Night cruise exploring the wonderful Amazon, Ucayali and Maranon Rivers and its tributaries towards the Sapote River, a buffered zone of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. While the expedition group enters in one of the greatest flooded forests of the world, you will see extraordinary wildlife, many species of primates, hundreds of exotic and colorful birds and groups of pink and grey dolphins only after a single day.
ITINERARY HIGH WATER
November – May
DAY 1 – SATURDAY IQUITOS – AMAZON RIVER
Arrival from Lima (1 hour 25 minute trip to the capital of the Peruvian Amazon). Your guides will be expecting your arrival at the airport. You will then be transferred all together in our comfortable private vehicle over the paved road to the main wharf to board the Zafiro, your home for the next four nights.
Embarkation and check-in aboard the Zafiro. Our qualified staff will introduce you to your stylish suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for the experienced traveler as yourself. Comfortable beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, private bathroom with Spanish style hot water showers, and a private balcony on each suite in the upper deck. During the next five days, the Zafiro will sail the Amazon, Ucayali and Maranon Rivers and their amazing tributaries that are bountiful in wildlife.
While the Zafiro begins its primary navigation, enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the gracefully interior lounge located on the third deck. Our bartender will be waiting to serve you an exotic cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco, the national brandy liquor of Peru. Before the welcome dinner, your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife and vegetation, geographical and historical background, and other useful details. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always at your disposal.
Our vessels have an open policy, so you are welcome to learn about the navigation systems and spend time with the captain at any time. 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).
After the Welcome Dinner, we invite you to the third deck where you can enjoy stargazing while we cruise into the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, or relax with live music performed by our band on board enjoying a varied repertoire of Amazon, national, and international music.
DAY 2 – SUNDAY AMAZON RIVER – YANAYACU OF YACAPANA- AMAZON BIRTH PLACE – PIRANA CREEK- NAUTA CREEK – MARANON RIVER
Yanayacu of Yacapana Exploration. Board our comfortable excursion skiffs for your first adventure. Life jackets, ponchos, rubber boots, and plenty of cold drinking water are always available for you onboard the skiffs. Early birdwatching into the native Kukama Reserve (yanayacu of yucapana). This reserve has about 17 black waters lakes, bountiful in wildlife and home of Ayacucho and San Juan native communities. This morning we will observe monkeys, parrots, macaws and learn more about nature. Breakfast. Our lavish daily buffet breakfast offers a wide selection of traditional dishes, Peruvian specialties, homemade baked goods, and fresh-squeezed juices. Amazon birth place expedition. After breakfast, the Zafiro skirts the edges of Pacaya Samira Reserve, a flooded forest covering five million acres at the headwaters of the Amazon basin.
Board our comfortable excursion skiffs for your expedition on the confluence where the Maranon and Ucayali Rivers join together forming the mighty Amazon River. Nature here appears especially dramatic: birdsong accompanies your morning excursion as you glide past river banks inhabited by large-billed terns, laughing falcons, gray tanagers, and sandpipers, five kinds of parakeets, the exotic short-tailed parrot, and countless other colorful birds. We will explore the first river into the Pacaya and Samiria National Reserve named: piranha creek, in searching for wildlife; this area is known as the parrot-parakeet paradise. Return to the Zafiro at 11:30 followed by lunch, Peruvian inspired midday flares in our air-conditioning dining room, while we start to sail up the Maranon River.
Amazonian Philosophy Lecture. One of our naturalist guides will introduce you to the idiosyncrasy, beliefs and deep thoughts of the Amazonian people, such as the spirituality that is everywhere and not only in human beings.
Late Afternoon excursions to Nauta Creek within Pacaya-Samiria Reserve which is known as the mirrored forest, which makes perfect sense as you gaze upon its glistening black water lagoons. Our naturalist guides use their eagle eyes to help you spot toucans, parrots, and macaws overhead and iguanas, sloths and monkeys among the soaring trees. On the way back to the Zafiro, the glorious sunset is reflected in these glistening waters. Return to the Zafiro.
Perhaps sip a pisco sour on the observation deck with a live music concert from our local band followed by another Peruvian- inspired dinner. Optional Nocturnal boat ride to enjoy the symphony from the night and constellations, as well as search for caimans, tarantulas, boa constrictors and more.
