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Capybaras in the water

Amazon Wildlife & Culture Journey-High Water Season

Example 7 Day Cruise aboard Amatista
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Enjoy piranha fishing, a night safari, guided excursions, visits to local communities, and learning about wildlife conservation in Peru's Amazonia on this week-long cruise aboard Amatista. Explore the Amazon, Ucayali, and Pacaya rivers as they meander deep into Peru's Pacaya Samiria Reserve, one of the largest national parks in the country.
Riding a traditional canoe down the riverThe rainforest from abovePink Dolphins swimming in the Amazon RiverIndigenous man hunting in the AmazonCapybaras in the water
Highlights
  • Explore waterways where grey and pink dolphins swim and play
  • Meet and visit with locals and learn about life on the Amazon River
  • Look out for caymans, frogs, tarantulas, snakes and anacondas
  • Visit where the Maranon and Ucayali Rivers join together forming the Amazon
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Iquitos | Nauta | Embark | Marañon River | Nauta Caño

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be waiting for you to start the adventure. You will take a city tour of Iquitos, a colorful, dynamic city with a captivating past. In this tour you will be able to appreciate the most emblematic attractions of the city. Then, you will transfer by private vehicle to the city of Nauta, the historic river port where you will embark. Upon arrival in Nauta (about two hours from Iquitos), you will board Amatista and the staff will accompany you to your cabin. All cabins are specially equipped for you to enjoy the most comfortable stay.

The ship will start sailing down the Marañón River, as the naturalist guides present the trip plan, the routes to follow and the scheduled activities, and the best thing: they will begin to introduce you to the wonderful world of Amazon wildlife. Pay attention to their advice and recommendations, and keep in mind that if you have any doubts or questions, your guides will always be more than happy to assist. After this presentation, enjoy a welcome lunch, your first experience with the delights of regional cuisine. The menu offers several options, including a vegetarian alternative. If you have any particular requirement, please let the crew members know in advance, so that they can attend to it in a timely manner. Before dinner, you will start a night boat excursion to the Nauta Caño area, in search of animals that can only be seen when the sun goes down: alligators, bats, frogs, tarantulas and other species that inhabit the Amazon basin. After this first immersion in the jungle world, you will return to the ship and enjoy dinner and then you can rest and recover energies for the next day.

Day 2: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve | Yanayacu De Pucate | San Regis | Amazonic Natural Park

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, you will organize a fun picnic breakfast on the Yanayacu River in Pucate, one of the best protected and preserved areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This area is often visited by pink dolphins. After, you will take a ride in local canoes and live the experience of paddling in one of the most beautiful aquatic ecosystems in the world. Also, if you want, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the river. Back on the ship, you will have lunch in the dining room, followed by some time to rest, after which your guides will offer a talk about Amazonic philosophy.

Later, you will meet the shaman of the San Regis community, a wise woman from the native community who will share with you her knowledge about the rituals of his ancestors, medicinal plants, and the Amazon worldview. The guides will be the interpreters in case you want to ask questions or make comments to the shaman. After this authentic experience of reflection and spiritual exploration, you will continue with the ceremony of planting a tree, as a contribution to caring for the environment. Back on the boat, you can relax with live music while you wait for dinner. After eating, the guides will indicate the activities of the following day.

Day 3: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve | Amazonic Natural Park | Shiriyacu

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Early dawn in the Amazon has a special charm, it is the perfect moment to sight many animal and insect species. For this reason, on this morning, you also have a boat excursion scheduled before breakfast. This time the destination is Iquitos Brook, a privileged area for sighting numerous endemic species. Back on board, buffet breakfast will be served. After breakfast, you will start a walk through the jungle until you reach the area of the hanging bridges, a set of structures stretched out on top of the trees that will allow you to experience a canopy walk and admire the richness of the jungle from higher grounds.

Before noon, you will return to the ship for lunch on board and then you will have time to rest before the next departure. Later, get ready for the boat expedition to the Shiriyacu stream. Your guides will find the perfect location for piranha fishing, using local equipment and techniques. This area is very popular for spotting pink dolphins. Upon returning to the ship, you can relax even more with live music and comfort yourself with the delicious dinner on board.

Day 4: Nauta | Amazon River | Yacapana Creek

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Early in the morning, you will leave by boat towards Gasparito Brook, a very popular area for bird and primate watching. After breakfast, the bartender awaits you for a Peruvian cocktail demonstration, Pisco Sour, the emblematic drink of Peru. Then, you will continue with a boat excursion to Marayali lagoon, another jewel to appreciate the Amazonian biodiversity, observe the “Victoria Amazónica” or “Victoria Regias”, also known as water lilies, which are the largest aquatic plants on the planet. Before noon, you will return to the ship for lunch on board and then you will have time to rest before the next departure to the Yacapana Creek, in search of new imposing landscapes and more emblematic species of the Amazon.

