Clipper Adventurer — Photo: Courtesy of INTRAV

A fantastic exploration of three of the great rivers of South America aboard a small cruise ship. Immerse yourself in regions of untrammeled wilderness, filled with hundreds of tropical bird species and a superb variety of plants and other animals.

Our 2004 inaugural Jungle Rivers Cruise was so immensely successful that there was no doubt we would offer it again. This cruise highlights the vast, largely uninhabited waterways of the Orinoco Delta and the major rivers of the Guianas. Our trip will begin at Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and proceed to the mouth of the Orinoco Delta. Anchoring at various points in the delta over the next three days, we will have an unparalleled opportunity to explore this swampy, seldom visited region, as well as to explore freshwater streams that exit the heavily forested Imataca region from the south. Much of the outer delta is a vast tangle of mangroves that gradually give way inland to salt and brackish water forests dominated by palms. Large numbers of waders and immense numbers of parrots and macaws occur in these swamps. The sight of hundreds to thousands of these birds winging to roosts at dusk provides an unforgettable memory. And there is always the chance of encountering some rarities in this poorly explored region.

From the Orinoco Delta, the cruise will continue eastward exploring the Essequibo River in Guyana and the Suriname River in Suriname. In each of these localities we will disembark the ship for exploration by Zodiac on small waterways, and in some areas we also will have access to forest and savanna trails that harbor many species typical of the Guianas forests. In particular, we hope to visit some of the famous white sand soil savannas and forests that are found a short distance inland from the swampy coastal region. We hope you can join us!

One night in Trinidad, excellent accommodations and food on a superb ship; birding excursions by Zodiac along small streams; some walking on level trails that can be muddy; midday breaks on most days; warm and humid conditions.