Rubber Reality & Indigenous Village
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Port
Manaus, Brazil
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$119.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Take a regional riverboat up the Rio Negro to visit an indigenous village. Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a reception that includes rituals performed by the shaman (priest) and the tribe.
Continue by boat to Seringal Felicidade, located on the left bank of the Tarumã Mirim Creek part of the river. Your guide offers a brief introduction to the rubber industry here; then, you’ll have time to walk the trails and learn firsthand the history of the rubber boom, which took place around the turn of the 20th century. Discover how the Golden Era began and hear about the incredible money made at the expense of the seringueiros, or rubber tappers, who lived and worked in appalling conditions and faced genuine danger from snakes and other predators. You will also learn about the simple economic principles that eventually brought the Brazilian rubber industry to its knees.
The Rubber Museum opened in 2002. Set in the middle of the jungle, it is a replica rubber estate inspired by Portuguese writer Ferreira de Castro’s best-selling book The Jungle. The facility has been used as background scenery for many wide- and small-screen productions depicting the rubber boom era. The plantation also features some Brazil nut trees and is richly decorated with articles and equipment used in the rubber industry heyday.
Your tour ends with a boat ride down the Rio Negro back to the ship.
Notes:
Minimum age is 12 years. Eat a hearty breakfast, as this tour does not include a snack or meal. Shade is limited and temperatures are always high; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Bring a light, waterproof outer layer. You will board the riverboat by way of a gangplank. There may be a couple of steps to negotiate in order to board the boat. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. The boat does not have restroom facilities on board; however, there are restrooms at the Rubber Museum. The rainy season extends from December through March. Tour duration may vary depending upon the river's water level, as this affects navigation. In November, the duration is normally 5.5 - 6 hours. In March, the duration is normally 4.5 - 5 hours.