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AMAZON
ECO-CRUISES - LUXURY YACHT YANNA
The YANNA
is one of the finest cruising yachts in the Amazon/Rio Negro basin
and is our choice for group boat tours and cruises between April
and October.
FEATURED
LAND TOUR OPERATOR - AMAZON
Tania
and Mark Aitchison
Mark
Aitchison - on tour
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Andetur's
principle eco-tour operator in the Amazon is a river and jungle
tour company offering the very best Rio Negro and Amazon jungle
tours available - at any price- . The company is owned and operated
by the young husband and wife team of Tania and Mark Aitchison.
The
couple specializes in small (max. 10 persons), multi-day guided
riverboat tours of the Rio Negro and Amazon region beyond the modern
city of Manaus, capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas. The
Rio Negro is the largest tributary of the Amazon river twelve kilometers
below Manaus. If a unique and intimate river and jungle tour of
Amazonia is what you're after, this is the tour you've been looking
for.
Amazonia
is still one of the wildest, most beautiful places on earth to visit.
And with Andetur Brazilian Travel Club and our selected tours you're
guaranteed the finest tour available of this remarkable world."
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Andetur
Brazilian Travel Club Members
This
letter is to introduce you to an Amazon river and jungle
tour company based in Manaus, Brazil, and operated by Tania
and Mark Aitchison. Since 1992 they have been operating
the most authentic and adventurous Amazon rainforest and
Rio Negro river tours available. No other company has the
contacts they have, and none offer such a variety of exciting
and competitively priced tours.
In
the Amazon the weather is always changing and there are
special things to see and do at different times of the year.
Normally the rainy season from January to July is the best
time to visit for boat travel and canoeing- the weather
is cooler, and there are short daily rain showers. The dry
season is between August and December. It may be hotter
and drier then but it is a good time for trekking and fishing,
and there are beautiful white sand beaches along the Rio
Negro to enjoy. Whatever time of year your clients visit
there is always lots to see and do in Amazonia. And the
Aitchisons are here to help travelers see the most of this
wonderful world.
Enclosed
please find some or all of the following items: a per item/per
day price list for short visits, a 1-10 day itinerary for
combination boat and lodge tours, a list of references,
a list of package tours, and a copy of our one week introductory
tour brochure. Combination boat and lodge tours employ classic
Amazon riverboats for traveling around on the Amazon and
Rio Negro rivers. Clients will explore a variety of ecosystems,
looking for wildlife and exotic plants, and doing lots of
trekking and canoeing side trips along the way. Riverboats
are complete with hammocks (or air mattresses), bathroom,
shower, captain, cook, English speaking/professional guide,
all food and drink (except alcohol), camping and fishing
equipment etc. Riverboat tours may be from one day to 14
days. The average cost for 2-4 persons is $120 per person
per day.
Always
included on a riverboat tour is a visit with Tania Aitchison’s
family- a traditional Amazon river family- on the Rio Negro
river where they have built their private jungle lodge,
The Over Look Lodge. The Over look Lodge is a private refuge
for their clients only. It is located on the Rio Negro river
just before the first of the Anavilhanas Islands (a biological
reserve and now Ecotourism Park). The lodge is a great place
to relax and explore the Amazon if clients have only a few
days in the region. The lodge features bedrooms, bathroom
and showers, veranda with hammocks, home cooking, a library,
maps and telescope etc. Near the lodge are quiet places
to canoe and fish. Guided treks take place on rainforest
trails behind the lodge. If your clients prefer to stay
at the lodge only and not travel in a larger boat, the average
cost for 2-4 persons is $85 per person per day.
As
an introduction to the Amazon, and to see a little of everything,
Mark suggests a combination (boat/lodge) of 1-7 days. Or
just a lodge stay for 2-3 days if clients are on a budget.
But remember, with a boat clients will be able to travel
a certain distance each day and see as much as possible
in the time they have. They will still enjoy the extra comforts
and facilities of the Over Look Jungle Lodge along the way.
