1 00:00:02,900 --> 00:00:05,500 -This is the Amazon, 2 00:00:05,600 --> 00:00:08,933 both the world's largest tropical rainforest 3 00:00:09,033 --> 00:00:11,966 and its mightiest river, 4 00:00:12,066 --> 00:00:16,566 coursing 4,000 miles from source to sea. 5 00:00:16,666 --> 00:00:20,633 I'm Robson Green, and this is my journey of a lifetime. 6 00:00:20,733 --> 00:00:22,400 I've got a feeling 7 00:00:22,500 --> 00:00:24,433 this adventure is going to be spectacular. 8 00:00:24,533 --> 00:00:26,766 2 million square miles of rainforest 9 00:00:26,866 --> 00:00:29,833 is home to a profusion of species -- 10 00:00:29,933 --> 00:00:34,033 hundreds of mammals, thousands of birds and fish. 11 00:00:34,133 --> 00:00:38,866 Its sheer scale is absolutely staggering. 12 00:00:38,966 --> 00:00:41,866 I am stepping way outside my comfort zone 13 00:00:41,966 --> 00:00:44,633 as I learn how to appreciate the rainforest 14 00:00:44,733 --> 00:00:46,900 and what it offers the world. 15 00:00:49,033 --> 00:00:50,900 I'll be meeting the people... -Thank you. 16 00:00:51,000 --> 00:00:53,533 -...and the wildlife... -Hello, mate. 17 00:00:53,633 --> 00:00:58,066 -...that call this place home. 18 00:00:58,166 --> 00:01:00,366 I want to understand its problems... 19 00:01:00,466 --> 00:01:03,533 And that's just acres and acres of trees 20 00:01:03,633 --> 00:01:05,033 that have been cut down. 21 00:01:05,133 --> 00:01:08,100 -...and learn to meet its challenges. 22 00:01:08,200 --> 00:01:10,633 Ah! Ah! Ay-yi-yi. 23 00:01:10,733 --> 00:01:16,133 I caught the eye of my next-door neighbor. 24 00:01:16,233 --> 00:01:18,533 This journey isn't going to be easy. 25 00:01:18,633 --> 00:01:22,233 But it's one I'll treasure for the rest of my life. 26 00:01:22,333 --> 00:01:28,166 ♪♪ 27 00:01:28,266 --> 00:01:34,100 ♪♪ 28 00:01:34,200 --> 00:01:38,666 I'm on the final leg of my journey deep into the Amazon. 29 00:01:38,766 --> 00:01:41,833 I've got one more day left on this beautiful boat. 30 00:01:41,933 --> 00:01:46,400 And what a day it promises to be. 31 00:01:46,500 --> 00:01:49,300 I'm heading into Anavilhanas, 32 00:01:49,400 --> 00:01:56,133 a remote network of over 400 islands connected by channels, 33 00:01:56,233 --> 00:02:02,466 lagoons, and swamps in the heart of the rainforest. 34 00:02:02,566 --> 00:02:04,400 A huge variety of wildlife 35 00:02:04,500 --> 00:02:07,500 thrives here in its unique ecosystem. 36 00:02:07,600 --> 00:02:12,600 ♪♪ 37 00:02:12,700 --> 00:02:14,933 What a sight to wake up to. 38 00:02:15,033 --> 00:02:19,333 One of the largest freshwater archipelagos on the planet. 39 00:02:19,433 --> 00:02:24,233 Anavilhanas. 40 00:02:24,333 --> 00:02:25,666 To get here, 41 00:02:25,766 --> 00:02:29,766 I left behind Novo Airao to explore the archipelago, 42 00:02:29,866 --> 00:02:34,233 reaching the furthest northwest point of my Amazon odyssey 43 00:02:34,333 --> 00:02:39,733 before heading back via road towards the city of Manaus. 44 00:02:43,500 --> 00:02:46,533 I'm up early today with my local guide, Saru, 45 00:02:46,633 --> 00:02:52,066 drifting through this network of islands and lakes. 46 00:02:52,166 --> 00:02:53,200 -There. 47 00:02:56,066 --> 00:02:57,300 -That's a hawk, is it? 48 00:03:01,766 --> 00:03:03,133 Oh! 49 00:03:07,466 --> 00:03:09,166 What is that? 50 00:03:09,266 --> 00:03:11,300 Agami heron. -Yeah. 51 00:03:13,066 --> 00:03:15,200 -Look at the colors on that. 52 00:03:19,700 --> 00:03:21,700 These hunting birds are drawn to the river 53 00:03:21,800 --> 00:03:25,500 by the hundreds of species of fish found in the archipelago. 54 00:03:25,600 --> 00:03:29,533 And just like the birds, today, I'll try to catch one. 55 00:03:31,700 --> 00:03:34,033 I've already lost a fishing competition with Saru 56 00:03:34,133 --> 00:03:36,333 using my own fly fishing method. 57 00:03:36,433 --> 00:03:38,600 It was a spectacular fail. 58 00:03:38,700 --> 00:03:43,166 So today he's teaching me to fish like a local. 59 00:03:43,266 --> 00:03:47,633 There's only one method that is king for Saru. 60 00:03:47,733 --> 00:03:52,833 And that's this -- the bow and the arrow. 61 00:03:52,933 --> 00:03:55,000 How are we going to catch a fish with this? 62 00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:06,000 In all my years of fishing, 63 00:04:06,100 --> 00:04:08,166 I've tried this method once or twice, 64 00:04:08,266 --> 00:04:10,200 but never with any success. 65 00:04:10,300 --> 00:04:12,900 It looks homemade, this. You make this? 66 00:04:13,000 --> 00:04:15,566 Really? Wow. -Yeah. 67 00:04:15,666 --> 00:04:17,466 -And what age were you when you started using this? 68 00:04:17,566 --> 00:04:18,566 -Five. 69 00:04:20,766 --> 00:04:24,233 -So he's got a bit of a head start. 70 00:04:24,333 --> 00:04:26,266 Before I try and catch lunch, 71 00:04:26,366 --> 00:04:30,700 I need some target practice, and Saru is full of surprises. 72 00:04:30,800 --> 00:04:34,200 He grabs a pineapple from the stern. 73 00:04:34,300 --> 00:04:35,733 What are you going to do with that? 74 00:04:35,833 --> 00:04:42,133 ♪♪ 75 00:04:42,233 --> 00:04:43,966 So go on, tell me what you -- 76 00:04:45,900 --> 00:04:48,200 -[ Laughs ] -Yeah, great. 77 00:04:51,866 --> 00:04:52,866 Should I have a go? 78 00:04:52,966 --> 00:04:55,033 -Yes. -Aiming at the pineapple? 79 00:04:59,400 --> 00:05:01,600 It was close. 80 00:05:07,433 --> 00:05:09,200 And just when it looks hopeless... 81 00:05:11,700 --> 00:05:13,600 Third time lucky. 82 00:05:15,433 --> 00:05:17,566 Oh! 83 00:05:17,666 --> 00:05:20,033 Oh, my God! I split the arrow as well. 84 00:05:20,133 --> 00:05:21,966 That was a real Kevin Costner moment. 85 00:05:22,066 --> 00:05:26,000 I split the arrow on the pineapple. 86 00:05:26,100 --> 00:05:29,800 -[ Speaks native language ] 87 00:05:29,900 --> 00:05:31,533 -Let's go and find these fish, Saru. 88 00:05:31,633 --> 00:05:36,666 ♪♪ 89 00:05:36,766 --> 00:05:38,900 You spot them, I'll hit them. 90 00:05:46,100 --> 00:05:47,566 Straight over the top. 91 00:05:49,833 --> 00:05:50,866 Ohh. 92 00:05:50,966 --> 00:05:53,133 Tell you what, that was close, man. 93 00:05:57,100 --> 00:06:00,333 I think it's a piranha. 