Explore the Amazon, Ucayali, and Pacaya Rivers on their way deep into the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, one of Peru´s largest national parks. Go piranha fishing, trek into the dense jungle in search of Amazon wildlife and birds, on night safaris and guided trips, visit local villages and learn about wildlife preservation efforts in Peru’s Amazonia.
ITINERARY HIGH WATER
November – May
DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY – IQUITOS – NAUTA – EMBARCATION – MARANON RIVER – UCAYALI RIVER
Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport. You will then transfer all together by our comfortable private vehicle over the paved road to the city of Nauta, 95 kilometers away. Nauta is literally the “end of the road” where you will embark the Zafiro. Along the way, you will see vibrant “terra firma” (non-flooded forest) and various aspects of daily jungle life.
Nauta is a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River and was the first city founded in the department of Loreto. Once we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at our private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you. Aboard the Zafiro, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your stylish suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for the experienced traveler as yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with Spani style hot water showers, and a private balcony on each suite in the upper deck that we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.
While the Zafiro begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on our third deck. Our bartender will be waiting to serve you with an exotic cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco, the beloved national brandy liquor of Peru. Then, your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife, and vegetation to keep your eye out for, as well as geographical and historical background, and other useful details.
The third deck features an entertainment center which offers use for film presentations, as well as extensive literature about the area (fauna, flora, etc.) There is also a completely equipped bar so you can test any combination of regional and international liquors and aromas that the bartender will be happy to provide for you to enjoy under the spell of the beautiful Amazonian afternoons and night and the sweet breeze of the rainforest. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always at your disposal.
Over the next three days, the Zafiro sails along the largest tributaries of the Amazon River, as well as on the mighty Amazon itself, towards remote destinations visited by only a few of even the world’s most experienced travelers.
Before dinner, participate in our routine safety drill and then head into the air-conditioned Indoor Lounge to meet the cruise director and for your first briefing from our naturalist guides about the adventures ahead.
Welcome Dinner at 8:00 pm. Salute your journey with our fine South American wine that accompanies the Amazonia-influenced cuisine of Jungle Experiences (our menu offers several choices, including a vegetarian option – please let us know any other specific dietary requirements in advance).
DAY 2 – THURSDAY UCAYALI RIVER – YANALLPA RIVER – TAPICHE RIVER – DORADO RIVERS – PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
Yanallpa River Expedition. After breakfast, within the vast Amazon flooded forest, cruise along an amazing black water stream, as your guides tell you about the rainforest. We explore what scientists call a “gallery forest,” because of its narrow vegetation that creates a tunnel of leaves. As we float through this tunnel, our naturalist guides help you to spot parrots, macaws, and fluffy monk saki monkeys in the trees along the riverbanks.
Tapiche River Exploration. On the way back to the Zafiro we are going to explore into Tapiche River and begin our jungle walk guided by our guides to learn about medicinal plants, search for insects, snakes, birds and more. Here, deep in the primary rainforest, your guides identify for you the fruit trees and medicinal plants that comprise the Amazonia’s natural pharmacy. Return to the Zafiro followed by lunch.
Dorado River Exploration and Night Excursion. At 4:00 pm, take a magical journey aboard the skiffs through the “Mirrored Forest” to see towering trees reflected in the black water river, while on the lookout for enchanting parrots, blue-yellow macaws, as well as the great variety of primates and sloths unperturbed by our presence. As we make our way back to the vessel, our guides point out caimans and frogs in the water, and fishing bats overhead. Return to the Zafiro around 7:30 pm followed by a delicious dinner.
DAY 3 – FRIDAY UCAYALI RIVER – YARAPA RIVER – AMAZONAS RIVER – PANGUANA 2ND ZONE EXPEDITION TO THE YARAPA RIVER
We continue exploring the waterways by skiff, to where grey and pink freshwater dolphins swim and play around our boats. The people of the Amazonia believe these very dolphins turn into humans to steal handsome men or pretty women from their villages during celebrations. On this excursion, we will observe monkeys such as brown capuchin and saddle-backed tamarin monkeys, birds such as flycatchers, trogons, woodpeckers and more. Return to the Zafiro at 12:00 pm, and begin sailing down the river, toward Iquitos. Followed by lunch and siesta.
