Elite Traveler March-April 2015

elite traveler MAR/APR 2015 ISSUE 2 111

THE AMAZON LEAVE THE 21ST CENTURY BEHIND AND LEARN HOW TO LIVE IN THE RAINFOREST Many have vanished into the vast, untamed wilderness of the Amazon in search of lost cities and gold and not all of them have made it back. With Elegant Resorts’ expedition to northern Brazil, a return trip is guaranteed, but you will experience the same spine-tingling thrill of the unknown that spurred on Victorian explorers and anthropologists. Starting out from Manaus, along the way you will paddle up small creeks, swim with pink dolphins and fish for piranhas, but at the heart of this trip is an encounter with a Yanomami tribe that has never allowed visitors before. Contact was made with tribal elders by expedition leader Dr Raj Joshi, the man who recently took David Beckham into the rainforest.

Landing on a mud strip, you’ll trek to their village: the tribe lives communally in a large, circular hut, and decorate their bodies with vivid painting and piercings. They’re endo-cannibalistic, which means they consume the bones of their dead, making soup and drinks from the ashes to keep the spirit of their ancestors alive. It’s fascinating to see shamans in trance-like state. And the tribe will be equally curious about you, and any gadgets you bring along. It's an unbeatable experience that puts Western life in perspective. Price: From $15,500 per person including BA flights. Contact: Sally Chapman, +44 1244 897092 elegantresorts.co.uk

Photo: Camerapress