NATURE SAFARISistockphoto.comWilderness stays and expeditionsAmazonas and the remote northIf you are after a rainforest experience, whereyou can absorb the sights and sounds of thejungle, with guided forays on foot along narrowtrails or by canoe into the creeks and lagoons,then a few days in Amazônia are right for you. Stay at one of the many lodges accessible from Manaus, such as Amazon Village, Amazon Lodge (below) or Anavilhanas Lodge, or cruise along the river in a traditional 3 storey river cruiser, (MV Tucano). The far north is a beguiling region, yet hardly touched by tourism. Beyond the port of São Luis there is a surreal landscape of sand dunes interspersed with lagoons. For something really different, you could spend a week here. Start off in São Luis, its colonial art nouveau buildings decorated with European ceramic tiles. Just beyond is the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, explore its endless expanse of dunes by jeep. Travel along the Preguiças river then venture into the mangrove-rich Parnaíba delta by boat. The bird-filled islets support traditional fishing communities. Wind up with a drive along the wild coastline to the relaxed resort of Jericoacoara.86 Brazil The Amazon Lodge was incredible. I was amazed at how spotless and well maintained it was, the food was brilliant and all the staff and guides and cooks were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and made it a wonderful stay. SD, ManchesterThe Amazon: we offer a range of lodges, cruises and expeditions to suit your sense of adventure.Below The Amazon Lodge floats on the Mamori River just south of the River Amazon: an idyllic setting.

Cruise the Amazon 15 days, 12 nightsRio 2 nights, Iguaçú 2n, Manaus 1n, Amazon cruise 7n.Day 1 Overnight departure to Rio from the UK. Days 2&3 Excursions are included to Christ the Redeemer's statue on Corcovado Mountain and the cable-car to the top of the Sugar Loaf. Days 4&5 Fly to Foz do Iguaçú and explore Iguaçú Falls, with an excursion to the Argentinean side. Day 6 Fly to Manaus, modern city in the heart of Amazônia with a rich vein of history surviving in its ports and architecture. Days 7-13 Embark on the MV Tucano for your 7-night Amazon cruise. This spacious, traditional-style vessel has 9 air-conditioned cabins and meanders far up the Rio Negro into virgin rainforest. In the company of naturalist guides, explore shady creeks by canoe and forest trails on foot, visit local settlers and identify some of Amazônia's exotic flora and fauna. Back on board, presentations complement these adventures. You can enjoy wonderful views over the jungle from the observation decks and saloon, relaxing with a cooling drink as macaws screech across the sky at sundown. Return to Manaus and spend the last night on board. Day 14 Fly to São Paulo and connect to the UK arriving day 15. Prices from £3,067pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Fortnightly departures from the UK paul harris / john warburton-lee photographyAMAZON NATURE TOURSIguaçú FallsBOLIVIAPERUManaus.AMAZONBRAZIL.Rio de JaneiroBOLIVIA020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 87Below The Tucano can take guests to stretches of river most jungle lodges cannot reach.