Amazon Tree Tops - Conservation & Adventure

Venture into the jungle’s life - with a bird’s eye view of the rainforest! Make lasting memories tree climbing, tracking monkeys, swimming in waterfalls, observing river dolphins in the wild, and making a traditional indigenous craft to take home on this exclusive adventure as you explore Amazon’s tropical wild side.

From a secluded jungle lodge tucked into the rainforest to the sparkling waterfalls, this rare ecotourism adventure reveals less-discovered regions of this globally acclaimed nature travel hotspot. We hike amid incredible biodiversity, keeping watch for myriad wildlife and tropical birds in the forest. We also learn about the land and its people, tour a tropical fruit orchard, and discover how local conservation efforts are protecting untouched landscapes and wild creatures. The Amazon is full of wonders and brimming with surprises—discover them as we explore a range of diverse habitats off the standard tourist track.

● Stay at a secluded ecolodge in Amazon’s most tucked-away natural settings, where intimacy, hospitality and local ambience prevail, away from crowds ● Within the misty heights of the Tropical Tree Climbing Reserve, search for the resplendent toucan, hummingbirds, parrots, other tropical birds, and monkeys on nature trails and a canopy climb ● Discover the hidden beauty of a remote waterfall as we explore pristine rainforest—a rare inclusion! ● Learn about jaguar conservation and wild plants used for medicine, food, and tools

Itinerary

Day 1 – Nov 2, 2018 – Arrive in Manaus, Amazonas Arrive in Manaus and transfer to our hotel. Meet for an orientation dinner at few steps from our hotel at 8pm at a local restaurant with our journey leaders. Overnight at the Villa Amazônia Hotel. If you, or someone in your party, has a food allergy or dietary restriction, please alert your server when dining, and ask to speak to our leaders. (Day 1: D)

Day 2 – Nov 3, 2018 – Depart from Manaus Morning Experience, River Trip After breakfast, you will be met at the lobby of the hotel at 8:00 a.m. by your journey guides and transferred by a short ride by van to the boat ramp where our charming river boat awaits.

Arrival at the Meeting of Waters, the confluence between the dark (blackwater) Rio Negro and ​ ​ the pale sandy-colored (whitewater) Amazon River or Rio Solimões, as the upper section of the ​ ​ Amazon is known in Brazil upriver of this confluence. For 6 km (3.7 mi) the two rivers waters run ​ side by side without mixing. Be ready to observe river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) in the wild and birds of the region. Lunch on board and return to Manaus.

River boat trip: 5/6 hours

Afternoon Experience, Arrival and Accommodation at Tropical Tree Climbing At 3:00 p.m. you will be transferred by van to the Tropical Tree Climbing headquarters – 667 acres of natural rainforest within the environmental protection area of Cave of the Maruaga and located at Km 144 of the highway BR 174 (direction Manaus-Boa Vista), in the township of Presidente Figueiredo (the same road that leads to Venezuela). It’s about a two-hour drive with a short stop in the small town of Presidente Figueiredo, and along the journey, the vegetation changes from colonized deforested areas to virgin rainforest. You arrive to a warm welcome at the Tropical Tree Climbing Jungle Lodge. Meet for an orientation snack with our team. ​ ​ (Day 2: B, L, D) The lodge, tucked deep within the rainforest, is owned and operated by a family as a venture that will allow them to share the wonders of the Amazon with visitors while at the same time preserving the environment.

Day 3 – Nov 4, 2018 – Tropical Tree Climbing Morning Experience, Edible Forest Gardening After breakfast, we will gather at the jungle lodge before heading over to the Edible Forest Gardening Experience in the “Garden”. This trail starts at the side of the main road, across areas where the forest is regenerating and there are large patches of pristine forest. For this reason this trail is ideal to show the ecological succession processes and the importance of forest conservation for the Amazon region. In the Garden we consciously apply the principles of ecology to the design of home-scale gardens that mimic forest ecosystem structure and function for our food production systems. Learn how the locals use the plants and fruits of the jungle on this cultural excursion. Experience local tradition, and learn about Amazon nature, history and culture. In order to spend more time in the jungle, we serve only two main meals: breakfast and a lunch or dinner. We are happy to provide snacks in between those meals and fresh fruit is always available for your convenience at no additional cost. Not to worry: you and your group will not go hungry! The lodge, tucked deep within the rainforest, is family-owned and operated as a venture that will allow them to share the wonders of the Amazon with visitors while at the same time preserving the environment. Edible Forest Gardening: 2 hours

