Heart of Amazonia

Additional Information

About the Motor Yacht Tucano
This trip explores some of the most untouched rainforest in all of the Amazon. On the expedition vessel, the Motor Yacht Tucano, you will venture far up the least inhabited river in the Amazon Basin, the Rio Negro. The guides are accomplished naturalists, and you will see creatures rarely seen by other travelers and visit places that have not changed for millions of years. All of the 9 cabins on Tucano are comfortable, outside cabins with large windows and private bathrooms. Each cabin is air-conditioned with its own thermostat. The Salon is at the front of the boat, affording splendid views of the rainforest throughout the day. The Salon is also air-conditioned, though in the cool of the day the windows are generally left open for you to breathe the fresh air scented by Amazon blossoms. There are many windows on the boat, and all of them open and close. The M/Y Tucano was built in 1997 and is annually refit. Though it has the decorative theme of a 19th century river steamer, the Tucano is a modern and efficient commercial passenger vessel, fully licensed and inspected by the naval authorities. The boat has a length of 82 feet and width of 22 feet, and it carries a crew of 8 people in addition to 18 passengers.

Observation Deck
This deck is open and an exceptional place to observe wildlife. The forward balcony allows views into the forest canopy. Cabin 0 has a queen size bed and a single bed.

Middle Deck
Cabins 5 and 6 have single size beds side by side which can be placed together to form a queen size bed. Cabins 7 and 8 have bunks with a single size mattress above and below. The middle balcony faces forward and is a serene spot to relax and a good place to observe wildlife.

Main Deck
Cabins 3 and 4 have single size beds which can be placed together to form a queen size bed. A narrow bed can also be inserted in these cabins to accommodate three persons. Cabins 1 and 2 have bunks with a single size mattress above and below.

Seasons and Weather in Central Amazonia

What is the best time of year to go?
The best time to travel really depends on your own schedule. This trip takes place in the very middle of the Amazon. In this region the rainy season runs roughly from late January to early May, and there are some advantages of traveling at this time. Since most riverine plants fruit and flower during this period, it is one of the best times to see birds and monkeys at the waters edge. Though it can rain slightly more in the rainy season, it usually rains some every day in the dry season too. The lower water in the dry season attracts some creatures that are not as commonly observed in the rainy season. We operate this trip year round and the trips are wonderful any time of year.

Family Departures
The Amazon is a fascinating place for young people as well as adults. All of these cruises are family-friendly, but in order to make it easier for families with young children to travel on these trips, we offer specific fixed departures every year that include some activities that help children enjoy the experience. Family Departures have the same theme as the regular departures, a theme of understanding the Amazon environment and observing the plants and animals. Activities specifically for children include a “Young Scientist Project” and “Rainforest Workshops.” You'll also have some activities that are just for fun. With the enthusiasm and a sense of wonder that young people bring to the experience, these are very enjoyable trips.

Detailed Trip Information

Dates	Dec 6 to Dec 14, 2008 Dec 20 to Dec 28, 2008 Jan 3 to Jan 2, 2009 (0 day trip) Jan 17 to Jan 16, 2009 (0 day trip) Feb 14 to Feb 13, 2009 (0 day trip) Mar 7 to Mar 6, 2009 (0 day trip) Mar 21 to Mar 20, 2009 (0 day trip) Apr 4 to Apr 3, 2009 (0 day trip) Apr 18 to Apr 17, 2009 (0 day trip) May 2 to May 1, 2009 (0 day trip) May 16 to May 15, 2009 (0 day trip) May 30 to May 29, 2009 (0 day trip) Jun 13 to Jun 12, 2009 (0 day trip) Jun 27 to Jun 26, 2009 (0 day trip) Jul 11 to Jul 10, 2009 (0 day trip) Jul 25 to Jul 24, 2009 (0 day trip) Aug 8 to Aug 7, 2009 (0 day trip) Aug 22 to Aug 21, 2009 (0 day trip) Sep 19 to Sep 18, 2009 (0 day trip) Oct 3 to Oct 2, 2009 (0 day trip) Oct 17 to Oct 16, 2009 (0 day trip) Oct 31 to Oct 30, 2009 (0 day trip) Nov 14 to Nov 13, 2009 (0 day trip) Nov 28 to Nov 27, 2009 (0 day trip) Dec 19 to Dec 18, 2009 (0 day trip)
Duration	9 days
Land Cost	$2,990
Single Supplement	$950 no single supplement if willing to share. (Cabins have either bunk-style beds or two lower-berth twin beds. A supplement of $250 per person is required to guarantee a cabin with lower-berth twins)
Lodging	- comfortable riverboat facilities and delightful hotel
Grade	I-II passengers must be able to get in and out of small boats and walk for up to two hours at a time in the rainforest
Group Size	8-18

Trip Terms & Conditions

Included in costs: Meals as noted, each night in double occupancy accommodations, land transfers between components, English speaking guides, park or site entry fees, surface transport, equipment other than personal gear, government tax, airport transfer assistance, in-country ticket reconfirmation & check-in assistance (where permitted), complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance.

Not included in costs: Meals not noted as included, gratuities, beverages (except tea or coffee at meals), international or domestic airfare unless specified, airport departure taxes not included with air tickets, visas, itinerary changes after confirmation, any services not included in itinerary, any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights, acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control, or other costs as are more fully described in JOURNEYS Terms & Conditions.

Deposit and payment schedule: $500 per person per trip or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. A second deposit of $800 per person is due four months prior to departure, and final payment for land arrangements is due 60 days prior to departure. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. The deposit may be made by Visa, Master Card or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted by fax, mail or via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our Terms and Conditions as noted in our Global Expedition Catalog, on our website and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.

Insurance: When you make your application, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.

Air fares: JOURNEYS can make complete air arrangements applicable to your trip as noted in this itinerary. If you wish to redeem frequent flyer mileage or arrange flights directly with the airline, you may do so on your own at no penalty. If you do, please consult with us on exact arrival and departure dates and times before having your tickets issued to avoid errors.

Itinerary Change Fee: There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.

JOURNEYS Resources

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• Sugarloaf Mountain
• Tijuca Forest
• Iguazu Falls
• Christ the Redeemer
• Pantanal
• Rio Negro
• Manaus

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