Cooking class experience in Panguana 2nd Zone. We will have our cooking class in a native home with your naturalist guide as an interpreter. We will learn by first-hand about Amazonian cuisine and taste our Amazonian culinary art. Return to the Zafiro. Once we are back on board, the ship continues downstream, sailing toward Iquitos through the night.
Briefing in the Indoor Lounge and recap of your itinerary and wildlife sightings at 7:00 pm. Dinner and Crew Presentation. After dinner, your naturalist guides will introduce the crew members whom you may not have met, as they have been busy “behind the scenes” to create your seamless Jungle Experiences.
DAY 4 – SATURDAY CHECK-OUT – DISEMBARK AT IQUITOS – MANATEE CENTER RESCUE – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Last boat excursion into Itaya River, a tributary that flows into the amazon and where the floating houses of Belen market are located. For a couple of hours, we will explore this amazing tributary viewing the wild Belen market from the river. Return to the ZAFIRO at 11:00 am followed by an early lunch.
Share the last lunch with your fellow passengers, before your onward journey. In route to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have rescued. See how the manatees are cared for and prepared for re-introduction into their natural habitat. Check-in at Iquitos International Airport. Your guides will assist you with the check-in and departure formalities until the time to board your flight back to Lima.
ITINERARY LOW WATER
June – October
DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY IQUITOS – NAUTA – EMBARCATION – MARANON RIVER – UCAYALI RIVER
Our crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, then transfer all together by our comfortable private vehicle over the paved road to the city of Nauta, 95 kilometers away. Nauta is literally the “end of the road” where you will embark the Zafiro. Along the way, you will see vibrant “terra firma” (non-flooded forest) and various aspects of daily jungle life.
Nauta is a small riverside town on the banks of the Marañon River and was the first city founded in the department of Loreto. Once we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at our private port along the shores of the Marañon River where the vessel awaits you.
Aboard the Zafiro, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your stylish suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for the experienced traveler as yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with Spanish style hot water showers, and a private balcony on each suite in the upper deck that we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.
While the Zafiro begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on our third deck. Our bartender will be waiting to serve you with an exotic cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco, the beloved national brandy liquor of Peru. Then, your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife, and vegetation to keep your eye out for, as well as geographical and historical background, and other useful details.
The third deck features an entertainment center which offers use for film presentations, as well as extensive literature about the area (fauna, flora, etc.) There is also a completely equipped bar so you can test any combination of regional and international liquors and aromas that the bartender will be happy to provide for you to enjoy under the spell of the beautiful Amazonian afternoons and night and the sweet breeze of the rainforest. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always at your disposal.
Over the next three days, the Zafiro sails along the largest tributaries of the Amazon River, as well as on the mighty Amazon itself, towards remote destinations visited by only a few of even the world’s most experienced travelers. Before dinner, participate in our routine safety drill and then head into the air-conditioned Indoor Lounge to meet the cruise director and for your first briefing from our naturalist guides about the adventures ahead.
Welcome Dinner at 8:00 pm. Salute your journey with our fine South American wine that accompanies the Amazonia-influenced cuisine of Jungle Experiences (our menu offers several choices, including a vegetarian option – please let us know any other specific dietary requirements in advance).
DAY 2 – THURSDAY UCAYALI RIVER – YANALLPA RIVER – TAPICHE RIVER – DORADO RIVERS PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
Yanallpa River Expedition. After breakfast, within the vast Amazon flooded forest, cruise along an amazing black water stream, as your guides tell you about the rainforest. We explore what scientists call a “gallery forest,” because of its narrow vegetation that creates a tunnel of leaves. As we float through this tunnel, our naturalist guides help you to spot parrots, macaws, and fluffy monk saki monkeys in the trees along the riverbanks.
