MANAUS, AMAZON

An exciting overnight trip in the heart of the Amazon jungle! The tour includes transfers by regional boat, accommodation, all meals and sightseeing, and is escorted by a local English-speaking guide.

An exciting overnight trip in the heart of the Amazon jungle! The tour includes transfers by regional boat, accommodation, all meals and sightseeing, and is escorted by a local English-speaking guide. Please note that this excursion fills the time that the ship is docked in Manaus, therefore it will not be possible to do any additional sightseeing in the city.Boarding a riverboat, we will cruise along the Rio Negro for approximately 2-2½ hours to reach the Ariau Jungle Lodge. Upon arrival we will be served a welcome drink, before we check in. An informal buffet lunch follows, and there may be some time at leisure in this fascinating hotel. In the afternoon, travelling by motorised canoe, we shall venture through igarapes (small creeks) for a close-up look at the magnificent jungle scenery. We may stop to visit a local native home along the riverside.After dinner we will depart the lodge again by motorised canoe – the main form of transportation around these parts – and penetrate the dense vegetation until we’re completely surrounded by the darkness of the jungle. Our native guide will then begin to flash a strong light on the river surface, until, with luck, it catches the shining eyes of a caiman. While the caiman remains hypnotised by the bright light, we will slowly approach until the guide is able to catch the caiman with his bare hands – allowing us the opportunity for photos before it is released, unharmed, back to its natural habitat. We will then return to the lodge for our overnight stay.We leave the lodge at the crack of dawn for a short visit (by canoe) to the jungle, with its ‘early risers’ that can only be observed at this time of day. We return to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, a canoe ride takes us to an area of forest where we’ll enjoy a guided hike, to learn about survival techniques and the natural products, which are used as remedies by the locals.We return to the lodge for lunch, following which we may have free time to explore some of the eight kilometres (5 miles) of walkways, chill out in the meditation pyramid, climb to the top of Tarzan’s House (a treehouse enjoying wonderful views), swim in the pool, relax in a hammock, or browse in the shops (if open). Reboarding a riverboat, we make the return journey to our ship.Please note that there are no lifts in this unique hotel. There are many steps to negotiate to reach the various levels of the complex; they are steep in some places, of different distances apart, narrow and wooden. There are approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) of open, elevated wooden walkways. The steps and walkways – which do have small gaps – can be slippery when wet, and handrails are not always in place, so care should be taken. Participants should be in good health, due to the large amount of walking undertaken and the hectic schedule. (The most extensive walking involved is the approximate 1-1 ½-hour jungle trek, which may possibly extend to 2-2 ½ hours if water levels are low.) The terrain covered is rough and uneven; we may come across heavy undergrowth. Wear long sleeves and trousers, and plenty of insect repellent! This excursion is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility. It is a strenuous tour; we cram in as much as possible to make this a unique experience. A very early start on the second day can be expected. We recommend that you wear and bring lightweight clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, T-shirt and shorts (suitable for the riverboat journey to and from Manaus, and for relaxing at the lodge), and a sweatshirt. Also advisable are sturdy shoes or boots, a hat, a raincoat, sunglasses, sun screen and insect repellent. There is a small swimming pool at the hotel, so you may wish to bring a swimming costume. Binoculars will add to your enjoyment, and a camera is essential to capture everything on film!As the 20 seater canoes, which are used, are not covered, be prepared to get wet, should a tropical shower ensue!There are air-conditioning units in the rooms that we stay in, but they may well prove ineffective due to the open-air nature of the hotel. Some rooms may have fans instead of air-conditioning units. The furnishings are basic, but each room has a washbasin and shower – again, very basic. Hot water at the lodge is only available during daylight hours, due to the solar power.While the hotel is situated in the jungle, it is worth bearing in mind that it is a relatively large complex, with in the region of 250+ rooms.Breakfast, lunch and dinner are presented as a buffet. Some drinks are included (but not alcohol). The food comprises of local dishes, which may not be labelled.Credit cards are now accepted, however debit cards will not be. The lodge will also accept US Dollars and Realis.Water levels constantly vary therefore the tour itinerary and content is subject to change without prior notice, for which Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines cannot be held responsible. For example, it may not be possible to venture into the small creeks; the jungle trek may be extended due to an approximate 1 hour walk to reach the start of the trail if it cannot be reached by canoe. Wildlife in its natural environment can be highly unpredictable, therefore we are unable to guarantee sightings of any creature. Similarly, the flora seen is subject to seasonal change.Independent helicopter flights from the lodge may be available to purchase. The approximate cost of a 15-minute over flight of the area is US $70. For US $600 (for 5 people), it may be possible to fly back to Manaus. These flights are not part of the organised excursion, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines accepts no responsibility for them. Costs must be settled locally. Cameramen do sometimes follow groups around and sell videos of their stay for around US $30, however, please note that the tapes are unlikely to be compatible with UK video systems. Additional excursions are available to book from the jungle Lodge, including the Pink Dolphin swim.Please note that check out time on the day of departure will be after lunch, and therefore, there will be a very limited amount of free time on that day.Bearing all of this in mind, and taking into account the very limited time we have to spend in this unique hotel, a trip to the Ariau Jungle Lodge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2007 CARIBBEAN SEASON