Brazil Amazon River Adventure aboard Desafio
Brazil Post-Tour Extension: Amazon Cruise aboard M/V Desafio
Extend your Brazilian journey with an unforgettable exploration of the Amazon rainforest aboard the M/V Desafio, a classic schooner offering comfort, intimacy, and exceptional access to one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Your adventure begins in Manaus—gateway to the Amazon and home to a remarkable chapter of Jewish history. In the mid-19th century, Moroccan Jewish merchants traveled deep into the rainforest, establishing trading posts and forming a distinctive Sephardi community whose legacy lives on in the Beit Yaacov/Rabi Meyr Synagogue, the historic Jewish cemetery, and families who continue to preserve these Amazonian traditions.
From Manaus, sail along the Rio Negro and Solimões Rivers, explore hidden tributaries, and visit remote riverside communities to experience traditional Amazonian life. This post-tour extension blends adventure, relaxation, and nature immersion, offering a rare opportunity to connect with the rainforest’s wildlife, culture, and extraordinary scenery.
Day 10 | Tuesday, June 16 – Recife → Manaus
Transfer to the airport and flight to Manaus. Meeting services and transfer to the Hotel Villa Amazônia.
Welcome to the gateway to the Mighty Amazon. Situated on the banks of the Rio Negro, Manaus, capital of massive Amazonas state, was founded in 1669. The storied city still displays the opulence of its rubber boom era, when it suddenly became one of the world’s most prosperous cities. Today’s Manaus serves as Upper Amazon’s travel hub and distribution center.
Check in at Hotel Villa Amazônia, then enjoy an optional evening stroll along the Ponta Negra riverfront or savor a local Amazonian dinner.
Overnight at the Hotel Villa Amazônia.
Day 11 | Wednesday, June 17 – Manaus City & Jewish Heritage
Step into the vibrant city of Manaus, the capital of Amazonas and a hub of Amazonian culture. Discover a Jewish story that spans centuries—from early conversos fleeing the Inquisition to Moroccan Jewish merchants who shaped the city during the rubber boom, and today’s thriving Jewish community.
Begin your exploration at the Amazon Theatre (Teatro Amazonas), an architectural masterpiece and symbol of Manaus’ rubber-era prosperity. Stroll through the colorful Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa), where stalls overflow with local produce, crafts, and Amazonian flavors. Visit the historic Manaus Synagogue, learning how Jewish settlers contributed to the city’s growth, commerce, and cultural life, leaving a legacy that continues today.
Conclude your day with an optional lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Amazonian cuisine before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Villa Amazônia Hotel
Day 12 | Thursday, June 18 – Embark Amazon Cruise
This afternoon we will board the M/V Desafio to begin the Amazon Adventure. You will meet your crew for a welcome briefing, and we commence the cruise along the Rio Negro as the sun sets, followed by your first dinner onboard.
Day 13 | Friday, June 19 – Amazon Exploration - Villages & Wildlife
Morning boat excursions through Rio Negro tributaries offer a chance to spot exotic birds, monkeys, and lush flora. Visit a Caboclo village to experience traditional Amazonian life. Optional afternoon activities include piranha fishing or a guided forest walk. Evening brings a nocturnal boat ride to see caimans and other wildlife.
Day 14 | Saturday, June 20 – Shabbat on the Amazon - Meeting of the Waters
Spend a tranquil Shabbat aboard the vessel. Begin the day with early birdwatching, followed by breakfast while cruising deeper into forest channels. Witness the spectacular “Meeting of the Waters”, where the Rio Negro and Solimões Rivers flow side by side. Enjoy an afternoon swim in a safe black water area, then a peaceful Shabbat dinner as the sun sets over the river.
Day 15 | Sunday, June 21 – Return and Disembark in Manaus
Disembark after breakfast and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the city and the Municipal Market. Spend your final night in Manaus at Hotel Villa Amazônia.
Overnight at the Villa Amazônia Hotel
Pricing & Reservation
Call for pricing: Costs vary depending on the number of participants who opt for this post-tour extension.
Limited Availability: Space aboard the M/V Desafio is extremely limited—maximum 20 passengers. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your spot early to ensure your place on this exclusive Amazon adventure.