DAY 3 – MONDAY YANAYACU OF PUCATE – YANAYAQUILLO – SAN REGIS (PARQUE NATURAL AMAZONICO) – TIGER RIVER – NAHUAPA
Yanayacu of pucate and Yanayaquillo exploration, followed by delicious breakfast aboard the skiffs. Early in the morning, you will start cruising through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best-preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will use his expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot so we will not be the only one enjoying our happy meal here. Return to the Zafiro at 11:00 to enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a heartwarming siesta. If you want to interact directly with the waters of the Amazon, go out on one of our kayaks. You will even have the opportunity to swim in the river with the famous pink dolphins!
In the afternoon, enjoy a lecture about geographical orientation in our air-conditioned Indoor Lounge. Learn about hydrography of rivers to explore sustainable species according to the natural resources of the area.
San Regis (Parque Natural Amazónico) Expedition. On this late afternoon excursion, you will take a short walk through the forest and overhanging bridges in this beautiful park full of colorful birds that are native to the area. Following this, you will have experience with a native shaman and partake in a tree-planting ceremony. Return to the Zafiro for dinner.
Night excursion into Tiger River to a place called Nahuapa. Tiger River is one of the most important tributaries that flow into the Maranon River owning hundreds of other small rivers flowing into the main Tiger River. We will explore one of those small rivers called Nahuapa to look for caimans, snakes, tarantulas, night monkeys, nocturnal birds such as Boat Billed Herons, Great Potoos and more. Wildlife is always active early in the morning, late afternoon and night, turning into an amazing experience.
DAY 4 – TUESDAY MARANON RIVER – SAMIRIA RIVER – SAN MARTIN OF TIPISHCA
Samiria River expedition. After breakfast, our skiffs skim the Samiria River and its tributaries, where an abundance of wildlife hides in the deep rainforest, such as blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, umbrella birds, monkeys, and river otters, capybaras and more. Return to the Zafiro at 11:00 followed by lunch. Amazon lecture. Learn about where Amazon´s name comes from, and flora and fauna that inhabit it.
Visit Village. Meet the genuinely welcoming people of San Martin de Tipishca kukama Amazonian community at this riverside community. Your naturalist guide acts as interpreter so that you may talk with them about their life along the Amazon. Of course, no one has to interpret these kids’ bright smiles and wide-eyed curiosity for you. This visit also offers an excellent opportunity to buy easy to pack artisanal handicrafts, from painted coconut bowls to surprisingly chic seed bead jewelry.
Tipishca Lake formed over 100 years ago by the Las Piedras River Cutting through the neck of a sharp meander. Lake Tipishca harbors good fish stocks, including piranha and catfish. Birdlife on the lake is plentiful, the lake attracts many species which include, blue and yellow macaw, grey-necked wood-rails, putrescent tiger-herons, wattled jacanas, amazon and pygmy kingfishers, green ibis, black –collared hawk, black-capped mocking thrush, and Yellow-rumped caciques. You might also spot hoatzins; red-capped cardinals, and ringed kingfishers.
Enjoy live music from our local band aboard the Zafiro followed by a splendid dinner.
DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY MARANON RIVER – PAMPA CREEK – SHIRIYACU – CHECK OUT – DISEMBARKATION AT NAUTA – MANATEE RESCUE CENTER – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Pampa creek expedition. Before breakfast early birdwatching. We follow its shoreline, sure to surprise the many species of monkeys and birds, including terns, neo-tropic cormorants, egrets, herons, hawks, and our favorite horned screamers.
Return to the Zafiro followed by breakfast. At 09:00 am, your expedition begins for fishing for the famous piranhas in Shiriyacu stream, and walk into the jungle to meet a local healer to learn about complementary medicine from the amazon and ancestral traditions that we have been losing. This experience will give us the opportunity to formulate questions for the healer and know a bit more about our former traditions. Return to the Zafiro at 11:30 am, followed by an early lunch. Share the last lunch with your fellow passengers, before beginning your homeward journey.
On our way from Nauta back to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) where you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. You will also have the chance to pet and feed these kind manatees. Likewise, there are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture with the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions. We welcome you to donate to this ambitious organization and education center as you wish. Our land personnel will wait for you at the airport to deliver your boarding passes and assist you with departure formalities.
