KAYAK THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON

This is the trip of a life time. How many people have kayaked down the Amazon or spent a night out in Primary rainforest listening to the sounds of the night? Trekking through the jungle, fishing for Piranha and learning about survival techniques from indigenous guides are incredible experiences. You will see pink river dolphins swim close by your kayak and other Amazonian wildlife. The kayaking is in two-man canoes on Class I and II Rivers. You will help identify each nights camp site with the guides, adding to a strong sense of pioneer spirt on this trip. Previous experience is not required.

Day 1

We leave Manaus to travel by bus and motor boat across the Amazon and Negro rivers. Our destination is the Tupanã River. A short stop on the way to admire the giant water lilies. On arrival, the local guide will brief us on technical and safety issues, including adjusting pedals, how and where to store gear, etc. The briefing will be followed by a swim in the warm teak colored waters of the Amazon and lunch.

The kayaking starts! Our journey begins with great views of the flooded rainforest ecosystem. We can expect to see flocks of white herons roosting in the trees. We will help the guides identify our overnight camp. Flooding means that camps are almost never at the same spot. You will quickly learn to identify a viable camp site.

Day 2

An early breakfast and start will give us the perfect opportunity to be in close contact with pink and gray fresh water dolphins. They are abundant in this river and enjoy contact with kayaks, which resemble their own shape: expect them to come very close.

At around 13:00hrs we will set up camp, have lunch and relax. Around 15:30 hrs, a Piranha or peacock bass fishing contest will take place. There are many myths about Piranhas. Whilst they might attack a bleeding animal in obvious distress I have happily swam in the same waters without problems. At sunset, enjoy a refreshing Caipirinha cocktail and dinner. After dinner we will search for nocturnal wildlife on the river and creek. We hope to find caimans, frogs, and jumping fish.

Day 3

After breakfast, a native rainforest tracker will help us find woolly monkeys which are only found in this region. He will also demonstrate how local plants are used for medicinal purposes, to obtain drinking water, and for jungle survival. A quick dip in the cool creek waters will refresh us after the trek and before lunch. After lunch we shall rest. 16:00 In the late afternoon, we shall enjoy a couple of hours kayaking to the next camp.