A theme park ride that was developed into a movie encourages us to write about jungle cruises on the Amazon.  Our friends at Our Whole Friends, who are originally from Brazil, are once again offering group or private getaways to experience one of the world’s longest rivers. They work with small vessel expeditions and a luxury design lodge to create unique experiences in one of the Brazilian Amazon’s most protected and remote regions. The cruise along the Rio Negro, one of the river’s most important tributaries, starts in Novo Airão.  This is the last town reachable by paved road, where all the traditional Amazon cruise expeditions end.  Their exciting weeklong Brazilian Amazon Cruise Adventure is ideal for families of all ages and includes two nights in Manaus, four nights on the river, and one night in a jungle lodge.  Experiences include a variety of hikes, plenty of wildlife viewing, piranha fishing, evening canoe rides, visiting with pink dolphins, learning about the environment and sustainability, and visiting with local communities (if COVID safe for them).  Group departures are available on December 19-26 and December 24-31, 2021 as well as in 2022 from February 16-26, April 10-17, and August 22-29.  Itineraries can be customized!