Destination: Brazil

Itinerary: The Amazon

SIX WEEKS

This six-week, 3900km trip begins in Belem, and travels mostly by boat along the Rio Amazonas, the world's mightiest river. Several detours include Belem to Ilha de Marajo and Manaus to Santa Elena de Uairen in Venezuela. The trip ends in Tabatinga, where you can catch flights to Manaus and onward.

Few places ignite the imagination like the Amazon. The largest forest on the planet has astounding plant and animal life. Surprising to many visitors, the wetlands also contain historic cities, beautiful river beaches and one of the most important archaeological sites in South America.

Begin in Belem, a culturally rich city at the mouth of the great river. From here you can explore the forested-covered island of Ilha de Marajo or head northeast to Algodoal, a rustic fishing hamlet in a splendid natural setting.

Get a hammock and travel by boat up the Rio Amazonas. Stop in Monte Alegre to see ancient rock paintings - the oldest-known human creations in the Amazon. Keep heading upstream to Santarem, a pleasant city with many nearby attractions. Across the river is Alenquer, a town near beautiful and rarely visited countryside. You can also reach the virgin rain forest of the Floresta Nacional do Tapajos and Alter do Chao, a picturesque lagoon with white-sand beaches.

Continue upriver to Manaus, Amazonia's largest city and its center for arranging jungle treks or visits to the biodiverse Reserva Xixuau-Xiparina. You can also travel to Santa Elena de Uairen, across the Venezuelan border, for treks up Mt Roraima. Heading into the jungles of Guyana is another option. Northwest of Manaus lies the fairly unexplored Parque Nacional do Jau.

You'll see incredible wildlife at the Mamiraua Reserve, outside of Tefe. From there, you can continue by river to Tabatinga, and into Leticia in Colombia for excursions into Parque Nacional Natural Amacayacu or for stays at jungle lodges along the Rio Javari.