We
hope you like the look of our company. If you have any further
questions or wish more information please call, fax or (best)
email or contact ABTC - Andetur Brazilian Travel Club
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Tania
and Mark Aitchison
Embratur Reg. # 1446100413
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Reservations
may be confirmed by faxing VISA credit card details to Brazil
or by personal check sent to our US office- a 25% deposit per
person is usually charged then. The balance may be paid 2 weeks
before clients arrival by VISA or check to our US office
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'Our
rustic jungle lodge'
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2002
Prices (lodge and boat combinations)
2 pax minimum/ contact us
for large group discounts
Jungle
Lodge US $100 per pax (minimum 2 days) (with all meals, guide,
transportation and activities)
Combination
US $375 per pax (3 days/2 nights) - Riverboat/ US $495 - Houeboat
(all inclusive as above)
Combination
US $495 per pax - Riverboat/ US $ 625 - Houseboat (4 days/3
nights) (all inclusive as above)
Combination
US $625 per pax - Riverboat/ US $750 - Houseboat (5 days/4 nights)
(all inclusive as above)
Combination
US$750 per pax - Riverboat/ US $ 895 - Houseboat (6 days/5 nights)
(all inclusive as above)
International
Tour US$1050 per pax - Riverboat/ US$ 1,300 - Houseboat (7 days/6
nights) (6 day tour plus 2 nights hotel, city tour, 2 dinners,
2 transfers) ***
In
Manaus:
Tropical
Hotel US $105 / double ( 5 star outside center w/ breakfast)
Holiday
Inn US$ 105 / double ( 4 star center w/ breakfast)
Best
Western Hotel US$ 70 / double ( 3 stars in the center w/ breakfast)
Rei
Salomao US$ 35 ( 1 star in the center w/ breakfast)
Central
US$ 55 ( 2 star in the center w/
breakfast)
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- Boat
tours must be one full day or more; lodge stays must be
two days or more; boat/lodge combinations must be three
days or more)
- Transfers
(airport pickup) US $20 per pax
- City
Tour (Manaus) US $75 per pax
(with entrances) (Van with a/c and guide)
- Boat
Tour US $60 per pax (6 hours) (with lunch included)
- Boat
tour US $120 per pax
(12 hours) (with all meals, guide, transportation and activities)
Adults
pay 20% less with 4 persons, 25% less with 6+ persons
Students
(13 to 23 years) pay 10% less, children (12 and under) pay
20% less
NOTE:
Most travelers now arrive in Manaus via the gateway cities
of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Inquire about add-on packages
.... most popular being visits to Rio and Salvador, Bahia.
We also offer add-ons to the Pantanal.
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Mark's
new houseboat that he is setting up for fishing and expeditions
on the Rio Negro. Completely remodeled and with a new engine,
this boat will expand the range of his tours. Expected to
be in operation for the 2002 season.
Mark
is also planning on expanding his lodge to include more space
and has a special project to create a true eco-lodge on the
family property.
More
Pictures
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A River and Jungle Tour Company since 1992
"Tania
and I speak various languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish,
French and Italian We are recommended in numerous international
guidebooks:
Bradt's
Brazil (ENG)
The South American Handbook (ENG)
Le Guide du Routard (FRA)
Hunter's Amazon Up Close (USA)
Lonely Planet (AUST)
Quatro Rodas (BRA)
The Rough Guide (ENG)
Fodor’s
(USA)
Gio
Globetrotter (JAP)
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We
have been featured in a number of magazines and newspapers:
Outside Magazine (USA)
Terra Magazine (BRA)
Cape Cod Times Newspaper (USA)
Bennington College Magazine-Quadrille (USA)
Travel Smart (USA)
International Travel News (USA)
Folha Sao Paulo (BRA)
Latin American Travel Advisor (ECU) Washington Post (USA)
Familia
Aventuras (BRA)
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We
are in-field operators for these and other ecotourism and
adventure travel companies:
ABTC
- Andetur Brazilian Travel Club (USA, BRAZIL, EUROPE)
International
Journeys (USA)
Amazon Explorers (USA)
Travel Innovations (USA)
Brazil/USA Amizade Tours (USA)
Forum International Travel (USA)"
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TOURS:
(generally we follow this basic plan)
1-10
Day Itinerary
| Day
1 (or 12 hours) |
Meeting
of the Waters, Lake Janauari/ Victoria Regia Waterlilies,
Parana (inlet) of Iranduba/ Amazon River, Piranha Fishing,
Alligator Hunting (night canoeing)
Sleep on Boat or with local family (hammocks) |
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| Day
2 |
Jungle
Trek to Identify Medicine Plants. Visit to Anavilhanas Archipelago
Night Canoe Trip, Overnight at The Over Look Jungle Lodge |
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| Day
3 |
Jungle
Trek to study Forest Architecture & Biodiversity.
