Buenos Aires to Manaus - 26 Day Brazil Luxury Cruise

Passionate, and alive with an infectious crackling energy, the Argentine capital is a breathlessly romantic city, which blends old-world colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamour. Famed for steamy tango interplays, and expertly seared steak slabs, a visit to Buenos Aires is a fiery fiesta for the senses. Parque Tres de Febrero is a 400-hectare oasis where 18,000 rose bushes bloom, and skyscrapers give way to still lakes and pretty paths of rollerblading locals. Mighty palm trees - that look like exploding fireworks - stand tall in Plaza de Mayo, the heart of this sprawling cosmopolitan capital of 48 barrios. The square has served as the stage for many fundamental events in this country’s history, and the location where the seeds of independence were sewn continues to serve as the city’s gathering point - and is a place for solidarity, rebellion and revolution. The presidential Casa Rosada’s salmon-hued Palatial Palace borders the plaza, while nearby Museum Nacional de Bellas Artes houses the largest collection of public art in Latin America. Teatro Colón, the opulent 1908 opera house, is one of the world’s finest venues - musical performance here take on an ethereal quality, with the exceptional acoustics transferring every quiver of bow, and tremor of vocal cord, to the audience in spine-tingling clarity. The gargantuan, precipitous terraces of Bombonera Stadium form another of Buenos Aires’s incredible venues, and a wall of noise emanates from it when Boca Juniors take to the field. Juicy steak and punchy Malbec flow in the city’s parrillas – steakhouses - while glitzy bars and thumping nightclubs welcome revellers late into the night. It’s not just the meat that sizzles here either - tango dancers fill milongas - dance halls - to strut passionately until the early hours. Sip steaming mate, the country’s national drink, shop in covered markets, and explore Cementerio de la Recoleta - a city of grand graves and intricate memorials honouring presidents, politicians and notable Argentine heroes from history.

The fingertips of a showstopping sculpture, emerging from Punta Del Este’s golden sands, is the perfect example of this chic beach city's creative outlook. Stunning stretches of shining sands line the peninsula’s coast, attracting the great and glamourous from across Uruguay and Argentina. Drawn to the beautiful beaches of this seaside city, the well-heeled visitors are joined by a flotilla of yachts, which park up for summer in the ‘Monaco of the South’ - the continent’s city to see and be seen. One of Punda del Este's main beaches, Playa Mansa, enjoys calms seas and a sun-soaked location - overlooked by a soaring lighthouse, which is orbited by gliding sea birds. The sand is soft and inviting, so lie back to soak up the intense sun, before views of Gorriti Island just offshore. On the other side is Playa Brava, where the city’s signature artwork, ‘The Hand’ - one of many quirky sculptures that litter the streets - grasps at the sky. Relax your way – whether that’s cracking golf balls along coastal courses, cycling beside washing waves, or swimming in tempting waters. Bustling nightlife, art galleries, and museums give Punta del Este an artsy, eclectic atmosphere. Close to the port, you can discover fancy restaurants, serving up stacks of fresh seafood – and enjoy opulent meals while relishing golden views down over the port, where lavish yachts and modest fishing boats mingle. Head down to the harbour to see fishermen selling freshly caught produce and sea lions gathering to feast on the scraps.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Balneário Camboriú has been dubbed the Dubai of Brazil for its futuristic skylines, beautiful miles of sandy beaches, wild nightlife and its plentiful tourists which swell the city’s population to over one million in summer. Located in the southern part of the Brazilian state of Caterina, you’ll see a line of soaring green hills which swoop from the skyline down towards the deep blue South Atlantic Sea as you draw close. Gleaming rows of skyscrapers stand tall along the golden sands and holidaymakers on the beaches. Head to Central Beach for people-watching and to soak up the sunshine, there’s a boardwalk which lines the sand and is ideal for an afternoon stroll. You could walk to Molhe - Barra Sul, which is a picturesque pier that reaches into the sea and offers a stunning view of the city. Another place that has gorgeous vistas is Morro de Careca which is a hill that offers a panoramic view of three of the local beaches. A 33-meter high (108 foot) statue of Christ called Cristo Luz looks out over the city from its place on top of Morro da Cruz hill, it portrays Jesus with a round spotlight on his shoulder which symbolises the sun with a light inside which shines out over the city at night. A swooping cable car ride at the Unipraias Tourist Complex links Laranjeiras Beach on Isla Camboriu with Central Beach. This affords you a 360-degree view of the city from above.

