The Heart of the Amazon: Rio & Amazon Cruise

Experience Rio de Janeiro’s iconic wonders, including Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, on a scenic guided tour showcasing the city’s breathtaking landscapes.
Gain unique insight into Rio’s cultural fabric on a Jeep tour through a local favela, meeting residents and discovering the community’s vibrant art and energy.
Journey deep into the rainforest aboard the Motor Yacht Tucano, a classic expedition vessel designed for comfort and intimate exploration of the Amazon’s remote waterways.
Explore the Anavilhanas Archipelago and Rio Negro, spotting pink river dolphins, monkeys, and exotic birds on daily guided excursions by kayak or launch.
Witness the dramatic Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Rio Negro and sandy-hued Amazon River flow side by side — a breathtaking natural phenomenon marking your voyage’s finale.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Rural Charm

Highlights countryside settings rich in character, culture, and tranquillity.

Active & Adventure

Trips that keep you active while exploring the great outdoors.

Safari & Wildlife

Vacations that showcase the world's most fascinating wildlife.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Rural Charm

Highlights countryside settings rich in character, culture, and tranquillity.

Active & Adventure

Trips that keep you active while exploring the great outdoors.

Safari & Wildlife

Vacations that showcase the world's most fascinating wildlife.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

DAY

Full Day Tour of Sugar Loaf & Corcovado

DAY

Half Day Exploration of Rio's Favelas

DAY

Rio de Janeiro to Manaus

DAY

Embarkation & Departure from Manaus

DAY

Venture into the Rainforest

DAY

Exploration of the Waking Forest

DAY

Scouting for Wildlife

DAY

Explore the West Side of the Rio Negro

DAY

Discover Encontro das Aguas

DAY

Return to Manaus & Departure

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Transfer

Rio de Janeiro International Airport to Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana - Leme

Your Accommodation

Mirador Rio Hotel

Whether your stay is for business or pleasure, the Mirador Rio Copacabana Hotel offers everything you need for a pleasant experience. On the rooftop, relax by the beautiful pool or take care of your well-being in on-site gym.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

Full Day Tour of Sugar Loaf & Corcovado

Explore several of Rio's iconic peaks on this quintessential tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Begin as the group ascends Sugar Loaf Mountain via its charming cable cars, each car a glass bubble offering jaw-dropping panoramas of the sprawling city, glittering beaches, and verdant rainforest. Capture breathtaking selfies at the summit, feeling the city shrink beneath you. Continue your journey through the Tijuca National Park, a lush haven teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. Reach the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, where outstretched arms embrace the city in a timeless blessing. Experience the incredible 360-degree views of Rio, which showcase the city's iconic landmarks and its breathtaking beauty. This tour is more than sightseeing; it's a chance to connect with Rio's soul, its history, and its breathtaking natural wonders.

Day Tour

Shared Sugar Loaf & Corcovado Tour with Lunch

DAY

Half Day Exploration of Rio's Favelas

Explore the bustling streets, vibrant street art, and local businesses, feeling the warmth of community life. You'll have the opportunity to interact with residents, sample delicious local snacks, and even learn a few words of Portuguese! The tour focuses on responsible and respectful tourism, ensuring your visit benefits the community directly. This isn't just a sightseeing adventure; it's a chance to challenge perspectives, connect with people, and discover a genuine side of Rio often unseen. Be prepared for an eye-opening experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the city's diverse tapestry.

Day Tour

Shared Favela Tour by Jeep

DAY

Rio de Janeiro to Manaus

Transfer

Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana - Leme to Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport

Transfer

Manaus Airport to Manaus

Your Accommodation

Juma Opera Hotel

With the exclusivity of a high-end boutique hotel and occupying historic mansions in front of the imposing Teatro Amazonas, Juma Ópera has 41 spacious accommodations, a restaurant dedicated to regional and international cuisine, a gym and a rooftop with swimming pool.