Arara & Jaraqui River canoe Trips (Rio Negro Tributaries).
Optional Overnight Jungle Camping or The Over Look
Jungle Lodge |
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| Days
4-10 |
Other
Tributaries of the Rio Negro. (Rio Cuieiras, Rio
Apuau, Rio Branco)
Towns of Novo Airao and Moura. Ariau River and Lake
Acajatuba. Jau National Park. Optional Second
Day on the Amazon (Solimoes) River. Sleep on boat,
with local families, or at The Over Look Jungle Lodge |
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VARIG
INTERNATIONAL
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Tours/ International *** |
Seven
Day Complete Tours
1. The Riverboat (our classic riverboat and lodge tour) $1050
2. The Motorboat (motorized canoe trip w/ local family stays) $1150
3. The Caboclo (lodge stay with traditional river family) $900
4. The Hiker (trekking plus jungle camping) $1000
5. The Canoeist (canoeing plus riverside camping) $1100
6. The Fisherman (fishing trip for Tucunare/Peacock Bass) starting
at $1350
7. The Indian* (motorboat trip to visit Indians villages on the
rio Negro) $2650
8. The Cabin Cruiser (boat tour with cabins, beds and a/c) $1950
9. The Birdwatcher (boat tour with INPA ornithologist) $1750
10. The Riverboat "Plus" (riverboat tour "plus"
motorboat/camping side trip) $1350
11. The Caverns (waterfalls and caverns of Presidente Figueredo)
$1000
12. The Pantanal (South America's premier wildlife reserve) $2250
MORE
DETAIL
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Eleven
Day Complete Tours
13. The Diver (snorkeling/scuba to see tropical fish, Barcelos)
$1750
14. The Houseboat Plus (Longer houseboat tour with a/c cabins) $1850
15. The Vaupes (Upper Rio Negro trip to visit Baniwa Indians, Isana
River) $2950
16
The Rio Negro (riverboat to Jau National Park, canoeing & trekking)
$1550
16. The National Park (Pico da Neblina Nat'l Park, Cauburis River)
$2850
17. The Lost World* (Venezuela's Gran Sabana, and Mount Roraima)
$2500
18. The Transamazonas (Amazon riverboat tour "plus" Pantanal
tour) $3000
19. The Canoeist "Plus" (canoe trip around Jau Nat'l Park/
Rio Branco river) $1650
20. The Rio Negro "Plus"* (eco-tour of Santa Isabel region,
Upper Rio Negro) $2750
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Fiveteen
Day Complete Tours
21. The Trekker*# (longer trekking tour) $2400
22. The Angler (longer fishing tour - starting at $2050
23. The Explorer* (Pico de Neblina Nat'l Park, Upper Rio Negro)
$3250
24. The Climber* (Pico de Neblina Nat'l Park, Upper Rio Negro) $3450
25.
The Rio Branco (Riverboat tour up the Rio Negro and Rio Branco rivers)
$2150
26.
The Barcelos Plus (Riverboat tour up the Rio Negro plus Barcelos
region) $2300
27.