Beautiful beaches attract many to Porto Belo, but there are other natural attractions. The Atlantic forest of the Brazil coast has a great variety of plants and birds, including many found nowhere else. It is second only to the Amazon in diversity. But most of the forest has been cleared for agriculture. Trekking in the surviving forest near Port Belo puts you amid the super-rich and rare ecosystem. Azorean culture has become a source of pride to locals in recent years. Between 1747 and 1756, Portugal sent nearly 7500 immigrants from the Azores and Madeira to the state of Santa Catarina. They were enticed with money, land, agricultural tools, seeds, livestock and weapons to populate and secure the Portuguese colonial territory from local indigenous people and rival Europeans. They settled and flourished in settlements such as Porto Belo for ten generations. You can still find Azorean cultural influences in cuisine, holy ghost festivals, colourful boats and architecture seen at Praça dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Square) in Porto Belo. German influence is strong in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. From the early 19th century, Germans emigrated and made up over 50% of immigrants to the state. Adapting to tropical conditions was hard, but many coped with farming and excelled in producing children. Today towns like Blumenau maintain a strong German influence in architecture and festivities, and especially in the essential tradition of locally brewed beer and classic German sausages.

Atlantic rainforest draws us inland from the Paranaguá port, and it is fun exploring it by boat, coach, foot or even up a tower! Much of the rich and diverse forests of Brazil’s Atlantic coast has been cleared but here the largest surviving tracts are preserved in national parks and reserves. The uniqueness and rarity of the forest’s biology led to the declaration of the Atlantic Forests of South Eastern Brazil World Heritage Area. Dramatic rainforest-covered mountains have scenic wonders with names like Devil’s Throat Canyon and Véu da Noiva Waterfall, describing the ruggedness of the landscape. One way to experience the Atlantic forest is by boating along waterways amongst the trees. Local people still live with the forest and they help us understand their traditional links with the flora and fauna. Birds are a feature of the Atlantic forests with many species not found elsewhere. Private reserves with a focus on environmental education and leisure help visitors appreciate the forest. Walking trails, guides and a viewing tower help us to spot and identify the diverse avifauna and exuberant flora. It is hard to decide whether to try to photograph a hummingbird hovering at a flower or concentrate on the flower, because it doesn’t move. Within the forests of the coastal range are historic towns like Guaraqueçaba and Morretes. Here, we meet the colourful Brazilian culture. Colonial architecture, friendly people and a little relaxation with good local food are added to the day’s mix of experiences.

Surrounded by dense swathes of rainforest, the gorgeous 18th century architecture of Paraty sits in a spectacular location on Brazil’s verdant Costa Verde. The pedestrianised town is a whitewashed canvas, splashed with bold blocks of primary colours, which shine above cobbled streets. Paraty and four nearby protected natural areas of Brazilian Atlantic Forest are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their cultural and natural values. Gold is a key theme for Paraty and the region. Gold was stripped from inland mines and brought to Paraty’s port for export. Mules trains transporting the wealth reprovisioned at the 17th century Bananal Farm, with its water driven sugar mill, located 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Paraty. Gold is irresistible. English and French pirates hiding out in the nearby village of Trinidade raided the gold ships leaving Paraty. Now the modern gold is the colour of the beaches, where rainforest cascades from the hills. There are many ways to experience Serra da Bocaina National Park, whether by foot, hoof or paddle. The sounds of birds in the rainforest will accompany you as you traverse trails to gushing streams or cross the sheltered waters of Paraty Bay to tropical islands. Birds are prolific around Paraty. The Atlantic forest has 120 endemic (not found elsewhere) species of birds in addition to more widespread types. Brilliantly coloured tanagers are highlights, as are hummingbirds, toucans and parrots. When asked ‘what is your favourite bird’? Answer with ‘the next one’.

Ilha Grande, or Large Island, is located on the Costa Verde, "Green Coast," perhaps the most enchanting region of the Rio de Janeiro state. Ilha Grande rests near Angra dos Reis Bay with some 360 exotic tropical islands and white sandy beaches, hundreds of tiny ports and countless options for boating. The beaches, nestled between mountains and islands, are mostly small and isolated, with calm, clean waters. The climate on the Costa Verde is an attraction in itself; warm, lazy weather with a cooling seabreeze takes the edge off otherwise hot summer days.A call at Ilha Grande provides the opportunity to explore the beauty of this enchanting island. Guests not participating in the organized excursion will have the opportunity to take a tender to the beach and laze in the sun or enjoy watersports activities. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor. Guests will be taken ashore to the beach via ship's tenders. Shopping Several stalls along the beach offer local art and craft items. The local currency is the real. Cuisine Two rustic restaurants offer assorted beverages and fried fish, a local favorite. Other Sites Other Options A beautiful beach invites swimming and snorkeling. Rental of watersports equipment is available along the beach. Important: Guests renting watersports equipment do so at their own risk.