Tapiche River Exploration. On the way back to the Zafiro we are going to explore into Tapiche River and begin our jungle walk guided by our guides to learn about medicinal plants, search for insects, snakes, birds and more. Here, deep in the primary rainforest, your guides identify for you the fruit trees and medicinal plants that comprise the Amazonia’s natural pharmacy. Return to the Zafiro followed by lunch.
Dorado River Exploration and Night Excursion. At 4:00 pm, take a magical journey aboard the skiffs through the “Mirrored Forest” to see towering trees reflected in the black water river, while on the lookout for enchanting parrots, blue-yellow macaws, as well as the great variety of primates and sloths unperturbed by our presence. As we make our way back to the vessel, our guides point out caimans and frogs in the water, and fishing bats overhead. As we make our way back to Zafiro, the sunset gives us an amazing show. Return to the Zafiro around 6:30, followed by a delicious dinner.
DAY 3 – FRIDAY UCAYALI RIVER -YARAPA RIVER – AMAZONAS RIVER – PANGUANA 2ND ZONE
Expedition to the Yarapa River. We continue exploring the waterways by skiff, to where grey and pink freshwater dolphins swim and play around our boats. The people of the Amazonia believe these very dolphins turn into humans to steal handsome men or pretty women from their villages during celebrations. On this excursion, we will observe monkeys such as brown capuchin and saddle-backed tamarin monkeys, birds such as flycatchers, trogons, woodpeckers and more. Return to the Zafiro at 12:00 pm, and begin sailing down the river, toward Iquitos. Followed by lunch and siesta.
Cooking class experience in Panguana 2nd Zone. We will have our cooking class in a native home with your naturalist guide as the interpreter. We will learn by firsthand about Amazonian cuisine and taste our Amazonian culinary art. Return to the Zafiro. Once we are back on board, the ship continues downstream, sailing toward Iquitos through the night. Briefing in the Indoor Lounge and recap of your itinerary and wildlife sightings at 7:00 pm.
Dinner and Crew Presentation. After dinner, your naturalist guides will introduce the crew members whom you may not have met, as they have been busy “behind the scenes” to create your seamless Jungle Experiences.
DAY 4 – SATURDAY CHECK-OUT – DISEMBARKATION AT IQUITOS – MANATEE RESCUE CENTER – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Last boat excursion into Itaya River, a tributary that flows into the amazon and where the floating houses of Belen market are located. For a couple of hours, we will explore this amazing tributary viewing the wild Belen market from the river.
Return to the ZAFIRO at 11:00 am followed by an early lunch. Share the last lunch with your fellow passengers, before your onward journey. In route to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have rescued. See how the manatees are cared for and prepared for re-introduction into their natural habitat.
Check-in at Iquitos International Airport. Your guides will assist you with the check-in and departure formalities until the time to board your flight back to Lima.
Itinerary addendum
All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change.
Weather
the weather in Iquitos is warm and humid and the temperature varies between 33 °c (90 °f) and 21 °c (70 °f). The rainy (high water) season is from november to may. The dry (low water) season is from june to october. Each season boasts dramatic difference in plants, animals, and weather.
Clothing
light and fresh pieces, blouses, long-sleeved shirts, swimwear, shoes with a soft rubber sole for the boat (rubber boots and rain ponchos are provided by us), cardigan or long-sleeved shirts, wind resistant jackets. The days are hot and humid while the night breeze is fresh.
Insects & mosquitoes
We recommend taking vitamin b or b-15 a few days before arrival to the jungle. These vitamins are the best natural repellent against insect bites. As well, do not forget to bring conventional repellent and cream for bites. Note: please note that changes and adjustments in the itinerary may occur due to weather conditions, river conditions, and/or airline issues. We suggest that you coordinate with anticipation with the airline or travel agency through which you have organized your journey with us.
