Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise

Article Published: October 11th, 2006

The Amazon River is the world’s largest river covering 4000 miles. It’s ecosystem is the most diverse in the world with millions of species of plants and animals. There are a myriad of itineraries offering the opportunity to cruise the Amazon, whether it be a direct cruise from the Caribbean to Manaus or one that begins in Manaus and heads to Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires. Belem, once called the “City of Mango Trees” is a likely first port of call on the river. Another is Santarem, a bustling waterfront town located halfway between Belem and Manaus, dates back to 1616. Don’t miss the “meeting of the waters” where the Tapajos river runs alongside the Amazon before finally mixing. Between Manaus and Santarem, the island town of Parintins is steeped in Indian culture and tradition. The massive river stretches beyond Brazil to Ecuador and into Peru. Tours exploring Peru and Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas are available. The abandoned Machu Picche functioned as a completely self-contained city, located on a tall ridge, completely hidden from the ground below. Rediscovered in 1911, the 200 building fortress boast architecuture and craftsmanship far ahead of its time, including granite blocks perfectly fitted together without mortar. Whether exploring the depths of Brazil’s Amazon or the mystical city of Machu Picchu, the wonders of South America never cease to amaze.

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