Check-in at Iquitos International Airport at. Our staff will be on hand to assist you with your luggage and check-in at Crnl. FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos. The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and Amazon travel experience with us!
ITINERARY LOW WATER
June – October
DAY 1 – SATURDAY IQUITOS – AMAZON RIVER
Arrival from Lima (1 hour 25-minute trip to the capital of the Peruvian Amazon). Your guides will be expecting your arrival at the airport. You will then be transferred all together in our comfortable private vehicle over the paved road to the main wharf to board the Zafiro, your home or the next four nights.
Embarkation and check in aboard the Zafiro. Our qualified staff will introduce you to your stylish suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for the experienced traveler as yourself. Comfortable beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, private bathroom with Spanish style hot water showers, and a private balcony on each suite in the upper deck.
During the next five days, the Zafiro will sail the Amazon, Ucayali and Maranon Rivers and their amazing tributaries bountiful in wildlife.
While the Zafiro begins its primary navigation, enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the gracefully interior lounge located on the third deck. Our bartender will be waiting to serve you an exotic cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco, the national brandy liquor of Peru. Before the Welcome Dinner, your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife and vegetation, geographical and historical background, and other useful details. Moreover, should you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always at your disposal.
Our vessels have an open policy, so you are welcome to learn about the navigation systems and spend time with the captain at any time.
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). After dinner, we invite you to the third deck where you can enjoy stargazing while we cruise into the depths of the Amazon Rainforest.
DAY 2 – SUNDAY AMAZON RIVER – DESTILLERY – AMAZON BIRTH PLACE – MARANON RIVER – NAUTA CREEK (PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE)
Sunrise over the River. Catch your first glimpse of the Amazon, as you watch the sun come up over this vibrant world of wonderful wildlife. Early birdwatching in the middle of the Amazon River.
This morning we will observe parrots, macaws and learn from nature. Early rising is always rewarding since wildlife is most abundant and active with the rising of the sun. Breakfast. Our lavish daily buffet breakfast offers a wide selection of traditional dishes, Peruvian specialties, homemade baked goods and fresh-squeezed juices.
Amazon birthplace expedition. After breakfast, the Zafiro skirts the edges of Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, a flooded forest covering five million acres at the headwaters of the Amazon basin.
Board our comfortable excursion skiffs for your expedition on the confluence where the Maranon and Ucayali Rivers join together forming the mighty Amazon River. Nature here appears especially dramatic: birdsong accompanies your morning excursion as you glide past river banks inhabited by large-billed terns, laughing falcons, gray tanagers, and sandpipers, five kinds of parakeets, the exotic short-tailed parrot, and countless other colorful birds. We will explore the first river into the Pacaya and Samiria National Reserve named: piranha creek, in searching for wildlife; this area is known as the parrot-parakeet paradise.
Return to the Zafiro at 11:30 am followed by lunch, Peruvian inspired midday flares in our air-conditioning dining room, while we start to sail up the Maranon River.
Amazonian Philosophy Lecture. One of our naturalist guides will introduce you to the idiosyncrasy, beliefs and deep thoughts of the Amazonian people, such as the spirituality that is everywhere and not only on human beings.
Late Afternoon excursions to Nauta Creek within Pacaya-Samiria Reserve which is known as the mirrored forest, which makes perfect sense as you gaze upon its glistening black water lagoons. Our naturalist guides use their eagle eyes to help you spot toucans, parrots, and macaws overhead and iguanas, sloths and monkeys among the soaring trees. On the way back to the Zafiro, the glorious sunset is reflected in these glistening waters. Return to the Zafiro.
Perhaps sip a pisco sour on the observation deck with a live music concert from our local band followed by another Peruvian- inspired dinner. Optional nocturnal boat ride to enjoy the symphony from the night and constellations, as well as search for caimans, tarantulas, boa constrictors and much more.
DAY 3 – MONDAY YANAYACU OF PUCATE – SAN REGIS / PARQUE NATURAL AMAZONICOTIGER RIVER (NAHUAPA) – PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
Yanayacu of Pucate and Yanayaquillo exploration, followed by delicious breakfast aboard the skiffs. Early in the morning, you will start cruising through the Yanayacu and Pucate Rivers, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best-preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will use his expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot so we will not be the only one enjoying our happy meal here. Return to the Zafiro at 11:00 to enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a heartwarming siesta.
