Heart Of The Amazon

Your first stop is Macapá, the capital of Amapá state in northern Brazil, where the Amazon River meets the Atlantic. Sitting directly on the Equator, this remote city is home to the striking Marco Zero monument, allowing you to stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Rich in colonial history, Macapá’s 18th-century Fortaleza de São José stands as one of Brazil’s best-preserved military structures. Surrounded by wetlands teeming with wildlife, the area attracts migrating birds, flamingos, and ibises, while adventurous surfers chase the legendary Pororoca, a tidal bore producing waves up to 12 feet high. For a more relaxed experience, unwind on the river beaches of Fazendinha and Araxá, explore indigenous crafts at Casa de Artesão, or visit the historic village of Apa do Curiaú, a community of descendants of escaped slaves. Accessible only by boat or plane, Macapá offers a fascinating blend of nature, history, and unique cultural traditions.

Once you’ve crossed into Ecuador, the true Amazon adventure begins. As water levels and conditions shift, your captain and experienced expedition leader will carefully select the most captivating sites along this stretch of the river for Zodiac and kayak excursions, jungle treks, and cultural encounters. Whether navigating remote tributaries or visiting indigenous communities, every day brings new discoveries. Meanwhile, expert naturalists will be on deck and in observation lounges, offering fascinating insights into the ever-changing landscape and pointing out elusive wildlife as the ship anchors or cruises through the heart of the Amazon.

Situated at the confluence of the Amazon River and the Tapajos River, Santarém provides easy access to two of Brazil’s most significant waterways. The city’s laid-back daily life offers a relaxed backdrop for exploration. Santarém enjoyed prosperity during the Rubber Boom Era in the late 1800s, and even attracted the attention of Henry Ford. He invested substantially in the city, establishing the town of ”Fordlandia”. This commercial venture was designed to harvest and export rubber for his burgeoning vehicle industry’s tire manufacturing.

INCLUDED EXPEDITIONS:
Ponta Negra/Santarém Nature Exploration by Zodiac
Navigate the narrow channel opposite the city of Santarém; this channel meanders along Ponta Negra, a quaint peninsula nestled between the Amazon and Tapajos Rivers. Witness the mesmerizing flooded forest, a thriving ecosystem teeming with tropical birds. By the end of this expedition, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how local people harmoniously live, interact, and utilise this environment.

Depending on the water levels and other changing conditions, your captain and veteran expedition leader will choose from among the innumerable fascinating sites along this particular stretch of the Amazon River to plot itineraries for Zodiac and kayak explorations, treks and visits to places and people of interest. Expedition team members will also be on deck and in observation lounges offering insights into the passing terrain and pointing out wildlife and other highlights while the ship is at anchor or cruising the river.

Returning to Macapá, Brazil, offers another opportunity to explore this unique city perched on the Equator, where the Amazon River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the striking Marco Zero monument, where you can stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at once, or visit the impressive Fortaleza de São José, a well-preserved 18th-century fortress that tells the story of the region’s colonial past. Wander through the vibrant markets, where indigenous crafts and Amazonian delicacies showcase the area’s rich culture, or unwind on the serene river beaches of Fazendinha and Araxá. Whether you’re immersing yourself in history, nature, or local traditions, Macapá is the perfect finale to your Amazonian adventure.

Your journey comes full circle as you return to Belém, Brazil, for your final stop. Take in the city’s vibrant energy one last time, perhaps exploring its bustling markets or historic landmarks before disembarking the ship, marking the end of an unforgettable Amazonian adventure.