Várzea, blackwater forest and Anavilhanas on the same cruise – aboard the classic Amazon Clipper
The six-day cruise combines the two shorter routes and shows how different the Amazon landscape becomes where sediment-rich white water meets the dark blackwater of the Rio Negro.
The first days are spent on the Amazon River and in the várzea forest around Lago Janauacá. The vessel then passes Encontro das Águas and continues up the Rio Negro towards Anavilhanas, igapó forest and white river beaches.
The longer programme provides more morning and evening outings, two different kinds of flooded forest and greater geographical variety than either short cruise on its own.
You stay aboard Amazon Clipper Traditional, aboard the smaller Amazon Clipper Traditional with simple, practical comfort.
Day 1
Meet at the designated point in Manaus at around 14:00 and board the vessel. After a welcome, safety briefing and route presentation, the boat leaves the city and heads towards the Amazon River.
During the afternoon, there is an introduction to Amazon ecology. After dinner, the first canoe excursion searches for caimans, night birds, frogs and other nocturnal wildlife.
Day 2
Wake on Lago Janauacá and head out by canoe in the morning light. Birds and river dolphins may appear as the forest and lake wake.
After breakfast, take a forest walk and visit people whose livelihoods include manioc, fishing, fruit trees and other natural resources.
In the afternoon, try piranha or nature fishing. After dinner, another canoe outing explores the forest after dark.
Day 3
Early in the morning, explore Lago Janauari with birdwatching and a possible sighting of Victoria amazonica when the season is right.
During breakfast, the vessel heads towards Encontro das Águas. The rivers’ different colours and chemistry provide a clear introduction to the contrast between várzea and blackwater systems.
The boat continues up the Rio Negro past Manaus. After lunch, the guides introduce the next part of the journey. In the evening, take a canoe excursion focused on nocturnal sounds and wildlife.
Day 4
The day begins with a canoe excursion along the forest edges of the Rio Negro, looking for toucans, parrots and other birds.
After breakfast, take a forest walk focused on how plants and animals have adapted to the blackwater environment. Before lunch there may be an opportunity to swim.
In the afternoon, the vessel navigates through Anavilhanas National Park. A late canoe trip enters part of the archipelago’s maze of islands and waterways.
Day 5
After an early fishing outing and breakfast, visit a riverside community. Depending on the season, gardens and cultivated areas may include cupuaçu, açaí, tucumã and pupunha.
Learn how manioc flour is produced and how daily life is organised in a region where rivers are the main transport routes.
After lunch, swim from a white-sand beach when conditions permit. Later, a final longer canoe excursion takes place in the evening light as the vessel begins its return towards the Manaus area.
Day 6
On the final morning, explore Lago Janauari again and several types of flooded forest. The programme is adjusted to the water level and the areas that are most accessible.
During breakfast, the vessel heads towards Encontro das Águas and on to Manaus. The cruise normally finishes at around 11:30.
Amazon Clipper Traditional is a regional riverboat built for expedition cruising in the Amazon. It carries a maximum of 16 guests in eight air-conditioned cabins.
Cabins are approximately 6–9 m² with bunk beds and a private bathroom with shower. The standard is simple and functional rather than hotel-like.
The boat has three decks, a covered dining room with bar and an open sun deck with unobstructed views. Its smaller size creates a personal atmosphere, but also means less private and communal space than on Premium.
Easy to moderate
The cruise has a relaxed overall pace but includes several canoe excursions, early mornings and two forest walks on natural trails.
Normal mobility is required to transfer between the vessel and smaller boats. Heat, humidity and five activity days make this programme more demanding than the shorter routes even though each individual activity is relatively easy.
The cruises operate on scheduled departures and are shared with other guests. Exact departure days and the vessel used must be confirmed before booking.
The meeting point is normally Tropical Executive Hotel in Manaus at approximately 14:00, with return at approximately 11:30. Time and place can change and should always be checked against the current booking confirmation.
The route and order of activities may change according to water level, weather, safety and local natural conditions. The captain and expedition team decide the practical operation of the programme.
Excursions use small motorised canoes and forest trails. Wildlife moves freely and sightings of any particular species can never be guaranteed.
The programme can be booked on its own or combined with flights, a Manaus hotel and other parts of a tailor-made journey. Exact inclusions and price are set out in SambaTravel’s proposal.
Traditional is the operator’s smaller and simpler category. Cabins have bunk beds and limited floor space.
The cruise may operate on another vessel within the same confirmed category if the operator needs to make an operational change.
Light, informal clothing works well on board. Long trousers, socks and closed shoes are recommended for landings and forest walks.
Excursions often use small motorised canoes. Rain and spray are possible even in drier periods, so cameras and electronics should be protected in a waterproof bag.
Six days is the most complete Amazon Clipper programme and offers the greatest variety of landscapes and activities.