SANTAREM, AMAZON

From the pier in Santarem, we travel on the Cuiaba Road before continuing south on the Santarem-Cuiaba Highway – the only road connecting this part of the Amazon with other points in Brazil. At this point we will reach an elevation of 158 metres (518 feet), which might be considered the Alps for the Amazon!

From the pier in Santarem, we travel on the Cuiaba Road before continuing south on the Santarem-Cuiaba Highway – the only road connecting this part of the Amazon with other points in Brazil. At this point we will reach an elevation of 158 metres (518 feet), which might be considered the Alps for the Amazon! A few minutes later we will enter a secondary dirt road that will take us to Bosque Santa Lúcia (Santa Lucia Woods). Different stages of ‘slash and burn’ agriculture and the effect it has on the forest and land can be observed on this stretch of road.At Bosque Santa Lúcia, our guide will choose one of more than five kilometres (three miles) of forest trails for a nature walk. Bosque Santa Lúcia contains more than 400 different species of regional trees. Although a secondary forest, it provides most of the characteristics noted throughout the more distant, inaccessible virgin forests – that is, widely diversified species of trees and plants making use of nutrient-poor tropical soils.Please note that there is a substantial amount of walking involved (approximately 2 hours), over uneven ground, therefore this tour is unsuitable for those passengers with limited mobility; mud may be encountered. Wear trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, comfortable walking shoes or boots and insect repellent. Binoculars may add to your enjoyment. Local buses are used for transportation; they are not air-conditioned. Complimentary mineral water is supplied.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2007 CARIBBEAN SEASON