If you want to interact directly with the waters of the Amazon, go out on one of our kayaks. You will even have the opportunity to swim in the river along with the famous pink dolphins!
In the afternoon, enjoy a lecture about geographical orientation in our air-conditioned Indoor Lounge. Learn about hydrography of rivers to explore sustainable species according to the natural resources of the area.
San Regis (Parque Natural Amazónico) Expedition. On this late afternoon excursion, you will take a short walk through the forest and overhanging bridges in this beautiful park full of colorful birds that are native to the area. Following this, you will have experience with a native shaman and partake in a tree-planting ceremony. Return to the Zafiro for dinner.
Night excursion into Tiger River to a place called Nahuapa. Tiger River is one of the most important tributaries that flow into the Maranon River owning hundreds of other small rivers flowing into the main Tiger River. We will explore one of those small rivers called Nahuapa to look for caimans, snakes, tarantulas, night monkeys, nocturnal birds such as boat-billed herons-great potoos and more. Wildlife is always active early in the morning, late afternoon and night, turning out into an amazing experience.
DAY 4 – TUESDAY MARANON RIVER – SAMIRIA RIVER – SAN MARTIN OF TIPISHCA
Samiria River expedition. After breakfast, our skiffs skim the Samiria River and its tributaries, where an abundance of wildlife hides in the deep rainforest, such as blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, umbrella birds, monkeys, and river others, capybaras and more. Return to the Zafiro at 11:00 followed by lunch.
Amazon lecture. Learn about where the amazon name comes from, and flora and fauna that inhabit there.
Village Visit. Meet the genuinely welcoming people of San Martin de Tipishca Kukama Amazonian community at this riverside community. Your naturalist guide acts as interpreter so that you may talk with them about their life along the Amazon. Of course, no one has to interpret these kids’ bright smiles and wide-eyed curiosity for you. This visit also offers an excellent opportunity to buy easy to pack artisanal handicrafts, from painted coconut bowls to surprisingly chic seed bead jewelry.
Tipishca Lake formed over 100 years ago by the Las Piedras River Cutting through the neck of a sharp meander. Lake Tipishca harbors good fish stocks, including piranha and catfish. Birdlife on the lake is plentiful, the lake attracts many species which include, blue and yellow macaw, grey-necked wood-rails, putrescent tiger-herons, wattled jacanas, amazon and pygmy kingfishers, green ibis, black –collared hawk, black-capped mocking thrush, and Yellow-rumped caciques. You might also spot hoatzins; red-capped cardinals, and ringed kingfishers.
Enjoy live music from our local band aboard the Zafiro followed by a sumptuous dinner.
DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY MARANON RIVER – CHIRIYACU LAGOON – CHECK OUT – DISEMBARKATION AT NAUTA – CITY TOUR – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Maranon River Exploration. Before breakfast, early birdwatching in our skiff boats among the Maranon River searching for bank species. The Maranon River it has a great outflow and many tributaries which give to its basin bountiful species.
Return to the Zafiro followed by breakfast. At 09:00 am, your expedition begins for fishing for the famous piranhas into Shiriyacu Stream, and walk into the jungle to meet a local healer to learn about complementary medicine from the amazon and ancestral traditions that we have been losing. This experience will give us the opportunity to formulate questions for the healer and know a bit more about our former traditions. Return to the Zafiro at 11:30 am followed by an early lunch. Share the last lunch with your fellow passengers, before beginning your homeward journey.
On our way from Nauta back to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (ACOBIA) where you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. You will also have the chance to pet and feed these kind manatees. Likewise, there are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture with the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions. We welcome you to donate to this ambitious organization and education center as you wish. Our land personnel will wait for you at the airport to deliver your boarding passes and assist you with departure formalities.
Check-in at Iquitos International Airport at. Our staff will be on hand to assist you with your luggage and check-in at Crnl. FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos. The return flight will take you directly to the city of Lima, the capital of Peru. We truly hope that you enjoyed your stay and Amazon travel experience with us!
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 boastsdramatic 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.
