M/V Desafio

The Amazon Region now appears to congregate a diverse clientele, regardless of age, all share a spirit of adventure and curiosity on the immense lush green and secrets of the flora and fauna of the Amazon Forest, the green lungs of the world.
The M/V Desafio cruises offers the best of two worlds: the convenience and comfort of a pre-arranged group program and the joy of personal discovery. Small enough for everyone to be on a first-name basis by the end of the first hours, our passengers feel at home in the heart of the Amazon. Our specialized hosts are glad to tell the travelers every single detail of the wild life, the flora, the flooding and the torrential rainfalls from November to March as well as the low water level of the Amazon during the rest of the year.

THE CRUISES
The cruises depart from Manaus, capital of the State of Amazonas, a city in the jungle that prospered during the rubber boon last century. There is a four days cruise visiting the Anavilhanas Archipelago, the largest river archipelago in the world, and its igarapés - permanent river channels - and igapós - non-permanent river channels. Due to its acid waters, endemic mosquitoes are practically inexistent. The cruise also includes daily explorations and activities in small motorized boats into the jungle, as well as a rich Amazonian cuisine served in the panoramic restaurant..

THE ITINERARY
Day 1 Thursday
At 2:30 pm, meeting on board of the M/V Desafio at the docks of the Tropical Hotel for the beginning of our jungle adventure. After departure, a briefing with the details of our trip takes place, while we navigate along the Negro River towards the borders of the Solimões, right where it meets the dark waters of the Negro without mixing for about 4 kms, forming the Amazon River. Navigating towards Lake January, where we will see the huge Victoria Amazonica water plant and the first canoe hiding to visit the Igarapés takes place. A stop at an indigenous house to see their way of living is a must. After enjoying the beauty and the lavish green of the Amazon Forest from the deck, we will anchor at a great igarapé to overnight. Dinner is served during navigation.

Day 2 Friday
Early breakfast and we will leave for a trekking tour to observe the local flora, one of the richest worldwide. Returning to the boat, one hour for swimming. Lunch is served on route to Samauma Island, located in the Anavilhanas Archipelago, the largest river archipelago in the world. In the afternoon, reconnaissance tour around the islands, lakes, igarapés and igapós. After dinner, we will experience the night sounds of the forest in the canoes around the dark waters of the Negro River. Return to the boat around 10:30 pm.

Day 3 Saturday
Leaving early morning the Anavilhanas and going towards Santa Maria, a typical Caboclo village, where we will have the opportunity to see the "Ribeirinho" way of living, we will serve breakfast. Continuing navigating, we will reach the "Furo do Meio". Lunch is served during navigation. In the afternoon, we will began our fishing contest: the piranha, the aggressive fish of the Amazon. Return to the boat for swimming. After dinner, we will experience the searching and spotting of alligators during a canoe excursion. Return to the boat at 11 pm.

Day 4 Sunday
Wake up call at 5:30 am for a morning tour to admire the concert of the birds coming out of their night places, returning to the boat at 7:30, when breakfast is served and we start our return to Manaus, arriving around 11 am at the Tropical docks. End of our services.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Wooden hull, Length: 33 m (112'),Beam 7,30m (25'), Draft 3,0 (10'), Tonnage 140, Engines: 2 x 365 hp each (Caterpillar),Generators 2 x 66 kWh. 110 AC, Speed 5-10 knots, Fuel tanks: 19.000 lt., Water tanks: 10.000 lt., 2 thermo tanks 150W each, fully equipped kitchen, refrigerator, deep freezer, air conditioning all through, VHF, SSB , Radar , depth sounder, electronic compasses. Satellite telephone. Safety equipment as per Merchant Marine Ministry's regulations, incl. 2 excursion boats with 2 x 40 hp o/b engines. Once a year the boat is dry docked for a major overhaul. The M/V Desafio complies with the actual Brazilian Merchant Marine security rules for tourism vessels. Crew of 9.

ACCOMODATIONS
12 cabin divided into 06 upper deck (external) and 06 lower deck (internal) with private facilities/ showers/ wardrobes / bed lights/carpets and fully air-conditioned, being 09 doubles and 3 twins. Air-conditioned panoramic Restaurant, Bar. Large sundeck with outdoor Bar.

Departures: Every Thursday.

2012 Price per passenger	High Season (Jul-Oct)		Low Season (Jan-Jun / Nov-Dec)
	SGL	DBL	SGL	DBL
Lower	$2267	$1867	$2000	$1334
Upper	$2667	$2134	$2400	$1600

Tour includes: - Tax, service charge. - Accommodations in cabins with private facilities and air-conditioning - Meals as per program description. - Guided shored extensions Not included: - Beverages are not included throughout the trip. Mineral water is available free of charge. - Transfers to/from airport or hotel are not included.

CODE:ADWOBR