Before returning to Amatista cruise, you will enjoy the wonderful light and the incomparable colors that unfold in the sky of these latitudes during sunset. You especially recommend that you relax and enjoy this moment, because few experiences compare to contemplating the endless colors on the Amazonian horizon, letting the night come to listen to the prodigious symphony of millions of animals that populate the forests and waters of these jungles. Back on the boat, you will enjoy a peaceful night with music and a replenishing dinner.

Day 5: Ucayali River | Vista Alegre | Yarapa | Ucayali River

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At dawn, you will board the skiffs to visit the banks of the Ucayali River, and observe the beautiful Amazonian birds that fill the dense treetops, a true spectacle of color and life in the heart of the forest. After this exciting ride and back on the boat, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, that offers a daily selection of traditional dishes, Peruvian specialties, freshly baked homemade products and a variety of fresh juices made with exotic fruits that can only be found in the jungle.

Following, you will get ready to start a new excursion by boat, but this time, on the Yarapa River, this area is ideal for spotting toucans, parrots, macaws, iguanas, sloths and monkeys high up in the trees. Back at Amatista cruise, you will enjoy lunch on board followed by a moment of rest, the guides will offer a talk on local Amazonian culture. During the afternoon, you will visit the town of Vista Alegre, to meet the native community and learn about their customs, having the guides as interpreters and translators. Upon return, you can enjoy live music while you wait for dinner on board.

Day 6: Ucamara | Confluence (Origin of the Amazon River) | Cocha Piranha | Casual | Marañon River

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, the guides will offer a talk about the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, one of the most amazing jungle reserves in the world, with forests that remain flooded for much of the year. Later, you will be ready for the boat expedition to the point of confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, the majestic location of the jungle where the Amazon River is born. Before returning to Amatista, you will explore the Piraña Cocha area, looking for more wildlife.

Back on the boat, you will offer lunch and you will have time to rest and prepare for the next adventure: a walk through the winding jungle trails located at the beautiful area of Casual, inhabited by poisonous frogs and countless exotic animal species. In this area you will also observe a variety of giant trees known by the locals as “Avatar”. You can also purchase local handicrafts made by the local women artisans and in this way contribute with their local economy. As you return to Amatista, there will be a special moment to contemplate the majestic Amazon sunset. Late at night, you can listen to some live music before the final presentation of the crew and farewell dinner.

Day 7: Nauta | Disembark | Iquitos | Airport

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning begins quietly with breakfast on board, but becomes exciting with a visit to the city of Nauta, the second largest in the region. Upon arrival, you will reach the city market, where you can interact with locals and learn about the particular commercial circuit of the region. You will visit the stalls of typical food, crafts, aphrodisiac drinks and many more. A true immersion in the life of the Amazonian population.

Back on the ship, you will proceed to disembark. On your way to the airport, visit Amazon Forever Bio Park, also known as Manatees Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for manatees, an endangered species. Learn how manatees are treated and prepared for their return to their natural habitat. Likewise, other animals are also rescued, treated and reinserted in their natural habitat. They actively collaborates with this dedicated organization and think tank. They invite you to do so as well and help this meaningful cause.

Transfer to the airport.

Ship/Hotel

Amatista

The Amatista ship
The Bar of Amatista
Bar & Lounge of Amatista

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,970
Double Cabin
Select a Date
Double Cabin
Cabins of 16m2 / 170 sq ft with two twin beds or one queen bed and private bathroom with shower. Equipped with a desk, wardrobe, chest of drawers, dresser, hairdryer and amenities basket. The cabin has smoke detectors and hot water 24 hours a day.
Simple Cabin
Select a Date
Simple Cabin
Cabins of 16m2 / 170 sq ft with two twin beds or one queen bed and private bathroom with shower. Equipped with a desk, wardrobe, chest of drawers, dresser, hairdryer and amenities basket. The cabin has smoke detectors and hot water 24 hours a day.
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Entrance Fee 
  • All excursions and equipment including rubber boots and rain ponchos
  • Transfers from/to the airport on the recommended flights
  • Natural juices, coffee, infusions are included. One beverage to choose: soda, local beer or one glass of wine is included during lunch and dinner.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Domestic Flights
  • Any additional bar consumptions
  • Cost of medical emergencies (including evacuation)
  • Any additional transportation services

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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