The Vaupes "Plus" (Upper Rio Negro trip to visit Bare
Indians, Xie River) $3350
28.
The Upper Rio Negro (Rio Negro River from Cucui rock to Sao Gabriel)
$3750
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Add-On Four Day Modules )!
A. The Riverboat
B. The Motorboat
C. The Caboclo
D. The Hiker
E. The Canoeist
F. The Fisherman
G. The Cabin Cruiser
H. The Treetop Lodge (Ariau Jungle Towers, Rio Negro river)
I. The Headwaters tributaries of the Rio Negro; Cuieiras and Apuau)
J. The Birdwatcher
K. The Caverns
! Each module costs $450 per person complete
Notes
*
RE: Indian, Yanomami "Plus", The
Yanomami Indian tours have been discontinued for the present time.
FUNAI (Indian Bureau of Affairs)
RE:
Because the Border, Rio Negro "Plus", Trekker, Explorer,
Lost World and Climber tours involve additional transport and special
arrangements, these tours should be arranged at least a minimum
of a month ahead of time. The operators further reserve the right
to alter slightly the form, though not the content, of these programs.
There may even be times when we cannot organize these tours at all
due to airline scheduling, political instability, low water levels,
FUNAI (Indian Bureau of Affairs) or IBAMA (Federal Wildlife Agency)
restrictions etc.
# Note: This tour requires a return public boat ride to Manaus.
The scheduling for this boat is erratic at best. It would be best
therefore if the interested client let us research and coordinate
their air scheduling with them before organizing this tour.
***
7 and 14 day tours revolving around AeroPostal airlines currently
depart Miami daily at 10 pm and return daily at 5 am. VARIG offers
one trip a week on weekends. It is not unusual however for the airlines
to change their scheduling without warning. Before committing yourself
to a schedule (and one of our 7 or 14 day tours) I advise that you
check the airline scheduling before finalizing a reservation. If
other airlines are to be used or connections are being made through
Rio de Janeiro or another gateway city some schedules may have to
be altered. The operators will do their best to abide by their advertised
programs and their costs. We can also of course put together unique
and private itineraries involving any combination of elements suggested
by these tours should there be an interest.
****
Detailed itineraries for all of our tours are available upon request.
Most revolve around existing airlines scheduling, though any tour
of course may be customized to fit a particular client's schedule
or desires.
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No.
1, The Riverboat- Seven Day Riverboat & Lodge Itinerary
Day 1 - Manaus
City Tour - Opera House, Municipal Market, Floating Docks, Natural
HIstory Museum or INPA Research Institute, Juice Bar, Best Western
Hotel, Welcome
Dinner at Bufalo Restaurant (BarBQ)
Day 2 - Rio Negro/Rio Solimoes
Depart Manaus Docks 9 am - Meeting of the Waters, Janauary Lake,
Queen
Victoria Water Lilies, Iranduba River, Piranha Fishing, Alligator
Hunting
(photos only)
Day 3 - Rio Solimoes
Amazon River, Lake Janauca, Birdwatching
Day 4 - Rio Negro
Arara, Caboclo River Families, Jungle Trekking, Night Canoeing,
Over Look
Jungle Lodge
Day 5 - Anavilhanas Archipelago
Island Exploration, Flooded Forest, Over Look Jungle Lodge
Day 6 - Rio Negro
Jaraqui River, Jungle Trekking (Medicine Plants), Jungle Camping
Day 7 - Rio Negro
Return Manaus 6 pm - Best Western Hotel, Farewell Dinner at Galo
Carijo
Restaurant (Fish)
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| Questions
and Answers:
Q.
How much does a typical tour cost?
A. Our most popular seven day combination tour advertised here costs
$US 1250.00 per person, two person minimum. This all-inclusive price
covers airport transfers to and from Manaus city center, all meals,
two nights hotel, an escorted city tour, and the guided river and
jungle tour with all food and refreshments (except alcohol). Tania
and Mark Aitchison are licensed tour operators, and they are registered
with Embratur, the official tourist bureau of Brazil.