Lie back on the golden sands to soak up the extraordinary setting - or watch on as muscled cariocas - locals - perform effortless athletic feats, during casual volleyball matches. A trip up to Rio de Janeiro’s iconic art-deco statue of Christ the Redeemer is, of course, a must do - offering an extraordinary view of the city rolling out before your eyes. You’ll also want to take a cable car to swing by the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which juts sharply into the sky from nowhere. Brazil’s second largest city moves to an infectious samba beat, and the famous thumping Carnival floods colour and floats down its streets each year. Of course, Rio is also a city of sharp cultural contrasts – offering fun in the sun for some, while life goes on very much as it always has for others. Take a guided tour, led by a resident, to see the conditions inside these complex tapestries of colour and chaos first-hand. Tijuca National Park, offers easy-to-access tranquillity, immersing you in dense forestry and whopping birdsong. Later, watch the fiery shades of sunset spread across the sky in the city’s oh so famous evening light show. With so much to offer, you’ll quickly learn how Rio earned its other name ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ – The Marvellous City.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Porto Seguro – loosely translated as safe bay – is known as “Brazil’s birth certificate”. The port was the first place that Alavares Cabral and his crew set foot on while on their way to India in 1500. This makes the town the oldest in the country at 500 years. With three churches and around 40 buildings (both private residential houses and public institutions), restored by the state government for the 500th anniversary celebration of Brazilian discovery, Porto Seguro wears its age well.

Ilheus is the town at the centre of the Cocoa Coast. The world’s love of chocolate made Bahia state a world leader in growing cocoa. Fortunes were made from the ‘Black Gold’. The cocoa tree is native to the Amazon Basin and thrived in Bahia—until a fungus decimated the cocoa crops of Bahia in the 1990s and shattered dreams. Now a resurgence of cocoa with resistant trees is fuelling a new style of cultivation. The emphasis is on quality with flavour, sustainability and organic growing. Cocoa trees need to grow in the shade of taller trees. Originally this was in natural forest, and then under plantations of shade trees. Some farms are returning to planting in the forest where cocoa has shade, and the forest trees are protected. Cocoa is extracted from large pods growing from the trunks of small trees. The cocoa is processed locally to become the base for a selection of culinary delights. Splendid baroque and gothic style buildings in Ilheus are evidence of the golden age of cocoa wealth, although money was not shared equally. Cocoa barons battled (sometimes violently) for land and power. Meanwhile the poor worked hard. The lives of poor urban and rural communities were encapsulated by Jorge Amado, the best-known author of Ilheus and Brazil. He wrote over 25 novels, which were translated into 48 languages. Buildings described in the novels were real and still exist. Try reading ‘Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon’ or ‘Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands’ as you munch on a piece of Bahia chocolate.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Named after the coral reefs that take the sting out of the waves rolling ashore, Recife is a gleaming city where some of Brazil’s best beach life plays out. A mesh of old waterways, three rivers and a lacy canal network add to the relaxed atmosphere and give the city its nickname as the Venice of Brazil. Sprawling out in the northeast of Brazil, Recife is the Pernambuco region’s capital and boasts a glorious coastal location. With a pulsating Carnaval to rival Rio de Janeiro's, and a charming colonial core, this city is a tropical stop of relaxation, which boasts plenty of old-time splendour and irrepressible energy. A busy, sprawling city, the golden Boa Viagem beach is the city’s outlet, where workers unload from glittering towers to the sandy embrace of its exhibitionist seafront. Lined by hotels, bars and restaurants, it’s one of Brazil’s longest and best urban beaches, and the city’s spot to see and be seen. The warm waters may tempt you to swim, but beware, as sharks do linger here. Three rivers run through the city, interlinked by canals and spanned by 49 bridges. Take a catamaran ride along them, to sail in the shadows of opulent colonial-era buildings. This is a city of coconut flesh flavours - whether you’re refreshing with a sweet coconut juice while tanning on the beach, or eating a noodle sauce of coconut and shrimp flavours. Olinda, just to the north, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it sparkles with a collection of colonial architecture and beautiful baroque churches.

