The journey
Immerse yourself in three of South America’s greatest freshwater ecosystems: Colombia’s Orinoco Savannas, Peru’s Pacaya Samiria National Reserve — which you explore on a four-night cruise aboard Pure Amazon — and the teeming Pantanal of Brazil. Seek out wildlife, from anteaters and pumas to caimans and jaguars, and absorb the vibrant cultures of each far-flung region by saving days’ worth of overland travel with private air.
Day 1
Arrive Bogota, Colombia
Located more than 8,500 feet above sea level, Bogotá is a modern capital that benefits from a year-round spring-like climate as well as buzzing markets, colonial architecture and a lively arts scene. Settle in with a cocktail before your welcome dinner.
Day 2
Orinoquia Plains – Life of the Tranquil Waters
Fly by chartered air directly to Savanna Orinoquía Lodge, an intimate retreat set amid the untamed beauty of Los Llanos, reserved by Worldway Travels x A&K for your group’s exclusive use. Savor a locally inspired lunch, then board a traditional bongo (canoe) to navigate the tranquil waters of Caño Canacabare, taking in the rugged grandeur of the Orinoquía, a pristine landscape teeming with unique flora and fauna. Ga
Day 3
Orinoquia Plains – Pursuing Pumas and Anteaters
Embark on a full-day expedition across Casanare’s flooded savannas alongside expert naturalists, in search of two of Colombia’s most elusive and endangered species: the Casanare puma and the giant anteater. Join vital efforts to locate and tag these remarkable animals, contributing directly to ongoing conservation and research. Glide through tranquil waterways in a bongo (canoe), coming ashore for
Day 4
Orinoquia Plains – Serene Beauties of Los Llanos
Explore two distinct ecological trails ideal for birdwatching. Traverse the path along Caño Canacabare or follow the serene banks of the Cravo Sur River. Alternatively, ride horseback across the flooded savannahs. Ply the Cravo Sur River by bongo and witness the characteristically colorful Los Llanos sunset.
Day 5
Amazon Basin – Into the Vast Wilderness
Fly into Iquitos, Peru, drive to remote Nauta on the banks of the Marañón River and board our elegant boutique riverboat, Pure Amazon. The Amazon Basin is one of the great remaining wildernesses, home to some of the rarest bird and animal species on Earth, and the domain of ribereños (river people).
Day 6
Amazon Basin – Meet the Ribeneros
Opt for a sunrise birdwatching adventure by skiff on a tranquil oxbow lake. After breakfast, visit a lakeside village where traditional Amazonian life and culture prevail. Talk to locals and watch ribereños navigate the lake in dugout canoes. Kayak or cool down with a refreshing swim in the calm lake.
Day 7
Amazon Basin – Treasures of Two Tributaries
Once again opt for a sunrise birding excursion, this time in Yucuruchi, a photogenic region humming with life, from scarlet macaws darting through the forest canopy to pink river dolphins breaking the surface of the Ucayali River. You may also come across giant waterlilies up to 10 feet in diameter. Fish for piranhas, catfish and other species (releasing any you catch) on the Yarapa River. Embark
Day 8
Amazon Basin – Rivers of Life and a Jungle Walk
After briefly cruising on Pure Amazon’s namesake river, take to the Yanayacu Yacapana River by skiff to discover its fascinating ecosystem. Glide along the Tahuayo River through the biodiverse Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Regional Conservation Area. Keep an eye out for birds and primates on a guided jungle walk.
Day 9
Campo Grande – Local Market Visit
After a final breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, disembark in Nauta. Here you gain insight into the daily life in the region, beginning with a visit to the local market where you see the vibrant array of exotic fruits and vegetables on offer. Continue with a visit to the Museum of Indigenous Amazonian Cultures to explore its rich exhibits of the traditions and histories of Amazonian communities. From
Day 10
The Pantanal – A Revealing Nocturnal Safari
Take a scenic flight to the Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland on the continent. Spanning 75,000 square miles across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, the Pantanal is home to 656 bird species and 159 mammals, including capybaras, tapirs, howler monkeys and jaguars. Settle into the Caiman Ecological Refuge, a pioneering ecotourism enterprise situated on a 130,000-acre cattle ranch (Estancia Caiman
Day 11
The Pantanal – Wild Wonders Day and Night
Before sunrise, roll out on a wildlife drive as capybaras, marsh deer, anteaters and even jaguars are active. Scan the forest canopy for life with your guide. After some free time, head out on a safari, seeking out ocelots and other nocturnal creatures after nightfall. End the evening with a typical Pantaneiro barbecue accompanied by live music.
Day 12
The Pantanal – Tracking the Mighty Jaguar
Join Onçafari’s Jaguar Conservation Team for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to monitor this critical species in the field. Check camera traps and search for jaguar tracks, getting a firsthand feel for this project **supported by Worldway Travels x A&K Philanthropy**. After nightfall, watch from a prime location as these elusive predators begin to stalk the Pantanal.
Day 13
Depart Sao Paulo
Fly via Campo Grande to São Paulo, where you connect with your departing flight.
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