovers of nature there are numerous hikes and trails, which can be accessed on foot or by horse. Alternatively, you may prefer to play around on the dunes on sand buggies or sand boards or to go out on boat trips. It is also an excellent place for windsurfing and other watersports. The area has no big hotels, but has plenty of small restaurants and pousadas.

Optional Activities
  • Lagoa Paraiso, Jericoacoara - USD30.00
  • Kite surfing, Jericoacoara - USD160.00
  • Quad biking, Jericoacoara - USD65.00
    Accommodation
    Hotel (3 nts)
Days 51-52: Parnaiba Delta
Today we drive 330 km to the town of Parnaiba, the gateway to the Parnaiba Delta and the Lencois Maranhenses National Park. We will stay the night in a local pousada.

The next day we leave the overland truck behind and head out into the Parnaiba delta exploring this wonderful eco-system of these waterways. After visiting Tutoia we will spend the night in Cabure in a small pousada on a sand bank.

Included Activities
  • Parnaiba Delta boat tour
    Accommodation
    Hotel (2 nts)
Day 53: Lencois Maranhenses National Park
Today we will head out into the stunning Lencois Maranhenses National Park using a combination of 4x4 vehicles and boats. We will watch the sunset over the dunes before heading to the small but lively town of Barreirinhas on the banks of the Preguicas river where we stay in a local pousada and rejoin the truck.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, in Maranhão State, is one of Brazil's top natural attractions. It is an ecosystem formed of white sand dunes which cover 383,000 acres and look like bedsheets (lençóis in Portuguese) spread out on the north eastern coast of Brazil. Freshwater lagoons that fill up with rainwater, mostly during the first six months of the year, make Lençóis Maranhenses unique. Mangroves, deserted beaches, buritis- a graceful kind of palm tree - and the Preguiças River all add to the park's diversity. The sand dunes advance as far as 50 km inland and stretch along 43 kilometres of coastline. They are mostly deserted beaches on which sand mixes with mangroves, creating picture-perfect vistas.

Included Activities
  • 4WD Tour
    Accommodation
    Hotel (1 nt)
Day 54: Sao Luis
Home to Brazilian reggae culture, fascinating historical sights and an energetic restaurant culture, Sao Luis is one of the liveliest places to visit in Brazil.An early start takes us 200 km to the beautiful Unesco town of Sao Luis. We stay in the old heart of the city in a hostel.

São Luís is the capital of Maranhão, situated in the Bay of San Marcos on the north-eastern coast of Brazil south of the Amazon Delta. The French founded the city in 1612 but the Portuguese captured it almost immediately in 1615 and then the Dutch took over for 4 years in 1641. The old city is steeped in an almost tangible history and has strong traditional folklore. There are excellent museums; the Catedral da Sé', built in 1726 by the Jesuits and a large French-built fortress now called the Palácio dos Leões. Today the city is almost more famous for its music and is the centre of reggae culture in north-east Brazil. It has excellent nightlife, restaurants and numerous festivals throughout the year.

Included Activities
  • Guided tour
    Accommodation
    Hostel (1 nt)
Day 55: Alcantara
A short ferry journey takes us over to the lovely little colonial town of Alcantara where we stay the night in a pousada.

Across the bay from São Luís lies the town of Alcântara. This almost abandoned town is now a national historic monument, but once was a fashionable and aristocratic centre. Alcântara history is troubled by successive invasions and conflicts as Portuguese, French and Dutch explorers tried to colonise current-day Maranhão. Native populations suffered enormously and had been all but decimated by the mid-seventeenth century.

Accommodation
Hostel (1 nt)
Day 56: Belem
Today is an all day drive of some 570 km to Belem where the mighty Amazon River meets the Atlantic. We stay in a local hotel and you have the chance to explore the city before saying goodbye to dry land for a few days.

Belem holds a strategic place on the mouth of the Amazon River, which is why it grew to be such a large and important port. It has a vibrant market called Mercado Ver-O-Peso, which you can't miss. It sells all manner of local vegetables, fruit, fish and medicinal plants as well as strange artefacts for the local religious cults. Be sure to try out one of the city's excellent fish
restaurants before you leave.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 57-61: Amazon River Ferry
We board an Amazon ferry and spend the next 6 days sailing upstream to the jungle city of Manaus. Whilst on board we sleep in hammocks on deck and on arrival in Manaus we stay in a centrally located hotel.

The Amazon is the greatest river in the world and by so many measures; the volume of water it carries to the sea (approximately 20% of all the freshwater discharge into the oceans), the area of land that drains into it, and its width. It is one of the longest rivers in the world and, depending upon who you talk to, is anywhere between 6,259 kilometres and 6,712 kilometres.

At its widest point the Amazon River can be 11 kilometres wide during the dry season. The area covered by the Amazon River and its tributaries more than triples over the course of a year. In an average dry season 110,000 square kilometres of land are covered by water, while in the wet season the flooded area of the Amazon Basin rises to 350,000 square km. Where the Amazon opens at its estuary the river is over 325 kilometres wide.

We spend 4-5 days sailing the Amazon River. Due to the Trans Amazon Highway becoming impassable, the rivers are the only practical means of communication and transportation so the boat stops at numerous small riverside towns and settlements. Docking and port facilities are often primitive which means sometimes passengers are expected to form a human chain to help load cargoes of watermelons and bananas. Accommodation is simply a hammock slung across the open deck. You will travel with the locals, living like the locals. This part of the trip is designed to immerse you into the local travelling community.

Included Activities
  • 5 day boat journey
    Accommodation
    Hammock (5 nts)
Days 62-63: Manaus
We arrive into Manaus and transfer from the boat to our centrally located hotel.
Manaus is where the two great rivers Solimoes and Negro merge to form the mighty Amazon. After meeting, the black waters of the Negro and the muddy brown of the Solimoes do not mix and the two rivers run side by side for a considerable distance with a clearly defined colour contrast - this phenomenon is known as the "Meeting of the Waters". The river is five miles wide at this point and the port is busy with many large, colourful, riverboats as well as the huge container and truck barges. Situated in the middle of the Amazon, Manaus was declared a duty free port to attract big business and so offers many bargains. It was once a great centre of the rubber boom and some of the legacies of this remain - where else in the world could one find an opera house in the middle of the jungle?
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Optional Activities
  • City Tour, Manaus, Manaus - USD25.00
  • Teatro Amazones, Manaus - USD10.00
    Accommodation
    Hotel (1 nt)
TRIP INCLUDES
  • 303 Breakfasts, 30 Lunches, 30 Dinners
  • Overland vehicle, Boat, 4x4, Ferry
  • Camping (with facilities) (26 nts), Hotel (13 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (5 nts), Hostel (5 nts), Hammock (5 nts), Hacienda (2 nts)
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Allow USD $285 for meals not included.
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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