94 00:06:03,333 --> 00:06:06,866 Missed it. Oh! Damn it! 95 00:06:06,966 --> 00:06:08,566 If it was up to me to put food on the table, 96 00:06:08,666 --> 00:06:12,533 we'd starve to death. I'm so sorry. 97 00:06:12,633 --> 00:06:16,133 And now Saru's going to show me how it's done. 98 00:06:18,866 --> 00:06:20,266 -Yes! 99 00:06:20,366 --> 00:06:23,766 -We have got lunch, Saru. 100 00:06:23,866 --> 00:06:25,800 -It's a sizable piranha. 101 00:06:25,900 --> 00:06:29,833 Who needs thousands of pounds of fly fishing gear 102 00:06:29,933 --> 00:06:32,633 when you've created this out of some simple things? 103 00:06:32,733 --> 00:06:35,600 It's amazing, Saru. 104 00:06:35,700 --> 00:06:37,833 A catch that will give us sustenance 105 00:06:37,933 --> 00:06:40,200 before we head further upriver. 106 00:06:43,533 --> 00:06:49,700 ♪♪ 107 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:53,000 I'm continuing my journey in the Amazon. 108 00:06:55,466 --> 00:06:59,533 I'm back on the boat that's been home for the past five days. 109 00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:08,066 As dawn breaks, the weather takes a dramatic turn. 110 00:07:08,166 --> 00:07:09,566 Oh, my gosh. 111 00:07:09,666 --> 00:07:11,433 Well, you never know what's around the corner on the Amazon. 112 00:07:11,533 --> 00:07:13,233 And we are just being battered 113 00:07:13,333 --> 00:07:16,766 by a storm of biblical proportions. 114 00:07:16,866 --> 00:07:20,133 This violent squall has hit us out of nowhere. 115 00:07:22,833 --> 00:07:26,833 And the crew are struggling to control our flat-bottomed boat. 116 00:07:26,933 --> 00:07:29,566 We're in danger of being blown aground. 117 00:07:29,666 --> 00:07:32,600 So it's batten down the hatches. All hands to the pump! 118 00:07:32,700 --> 00:07:33,966 Teotoni, bless him, 119 00:07:34,066 --> 00:07:37,933 he's on our starboard side, using his boat as a tug. 120 00:07:41,033 --> 00:07:44,666 The force of the rain is more torrential than any downfall 121 00:07:44,766 --> 00:07:46,366 I've ever witnessed. 122 00:07:46,466 --> 00:07:51,466 ♪♪ 123 00:07:51,566 --> 00:07:56,500 ♪♪ 124 00:07:56,600 --> 00:07:59,000 But it's short lived. 125 00:07:59,100 --> 00:08:05,800 Finally, lines are tied ashore and the big boat is safe. 126 00:08:05,900 --> 00:08:07,566 Despite the deluge, 127 00:08:07,666 --> 00:08:10,266 the Amazon is in desperate need of more rain. 128 00:08:10,366 --> 00:08:12,866 The region is suffering an extreme drought, 129 00:08:12,966 --> 00:08:17,933 and the river is at its lowest level in over 120 years. 130 00:08:18,033 --> 00:08:19,566 It will take many months, 131 00:08:19,666 --> 00:08:21,500 maybe even years of rainfall 132 00:08:21,600 --> 00:08:24,833 to restore the river to its previous water level. 133 00:08:28,333 --> 00:08:30,900 All along the Amazon are hundreds of communities 134 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:34,233 living on the river, depending on it for their food, 135 00:08:34,333 --> 00:08:37,400 water, transport, and work. 136 00:08:40,600 --> 00:08:42,666 Today, I'm heading off the beaten track 137 00:08:42,766 --> 00:08:47,633 to explore this unique way of life. 138 00:08:47,733 --> 00:08:49,533 So tell me, where are we headed today, Saru? 139 00:08:49,633 --> 00:08:50,666 Where are we going? 140 00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:53,233 Yes? -Yes. 141 00:08:53,333 --> 00:08:56,133 -Is this the type of village and community you grew up on? 142 00:08:58,700 --> 00:09:01,966 In your lifetime, have you ever seen the river this low? 143 00:09:11,133 --> 00:09:12,866 -The floating village of Catalao 144 00:09:12,966 --> 00:09:15,766 is normally connected to the main river. 145 00:09:15,866 --> 00:09:20,833 But shockingly, now it's landlocked. 146 00:09:20,933 --> 00:09:24,100 To get to it, we have to walk over dry land 147 00:09:24,200 --> 00:09:27,766 that should be riverbed. 148 00:09:27,866 --> 00:09:30,500 -Oh. -Careful with your step. 149 00:09:30,600 --> 00:09:33,233 Cassioni. -Cassioni. Bom dia. 150 00:09:33,333 --> 00:09:35,133 My guide is Cassioni. 151 00:09:35,233 --> 00:09:38,433 She lives here with her husband and three children. 152 00:09:42,233 --> 00:09:43,900 As we approach the village, 153 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:47,966 the full impact of the drought becomes obvious. 154 00:09:48,066 --> 00:09:52,700 Houses that should be floating are high and dry. 155 00:09:52,800 --> 00:09:54,800 But thanks to a dam that the locals have built 156 00:09:54,900 --> 00:10:00,033 to divert the river, some of the houses remain afloat. 157 00:10:00,133 --> 00:10:02,066 Cassioni tells us that this is 158 00:10:02,166 --> 00:10:05,866 how her village should look even in the dry season. 159 00:10:09,700 --> 00:10:10,633 Catalao Village. 160 00:10:10,733 --> 00:10:13,166 -Yeah. This is the name. 161 00:10:13,266 --> 00:10:15,066 -It's very beautiful. 162 00:10:15,166 --> 00:10:22,600 ♪♪ 163 00:10:22,700 --> 00:10:26,000 Around 120 families have made their homes here 164 00:10:26,100 --> 00:10:28,000 and earn their living from fishing, 165 00:10:28,100 --> 00:10:30,000 farming, and running boats. 166 00:10:30,100 --> 00:10:33,566 For you, what's the best part of living life 167 00:10:33,666 --> 00:10:35,300 floating on the Amazon? 168 00:10:35,400 --> 00:10:38,733 -[ Speaks Portuguese ] 169 00:10:38,833 --> 00:10:40,966 -I can imagine there's very little stress 170 00:10:41,066 --> 00:10:43,700 in this community with the sights and the sounds 171 00:10:43,800 --> 00:10:46,600 and the rhythm of the water. -[ Speaks Portuguese ] 172 00:10:50,133 --> 00:10:54,566 ♪♪ 173 00:10:54,666 --> 00:10:57,633 -Well, every village has a guard dog. 174 00:10:57,733 --> 00:11:00,066 I'm just pleased that one can't swim. 175 00:11:00,166 --> 00:11:05,300 ♪♪ 176 00:11:05,400 --> 00:11:08,300 So I'm seeing a lot of houses, like any village. 