Local Brazilians flock to the sweeping beaches at Natal. As the capital of Rio Grande do Norte state, Natal has developed quickly to cater for this style of tourism. However, it has history. In 1598 the Portuguese constructed Fortaleza dos Reis Magos. The fort’s strategic location is at the mouth of the Rio Potengi, and near the easternmost and thus closest point of South America to Europe and Africa. Beyond the modern tourism strip is an older Natal with the governor’s palace, mayor's office and André Albuquerque Square. American architectural influences persist from the time the city was a base during World War II. The city encircles a natural park of urban forest and sand dunes. The 16th century Portuguese Fort Reis Magos contains details of battles among the Portuguese, Dutch, and French. The craft centre demonstrates lace tatting and Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art developed by slaves in the 16th century. Capoeira combines dance, acrobatics and music, and often involves hands on the ground and inverted kicks. Try it on land, not the ship. Dramatic windswept bare sand dunes lie in and around Natal. The dunes at Genipabú are ever changing as the winds alter direction and speed. Dunes transform and are never in the same place for long. Amongst the dunes are clear lakes and pockets of flora. Dune buggies allow you to explore the dunes in either a ‘unemotional’ sedate style or an ‘emotional’ (read, scary adrenaline rush) style. Pitangui Lagoon allows the survivors to swim or calm down.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

The gateway to the Amazon River is how Belém, the capital of Para State, is often described. It is located approximately 100 km (60 miles) upriver from the Atlantic on the Pará River, part of the Amazon River delta. Portugal established Belém in 1616 as the first European colony on the Amazon. Belém looks like a modern city, but it has retained its older colonial heart, with squares, churches and facades of traditional blue tiles. These reflect the 17th century architecture of Lisbon. The Forte do Castelo, located high above the old city, was built to deter French, Dutch and British colonization attempts. Neoclassical architecture is also present, along with later French influences There was less colonial rivalry then. Walking is the best way to see and get the feel for the historic district. One way to grasp the variety of edible ingredients available in the Amazon region is to visit the Ver-O-Peso Market. The huge outdoor space sprawls across four blocks. It is a city landmark and possibly the largest market in Brazil. Stalls offer typical local foods, vegetables and tropical fruits, and daily supplies of fascinating freshwater fish. Of course, any food market visit stimulates the appetite for local specialties. Other products for sale include pottery handicrafts, handmade clothing, and charms made by the practitioners of macumba, a spiritual practice with African roots brought with slavery in the 16th century and sometimes labelled as witchcraft or voodoo. Maybe a good luck charm is best.

Sailing the Breves Narrows is a chance to explore where few people visit, to immerse yourself completely in Amazonian culture. Let the adventure begin! Possibly one of the most engaging stretches of the Amazon River, Breves Narrows, as its name suggests, consists of a narrow channel of water which meanders among countless islets. Both riverbanks which always remain always in sight, are lined with rich, lush equatorial forest. Hugging the riverbank provides a wonderful opportunity for a close-up view of the exotic flora and fauna as well as the Caboclos people who inhabit the area. Calm and peaceful, these people are guardians of this watery world with their remarkable local knowledge, passed down through the generations. Their riverside homes on stilts have pontoons stretching to the water from which curious children launch their dugouts to greet passing ships and demonstrate their considerable skills with pirogues. Pink river dolphins in varying shades, from soft pink to a strong flamingo hue, roaring monkeys and exotic birds of all colours, all make for a fantastic photo safari as you glide through the water. The skyscapes are just as exotic with clouds chasing across the sky bringing rapid changes of weather. There are unforgettable, magical sunsets, painting the sky in colours as exotic as the animals you will see. Later under a night sky crowded with stars, sit back with a glass of caipirinha, the traditional cocktail of fresh limes and fiery cane spirit and marvel at the mighty Amazon.

