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SWALLOWS and AMAZONS TOURS

"Swallows and Amazons" is an independently operated, professional river and jungle tour company run by the husband and wife team Tania and Mark Aitchison based in Manaus, Brazil.   (Request a Brochure) (Full list of tours.)

Tour No. 7   THE BIRDWATCHER* (Printable Itinerary)

Our new Houseboat the "Paloma"

A smaller Riverboat, the Paulo-Roberto

DAY 00   

Arrival and Transfer IN to hotel
Overnight at Hotel Brazil

DAY 01

After an early breakfast the group will be taken to bird the rich grounds of the Tropical Hotel where we will search for the Turquoise, Opal-rumped and Silver-beaked Tanager, Green Aracari, Blue-winged Parrotlet, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Rufus-throated Sapphire, Fork-tailed Woodnymph and other birds. Before lunch the group will board our boat and travel three hours up the Rio Negro River 3 to the Ariau River just before the Anavilhanas Archipelago (one of the largest groups of fresh water islands in the world and an ecological reserve). Late afternoon birding at Ariau River and Lake Acajatuba

DAY 02

Wake up to the beautiful scenery of the Anavilhanas Islands. Here we hope to see the Blue and Yellow Macaw, Festive Parrot, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, Long-billed Woodcreeper, Black-chinned and Ash-breasted Antbird, along with other rare island specialists. Day spent exploring the islands always looking for larger birds such as Parrots, Macaws, Cream-colored Woodpeckers, Herons, Hawks and possibly Eagles. Daily canoeing and walking tours to find birds.

DAY 03

Wake up on the east bank of the Rio Cuieiras (Rio Negro tributary, mid islands) where we will bird the terra firma forest (deep highland jungle). Each morning there will be small boat excursions looking for the White-throated and Channel-billed Toucan, Red and Green Macaw, Red Fan, Red-loared and Mealy Parrots, Black Nunbirds, Green and Amazon Kingfisher, Lineated and Crimson-crested Woodpeckers, Bat Falcon and the recently re-discovered Pelzeln’s Tody-tyrant. We will also explore for other local specialists such as the Yellow-crowned Manakin, Saffron-crested Tyrant Manakin, Bronzy and Paradise Jacamar, Green and Olive Oropendola, and Banded-tailed Nighthawk. We will spend two days birding on the Rio Negro River before heading back downriver to the Amazon River. Canoeing and walking excursions.

DAY 04

Wake up at Marchantaria Island on the Amazon River where we search for such rare birds as several varieties of Spinetail, Riverside Tyrant, Black and White Antbird, Lesser Hornero, Bicolored Conebill, Ladder-tailed Nightjar and Oriole Blackbird. Later we will bird near the community of Carreiro for the White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Masked-crimson Tanager, Lettered Aracari, Snail Kite, Barred Antshrike, Troupial, Black-capped Donacobius, Capped Heron, Wattled Jacana, Black-collared and Savannah Hawk, Spot-breasted Woodpecker. Canoeing and walking excursions.

DAY 05

Wake up on Januaca Lake. Morning birding in search of the Tui Parakeet, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Green Ibis, Greater Ani, Striated Heron, Scarlet Macaw, Orange-winged Parrot, Black-tailed and Blue-crowned Trogon, and Green and Rufus Kingfisher. In these lakes we will also see an abundance of nesting Herons and Egrets. Canoeing and walking excursions.

DAY 06

Wake up at Lake Janauari in the peninsular between the Amazon and Rio Negro rivers. Photograph giant Amazon Waterlilies and look for Pink & Grey River Dolphins. The tour ends with a sunset visit to the famous “meeting of the waters” (the black Negro and brown Amazon).

Return to Manaus
Overnight at Hotel Brazil

DAY 07

Morning free to sightsee old Manaus                                                                      Transfer OUT to Airport for Departure

Request a Brochure

Costs:

The cost of this program (US$1525 per person) is for a Riverboat (hammocks) version with a minimum 2 person booking. Upon request a Houseboat (a/c cabin) version aboard the 3 a/c cabin Paloma (sleeps 8) is available @ US$1425 per person with a minimum 4 person booking.

Other tours available from Swallows and Amazons (Click!)

Tour No 5: The Caverns (Printable Itinerary)

The Caverns is a lodge based birdwatching program based in the town of Presidente Figueiredo (100 kms north of Manaus) and famous for its waterfalls, caves and rare birds such as the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock. Cost: US$1265 per person based on a 2 person minimum booking. Manaus extras included. 

Further Information:

"Swallows and Amazons" specializes in multi-day, adventure tours into the heart of the Amazon. The neighboring Rio Negro river, Amazon river and Anavilhanas Archipelago of Brazilian Amazonia provide unparralled experiences of river life. Seven,ten and fourteen day all-inclusive tours are available. Also, custom and specialty tour enquiries are most welcome.

"Swallows and Amazons" have been recognized by numerous international guidebooks and have already been written up in several adventure travel magazines. The Aitchison's also are registered field operators for a dozen US based adventure travel companies. Let Mark and Tania customize your adventure tour of the mighty Amazon TODAY.

Waterfalls at Presidente Figueiredo

Contact us at:   
swallows@internext.com.br
   or    Request a Brochure

Other tours available from Swallows and Amazons

Rua Ramos Ferreira, 922
Manaus, Amazonas
BRAZIL, 69010-120
Tel/Fax:55-92-3622-1246

 

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