Tucano river cruise

Sail the Brazilian Amazon

  • TAILOR-MADE

Duration

9 Days

Prices Start from

£3,400(ex. flights)

Embark on an in-depth, off-the-beaten-track river journey into the heart of the Brazilian Amazon on board the comfortable MY Tucano riverboat. This explorative eight-day Amazon voyage ventures deeper into this vast tropical wilderness than any other comparative boat.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Squirrel Monkey, Amazon 1

Amazonian Wildlife

Spot monkeys, pink river dolphins and a wide variety of exotic Amazonian birdlife.

Brazilian Indian, Amazon, Brazil 2

Local Communities

Explore the rainforest and tributaries and visit local communities with guides.

Tambopata landscapes, Peru Amazon 3

Amazon Voyage

Join the most in-depth expeditionary voyage operating on the Amazon River.

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 4

Rio & Manaus

Stay in a mansion in Manaus before the cruise, and explore bustling Rio de Janeiro.

Why we like it

Those travelling with Steppes on the Tucano benefit from a personalised private city tour of Manaus prior to the river cruise. All cruises are accompanied by two accomplished bilingual guides, who are native to the remote communities of the interior of the Amazon. Raised by these renowned river waters, Tucano guides learned to walk in the rainforest and discovered its vital ecological importance at an impressionable age. Effortlessly distinguishing the signs, sounds and sights of the flora and fauna of the river and jungle, each guide brings their own personal interests that infuse their guiding style. With a robust interest in proactive conservation, the Tucano has a dramatic impact on the local communities. All of its crew are regular employees, not freelancers, and most of them hail from the small communities of the Amazon’s interior. The benefit of consistent wages is hugely impactful for these populations, given that there are no other methods of deriving non-extractive revenue from the rainforest.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Days 1-2

    Manaus

  • Days 3-8

    Brazilian Amazon

  • Day 9

    Manaus - Rio de Janeiro

  • Days 10-11

    Rio de Janeiro

Days 1-2

Manaus

Amazon Theatre in Manaus, Brazil

Before the cruise, spend some time in a historic mansion in the heart of Manaus.

Days 3-8

Brazilian Amazon

Macaws, Amazon, Peru

Spot monkeys, pink river dolphins and a wide variety of exotic Amazonian birdlife.

Day 9

Manaus - Rio de Janeiro

Days 10-11

Rio de Janeiro

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Travel to the sprawling seaside city of Rio de Janeiro to experience the plethora of activities on offer that includes visits to Copacabana and Ipanema.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

Tucano Boat, Brazil
Tucano Boat, Brazil

Why Sail the Amazon?

The Tucano voyage aims to spotlight the local residents and their long-lasting cultures, with visits to small fishing villages on the banks of the river as well as lively river trading towns. Explore pristine areas of the Rio Negro and the mighty Amazon both on and off the boat, discovering the forest on foot or by small boat in the company of expert naturalist guides. Travelling in a small group limited to just 18 passengers, voyagers will garner a very intimate and authentic Amazon experience. Ideally suited to those with a strong interest in wildlife and nature, the sailing provides a wonderful introduction to this world-renowned iconic destination.

Amazon Theatre in Manaus, Brazil
Amazon Theatre in Manaus, Brazil
Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Romantic Manaus & Dazzling Rio

Spend time in a historic mansion in the heart of Manaus, harking back to the architecture of the golden rubber age, just moments away from the Amazon Theatre. Featuring a lush indoor garden and natural stone pool overhung with greenery, as well as a bar with special caipirinhas and a bistro that blends contemporary cuisine with exotic Amazonian ingredients, Villa Amazonia is a charming spot to relax before an adventure-filled river expedition. Also stay in the sprawling seaside city of Rio, visiting Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, seeing Christ the Redeemer and riding cable cars to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.

Sloth, Amazon
Sloth, Amazon
Scarlet Macaw, Amazon Rainforest
Scarlet Macaw, Amazon Rainforest
Caiman
Caiman

Unique Experiences

Surrounded by a the true wilderness, witness a diversity of exotic landscapes, habitats and environments that include dark flooded forests, dense jungle, towering trees, thick undergrowth and vast open plains of waving grass. Visiting some locations that are not visited by any other vessel, and traversing extremely lightly trodden trails, the Tucano continually adjusts its landing sites so as to minimise wildlife disturbance and, in turn, encourage more sightings. These places are home to some of the most spectacular wildlife of the Amazon, including squirrel monkeys, jaguars, sloths and colourful birds. In the river itself, caiman, pink river dolphins and grey dolphins can be spotted.

Bug, Ecuadorian Amazon
Bug, Ecuadorian Amazon

What Is Given Back?

The communities that are visited during land excursions are treated carefully so as to prevent exploitation, and outright support is given to these small communities in the form of diesel for use in their lighting and generators. Understanding that the real long-lasting impacts come from the steady income, health benefits and support for professional growth that dependable employment can provide, the Tucano is truly committed to their crew. A high-level of sustainability is achieved through a comprehensive seven-pronged approach that focuses on traveller engagement, solar energy and social responsibility amongst others. Believing that sustainability comes as a result of a collective effort, the crew encourage travellers to work with them as an expedition team in making efforts to eliminate single use plastics and reduce carbon footprint.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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