Brazilian Highlights & The Amazon

Passionate and alive with an infectious energy, Buenos Aires is a breathlessly romantic city, which blends colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamour. Famed for steamy tango interplays and expertly seared steaks, this city is a fiery fiesta for the senses.

Visitors can choose to visit Caminito, the colourful street museum, shop at San Telmo Market, stroll through Recoleta Cemetery or cruise the Tigre River delta. Ships will dock at the Terminal de Pasajeros Benito Quinquela Martin which is a 30 minute drive from the airport and a 10 minute drive to the city centre.

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, boasts a relaxed atmosphere complemented by a rich cultural tapestry. This city is known for its captivating European-style architecture and broad boulevards like the famous Avenida 18 de Julio, which is lined with shops, cafes, and theatres. Key attractions include the historic Solis Theatre, a beacon of the performing arts, and the vibrant Mercado del Puerto, renowned for its steak and seafood.

The city’s coastline, with its rambla stretching over 20 kilometres along the serene Rio de la Plata, invites leisurely walks and offers ample space for cycling and jogging. Montevideo’s blend of cultural influences is especially evident in its music, particularly in the local tango scene, which visitors can experience in the city's lively milongas (tango clubs).

Each Seabourn ship offers a choice of dining venues to suit your mood of the moment. All dining venues are complimentary, and nearly all are open-seating, inviting you to dine where, when, and with whom you wish. Complimentary fine wines are poured with lunch and dinner, and there is never an extra charge for any dining choice. You can even enjoy a meal in your suite or on your veranda.

Sao Paulo, Brazil's vibrant financial centre, is a melting pot of cultures and one of the most populous cities in the world. This city thrives on diversity, evident in its culinary scene that ranges from traditional Brazilian fare to world-class sushi, making it a gastronome’s delight. The bustling Mercado Municipal offers a taste of local flavours and exotic fruits in a striking setting featuring stained glass and vast domes.

Culturally, Sao Paulo is a powerhouse with an impressive array of museums, galleries, and theatres. The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) on Avenida Paulista houses a remarkable collection of Western art, displayed on clear perspex frames that seem to float in midair. For those who seek green spaces amidst the urban sprawl, Ibirapuera Park offers a serene retreat with its expansive grounds and cultural facilities.

Santos, situated along the coast of São Paulo in Brazil, is best known for possessing the largest seaport in Latin America. This vibrant city combines rich history with an energetic present. The Coffee Museum, located in the city’s historic downtown, pays homage to the coffee boom which profoundly shaped the region's economy and culture.

For those interested in architecture, the seafront promenade features the iconic SESC building, renowned for its innovative design and cultural activities. The city also offers a lush escape with the Orchid Garden, home to a variety of tropical plants and flowers. Santos’ extensive beachfront, marked by the Garden Beach – the longest beachfront garden according to the Guinness Book of World Records – is ideal for leisurely walks or simply enjoying the coastal ambiance.

Parati, Brazil, enchants visitors with its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. This charming town, nestled between lush mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historical centre is a delight to explore, with colourful buildings, quaint shops, and vibrant art galleries. Don't miss the Church of Santa Rita, an iconic 18th-century landmark.

Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby Serra da Bocaina National Park, offering hiking trails with stunning views and waterfalls. Parati's bay, dotted with islands and secluded beaches, is ideal for boat tours and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The town also boasts a rich cultural scene, with festivals and traditional cuisine that highlight Brazil's diverse heritage.

In Rio De Janeiro endless buildings flow around densely-forested mountains that roll down to an evocative waterfront. Incredible natural attractions, spontaneity that transforms everything into a party and world-famous monuments all make this city an unforgettable destination. Ships will dock at Pier Maua.

Top Things to Do in Rio De Janeiro:

• Ascend Mt. Corcovado to get up close to the Christ the Redeemer statue
• Relax on Ipanema or Copacabana beach
• take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain
• explore Tijuca National Park

Upscale and desirable, Buzios is a beachy escape to a land of sun and thick palm-clad hills. With 17 luxurious, horseshoe-shaped beaches spreading out nearby, and a lively nightlife and culinary scene, Buzios is a place to kick back and soak up some of the best of Brazil's envied beach life. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to shore.

Top Things to Do in Buzios:

• stroll along the Rua das Pedras
• enjoy a sailing tour
• relax on Ferradura beach
• explore Buzios on a guided trolley tour

Make yourself at home with delightful daily diversions that add to our fleet’s private yacht-like atmosphere. Embrace this moment and indulge – spending the day pampering yourself in the spa or soaking in a Pure Pampering ℠ bath drawn by your attentive suite host. Meditate upon the vast views that surround you from a yoga mat, the ship’s bow, or your private veranda.

Stretching across three islands, Recife's cityscape is accented with scenic inlets, canals and bridges, in addition to its famous beaches. What began as a scattering of fishing shacks in the 16th century is now a vibrant city that boasts delicious cuisine, colourful markets and a lively nightlife. Ships will dock at this port. 