177 00:11:08,400 --> 00:11:09,633 Do you have a corner shop? 178 00:11:14,666 --> 00:11:18,200 -There's also a floating church and a school. 179 00:11:18,300 --> 00:11:19,566 -[ Speaks Portuguese ] 180 00:11:20,600 --> 00:11:21,700 -I love it. 181 00:11:21,800 --> 00:11:22,933 How many children go to the school? 182 00:11:23,033 --> 00:11:24,233 -[ Speaks Portuguese ] 183 00:11:25,833 --> 00:11:28,300 Wow. So how do they get to here? 184 00:11:28,400 --> 00:11:29,933 -[ Speaks Portuguese ] 185 00:11:32,833 --> 00:11:34,700 -You're the school bus driver. 186 00:11:34,800 --> 00:11:36,700 You're the school boat driver. 187 00:11:36,800 --> 00:11:38,666 [ Laughter ] 188 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:43,766 In a normal year, 189 00:11:43,866 --> 00:11:47,166 the river level fluctuates 45 feet with the seasons. 190 00:11:47,266 --> 00:11:49,066 Having houses that float 191 00:11:49,166 --> 00:11:52,000 means people can live right by the all-important water 192 00:11:52,100 --> 00:11:55,333 without ever getting flooded. 193 00:11:55,433 --> 00:11:58,233 But today, they have the opposite problem, 194 00:11:58,333 --> 00:12:00,333 with many stranded. 195 00:12:02,800 --> 00:12:07,166 Although for now, Cassioni's house is still on the water. 196 00:12:10,700 --> 00:12:12,600 This is your house? 197 00:12:13,033 --> 00:12:14,733 This is the boat you pick the children up in? 198 00:12:14,833 --> 00:12:19,600 -Sim. -I like it. 199 00:12:19,700 --> 00:12:22,200 Obrigado. Your home. 200 00:12:22,300 --> 00:12:25,433 The families construct the houses on huge tree trunks 201 00:12:25,533 --> 00:12:27,200 to keep them afloat. 202 00:12:31,333 --> 00:12:33,300 I love it. 203 00:12:33,400 --> 00:12:35,466 Cassioni has offered to make us lunch. 204 00:12:35,566 --> 00:12:38,500 On the menu, armor-plated catfish, 205 00:12:38,600 --> 00:12:42,400 a staple dish caught on her doorstep. 206 00:12:42,500 --> 00:12:44,166 Beautiful food, 207 00:12:44,266 --> 00:12:46,866 lovely people with this lovely riverside view. 208 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:51,466 And you're suffering a terrible drought at the moment. 209 00:12:51,566 --> 00:12:55,266 How has that affected you and your family and the village? 210 00:13:11,866 --> 00:13:14,333 If the severe drought continues, it threatens 211 00:13:14,433 --> 00:13:18,033 to leave the many floating villages of the Amazon isolated. 212 00:13:18,133 --> 00:13:20,933 But this morning, the drought is on hold 213 00:13:21,033 --> 00:13:23,533 and the rain is pouring down. 214 00:13:23,633 --> 00:13:25,400 I've enjoyed every second in Catalao. 215 00:13:25,500 --> 00:13:29,433 So beautiful, so friendly, and so welcoming. 216 00:13:29,533 --> 00:13:30,933 Thank you so much. 217 00:13:31,033 --> 00:13:31,933 -[ Speaks Portuguese ] 218 00:13:32,033 --> 00:13:33,666 -Tchau. -Tchau. 219 00:13:33,766 --> 00:13:36,566 -What? Oi, you're coming with me, mate. 220 00:13:36,666 --> 00:13:38,366 We've got places to go, people to see. 221 00:13:38,466 --> 00:13:39,800 Oh, he's having some more fish. 222 00:13:42,533 --> 00:13:44,800 After Saru has finished his catfish, 223 00:13:44,900 --> 00:13:47,233 we motor back to our boat. 224 00:13:47,333 --> 00:13:49,266 As the day draws to a close, 225 00:13:49,366 --> 00:13:54,400 we head off on a moonlit adventure into the unknown. 226 00:13:54,500 --> 00:13:59,566 I'm about to see and hear a whole new side to the Amazon. 227 00:13:59,666 --> 00:14:04,400 [ Animals calling ] 228 00:14:04,500 --> 00:14:06,066 Bloody things. 229 00:14:09,266 --> 00:14:12,033 So we've traveled an hour in the pitch black, 230 00:14:12,133 --> 00:14:15,500 but as the day shift goes to bed, 231 00:14:15,600 --> 00:14:18,166 the night shift clocks on 232 00:14:18,266 --> 00:14:22,100 and you're greeted by really mysterious 233 00:14:22,200 --> 00:14:24,566 and sometimes scary sounds. 234 00:14:24,666 --> 00:14:28,733 [ Animals calling ] 235 00:14:28,833 --> 00:14:31,533 The jungle has come alive. 236 00:14:31,633 --> 00:14:33,333 What's making that? 237 00:14:33,433 --> 00:14:35,933 There's a really loud croaking sound. 238 00:14:36,033 --> 00:14:38,533 A frog cannot make that sound. 239 00:14:38,633 --> 00:14:40,966 I didn't believe you were going to say a frog. 240 00:14:41,066 --> 00:14:44,400 I thought it was some kind of huge monkey. 241 00:14:44,500 --> 00:14:45,766 It's a frog. 242 00:14:45,866 --> 00:14:49,266 -Yes. [ Laughs ] 243 00:14:49,366 --> 00:14:52,933 -But we're not here for the frogs. 244 00:14:53,033 --> 00:14:57,333 We're looking for the Amazon's apex predator, the caiman. 245 00:14:59,866 --> 00:15:02,000 Caimans are the South American relative 246 00:15:02,100 --> 00:15:04,366 of alligators and crocodiles. 247 00:15:04,466 --> 00:15:06,833 There are six different caiman species, 248 00:15:06,933 --> 00:15:11,733 and they are found only in Central and South America. 249 00:15:11,833 --> 00:15:14,933 Growing up to 16 feet with a lot of teeth, 250 00:15:15,033 --> 00:15:18,866 black caiman are the largest and the deadliest. 251 00:15:18,966 --> 00:15:21,200 They're near nocturnal, so to find one, 252 00:15:21,300 --> 00:15:23,500 Saru is using powerful torches 253 00:15:23,600 --> 00:15:25,800 which will reflect from the caiman's retina, 254 00:15:25,900 --> 00:15:29,100 giving away their position. 255 00:15:29,200 --> 00:15:35,500 So what we're looking for now are pairs of eyes. 256 00:15:35,600 --> 00:15:37,833 Pairs of yellow eyes. 257 00:15:47,500 --> 00:15:49,000 Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. 258 00:15:49,100 --> 00:15:51,766 Yeah, yeah, yeah. 259 00:15:51,866 --> 00:15:54,366 Can we get any closer to it? 260 00:15:54,466 --> 00:15:55,466 You're going to try and get it? 261 00:15:55,566 --> 00:15:57,400 -Yeah. -What with? 262 00:15:57,500 --> 00:15:59,733 Your bare hands? You've not got a net in the boat. 263 00:16:04,933 --> 00:16:06,700 Where are you going? 