Afternoon Experience, Tree Climbing Prepare for an exciting tree climbing adventure! From our lodge you will embark on a 20-min guided walk along a trail that meanders underneath the Amazon rainforest’s thick canopy. Our tree climbing adventure begins with an Angelim Tree (Dinizia excelsa), ranging from 200 feet tall, specially selected for your adventure. You receive thorough instructions in tree climbing techniques, and your guide will be alongside you as you ascend into the canopy. Once high up in the tree, there will be a canvas hammock waiting for you to rest, relax and observe Amazon nature life from a bird’s eye view. Ahhh we call this Tree Time! The canvas hammock is safely … and securely tied to the tree and your safety rope remains locked and secured, permitting you to relax and enjoy your experience in this marvelous tree top canopy. The forest is transformed completely during the night, the sounds and smells are intensified and other senses are awakened. On this night experience, unlike others, our guests find the beauty in the small details, the croaking of frogs or the hum of insects. And if you turn off your flashlight you can observe the sparkling of fireflies in the woods, or hear the flutter of bats – and if you look carefully to the ground, you might see the faint glow of bioluminescent fungi surrounding you. When you turn on the lights again you can see the reflection of hundreds of tiny eyes of insects all around. As we come down from the tree and continue our way to the lodge you can hear the call of cicadas, owls and other night birds. No doubt, this is an overwhelming experience! Enjoy your evening dinner at our jungle lodge, learn about the family’s efforts to preserve the land and the traditions of the local people. (Day 3: B, BL, D) Tree Climbing: 5 hours Evening Experience Every evening, for all our guests interested in learning more on their own, there is an opportunity to spend the evening exploring the area around the jungle lodge – learning more about the local life in the jungle.

Day 4 – Nov 5, 2018 – Rainforest Exploration / Hike to a Waterfall Morning Experience, Wilderness Living Skills Venture out into the jungle with your local guide for a great opportunity to spot unusual insects and animals. You and your guide have a opportunity to explore the forest, and focus on living in the wilderness. Learn how to climb the palm tree without any ropes. Through a multi-sensory, hands on approach, we incorporate real Amazon materials including indigenous baskets, musical instruments, rainforest seeds, exotic edibles, palm fiber handicraft, and more. By exploring the indigenous way of life with their relationship to their environment, we can learn how it is possible to be more resourceful and sustainable in our own lives. Our hope is to plant seeds of awareness that will help protect these endangered cultures and environments, as well as our own. This is an experience not to be missed. Thereafter, you are invited to meet with our team at the jungle lodge. Wilderness Living Skills: 3 hours Afternoon Experience, Nature Trail and Waterfall We will leave the jungle lodge and make a drive of 30-min, just 30 km, for a refreshing visit to a rainforest waterfall. The hike to the waterfall then takes 10 minutes, and the landscape is beautiful – with moss-covered trees, bromeliads and orchids everywhere. This trail ends with a beautiful waterfall – over 10 m high. On your way back to the lodge, discover some amazing local art, tapestries, books, bows, arrows and other one-of-a-kind souvenirs at Waimiri Atrorari’s indigenous store, located in the small town of Presidente Figueiredo. Enjoy your dinner at our jungle lodge. (Day 4: B, BL, D) Nature Trail and Waterfall: 4 hours

Day 5 – Nov 6, 2018 – Return to Manaus Rise and shine to enjoy your breakfast at the jungle lodge. Enjoy a Day Off ... Spend the day doing whatever you feel like - no more, no less. So the idea of a do nothing day is like taking a mini, one-day vacation before your departing time to Campo Grande. You can spend the day reading on our veranda, honing your skills in our open kitchen cooking traditional meals, or further exploring around the lodge. From here, we depart the lodge at 6:00 pm, arriving in Manaus at 8:00pm. Goodbye dinner in Manaus and we will drive you to the airport to catch your flight to Campo Grande. This is the end of our services. Recommended time for your departing flight time is at 1:00 am on November 7. (Day 5: B, BL, D)

Itinerary Difficulty Rating: Easy active (2) This trip is rated easy active, with an average of 1-3 miles per day with daily ascents and descents. Walking in the heat and humidity of the tropics can make the walks more challenging than expected, and the terrain is very diverse and very different than walking on pavement. Footing is often uneven with slippery roots through rainforest. The daily walks are flexible according to the changing weather patterns and seasonal differences of the regions visited. The pace on this experience is leisurely to allow time for optimal wildlife viewing.

Tree Climbing Knowledge and Group Training No prior climbing experience is necessary for this journey. Ascending the tree is comparable to hiking a steep trail with a day pack. Our expert guides outfit you in specially designed tree climbing harnesses appropriately adjusted for your personal size. When the climb takes place, our guides will provide adequate training of members during the initial phase of the journey. Before you embark on an experience with us, we ask about your medical information. From this point, Tropical Tree Climbing team evaluates how to give each customer the best experience and help them enjoy the canopy climbs as much as possible.

Itinerary Modifications The weather in Amazon is unpredictable. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on safety/weather operational considerations.

Arriving and Departing Manaus The journey starts with pick-ups and ends with drop-offs in the city of Manaus, capital of the State of Amazonas, Brazil.

November, 2, 2018 - Arrive in Manaus (MAO), Amazonas, Brazil by 6:00pm. ​ November 7, 2018 - Manaus (MAO), Amazonas to Campo Grande (CGR), MS - depart Manaus ​ at 1:00 am. ​ ​ ​ November 10 - Depart Campo Grande (CGR) anytime. ​

Group size: 4 Minimum - 7 Maximum

Non-hosted Delegate Price: BRL R$3.500,00 per person Reservations: To confirm reservations, all participants are required to fill a Confidential Medical Questionnaire (attached file). Please fill out this form that scan/email to [email protected]. ​ ​ ​ ​

Non-hosted delegates: Payment must be made with a credit card by PayPal, with charges of the ​ entire tour cost when we confirm the trip with you.