Top Things to Do in Recife:

• tour the colonial city of Olinda
• visit the Casa da Cultura (Artisanal Mall)
  
• cruise through central Recife by catamaran
• visit the Institute Ricardo Brennand
• tour the Museum of the Man of the Northeast

Natal is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, a Brazilian state located in the country’s northeast. The city lies near the mouth of the Potenji (Potengi) River along the Atlantic coast, and its sun-kissed shores are lined with gorgeous white-sand beaches and towering dunes. The 16th-century Forte dos Reis Magos is an imposing, star-shaped fortress that marks the place where Natal was officially founded by the Portuguese on December 25, 1599 (Natal is Portuguese for “Christmas”).

Ribeira and Cidade Alta, the city’s oldest neighborhoods, invite with an array of handsome colonial and Victorian buildings, many of which are now adorned with colorful murals. Natal’s vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture gave birth to the capoeira circle, an intoxicating blend of martial arts, acrobatics, dance, and music that UNESCO designated as a living expression of Intangible Cultural Heritage. You might see capoeira groups performing on one of the city’s popular beaches like Ponta Negra; browse the nearby handicraft market for unique ceramics, musical instruments, textiles, and wooden sculptures. Head to Genipabu (Jenipabu) to ride a camel, go sand surfing, or drive a buggy around its huge complex of sand dunes.

Make yourself at home with delightful daily diversions that add to our fleet’s private yacht-like atmosphere. Embrace this moment and indulge – spending the day pampering yourself in the spa or soaking in a Pure Pampering ℠ bath drawn by your attentive suite host. Meditate upon the vast views that surround you from a yoga mat, the ship’s bow, or your private veranda.

Capital of the Amapá state in northern Brazil, Macapá is located in the Amazon delta along the river’s northern channel where it feeds into the Atlantic. It also sits directly on the Equator, a distinction marked by the 98-foot-high Marco Zero monument where you can stand astride the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Portuguese settlers established an outpost here in the early 18th century; the Fortaleza de São José, dating from 1782, stands as a symbol of the city’s colonial past and one of the best-preserved military structures in Brazil. Macapá - which is accessible only by boat or plane - serves as a pitstop for migrating birds, seen feeding alongside flamingos, ibises, and other local species that inhabit its rich wetlands.

Surfers flock here for a chance to ride the Pororoca, one of the longest tidal bores in the world with waves that reach 12 feet in height. Less extreme activities include relaxing on a wide river beach like Fazendinha and Araxá, browsing Casa de Artesão for unusual handcrafts made by the area’s indigenous people, and visiting the nearby village of Apa do Curiaú, home to descendants of escaped slaves.

The Amazon is indisputably the largest river on earth by volume of discharge. At its mouth, its flow into the Atlantic Ocean is greater than the next seven largest rivers combined. Whether it is the world’s longest river is a matter of dispute among geographers, but most finally concede it may rank second to the Nile in length. It is between 110 and 180 miles wide at its mouth, again depending on which measurement you accept.

Your voyage will navigate the river something like 1,000 miles from the sea. During some of that time, the river will be effectively a flowing ocean. Other times you will see one or the other of its banks. You will pass large numbers of vessels of all sorts and sizes, coming and going between the Amazon basin and the wider world. That basin covers 40 percent of South America and contains one third of all known living species. The river itself supports over 5,600 species of fish alone.

Although it flows through Brazil, it is in many ways a country unto itself, with a unique, or rather many unique lifestyles and cultures. The life along the shores, both human and otherwise, is profoundly affected by the river’s ever-changing cycles of drought and flood. There is a lot to learn about the Amazon. Enjoy your journey along its fascinating shores.

Situated at the confluence of the Amazon River and the Tapajos River, Santarém provides easy access to two of Brazil's most significant waterways. The city's laid-back daily life offers a relaxed backdrop for exploration. Santarém enjoyed prosperity during the Rubber Boom Era in the late 1800s, and even attracted the attention of Henry Ford. He invested substantially in the city, establishing the town of ''Fordlandia''. This commercial venture was designed to harvest and export rubber for his burgeoning vehicle industry's tire manufacturing.

Included Expeditions:

• Ponta Negra/Santarém Nature Exploration by Zodiac
• Navigate the narrow channel opposite the city of Santarém; this channel meanders along Ponta Negra, a quaint peninsula nestled between the Amazon and Tapajos Rivers. Witness the mesmerizing flooded forest, a thriving ecosystem teeming with tropical birds. By the end of this expedition, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how local people harmoniously live, interact, and utilize this environment.
  

Situated near the border of the states of Para and Amazonas, Parintins is a charming town that proudly wears the title of the 'Capital of Folklore.' It is renowned for hosting the 'Boi-Bumba' festival, a vibrant celebration that unfolds over three days at the end of June each year. The magnitude and reach of this event are akin to the Brazilian Carnaval that takes place across the country in February/March.

Visitors can independently explore Parintins, where they'll discover quaint souvenir shops scattered throughout the town. A special presentation is arranged for our guests in a private area near the floating pier.

Manaus, at first glance, appears as a beacon of civilization amidst the untamed wilderness. Nestled at the confluence of two major rivers and nearly at the heart of the Amazon, the city surprises visitors with its bustling metropolis, complete with towering structures, shopping centers, and a vibrant population of approximately 2 million residents, all immersed in their daily routines.

Manaus serves as a pivotal industrial hub for Brazil, contributing to the country's production of electronic appliances, as well as playing a crucial role in the tourism and natural extractivism sectors. Echoes of the Rubber Boom Era are evident in the city's colonial architectures, with the Amazonas Opera House standing as a testament to its opulent past.