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

Embarkation & Departure from Manaus

Early in the morning, you will board the Motor Yacht Tucano and depart upstream on the Rio Negro. Through the morning, cruise through the world's largest river island system, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. From the observation deck, scan the magnificent tangle of vegetation at the water's edge. By mid-afternoon, the vessel has gone beyond the frontier of settlement and entered a wilderness area. Both shores are covered by dense rainforest. Though it is impossible to predict what you will see, prime candidates include pink river dolphins, primates and a large collection of exotic birds. Most certainly, you will be treated to magnificent forest vistas and the spectacular trees themselves. In the late afternoon, embark in the launches and search for wildlife.

Transfer

Manaus to Manaus Port

Multi Day Tour

Manaus and the Rio Negro

Meal

Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/Y Tucano

The M/Y Tucano offers plenty of space to spread out and contemplate the wonders of nature. With over seventy large windows, the vessel is bright and airy. The cabins and the salon are air conditioned and have elegant raised wood panelling in the style of the classic steamships that once cruised these majestic rivers.

Show on Map

DAY

Venture into the Rainforest

Early this morning you will divide into small groups and explore the rainforest in launches or kayaks with a naturalist guide. You should hear and perhaps see howler monkeys accompanied by a morning serenade of toucans. After breakfast, go for a walk in the forest where you will get a good start on understanding Amazon ecology. Around midday, return for lunch as the vessel will navigates, forging ahead on this magnificent wilderness waterway. In the late afternoon, you will again explore the forest in launches and listen to the sunset chorus of birds, frogs and howler monkeys. Weather permitting, you may do a night excursion in the launches to marvel at nocturnal creatures of the Amazon.

Multi Day Tour

Exploring the Amazon

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/Y Tucano

Show on Map

DAY

Exploration of the Waking Forest

This morning there will be an early exploration of the waking forest. Keep your eyes open for sloths... on most trips they are seen regularly. Return for breakfast followed by either a walk in the forest or an excursion in the launches. The M/Y Tucano will travel during the middle of the day and will stop in the afternoon for an excursion. Tonight the vessel may travel a bit more as you marvel at the night sky crowded with stars.

Multi Day Tour

Exploring the Amazon

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/Y Tucano

Show on Map

DAY

Scouting for Wildlife

After morning excursions, the M/Y Tucano will navigate along the heavily forested shore, scouting for wildlife. You may stop for a visit at a settler's home carved out of the forest. In the early afternoon, the vessel will near an extraordinary river called the Rio Jaueperi. Here you will see a kind of forest known as the varzea. Scout along the shoreline for some of the extraordinary creatures found only in this unique environment. Weather permitting, you will have a night excursion to observe nocturnal creatures.

Multi Day Tour

Exploring the Amazon

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/Y Tucano

Show on Map

DAY

Explore the West Side of the Rio Negro

Today you will voyage to the west side of the Rio Negro and continue to scout in launches and walk in the forest. Weather and water depth permitting, you will explore areas rarely visited by anyone else. Tonight the M/Y Tucano goes downstream, and will enter an east bank affluent of the Rio Negro and explore on deep into the rainforest on this small river. After a nocturnal excursion return to the Motor Yacht Tucano for "Caipirinha Night" and perhaps try a bit of samba on the top deck.

Multi Day Tour

Exploring the Amazon

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/Y Tucano

Show on Map

DAY

Discover Encontro das Aguas

Begin the day with a dawn excursion hunting for wakening wildlife followed by a full Brazilian breakfast. Conditions and navigation permitting, you will then go one last time into the forest. In the mid-afternoon, the M/Y Tucano will begin to journey downstream. You should arrive late in the day at the "Encontro das Aguas" - a stark, several-mile-long line where two of the world's largest rivers, the Amazon and the Rio Negro, join in a turbulent maelstrom. Here the dark water of the Negro runs beside the opaque brown water of the Amazon. This is often a good place to fish for the legendary scourge of the Amazon, piranhas, which might just become hors d'oeuvres. At sunset, the M/Y Tucano will once again turn her bows upstream on the Rio Negro and journey to the overnight anchorage. As you pass in front of Manaus, marvel at the scale of one of the world's largest and most vibrant port cities, over a thousand miles from the sea. Tonight you will have a farewell dinner and prepare for an early departure in the morning.

Multi Day Tour

Exploring the Amazon

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

M/Y Tucano

Show on Map

DAY

Return to Manaus & Departure

Early this morning, after a hearty breakfast, you disembark from the M/Y Tucano.

