HIGHLIGHTS:

4 to 5 day river trip along the Amazon
One day 4 wheel drive excursion on the Gran Sabana
Boat through the Paranaiba delta
Several 4-wheel drive transfers through remote northeastern Brazil

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Rio de Janeiro Arrive in Rio at any time.
Day 2-9 Salvador / Bahia / Pernambuco Take a short flight to the state of Bahia, the epicentre of Afro-Brazilian culture. Well known for its music and folklore, the influence of African slaves brought by the Portuguese is as prominent in Salvador's culture today as it has been in Bahia's history. Explore the city and enjoy the Samba rhythms or take an optional boat trip to Itaparica Island. Head north to the colonial town of Olinda with its beautiful architecture, artwork and festivals. Our next stop is Praia da Pipa near Natal, a great place for dolphin spotting.
Day 10-21 Ceara / Piaui / Marnhao Visit secluded oases, mangrove-clad rivers and beautiful remote beaches, where small fishing villages are hidden among huge sand dunes that provide chances for horseback riding and sand boarding. Travel to Sao Luis, a historic city covered in hand-painted Portuguese tiles.
Day 22-26 Para (Amazon River) (3B,3L,3D) Take a 4 to 5-day Amazon River trip from the city of Belem near the Amazon Delta to the depths of the Amazon jungle. Enjoy a relaxing, scenic cruise on the great river that carries 20% of earth\'s fresh water while getting to know the warmth of northeastern Brazilian culture.
Day 27-31 Amazonas / Manaus Our river trip ends in Manaus, an important trading city of the northern Amazon region. Take a 3-day optional excursion into the depths of the rainforest for a true jungle adventure, filled with unique tropical wildlife and encounters with local indigenous groups.
Day 32-41 Venezuela Head north by bus into Venezuela. Visit Santa Elena and the Gran Sabana for spectacular views and waterfalls. Continue to Ciudad Bolivar, where we can take an optional excursion into Canaima National Park, and an optional flight over Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world. In the wet season (July to January), an optional three-day boat and hiking excursion to the falls is possible. Continue on to Puerto de la Cruz on the Caribbean coast to enjoy the beautiful beaches and snorkelling in Mochima National Park before heading to Caracas.
Day 42 Depart Caracas

Accommodation: Simple hotels (31 nts), riverboat (4 nts), bus (6 nts). (Accommodation can be quite basic / multi-share at times).
Group Size: Max 15, Avg 10
Local Payment: USD400
Meals Included: All meals while on Amazon River Boat.
Reverse Itinerary: This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code JAC.
Transport: Public bus, 4x4, Amazon River boat, walking, internal flight.
Trip Reference: JAR