Very welcome! Some friends have gone in through Peru, but I liked going in on the Brazilian side (love Brazil big time). The Tucano does mostly cruise Rio Negro though, just to be clear.
We're not really cruise people but this sounds awesome, Jeanine and reminds us of the slow boat we took on the Mekong a while back (our one and only multi-day river trip
We definitely are not!! As mentioned in the post, I researched madly looking for another option, but as even the guide books said, if you take a regular boat, literally be prepared to have everything stolen! Did not sound good to me. Then I saw the Tucano. 6 staterooms, 10 possible others—doable. The only cretin was the one I mentioned. Two other couples we’ve stayed in touch with. Not every ‘cruiser’ wants to put on leg chaps, hike through Amazon jungles, and ride in outboard motor canoes—at dawn. I’m a bit of a travel purist myself ):
I appreciate your adventurous spirit, Jeanine. What an incredible experience, thanks for sharing. Though it’s heartbreaking to hear of the deforestation and the dire consequences to our planet.
What an incredible trip! And it makes me so sad to read that 2100 is the year of the Amazon's demise. The Earth needs its lungs, and with the other effects of climate change that have been happening, it's hard to accept. We need to do better. (the picture of the Amazon convergence with the Rio was awesome!)
Great essay! You capture the Amazon's stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural richness while shedding light on its environmental challenges. Your vivid storytelling and reflections make the wonder and urgency of protecting the rainforest truly resonate. I like the photos as well. Thanks, Jeanine.
Thank you Tinashe, I have to give credit where credit is due--the beauty of the Amazon and that environment. And Edivan and Augilado who took the time to answer my questions. The photos on cover ere done by fellow traveler Daniel Perrant. I will add that at the end.
Given the info by Edivan all those years ago, that particular area, the Rio Negro, has most likely not seen deforestation or fires--it's not suitable to farming, plus in rainy season, the water truly does rise 20 feet (bad for crops), the water marks on the trees were obvious. So what we saw I believe is much as it was.
OMG, Jeanine, this is a wonderful article full of great insights. I wish I could add this river trip to my bucket list, but it would be too strenuous for me. Fortunately, I can enjoy the trip through your article. Best regards.
Mikel, Thank you so much! It was fairly strenuous, but simply amazing.I'd always wanted to go to Brazil--and I did! My maternal grandmother was born there (long story) and it just was something I yearned to do.
It really was Damon. Most of all I wanted to SEE the Amazon (my maternal grandmother was born there, long story). It's always been on my mind. So started looking everything over- and this seemed that it would be the best. Only 12 passengers, a staff of 6, it was good--and the ship was a beauty. And the river, the wildlife, that forest!!!!!!! Wow.
Ahhhhh this is so dreamy. Except Bolsonaro and his policies, and the plight of the locals and wilderness. But you do so well in capturing the beauty and also the darker reality. That hotel though... giving The Shining vibes, lol.
Thanks. I really really wanted to see the Amazon. It was something. You're right about the hotel. I hadn't thought of it, funny. I'd never seen a hotel all on one floor like that. Such a bummer of course about the rainforest. But the world is totally oblivious. I don't blame Greta for bowing out.
Nice travelogue! And I can totally relate to the fear of "Americana Erectus" (great term)! Sometimes I strain my eye muscles from all the inadvertent rolling they do when overhearing some American tourist derived nonsense 🙄 - there I go again!
I hope they still run this boat with this itinerary, and I can afford it! Thanks for posting this article here!
Very welcome! Some friends have gone in through Peru, but I liked going in on the Brazilian side (love Brazil big time). The Tucano does mostly cruise Rio Negro though, just to be clear.
We're not really cruise people but this sounds awesome, Jeanine and reminds us of the slow boat we took on the Mekong a while back (our one and only multi-day river trip
We definitely are not!! As mentioned in the post, I researched madly looking for another option, but as even the guide books said, if you take a regular boat, literally be prepared to have everything stolen! Did not sound good to me. Then I saw the Tucano. 6 staterooms, 10 possible others—doable. The only cretin was the one I mentioned. Two other couples we’ve stayed in touch with. Not every ‘cruiser’ wants to put on leg chaps, hike through Amazon jungles, and ride in outboard motor canoes—at dawn. I’m a bit of a travel purist myself ):
🤣
Thanks for the restack Denise.
Thanks for restack, Emese!
I appreciate your adventurous spirit, Jeanine. What an incredible experience, thanks for sharing. Though it’s heartbreaking to hear of the deforestation and the dire consequences to our planet.
Thank you, Paulette. Yes, our ignoring the consequences of a world without rainforests is indeed a dangerous game.
What an incredible trip! And it makes me so sad to read that 2100 is the year of the Amazon's demise. The Earth needs its lungs, and with the other effects of climate change that have been happening, it's hard to accept. We need to do better. (the picture of the Amazon convergence with the Rio was awesome!)
Amazing trip!
It really was!
Great essay! You capture the Amazon's stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural richness while shedding light on its environmental challenges. Your vivid storytelling and reflections make the wonder and urgency of protecting the rainforest truly resonate. I like the photos as well. Thanks, Jeanine.
Thank you Tinashe, I have to give credit where credit is due--the beauty of the Amazon and that environment. And Edivan and Augilado who took the time to answer my questions. The photos on cover ere done by fellow traveler Daniel Perrant. I will add that at the end.
What an amazing journey that must have been, Jeanine! Considering the deforestation and the fires, I wonder how much you saw still remains?
Given the info by Edivan all those years ago, that particular area, the Rio Negro, has most likely not seen deforestation or fires--it's not suitable to farming, plus in rainy season, the water truly does rise 20 feet (bad for crops), the water marks on the trees were obvious. So what we saw I believe is much as it was.
That is good to know.
Great post Jeanine!
Thanks for restocking, Joyce!
man right off the bat with the "that's like asking if you believe in God" counter, what a sneaky poignant response.
I loved it!
OMG, Jeanine, this is a wonderful article full of great insights. I wish I could add this river trip to my bucket list, but it would be too strenuous for me. Fortunately, I can enjoy the trip through your article. Best regards.
Mikel, Thank you so much! It was fairly strenuous, but simply amazing.I'd always wanted to go to Brazil--and I did! My maternal grandmother was born there (long story) and it just was something I yearned to do.
Before today, I didn't know that wanted to take an old-school boat ride up the Rio Negro.
It looks like stepping into an old-timey movie, Jeanine. How very romantic.
It really was Damon. Most of all I wanted to SEE the Amazon (my maternal grandmother was born there, long story). It's always been on my mind. So started looking everything over- and this seemed that it would be the best. Only 12 passengers, a staff of 6, it was good--and the ship was a beauty. And the river, the wildlife, that forest!!!!!!! Wow.
Ahhhhh this is so dreamy. Except Bolsonaro and his policies, and the plight of the locals and wilderness. But you do so well in capturing the beauty and also the darker reality. That hotel though... giving The Shining vibes, lol.
Thanks. I really really wanted to see the Amazon. It was something. You're right about the hotel. I hadn't thought of it, funny. I'd never seen a hotel all on one floor like that. Such a bummer of course about the rainforest. But the world is totally oblivious. I don't blame Greta for bowing out.
😞
Nice travelogue! And I can totally relate to the fear of "Americana Erectus" (great term)! Sometimes I strain my eye muscles from all the inadvertent rolling they do when overhearing some American tourist derived nonsense 🙄 - there I go again!
Thanks Mike. Love the eye muscle straining part. The alligator comments were just too much for me. He was insufferable.