Transfer

Manaus Port to Manaus

Multi Day Tour

Disembarkation in Manaus

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

An Ocelot, Brazilian Rainforest

The Teatro Amazonas, Manaus

Rio de Janeiro

Giant River Otter, Brazil

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

ManausMostly Sunny

34°C / 93°F

15mm / 0.6"

Rio de JaneiroMostly Sunny

32°C / 89°F

11mm / 0.4"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

Verified

The booking processs was really easy. Katie was very communicative and was very responsive. Every change we asked for, she quickly replied. The room arrangements had a small hiccupp but Katie fixed it within minutes! All the excursions were a blast and well planned. The trip was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped for. Alison M

Verified

Allan Birkett at Goway has been an absolute godsend! Over the past year, he has helped me plan numerous vacations—especially honeymoons—and has been an incredible partner every step of the way. He is always quick to respond, patient with my clients' frequent changes, and goes above and beyond to help whenever an issue comes up. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication make my job as a travel advisor so much easier. I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke Echols

Verified

Our 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ Wheeler

Verified

A BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever. Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems. Thank you again!! Linda Irias

Verified

I have been blessed to have an amazing rep, Farooq Qaisar! He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!Sherri

Verified

Goway helped plan our two week trip to Peru and they (Virginia in particular) did a great job. The on-site logistics with Condor Travel went very smoothly, and the trip exceeded our expectations overall. They proactively suggested changes to our initial itinerary which were welcomed. I would recommend them and would work with them again in the future.Kate O'Neill

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We entrusted Goway with every detail of our trip from start to finish and they came through for us superbly! Every single detail was smooth sailing. It was a joy to plan our travels with Goway!! We had an amazing trip of a lifetime! E&D

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I recently went on an African Safari with my brother-in-law and sister and another couple who I knew. The entire experience was absolutely unbelievable. The complete details were flawlessly coordinated from the transfers to the breathtaking lodges. Our guides Peter showed us Kenya and Maulid Tanzania were very knowledgeable and very sharp eyes for finding the animals. We were able to see the animals up close, learn a lot about the people, birds , vegetation etc. We had several sundowners in the bush really added to a magical experience with beautiful sunsets. I would highly recommend Goway to all my friends, they will not be disappointed. Thank you to Bijal for the excellent African Safari that you put together for us. You were wonderful.Nancy Hay

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We enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow. Thank you very much for helping us have a great experience in Peru.IN

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Everything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. Ask for Mark! I have already planned another trip back to the Oregon wine country with Mark. Claire

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What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

Brazil is great to visit all year round, but December to March is ideal for experiencing the vibrant summer energy and major events like Carnaval. For those who want to search for wildlife in the Amazon & Pantanal, I would suggest April to October

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Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist

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Travellers must plan for diverse weather as the country ranges from tropical in the north (Amazon rainforest -with high humidity and rain) to temperate in the south, with hot, dry inland areas and a semi-arid Northeast region experiencing less rain.

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Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist

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There is so much to love about Brazil. Not only does it have stunning natural beauty—think the Amazon rainforest or its famous beaches—but it has such a vibrant and diverse culture filled with music, dance and delicious food

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Insider Benefits

The Heart of the Amazon: Rio & Amazon Cruise

Trip Features

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Full Day Tour of Sugar Loaf & Corcovado

Half Day Exploration of Rio's Favelas

Rio de Janeiro to Manaus

Embarkation & Departure from Manaus

Venture into the Rainforest

Exploration of the Waking Forest

Scouting for Wildlife

Explore the West Side of the Rio Negro

Discover Encontro das Aguas

Return to Manaus & Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Full Day Tour of Sugar Loaf & Corcovado

Half Day Exploration of Rio's Favelas

Rio de Janeiro to Manaus

Embarkation & Departure from Manaus

Venture into the Rainforest

Exploration of the Waking Forest

Scouting for Wildlife

Explore the West Side of the Rio Negro

Discover Encontro das Aguas

Return to Manaus & Departure

Departures

Terms and Conditions

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

What do the experts say?

Kajal Gadhia

Virginia Dameno

Virginia Dameno

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.