264 00:16:06,800 --> 00:16:08,533 -Shake something up in there. 265 00:16:08,633 --> 00:16:11,000 -Are you crazy? There's anaconda, caiman. 266 00:16:11,100 --> 00:16:13,666 There might be a jaguar there. -Yes. 267 00:16:13,766 --> 00:16:16,400 -I'll stay here and look after the boat. 268 00:16:16,500 --> 00:16:18,800 I can't believe he's attempting to catch it 269 00:16:18,900 --> 00:16:21,400 in the pitch black with his bare hands. 270 00:16:22,533 --> 00:16:24,166 Oh, my gosh! 271 00:16:26,333 --> 00:16:28,233 Just like that, he wrestled with a caiman. 272 00:16:28,333 --> 00:16:30,800 Oh, my gosh! Wow. 273 00:16:30,900 --> 00:16:34,400 -See? -Okay, I'll let you -- 274 00:16:34,500 --> 00:16:36,233 I'll let you hold him 275 00:16:36,333 --> 00:16:37,866 because I know they can still give you a nip. 276 00:16:37,966 --> 00:16:40,700 What species is this? 277 00:16:40,800 --> 00:16:42,533 Yeah? 278 00:16:45,066 --> 00:16:47,066 That will be nine feet when it's an adult? 279 00:16:47,166 --> 00:16:49,700 -Yeah. 280 00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:50,766 -That's beautiful. Amazing. 281 00:16:50,866 --> 00:16:52,233 Am I okay to touch its tail? 282 00:16:55,100 --> 00:16:58,533 I'll let you keep ahold of the pointy end. 283 00:16:58,633 --> 00:17:00,733 And what do these species eat? 284 00:17:04,200 --> 00:17:07,566 Yeah. Where is Mum and Dad? 285 00:17:12,733 --> 00:17:14,066 Right. 286 00:17:17,766 --> 00:17:21,233 And are caiman allowed to be hunted still? 287 00:17:21,333 --> 00:17:22,333 Or are they protected? 288 00:17:24,633 --> 00:17:28,400 So when you were growing up, Saru, did you hunt caiman? 289 00:17:31,133 --> 00:17:33,800 So it's just for you now it's catch and release. 290 00:17:33,900 --> 00:17:35,400 -Yeah. -You don't catch and keep. 291 00:17:37,400 --> 00:17:38,666 Sure. 292 00:17:43,900 --> 00:17:46,600 And do you think this small caiman will survive? 293 00:17:51,866 --> 00:17:53,366 What a privilege to be alongside 294 00:17:53,466 --> 00:17:55,333 something like that. It's beautiful. 295 00:17:56,233 --> 00:17:59,300 Yes. Yeah. 296 00:17:59,400 --> 00:18:02,766 Caiman are an Amazon conservation success story. 297 00:18:02,866 --> 00:18:05,800 Having previously become endangered due to poaching, 298 00:18:05,900 --> 00:18:08,466 they are now abundant in the river. 299 00:18:08,566 --> 00:18:10,833 And away he goes. 300 00:18:10,933 --> 00:18:13,533 He'll be back when he's nine feet long. 301 00:18:13,633 --> 00:18:15,133 He'll not forget you in a hurry. 302 00:18:15,233 --> 00:18:17,866 Or me. 303 00:18:17,966 --> 00:18:20,100 I'm so glad I was able to encounter 304 00:18:20,200 --> 00:18:23,933 this fascinating creature. 305 00:18:24,033 --> 00:18:27,433 The near-nocturnal caiman's day may be only just beginning, 306 00:18:27,533 --> 00:18:31,133 but it's time for me to turn in for the night. 307 00:18:35,566 --> 00:18:37,233 Day breaks on the Amazon, 308 00:18:37,333 --> 00:18:40,066 and I'm heading back to Novo Airao, 309 00:18:40,166 --> 00:18:43,566 where I'll travel on one of the few main roads to Manaus. 310 00:18:43,666 --> 00:18:45,466 Which means I have to say goodbye 311 00:18:45,566 --> 00:18:48,100 to the boat and its crew. 312 00:18:48,200 --> 00:18:51,400 -Yeah. Yay! 313 00:18:51,500 --> 00:18:53,433 -The team on board this boat 314 00:18:53,533 --> 00:18:56,733 who put up with us for the past few days 315 00:18:56,833 --> 00:18:58,600 are just the kindest, nicest people 316 00:18:58,700 --> 00:19:01,866 you're ever likely to meet. 317 00:19:01,966 --> 00:19:03,800 -Bye-bye. Thank you for everything. 318 00:19:03,900 --> 00:19:05,466 It's been amazing. 319 00:19:05,566 --> 00:19:08,333 Teotoni, good to see you. Obrigado, man. 320 00:19:08,433 --> 00:19:11,733 And this is going to be a tough goodbye. 321 00:19:11,833 --> 00:19:13,300 Being with you this week has 322 00:19:13,400 --> 00:19:14,966 been a life-changing experience. 323 00:19:15,066 --> 00:19:16,233 And I mean that, brother. 324 00:19:16,333 --> 00:19:17,900 I mean that. I'm not going to say goodbye. 325 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:19,733 I'm going to say goodbye until the next time. 326 00:19:21,166 --> 00:19:23,066 Thank you. Take care. 327 00:19:25,100 --> 00:19:26,100 Tchau. 328 00:19:29,433 --> 00:19:33,866 ♪♪ 329 00:19:33,966 --> 00:19:38,100 I'm up at first light and heading east towards Manaus, 330 00:19:38,200 --> 00:19:40,366 the capital of the Amazonas state. 331 00:19:40,466 --> 00:19:44,333 And on the way, I've got a rendezvous in the rainforest. 332 00:19:47,833 --> 00:19:52,966 Climbing 242 steps to treetop level, 333 00:19:53,066 --> 00:19:57,266 this is the 140-foot high Museu da Amazonia 334 00:19:57,366 --> 00:19:58,900 observation tower. 335 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:02,766 At the top, there's a whole new world to discover. 336 00:20:02,866 --> 00:20:05,700 Haha! 337 00:20:05,800 --> 00:20:08,700 I really am on cloud nine. 338 00:20:08,800 --> 00:20:10,500 Look at that! 339 00:20:12,600 --> 00:20:17,266 At the moment, it's not much of a viewing tower. 340 00:20:17,366 --> 00:20:19,566 But I love what they call the mist here. 341 00:20:19,666 --> 00:20:23,066 The moisture that's generated from all this vegetation. 342 00:20:23,166 --> 00:20:27,366 They call it a flying river. 343 00:20:27,466 --> 00:20:30,800 This flying river of mist carries half of the Amazon's 344 00:20:30,900 --> 00:20:33,433 10 feet of average annual rainfall. 345 00:20:33,533 --> 00:20:39,000 The lifeblood of the most biodiverse environment on Earth. 346 00:20:39,100 --> 00:20:41,666 As the day heats up, the mist evaporates 347 00:20:41,766 --> 00:20:44,700 and the wonders of the rainforest will be revealed. 348 00:20:44,800 --> 00:20:46,533 But for now, 349 00:20:46,633 --> 00:20:50,866 I'm greeted by a beautiful form of natural music. 