Rio de Janeiro Tours and Trips

The accommodation was as a described in the trip notes varying from a Radisson hotel to cute beach huts, cramped metal cabins on the ferry and hammocks close together on the deck of our private boat. If you can't cope with that then don't book this trip. We had a great group and a wonderful guide who coalesced as friends and had an amazing experience. Don't expect to see much mammalian or reptilian wildlife apart from some monkeys, dolphins and Cayman but on the motorised canoe trip on the smaller reaches of the Rio ***** and on Marajo there was copious exotic bird life. Be super careful about food hygiene on the public ferry - a few of us succumbed - but otherwise the food was good and the fruit delicious as was the piranah soup made from the piranah we caught that day.

This is an excellent trip which gives an insight into life and living on the mighty Amazon. From Belem over to Marajo Island, the size of Holland, to understand the importance of the buffalo on this island and sample all of the products, and then back to Belem. From Belem to Santarem the hustle and bustle of a passenger ferry, living life on board in a hammock alongside the ultra friendly locals. I loved the stops at towns en route to watch the frenzy of loading and unloading, and even better watching how the traders stranded on the ferry when it left dealt with still being on board. Option 1, jump off and swim to the dock. Option 2, try to get a small boat to come alongside and grab a lift back to the dock, or Option 3, accept you're going all the way from Monte Alegre to Santarem (a few hours) and explain to your wife where you've been!!!!!! From Santarem to Alter de Chao, a lovely little town on the banks of the Rio Tapajos, beautiful beaches and forests, the best pineapple, sweet and juicy, and I actually don't even like pineapple, and add in some purple dragonfruit, lovely. From Manaus the voyage up the river will put you right into the Amazon and life around it. Go and do some piranha fishing, pink dolphin observing and steamy jungle walking, but its a busy part of the trip so dont expect a lot of downtime. And finally, the slightly weirdness of the Meeting of the Waters, where the ***** and Solimoes join to form the Amazon proper. Just make sure you enjoy with the odd caipirinha

We saw a wide range of wildlife from River Dolphins, Tapirs, Jaguars, Giant Anteaters, Giant Otters and many others, with the help of excellent local guides. Our tour leader Marcelo was excellent especially when dealing with the airline when one of our flights was cancelled.

It is a very tiring trip. My so of law did this trip nearly 20 years ago, he told me how tedious the fights are, I was all prepared. There's no way around, but you can elaborate about it, It is a big country especially for us from UK!!! We had a wonderful group, people make or ruin the well prepared trip (by you). Marcello was wonderful.

This was my 5th Contiki and it was another unforgettable experience. The trip manager () was excellent, a true expert in all things South American. My only constructive comment is linked to the number of days spent in Buenos Aires. The add ons and city were disappointing compared to the rest of the trip. I can't believe we spent so long there. I would have much rather spend more time in the Amazon or in Rio.

I loved all of the excursions that we went on, especially the boat ride at Iguazu Falls. Everything was well planned and organized. I felt completely safe at all times. Our tour guide () was amazing and always kept us well informed.