Unlike Brazilian sea cruises, that stop at well-known tourist spots like Rio, Salvador, and Ilhabela, river cruises are the chance of seeing hidden places more rooted in the country.
Tourism operators offer cruises along the rivers Negro, Solimões and Amazon, in the Amazon region, where visitors can see and visit the indigenous tribes and communities settled along the riverbanks.
Moving south, it's possible to visit another Brazilian biome, Pantanal. In this case, the cruises go along the rivers Paraguay and Cuiabá. See below a sample of available tours.
R$ 2.094 (US$ 546) - Three nights with Top Brasil
They offer a river cruise along the Rio Negro, aboard Iberostar Grand Amazon, departing from Manaus and with all meals included. Price per person doesn't include airfare.
R$ 2.950 (US$ 769) - Three nights with Pisa Trekking
The company offers a Rio Negro cruise aboard MV Desafio, departing from Manaus and all meals included. Includes visits to the Anavilhanas river island, visits to riverbank communities and indigenous tribes, to the Meeting of Waters (the confluence between the rivers Negro and Solimões), a river dolphin sanctuary, piranha fishing, and canoeing. Price per person. Airfare not included.
R$ 4.850 (US$ 1.264) - Three nights with Turismo Consciente
They offer a river cruise along the Amazon river, departing from Alter do Chão (Santarém), Pará. Includes all meals and drinks, visits to riverbank communities, hiking trails, canoeing, and sightseeing. Price per person. Airfare not included.
R$ 5.041 (US$ 1.314) - Three nights with Free Way
The company offers the Katerre expedition through the Amazon, departing from Manaus and all meals included. It goes to the rivers Negro, Solimões, and Ariaú. Visits to riverbank communities and the Anavilhanas river islands. Price per person in rooms with bunk beds (rooms with double beds cost R$ 6.293- US$ 1.640). Airfare not included.
Translated by NATASHA MADOV