Q. Who are our guides?
A. Tania and Mark personally guide as many tours as they can. When
other guides are employed Mark hires only the best local guides available.
These guides are friendly, knowledgable, licensed and mulitlingual-
they know their stuff! Tania was born in Manaus and grew up
on the Rio Negro river at Arara. She knows the rivers and jungles
of this fascinating region as well as anyone. She has been a
jungle guide in the Amazon for fourteen years and has worked for several
large Manaus tour companies. Mark is an Innkeeper and writer
from Cape Cod, Massachusetts (USA) where his family own The Over Look
Inn. He was born in England and grew up in Toronto, Canada. Mark has
traveled throughout Latin America and Manaus, Brazil, is his second
home. The Aitchisons have one daughter, Kelly, aged four.
"Between us we speak several languages- English, French, Spanish,
Portuguese and Italian. We'll do our best to ensure you have a safe
and rewarding tour of Amazonia. We have many friends and family on
the rivers and you will have an opportunity to meet many wonderful
people of the Brazilian state of Amazonas."
Q. What is a tour objectives?
A. "We want you to experience the Amazon as we experience it.
That means spending as much time as possible canoeing the rivers
and trekking the forest. When you arrive in Manaus we'll
meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. Day one
we'll show you around the city, the capital of the state of Amazonas.
We'll learn something about the history of Manaus and the Amazon,
and we'll learn about what's happening there today- in the museums,
in the markets, in the streets. Day Two we depart from the port of
Manaus in a classic Amazon houseboat complete with Captain and Cook-
all part of our extended Amazonian family. On tour we'll usually
spend two days exploring the fertile Amazon river and four days on
the picturesque Rio Negro river. We'll see how different and unique
these two legendary waterways are. Our ultimate destination in the
beautiful Anavilhanas Archipelago (one of the largest groups of freshwater
islands in the world). We'll spend three days sleeping in the boats
in hammocks (or camp beds) and two nights at our own jungle lodge
near the islands on property belonging to Tania's family. A memorable
night camping in the jungle is optional. Each days exploration includes
fishing, canoeing, camping and jungle walks. The food is varied and
well prepared and features fresh native river fish, delicious tropical
fruits and the freshest regional vegetables. With comfort, style,
and adventure we guarantee you one of the most beautiful and peaceful
vacations of your life.
Q. What sort of wildlife is there to see?
A. Ämazonia is full of life- in the jungle, in the air, and in the
water. We will usually see Pink and Grey River Dolphins, Squirrel
Monkeys, Parrots, Butterflies, Piranha and Jacare (alligators). With
a little luck we should also see Iguanas, Treesloths, Toucans and
Macaws. Animal sightings are not guaranteed though with Swallows and
Amazons your chances are that much better. Depending on the
season we go where we'll have the best chances of seeing wildlife
and other phenomena of Amazonia, such as parts of the flooded forest
from March to July, little known rivers for fisihing such as the Cuieiras
and Apuau, and island beaches for camping and fish BarBQs. Apart from
exploring the rivers and islands north of Manaus on the Rio Negro,
the Aitchisons will take you trekking and camping in the jungle.
You'll
be spending two nights at The Over Look Lodge, our own tranquil riverside
lodge owned and operated by the Viana/Aitchison family. Our river
and jungle tours go to the heart of Amazonia. Our tours are
true explorations in search of the best Amazonia has to offer. Each
tour is a little different from the last because we want to take you
where the action is. While our specialty may be riverboat tours Andetur
is also able to organize a variety of customized tours of the region.
Enquire- let us know your interests- and we'll put together a program
for you.
Please call us if you are interested in tour
schedules or programs other than that advertized, ie,. birding,
VIP lodges, VIP Cabin or Yacht Boats, Indians, Fishing, Trekking,
Canoeing, Student or Senior Tours etc.
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