The Amazon, or “Rio Mar” (sea river) as it’s known by the locals, is both a global symbol of the need to protect our nature and a wondrous, record-holding waterway. It is the setting for thrilling natural spectacles that you will experience respectfully and in the company of experts on the small, manoeuvrable HANSEATIC inspiration and its Zodiacs, weather and currents permitting. Travel from Iquitos to the mouth of the river at the Atlantic, around 4,000 km (2,485 mi.) away. Your first destination is Pevas, one of the oldest Peruvian settlements on the Amazon, which still features traditional stilt buildings. The markets of Leticia are a vibrant example of a culture that lives in harmony with nature. Tropical fruits and fresh spices will enrapture your senses, while the hoots and calls of the parrots provide the soundtrack. Keep watch for exotic species on the Rio Jutai. When the Zodiacs sail through the night-time jungle of Cuxiu Muni, look out for the eyes of caimans shining through the darkness. Since 2001 alone, more than 1,200 previously unrecorded animal and plant species have been discovered in the Amazon region – another sign of how unique and precious this ecosystem is. A Zodiac ride off Badajos will raise your awareness of how special this place is. Huge water lilies – the Victoria amazonica – adorn the water surface. Discover giant Brazil nut trees and the red flowers of bromeliads and passion flowers while the experts enhance your perspective on the fascinating undergrowth – for example, to help you marvel at the sloths or the capuchin monkeys doing gymnastics in the trees.

Strangler figs rise up on the densely overgrown banks, epiphytes that have decided to “fight” for the available light. Discover giant Brazil nut trees and the red flowers of bromeliads and passion flowers while the experts enhance your perspective on the fascinating undergrowth – for example, to help you marvel at the capuchin monkeys doing gymnastics in the trees and the well-camouflaged iguanas. See the legendary “Meeting of Waters” on the Rio Negro, where its black waters converge with the light-brown Rio Solimoes.

Its shores will lead you to the “Paris of the Tropics”. Find out how the Brazilian metropolis of Manaus (Amazon) earned this nickname on a tour of the city’s history and opera house*. Its vibrant mosaic of culture and wilderness stretches out beneath you on a scenic flight above Manaus (Amazon)*.

In Canacari, your focus will be on searching for the world’s largest water lilies and other exotic species. By contrast, flourishing city life is waiting to be discovered in Parintins on the middle course of the Amazon. Immerse yourself in Brazil’s typical zest for life – whether on the promenade or in the market. On Alter do Chao beach, the waves exude an almost Caribbean flair. Find a kindred spirit in the sloth, and enjoy simply doing nothing. The indigenous hoatzin also likes to take things easy and prefers sitting in the trees to flying. With a little luck, you will be able to see this bird around the small riverside settlement of Virassaia. Over 1,000 species of bird live in the Amazon region. You might even see herons and cormorants as you enjoy Zodiac rides through the floodplain areas. If you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to the sight of pink river dolphins surfacing nearby in Guajara.

The young are grey at first and only take on the unusual colouring from the age of two. The daytime passage through the Breves Channels once again demonstrates the advantages of the small HANSEATIC inspiration. The lush vegetation on the shore comes closer and closer to the ship as it confidently negotiates the challenging changes in direction – to the great delight of the locals, the caboclos, who can be seen along your route in boats large and small. Enjoy the legend of the Amazon with all your senses once again. As your expedition slowly draws to a close, the experts on board will once again quench your thirst for knowledge and shed light on the tensions between the region’s unspoilt nature and global economic interests.

You will arrive in Belem with a whole host of unforgettable memories and a true appreciation for this legendary region. You will remain fascinated by the wonderful world of the Amazon as long as your river of life continues to flow.