350 00:20:50,966 --> 00:20:53,833 A wonderful symphony of birdsong. 351 00:20:53,933 --> 00:20:55,366 A lot of birds here. 352 00:20:55,466 --> 00:20:57,466 In fact, there's more bird species here 353 00:20:57,566 --> 00:21:00,000 than anywhere else in the world. 354 00:21:03,766 --> 00:21:07,033 It's estimated that around 1,500 different bird species 355 00:21:07,133 --> 00:21:08,766 live in the Amazon, 356 00:21:08,866 --> 00:21:15,933 including majestic toucans, hummingbirds, and harpy eagles, 357 00:21:16,033 --> 00:21:18,500 and many of them live in the canopy layer 358 00:21:18,600 --> 00:21:20,766 at the top of the trees. 359 00:21:23,066 --> 00:21:25,000 I wonder what they're saying. 360 00:21:25,100 --> 00:21:27,733 I'd love to know. 361 00:21:27,833 --> 00:21:30,466 Well, luckily I'm about to meet a man 362 00:21:30,566 --> 00:21:34,766 who really can talk to the animals. 363 00:21:34,866 --> 00:21:38,433 Dr. Mario Cohn-Haft has spent a lifetime studying 364 00:21:38,533 --> 00:21:41,733 the incredible diversity of the Amazon's birds. 365 00:21:41,833 --> 00:21:45,900 -Robson. Great to meet you. -Good to see you. 366 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:47,366 -Welcome to my back garden. 367 00:21:47,466 --> 00:21:49,166 -Yeah. 368 00:21:49,266 --> 00:21:50,833 Of all the creatures in all the world, 369 00:21:50,933 --> 00:21:52,400 why birds, Dr. Mario? 370 00:21:52,500 --> 00:21:53,966 -Why doesn't everyone want to study birds? 371 00:21:54,066 --> 00:21:56,233 I don't get it. I mean, they fly. 372 00:21:56,333 --> 00:21:57,966 That ought to be good enough, right? 373 00:21:58,066 --> 00:22:00,333 They sing. They make music. They dance. 374 00:22:00,433 --> 00:22:03,200 There's nothing bad about a bird. 375 00:22:03,300 --> 00:22:04,833 -Which is certainly true. 376 00:22:04,933 --> 00:22:06,833 But until the mist clears, 377 00:22:06,933 --> 00:22:10,000 we can't see the extraordinary range of Amazonian plumage 378 00:22:10,100 --> 00:22:12,033 that I've been promised. 379 00:22:12,133 --> 00:22:14,033 We can hear them, though. 380 00:22:14,133 --> 00:22:16,066 And Dr. Mario has a clever trick 381 00:22:16,166 --> 00:22:19,066 to entice them out of the forest. 382 00:22:19,166 --> 00:22:22,366 -I happen to have an MP3 recording on my phone. 383 00:22:22,466 --> 00:22:24,433 -Let's give it a go. Let's talk to the animals. 384 00:22:24,533 --> 00:22:26,100 Come on. 385 00:22:26,200 --> 00:22:27,866 -These are macaws. 386 00:22:27,966 --> 00:22:33,733 [ Macaw calls play ] 387 00:22:33,833 --> 00:22:36,866 -We don't have long to wait 388 00:22:36,966 --> 00:22:40,000 before an answer comes back through the mist. 389 00:22:40,100 --> 00:22:45,866 And as it starts to clear, suddenly, there they are. 390 00:22:45,966 --> 00:22:47,666 -Yeah. They're flying toward us. 391 00:22:47,766 --> 00:22:49,166 Below us, below us. 392 00:22:49,266 --> 00:22:51,533 -Oh, my Lord, look at that. 393 00:22:51,633 --> 00:22:54,000 Oh, wow. -That was something, huh? 394 00:22:54,100 --> 00:22:58,000 -Wow. Oh, that was joyous, man. 395 00:22:58,100 --> 00:23:00,700 I'm loving this. 396 00:23:00,800 --> 00:23:02,666 Known for their bright colors, 397 00:23:02,766 --> 00:23:05,466 macaws are the largest parrots in the world 398 00:23:05,566 --> 00:23:08,300 and can live up to 50 years. 399 00:23:08,400 --> 00:23:09,666 Do you know what? 400 00:23:09,766 --> 00:23:11,333 I can see blue sky. 401 00:23:14,900 --> 00:23:16,800 The lifting of the morning mist 402 00:23:16,900 --> 00:23:20,200 reveals a whole array of the forest's birds. 403 00:23:20,300 --> 00:23:24,600 -I just spotted a puffbird. 404 00:23:24,700 --> 00:23:26,100 -Oh, wow. 405 00:23:28,466 --> 00:23:31,333 -It's got a heavy bill on it. 406 00:23:31,433 --> 00:23:34,000 That is for catching big insects, 407 00:23:34,100 --> 00:23:39,066 big beetles and caterpillars and things like that. 408 00:23:39,166 --> 00:23:41,100 -And then suddenly, 409 00:23:41,200 --> 00:23:44,933 overhead, we're surrounded by whirling yellow-headed vultures. 410 00:23:45,033 --> 00:23:54,200 ♪♪ 411 00:23:54,300 --> 00:23:58,000 The study of birds in the Amazon is particularly important. 412 00:23:58,100 --> 00:24:00,533 They're known as a sentinel species, 413 00:24:00,633 --> 00:24:04,900 meaning that they reflect the overall health of the ecosystem. 414 00:24:08,666 --> 00:24:10,966 Oh, my goodness, what is this I'm seeing here? 415 00:24:11,066 --> 00:24:12,600 Iridescent green with a black head. 416 00:24:12,700 --> 00:24:14,300 What is that? 417 00:24:14,400 --> 00:24:16,766 -This is called a violaceous trogon. 418 00:24:16,866 --> 00:24:17,866 Gorgeous, aren't they? 419 00:24:17,966 --> 00:24:20,766 -I'm now a big fan of the trogon. 420 00:24:23,533 --> 00:24:27,900 What an extraordinary experience this has proved to be. 421 00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:30,166 It's been an absolute privilege. 422 00:24:30,266 --> 00:24:32,533 I have enjoyed every second. 423 00:24:32,633 --> 00:24:34,466 I wish you'd been my teacher at school 424 00:24:34,566 --> 00:24:36,200 because I wouldn't have turned out being an actor. 425 00:24:36,300 --> 00:24:37,766 I'd have been an ornithologist. 426 00:24:37,866 --> 00:24:39,633 -And it's been a real pleasure. 427 00:24:41,900 --> 00:24:44,066 -I could have stayed there forever, 428 00:24:44,166 --> 00:24:47,433 but it's now time to make my way out of the rainforest 429 00:24:47,533 --> 00:24:50,533 and back towards civilization. 430 00:24:52,866 --> 00:24:57,066 On the edge of this sea of trees is Manaus. 431 00:24:57,166 --> 00:25:00,733 The final approach to the city is spectacular. 432 00:25:04,100 --> 00:25:06,666 This is the Rio Negro Bridge. 433 00:25:06,766 --> 00:25:09,766 At 2 miles long and 600 feet high, 434 00:25:09,866 --> 00:25:12,800 it's the only major bridge across the Amazon. 435 00:25:12,900 --> 00:25:19,533 ♪♪ 436 00:25:19,633 --> 00:25:25,100 Manaus was once known as the Paris of the tropics. 