A large open flood plain extends from Río Curuá-Una behind riverside trees. Nearby are hills which are an unusual feature this close to the Amazon. Exploring in Zodiacs allows us to approach floating vegetation to see how these remarkable plants survive without attaching to the riverbed. We can get close to birds from the convenience of the boats. Watch as the birds seek insects amongst the plants or aquatic life below the water surface. Water buffalo have been added to cattle as sources of red meat for local consumption. Originating in Asia the water buffalos are well-adapted to wet conditions and are faster at putting on weight than cattle. They can damage the wetlands so they still must be moved to higher ground during the wettest times of the year. If favorable conditions allow, we will offer an outing after sunset. The ‘orchestra of the night’ created by insects, frogs and other wildlife is an experience on its own. Perhaps an owl or a pottoo will appear, as they hunt for large insects, frogs, and small birds and mammals. We will look for caimans as they search for prey near banks or floating vegetation. We spot the eye shine— the red reflection from their eyes in the beams of light. From the eyes we can then focus in on the floating caimans themselves. Two types of these relatives of the crocodile and alligator are found in the Amazon. The Black Caiman is smaller than the Spectacled Caiman which is named after a white ring around each eye and has nothing to do with the reflective eye shine.

The Amazon rises annually, overflowing its main channel. We will launch the zodiacs to explore the floodplains at the Rio Balaio. With high water levels, small boats can easily travel around the wetland system. A scattering of local people live around the waterway, dependent on canoes and small wooden vessels for movement. Islands of vegetation are magnets for birds. Watch for flying parrots, both small and large, and the occasional birds of prey. On the ground look for Black-bellied Whistling-ducks, the Jabiru Stork and the Horned Screamer (yes, that is a bird!). Larger areas of trees support a variety of forest birds and monkeys. Monkeys love the trees but seldom travel on the ground and generally hate the water and avoid swimming. The large rivers of the Amazon Basin have acted as barriers for many species. The monkeys we are most likely to see are Squirrel Monkeys which energetically move about the trees in small groups. Howler Monkeys are larger than most monkeys and sit in the trees and howl, loudly. You always hear the distinctive call before seeing them. Fishing is important for locals seeking protein. Fish thrive in the Amazon waters. The sheer size of the Amazon Basin and the variety of habitats has allowed a huge diversity of fish to evolve, with 1500 species having been recorded in the vast catchment. The best way to appreciate the fish is to watch the locals catch them or see the catch at their settlements or on the way to a local market (the biggest got away).

The mighty Amazon River over 6,400kms long, meanders through some of the most extreme natural environments and biologically diverse regions of our planet. Sailing down the wide waters passing the dense greenery of rainforests, there’s never a shortage of magical moments but often the greatest thrill is catching sight of an exotic creature. Look out for pink river dolphins playfully breaking through the water by the side of the boat, colourful parrots as they flash through the trees and sloths going slowly about their day. Cameras at the ready to film mischievous monkeys leaping through the rain forest canopy. Even when you can’t see the wildlife you can hear it. The echoing cries of birds, insects and animals ring through the air. The Amazon is home to a diverse population of indigenous communities, some of whom are happy to share their culture with visitors, opening up their river side villages. Witness the Meetings of the Waters, one of South America’s most captivating natural phenomena. The dark waters of the Rio Negro meet the sandy coloured Rio Solimoes to form the Amazon River but refuse to mix. The colossal two rivers flow side by side for 6km until they eventually accept to mix. The world’s longest river, nurturing the largest rainforest on earth, is home to more than a third of all known species, yet is still one of the least explored regions on earth. No matter how impressive the statistics are, they can never do justice to the Amazon, you need to see it for yourself.

Lying in the heart of the Amazon, hundreds of miles upriver from the Atlantic, Manaus is a busy port city surrounded by the richest rainforest habitat on Earth. Placed strategically at the confluence of two rivers, the town was founded as a fortress by the Portuguese Navy, but quickly became a trade hub for the surrounding area. By the late 19th Century, Manaus was the centre of Brazil's booming rubber industry, and grew rapidly into one of the largest cities in Brazil. During this period, many of Manaus' grandest buildings were constructed by the city's 'Rubber Barons', including the Public Market, and the Amazon Theatre, a vast decadent opera house. Today, Manaus is a cultural melting pot, with a diverse population. A complex system of free trade rules has turned Manaus into one of the wealthiest cities in the Brazil, with heavy industry developing alongside traditional livelihoods such as river fishing, and gathering the bounty of fruit, nuts and medicinal plants which the rainforest bestows. However, it is the surroundings which give Manaus its unique character. The famous Meeting of Waters, where tannin-rich water from the Rio Negro combines with milky water from the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon, can be seen just outside town, and the jungle beckons visitors to explore and discover. Excluding Manaus, the state of Amazonas is extremely sparsely populated, and in the largest rainforest on Earth, it is easy to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and simply enjoy the wonders of nature.

Itineraries are subject to change.