Martin Frankenberg's 5-day Itinerary Through the Brazilian Amazon
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Martin Frankenberg is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List, a collection of the top travel advisors in the world, and can help plan your perfect getaway. Below is an example of the type of itineraries he creates. To work with Martin, you can contact him directly at martin@matuete.com.
Day 1: Arrive in Manaus
Welcome to the largest city of the Amazon! Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport to transfer you to the Villa Amazonia hotel, in the heart of the city, steps away from the famous Opera House. Have dinner in one of the excellent restaurants close to the hotel and have an early nigh. Depending on the day of your arrival, there may be a live music show at the Opera House.
Day 2: Set Sail
Wake up early and head to the city market to see the incredible variety of fresh fruit and fish. Board a local speedboat and meet Lieutenant Araujo, a retired Brazilian Army officer who is a specialist in jungle survival techniques. He will take you to your first experience in the forest. You will spend approximately three hours in the jungle learning how to look for food and water, build a shelter, make fire, and keep safe. From there, you will board your luxury yacht for the adventure to begin!
As a delicious lunch is served, you'll cruise towards the Anavilhanas archipelago, the largest set of river islands in the world. Settle in, take some time to swim, and explore this bewildering set of islands.
Day 3: Riverside Communities
Wake up in the heart of the forest and visit the region known as Cuieiras, a simple Amazon village whose inhabitants lead a simple lifestyle. This river tributary is perfect to explore with a speedboat and allows you to go deep into the jungle and watch the river narrow. Return to the yacht at lunchtime and depart towards the community of Tumbira. Visit the school, the library, and other community projects. As the sun sets, dock the boat in a beautiful river beach and enjoy dinner.
Day 4: Explore the Forest
Return to the region of Tumbira for a trek in the forest and a canoe ride up the small river tributaries of the region. Learn about the different trees and search for the animals of the forest, such as giant tarantulas, birds and many others. Return to the boat and depart for the Ariau channel. The Sumauma trees are the largest trees in the forest, which can rise to the height of 164 feet. With specialist guides, you'll learn how to ascend to the canopy of the forest and enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Afterwards, enjoy some down time at the beach, and at sunset, head towards the area rich in wildlife to see the animals take shelter for the night. This is the time the animals are most active, and you will surely see lots of birds, monkeys,and other wildlife. You can also try your hand at piranha fishing. After dark, you'll return to the yacht, but not before looking for the shiny eyes of alligators with torch light.
Day 5: Depart for Home
Wake up in Acajatuba lake, a sanctuary for pink river dolphins. You will have the opportunity to swim with these beautiful majestic creatures. Return to the boat for a final breakfast and swim before your water plane lands beside the boat. Only from the sky will you have the chance to really get a grasp of the immensity of this incredible ecosystem, as the guide points out the many stops covered in these last few days. Fly over the iconic meeting of the waters, where the Negro and Amazon rivers meet and whose waters run side by side without mixing for many miles. You'll land in Manaus and depart home.