437 00:25:25,200 --> 00:25:27,766 The main plaza is the old cultural center, 438 00:25:27,866 --> 00:25:30,900 and overlooking it is one of the most famous restaurants 439 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:33,400 in the city, which specializes in using 440 00:25:33,500 --> 00:25:38,133 the lesser-known fruits of the rainforest. 441 00:25:38,233 --> 00:25:42,000 So I'm off to a real gem of Amazonian cuisine, 442 00:25:42,100 --> 00:25:46,733 where apparently every bite tells a story of this unique 443 00:25:46,833 --> 00:25:48,500 and bountiful land. 444 00:25:54,733 --> 00:25:57,766 Caxiri, named after the alcoholic beverage made 445 00:25:57,866 --> 00:26:00,633 from fermented cassava juice. 446 00:26:00,733 --> 00:26:03,266 It's the vision of head chef Debora Shornik, 447 00:26:03,366 --> 00:26:05,333 and after the lunchtime rush, 448 00:26:05,433 --> 00:26:07,733 she's showing me how she uses the abundance 449 00:26:07,833 --> 00:26:10,733 of plants growing in the Amazon. 450 00:26:10,833 --> 00:26:12,766 Bonjour. -Olá! 451 00:26:12,866 --> 00:26:15,866 -[ Speaks Portuguese ] Robson. 452 00:26:29,433 --> 00:26:31,066 That's really nice. 453 00:26:31,166 --> 00:26:33,633 It's like a really powerful watercress. 454 00:26:33,733 --> 00:26:36,800 Debora's ingredients are a snapshot of the huge wealth 455 00:26:36,900 --> 00:26:39,833 of edible plants found in the Amazon, 456 00:26:39,933 --> 00:26:42,100 and they're full of extraordinary flavors, 457 00:26:42,200 --> 00:26:44,866 like these butterfly pea flowers. 458 00:26:44,966 --> 00:26:46,800 Wow. 459 00:26:46,900 --> 00:26:49,566 And that is definitely a tango on the taste buds. 460 00:26:49,666 --> 00:26:51,366 Beautiful. 461 00:26:51,466 --> 00:26:53,300 I've never tasted anything like that before, 462 00:26:53,400 --> 00:26:56,466 and it's really fresh and it gives you a lift. 463 00:27:04,300 --> 00:27:07,266 Have indigenous people known about all of these ingredients 464 00:27:07,366 --> 00:27:10,633 for thousands of years, and we are just discovering them now? 465 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:25,133 And the Amazonian flavors 466 00:27:25,233 --> 00:27:27,900 continue with the salad dressing. 467 00:27:33,166 --> 00:27:34,533 That's passion fruit. 468 00:27:36,166 --> 00:27:38,666 I said it with 100% confidence, totally wrong. 469 00:27:46,133 --> 00:27:48,233 I've eaten lots of nutty cassava root, 470 00:27:48,366 --> 00:27:51,566 but had no idea its juice can be so tart. 471 00:27:51,666 --> 00:27:54,200 As well as being added to the salad, 472 00:27:54,300 --> 00:27:56,800 tucupi is also used to make ceviche, 473 00:27:56,900 --> 00:28:00,300 curing the raw fish with its natural acidity, 474 00:28:00,400 --> 00:28:03,466 and it's finished off with a bit of seasoning. 475 00:28:03,566 --> 00:28:04,900 -[ Speaks Portuguese ] 476 00:28:08,533 --> 00:28:10,833 -Oh, yeah. 477 00:28:10,933 --> 00:28:12,833 Whew. 478 00:28:12,933 --> 00:28:16,500 Yeah. That'll liven it up. 479 00:28:16,600 --> 00:28:18,400 The ingredients Debora uses here 480 00:28:18,500 --> 00:28:20,800 are not widely known outside of the Amazon. 481 00:28:20,900 --> 00:28:23,266 So even for Brazilians from other states, 482 00:28:23,366 --> 00:28:25,733 there's a surprise on every plate. 483 00:28:25,833 --> 00:28:29,900 Come on, let's sample these delights we've created. 484 00:28:30,000 --> 00:28:32,400 Look at that. 485 00:28:32,500 --> 00:28:34,500 -Obrigado. -Obrigado. 486 00:28:34,600 --> 00:28:37,566 Where does your inspiration come from? 487 00:28:46,166 --> 00:28:48,800 Wow. That's so good. That's so good. 488 00:28:48,900 --> 00:28:50,500 -Gusto. 489 00:28:50,600 --> 00:28:53,633 -And do you think that's one of the main reasons 490 00:28:53,733 --> 00:28:56,466 your restaurant is such a success? 491 00:28:56,566 --> 00:28:58,700 That there is a story behind every meal? 492 00:29:10,533 --> 00:29:12,633 Amazing. Absolutely amazing. 493 00:29:12,733 --> 00:29:15,466 It's lovely to meet you. Thank you so much. 494 00:29:15,566 --> 00:29:17,733 The food is exquisite. It really is. 495 00:29:17,833 --> 00:29:20,500 -Muito obrigado. 496 00:29:20,600 --> 00:29:23,500 -What a way to explore the flavors of the region. 497 00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:26,133 Skillfully combined to make the most delicious 498 00:29:26,233 --> 00:29:30,733 and surprising food as exotic as the Amazon itself. 499 00:29:33,133 --> 00:29:37,300 ♪♪ 500 00:29:37,400 --> 00:29:42,700 I've been losing myself in the heart of the Amazon. 501 00:29:42,800 --> 00:29:45,533 And before I leave this incredible ecosystem, 502 00:29:45,633 --> 00:29:47,400 I'm going back to try 503 00:29:47,500 --> 00:29:49,966 and get a closer look at the extraordinary pink dolphins 504 00:29:50,066 --> 00:29:52,366 that play in the Amazon River. 505 00:29:52,466 --> 00:29:57,266 ♪♪ 506 00:29:57,366 --> 00:30:00,200 This morning I hope to come face to face with the creature 507 00:30:00,300 --> 00:30:05,066 they call in this part of the world boto. 508 00:30:05,166 --> 00:30:07,366 It's a mysterious animal 509 00:30:07,466 --> 00:30:10,733 that seduces you into its watery kingdom. 510 00:30:14,933 --> 00:30:17,233 Also known as the pink river dolphin, 511 00:30:17,333 --> 00:30:22,233 this elusive mammal calls the Amazon home, 512 00:30:22,333 --> 00:30:25,700 the largest freshwater dolphin in the world. 513 00:30:25,800 --> 00:30:29,933 A vulnerable species facing a high risk of extinction. 514 00:30:30,033 --> 00:30:33,600 I've been told there's a pod an hour upstream. 515 00:30:33,700 --> 00:30:34,933 They are beautiful creatures. 516 00:30:35,033 --> 00:30:37,200 -They are beautiful. 517 00:30:37,300 --> 00:30:38,333 -Guiding us there, 518 00:30:38,433 --> 00:30:41,666 leading scientist Vera da Silva. 