View Term and Conditions

Inclusions Exclusions ● 3 Nights at the Tropical Tree Climbing ● Flight tickets and local airport taxes; Jungle Lodge based on double or triple ● Insurances (it’s mandatory that you occupancy; purchase appropriate insurance for this ● 1 Night at the Villa Amazônia Hotel in trip); Manaus based on single, double or triple ● Activities occupancy; ● Accommodations and transfers not ● Half-day trip at the river onboard the listed in the itinerary; Amazon Ecoboat; ● Soft drinks; ● English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and ● Photo equipment and binoculars – French speaking specialist guide; please bring your own; ● Meals: Day 1: D / Day 2: B, L, D / Day 3 to ● Voluntary tipping of guides and staff; 4: B, BL, D / Day 5: B; ● Personal nature items (laundry, B: Breakfast, BL: Box lunch, L: Lunch, D: souvenirs, etc.); Dinner ● Any costs arising from unforeseen ● All ground transfers as indicated in the circumstances such as bad weather, itinerary; landslides, flight cancellations, lost ● Drinking water and juices; baggage or any other. ● Entrance fees; ● Standard wine, beer or caipirinha included with dinners; ● Basic equipment for the excursion.

Tropical Tree Climbing Accommodation Situated deep within a private rain forest conservation area, this jungle lodge is owned and run by a family for whom nature conservation is a way of life and constructed using natural materials and designs, inspired by the traditional house in the Amazon and it’s situated on 667 acres of natural rainforest within the environmental protection area of Cave of the Maruaga.

The lodge offers 3 rooms (two bedrooms with en suite bathroom and one bedroom with shared bathroom) designed to accommodate up 7 people per night, a bright and airy sitting veranda, dining room area, a wood fire kitchen and oven, and a fridge-freezer.

The idea is to have fun and to feel at home. Impeccable service and a staff eager to deliver an awesome experience for visitors, makes our lodge an oasis of simplicity and comfort within the remote infrastructure. The lodge’s beauty is in its minimalist style, ideal for a family or a small group of friends who want a little privacy and independence during their stay in the Amazon rainforest. Link to Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/cXTx9Zz26Cx ​

Group Accommodation Guests sleep in gender-segregated rooms with roommates in a double or triple-occupancy, and have access to ensuite and shared bathrooms with cold-water showers.

Meals / Home-Style Cuisine Tropical Tree Climbing generates approximately 50-70% of food for us and guests onsite. We avoid purchasing processed foods of any kind. Our breads contain gluten but we are always able to make special gluten-free preparations when requested. We offer self-serve breakfast, snacks and dinner, with meals prepared by a local cook. The kitchen is on a raised and open platform,

fully equipped with a wood stove and oven. We harvest fresh vegetables and fruits by hand, all within walking distance of our kitchen. The processing that occurs between our farm and kitchen is minimal, but the attention to detail is extensive and ensures freshness and quality. Needless to say, it also greatly reduces waste. Just take a peek into our kitchen. It’s easy, as the open layout invites you to watch us work!

What to Bring A Daypack – a small bag which you can access during the day and carry items like your: • Lightweight and breathable, wash-and-wear long pants; synthetic materials are best as cotton stays wet; zip-off pants are suggested for maximum comfort. • T-shirts, shorts , bathing suit and hat. • Insect repellent and sunblock. • Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy shoes and sandals or flip flops. • Water bottle or canteen (equivalent of one liter). Filtered mineral water will be provided daily to refill your personal water reservoirs.

Small Groups Mean the Best Experience For a most intimate family-based Amazon experience, our journeys accommodate smaller groups with a maximum of 7 guests each for all our excursions who are cared by our professional crew.

Insurance We strongly recommend that all guests have, at minimum, medical evacuation insurance for our journey. While this is not required, we make this strong suggestion in the interest of our guests' safety. We recommend that your chosen independent insurance plan includes at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage. To protect your investment and to provide peace of mind while you travel, we also strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. Plans may cover everything from medical treatment to trip cancellations and delays and lost luggage.

T erms and Conditions • Booking cancellations or changes requested up to 15 days prior to check-in are not charged, pre-payment is refunded, discounting bank charges and taxes; • Booking cancellations or changes requested less than 15 days prior to the check-in date are considered no-show and charged 100% of the total package; • Changes requested during the stay in the lodge that imply reduction in the number of nights, will not be refunded; • Reservation changes requested less than 15 days before check-in will be analyzed case by case, subject to the rules applied in the cancellation policy.

No refunds will be provided for any unused portion of a tour once the tour begins, including if you leave a tour for any reason or have to be removed from a tour. There are no exceptions to this cancellation and refund policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, personal, family or medical emergencies or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance.