INDEPENDENT RIO DE JANEIRO CITY STAY WITH BRAZIL'S AMAZON

Day 1: ARRIVE IN MANAUS

After arriving at your hotel, meet up for private city sightseeing to view vestiges of Manaus' glory days during the rubber boom. Your first stop will be the famous opera house, built in 1896 with materials imported from Europe. Next, visit a bustling local market filled with regional foods and wares.

Day 2: MANAUS-AMAZON JUNGLE

Today, your "Meeting of the Waters" cruise passes by the impressive British-built Customs House and the floating port. Cruise along the chocolate-hued Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-grey Rio Solimoes, where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles, the differently shaded bodies of water flow side by side and never mix! After lunch on the river, explore a jungle island (water level permitting) with fascinating native flora and fauna. Later this afternoon, arrive at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge, situated on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazon rainforest. (B,L,D)

Day 3: AMAZON JUNGLE

Accompanied by a Naturalist, enjoy a guided jungle walk that introduces you to the flora and fauna that thrive in the Amazon. After lunch, depart the lodge and sail up the river to visit a Caboclo's native Amazon village to learn about their traditions, costumes, and culture. Also, try your hand at piranha fishing! Later, visit the Monkey Jungle Reserve, where researchers work to rehabilitate captive primates and reintroduce them to the jungle. Here, you have the opportunity to see the feeding of spider, squirrel, woolly, and capuchin monkeys. This evening, maybe venture back out with your Naturalist via canoe into the flooded forest to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. Keep watch for small alligators (and other night creatures)! (B,L,D)

Day 4: AMAZON JUNGLE-RIO DE JANEIRO

This morning, depart your Amazon lodge for a flight to fabulous Rio. Welcome to South America's capital of glamour-Rio de Janeiro, where your Local Guide will be available with suggested activities during your free time. (B)

Day 5: RIO DE JANEIRO

Today, your private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. This rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay is one of the New7Wonders of the World and home to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. Tonight, you may opt to join an outing to a fun churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats that are marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style. (B)

Day 6: RIO DE JANEIRO

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest some options for your free time. (B) Today's I-Time Tips This afternoon, you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II, or take an optional excursion to visit iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Day 7: RIO DE JANEIRO

Your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. (B)