519 00:30:41,766 --> 00:30:44,600 -They are very kind creatures, 520 00:30:44,700 --> 00:30:50,200 but they are powerful and they are wild. 521 00:30:50,300 --> 00:30:52,100 -She's a biologist 522 00:30:52,200 --> 00:30:56,500 who has been studying dolphins for over 40 years. 523 00:30:56,600 --> 00:30:58,533 She's taking me to a feeding station 524 00:30:58,633 --> 00:31:01,800 to check on a pod that are part of her study. 525 00:31:01,900 --> 00:31:08,000 ♪♪ 526 00:31:08,100 --> 00:31:13,433 Ah, there they are. Will you look at that? 527 00:31:13,533 --> 00:31:15,700 -We have four dolphins in here. 528 00:31:15,800 --> 00:31:17,700 -I forgot how big they were. 529 00:31:17,800 --> 00:31:19,300 My goodness. 530 00:31:21,833 --> 00:31:24,233 Adult males are larger than females 531 00:31:24,333 --> 00:31:29,766 and can reach lengths of up to nine feet and weigh 400 pounds, 532 00:31:29,866 --> 00:31:33,466 feeding primarily on a wide variety of fish and crustaceans 533 00:31:33,566 --> 00:31:35,300 found in the Amazon. 534 00:31:39,366 --> 00:31:42,033 So tell me about the work you do. 535 00:31:42,133 --> 00:31:45,633 -We are monitoring the movements of these animals 536 00:31:45,733 --> 00:31:51,000 and making a catalog to identify each animal. 537 00:31:53,566 --> 00:31:55,666 -By tagging and tracking the dolphins, 538 00:31:55,766 --> 00:31:58,433 Vera gets a better understanding of their numbers, 539 00:31:58,533 --> 00:32:03,133 habitats, and reproduction rate. 540 00:32:03,233 --> 00:32:06,766 So what hopes do you have for these beautiful creatures? 541 00:32:06,866 --> 00:32:10,600 -I'm not the most optimistic person. 542 00:32:10,700 --> 00:32:13,866 First, you see the climate change 543 00:32:13,966 --> 00:32:16,433 and a lot of fish also dying 544 00:32:16,533 --> 00:32:22,200 because of the increase of the temperature in the water. 545 00:32:22,300 --> 00:32:24,466 Consequences of the fishery, 546 00:32:24,566 --> 00:32:33,066 young ones die in nets and also the change of the environment. 547 00:32:33,166 --> 00:32:36,100 -The recent severe drought has hit hard. 548 00:32:36,200 --> 00:32:39,500 Photographs of around 100 pink dolphins killed 549 00:32:39,600 --> 00:32:42,866 after low water levels heated up to an intolerable level 550 00:32:42,966 --> 00:32:45,533 hit the headlines just before I came here. 551 00:32:45,633 --> 00:32:47,433 -We are facing things 552 00:32:47,533 --> 00:32:52,266 that we never dreamed to see, areas completely dry. 553 00:32:54,500 --> 00:32:55,900 -As well as climate change, 554 00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:58,166 mass forest clearance and mining 555 00:32:58,266 --> 00:33:00,700 are also disrupting dolphin habitats 556 00:33:00,800 --> 00:33:04,400 and reducing their numbers. 557 00:33:04,500 --> 00:33:09,566 -People need to help to protect not only the dolphins, 558 00:33:09,666 --> 00:33:15,633 but the rivers, the Amazon, the whole ecosystem. 559 00:33:15,733 --> 00:33:18,300 -Biologists like Vera are doing all they can 560 00:33:18,400 --> 00:33:22,266 to raise awareness of the plight of this incredible species, 561 00:33:22,366 --> 00:33:25,533 and it's hoped future campaigns can educate communities 562 00:33:25,633 --> 00:33:30,966 to understand their importance and help their survival. 563 00:33:31,066 --> 00:33:37,800 -We are working hard and fighting to preserve not only 564 00:33:37,900 --> 00:33:43,566 the dolphins, but the whole Amazon and their biodiversity. 565 00:33:43,666 --> 00:33:45,566 -As long as there's people like you around 566 00:33:45,666 --> 00:33:50,666 making us understand their behavior and their needs, 567 00:33:50,766 --> 00:33:52,400 there's always optimism. 568 00:33:52,500 --> 00:33:55,133 There's always hope. Lovely to meet you. 569 00:33:55,233 --> 00:33:57,900 -Lovely to meet you. Thank you. -Thank you. 570 00:34:00,900 --> 00:34:04,533 My time exploring the Amazon is almost over. 571 00:34:04,633 --> 00:34:10,166 ♪♪ 572 00:34:10,266 --> 00:34:15,766 ♪♪ 573 00:34:15,866 --> 00:34:17,733 They say in this part of the world, 574 00:34:17,833 --> 00:34:20,866 there are still communities living in complete harmony 575 00:34:20,966 --> 00:34:24,166 with the rainforest and the river in a way 576 00:34:24,266 --> 00:34:27,000 that's existed for thousands of years. 577 00:34:30,700 --> 00:34:34,200 There are over 350 different ethnic groups living 578 00:34:34,300 --> 00:34:39,866 in the rainforest, almost 10% of the Amazonian population. 579 00:34:39,966 --> 00:34:43,833 Around 60 of these groups remain totally uncontacted. 580 00:34:43,933 --> 00:34:50,433 But some welcome visitors to share their unique way of life. 581 00:34:50,533 --> 00:34:52,900 And this morning, I'm off to meet some people 582 00:34:53,000 --> 00:34:56,100 who've been doing just that. 583 00:34:56,200 --> 00:34:59,833 They're called the Tuyuka tribe. 584 00:34:59,933 --> 00:35:02,333 They're an indigenous community 585 00:35:02,433 --> 00:35:04,733 who relocated to the edge of the forest 586 00:35:04,833 --> 00:35:06,733 to be nearer civilization 587 00:35:06,833 --> 00:35:10,166 so they could make contact with the rest of humanity. 588 00:35:12,600 --> 00:35:15,000 You see the kids in the distance. 589 00:35:15,100 --> 00:35:16,733 Not a bad playground. 590 00:35:16,833 --> 00:35:23,700 ♪♪ 591 00:35:23,800 --> 00:35:26,533 The head of the village has come to greet me. 592 00:35:26,633 --> 00:35:29,600 What an honor. 593 00:35:29,700 --> 00:35:35,566 Robson. Pleasure to meet you. 594 00:35:35,666 --> 00:35:38,066 Thank you for inviting me to your village 595 00:35:38,166 --> 00:35:41,400 and coming to meet your people. 596 00:35:41,500 --> 00:35:42,633 Thank you. 597 00:35:46,666 --> 00:35:50,333 The Tuyuka people originate from a remote area of rainforest 598 00:35:50,433 --> 00:35:52,633 near the Colombian border. 599 00:35:52,733 --> 00:35:57,133 They relocated to this stretch of river around 20 years ago. 600 00:35:57,233 --> 00:35:59,500 Nice to meet you. Good to meet you, man. 601 00:35:59,600 --> 00:36:00,800 Good to meet you. 602 00:36:00,900 --> 00:36:09,833 ♪♪ 603 00:36:09,933 --> 00:36:15,066 Today it's believed around 600 live in Brazil. 604 00:36:15,166 --> 00:36:17,266 The Tuyuka welcome visitors in order 605 00:36:17,366 --> 00:36:19,166 to keep their culture alive. 606 00:36:19,266 --> 00:36:23,100 And I'm being treated to some traditional dishes. 607 00:36:23,200 --> 00:36:27,133 Cassava, soup, and stew are all on offer. 608 00:36:31,366 --> 00:36:35,100 Does it all -- most of it come from the forest and the river? 609 00:36:45,900 --> 00:36:47,233 May I try this? 610 00:36:51,400 --> 00:36:52,966 I like that. 611 00:36:53,066 --> 00:36:55,333 That's all sorts of spices in it. 612 00:37:10,433 --> 00:37:12,566 And that couldn't be more true. 613 00:37:12,666 --> 00:37:16,066 My next dish, maniuara ants, 614 00:37:16,166 --> 00:37:18,433 a staple food for many indigenous groups 615 00:37:18,533 --> 00:37:21,866 in the Amazon, providing valuable protein. 616 00:37:21,966 --> 00:37:25,100 Well, I've come here to learn the ways of the tribe. 617 00:37:25,200 --> 00:37:27,166 So here we go. 618 00:37:27,266 --> 00:37:28,400 Down the hatch. 619 00:37:31,100 --> 00:37:32,233 Mmm. 620 00:37:34,000 --> 00:37:36,533 Oh. They're nice. 621 00:37:36,633 --> 00:37:38,233 They're really okay. 622 00:37:38,333 --> 00:37:40,566 And I suspect very, very good for you. 623 00:37:40,666 --> 00:37:43,233 All washed down with some Tuyuka caxiri, 624 00:37:43,333 --> 00:37:46,966 home brew made from that versatile cassava root. 625 00:37:47,066 --> 00:37:48,966 Oh, it's got a kick to it, hasn't it? 626 00:37:49,066 --> 00:37:52,966 A drink that is offered on special occasions. 627 00:37:53,066 --> 00:37:54,700 Obrigado. 628 00:37:58,400 --> 00:38:00,966 The Tuyuka are famous for weaving baskets 629 00:38:01,066 --> 00:38:04,033 which are used to filter the juice from fruit. 630 00:38:06,300 --> 00:38:09,500 Wow. Look at him. 631 00:38:09,600 --> 00:38:11,300 I'll catch. 632 00:38:11,400 --> 00:38:13,633 How's that? 633 00:38:13,733 --> 00:38:14,866 Oh. 634 00:38:17,000 --> 00:38:18,600 I'm helping, 635 00:38:18,700 --> 00:38:20,900 if you can call it that, to pick jenipapo, 636 00:38:21,000 --> 00:38:23,633 a fruit native to the rainforest and one 637 00:38:23,733 --> 00:38:27,533 that's used for the tribe's body art. 638 00:38:27,633 --> 00:38:29,533 Tattoo time. Here we go. 639 00:38:29,633 --> 00:38:31,266 Staining the skin black, 640 00:38:31,366 --> 00:38:34,866 they say it'll last, like henna, around two weeks. 641 00:38:34,966 --> 00:38:38,300 The Tuyuka believe the symbols being painted down my back 642 00:38:38,400 --> 00:38:40,500 will protect me against bad spirits 643 00:38:40,600 --> 00:38:44,266 and keep me safe away from home. 644 00:38:44,366 --> 00:38:47,033 Now I've come here to learn about the rainforest 645 00:38:47,133 --> 00:38:48,900 and the people who call it home. 646 00:38:49,000 --> 00:38:51,700 For you, what makes the rainforest and the river 647 00:38:51,800 --> 00:38:53,633 so special and unique? 648 00:39:10,400 --> 00:39:13,633 Is your son not tempted by the bright lights of the city? 649 00:39:33,333 --> 00:39:34,933 It's a very humbling experience, 650 00:39:35,033 --> 00:39:38,800 being within a small community like this, 651 00:39:38,900 --> 00:39:41,500 because you get a definite sense of togetherness. 652 00:39:41,600 --> 00:39:45,633 For a community that for many years has been secluded 653 00:39:45,733 --> 00:39:49,100 to have been so kind to open their doors to me. 654 00:39:49,200 --> 00:39:52,766 And this is one of those memories I shall never forget. 655 00:39:52,866 --> 00:39:57,700 -[ Speaks Portuguese ] -Thank you. 656 00:39:57,800 --> 00:39:59,400 Obrigado. 657 00:40:03,300 --> 00:40:06,800 My majestic journey is coming to an end. 658 00:40:09,066 --> 00:40:11,100 The Tuyuka body art will fade, 659 00:40:11,200 --> 00:40:16,233 but my Amazon experience will last a lifetime. 660 00:40:16,333 --> 00:40:18,633 The sheer size and scale of the rainforest 661 00:40:18,733 --> 00:40:22,466 is absolutely mind blowing. 662 00:40:22,566 --> 00:40:24,466 I've immersed myself in the beauty 663 00:40:24,566 --> 00:40:27,533 and complexity of the Amazon... 664 00:40:27,633 --> 00:40:30,000 Brown River. 665 00:40:30,100 --> 00:40:31,966 Black River. 666 00:40:32,066 --> 00:40:36,366 ...climbed dizzying heights... 667 00:40:36,466 --> 00:40:39,266 Never in my wildest dreams 668 00:40:39,366 --> 00:40:42,766 did I think I'd have the honor and privilege 669 00:40:42,866 --> 00:40:44,566 of doing something like this. 670 00:40:47,500 --> 00:40:51,133 ...come face to face with its precious wildlife. 671 00:40:51,233 --> 00:40:53,300 She's beautiful, isn't she? 672 00:40:53,400 --> 00:40:55,900 Really beautiful. 673 00:40:56,000 --> 00:41:00,100 It's like it's doing tai chi, isn't it? 674 00:41:00,200 --> 00:41:02,966 ...discovered the threats facing its future... 675 00:41:03,066 --> 00:41:06,266 And that's just acres and acres of trees 676 00:41:06,366 --> 00:41:08,733 that have been cut down. 677 00:41:08,833 --> 00:41:11,766 ...and met unforgettable communities 678 00:41:11,866 --> 00:41:14,300 that call the Amazon home. 679 00:41:14,400 --> 00:41:18,333 Get it! Did you see that? Get it! 680 00:41:18,433 --> 00:41:22,933 Incredible people that I'll never forget. 681 00:41:23,033 --> 00:41:26,233 Being with you this week has been a life-changing experience, 682 00:41:26,333 --> 00:41:27,400 and I mean that, brother. 683 00:41:27,500 --> 00:41:28,533 I mean that. 684 00:41:28,633 --> 00:41:34,666 ♪♪ 685 00:41:34,766 --> 00:41:38,266 That's the thing about the Amazon -- gets under your skin, 686 00:41:38,366 --> 00:41:41,700 kind of works its way into your heart 687 00:41:41,800 --> 00:41:43,366 and it stays there forever. 688 00:41:43,466 --> 00:41:51,400 ♪♪ 689 00:41:51,500 --> 00:41:54,566 -♪ Whoa ♪ 690 00:41:54,666 --> 00:41:56,800 [ Singing in Portuguese ] 691 00:41:56,900 --> 00:42:05,966 ♪♪ 692 00:42:06,066 --> 00:42:15,233 ♪♪