Amazon Journey via Ucayali River - High Water Season

From the airport, travel overland to Nauta, where the elegant Zafiro awaits. After boarding the vessel, meet the crew and settle into your suite, where large windows frame views of the surrounding Amazon landscapes.

Before the ship begins sailing, gather for a welcome cocktail prepared with local Amazonian fruits while enjoying panoramic views from the observation deck or lounge areas. The naturalist guides then introduce the expedition, explaining the unique ecosystems, wildlife species, and river systems you will explore throughout the voyage.

Later in the afternoon, board a skiff and venture into the Yacapana area, where flooded forests and winding waterways create a rich habitat for birds, reptiles, and mammals. As night falls, join a guided nighttime safari and discover the Amazon’s nocturnal world. Using spotlights, your guide searches for caimans along the riverbanks and points out frogs, insects, and other creatures that become active after dark. End the day with a welcome dinner inspired by regional Peruvian and Amazonian flavors.

Begin your second day with an early sunrise skiff excursion to the Yanallpa region along the Ucayali River, located within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Early morning offers one of the best opportunities to observe wildlife. Glide through flooded forests as the skiff moves between the trees, giving you a unique perspective of the Amazon ecosystem.

After returning to the ship for breakfast, continue exploring along the Tapiche River. The quiet channels create excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife while your guides share insights about the delicate balance of life in the Amazon and the conservation efforts that protect this extraordinary region.

Back onboard, enjoy a cooking demonstration as the chef introduces traditional Peruvian culinary techniques and local ingredients commonly used in Amazonian cuisine. Later in the afternoon, board a skiff and head to the Dorado River to experience traditional fishing methods practiced by local communities. As evening approaches, join another nighttime wildlife search and discover the rainforest’s nocturnal inhabitants before returning to the ship for dinner and relaxation.

After breakfast, the day’s exploration begins with a visit to the Yarapa River, a tributary known for its dark waters and frequent sightings of the iconic pink and gray Amazon river dolphins.

Later the Zafiro continues its navigation along the river system toward the dramatic confluence where the Ucayali and Marañón rivers meet. This natural phenomenon marks the official beginning of the Amazon River, and observing the meeting of these powerful waterways is a memorable highlight of the journey.
During the afternoon, a skiff excursion along the Amazon River offers a glimpse into daily life along the riverbanks. Guests visit a small riverside community, where local residents share insights about their traditions, culture, and relationship with the rainforest environment. Before returning to the ship, guests may enjoy a spectacular Amazon sunset. The evening concludes with music, a farewell gathering with the crew, and a memorable dinner onboard.

The final morning begins with breakfast aboard the Zafiro while the ship approaches the port area for disembarkation. On the way, guests visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a conservation facility dedicated to protecting one of the Amazon’s most vulnerable species.

At the center, biologists and volunteers care for rescued Amazonian manatees that have been orphaned or injured. Visitors learn about the rehabilitation process and the efforts to eventually reintroduce these gentle aquatic mammals back into their natural habitat. The center also provides educational insights about other Amazonian wildlife and the environmental challenges facing the region.

This final visit offers a meaningful conclusion to the expedition, highlighting the importance of conservation and the protection of Amazon biodiversity. After the visit, guests continue to the airport for their onward journey, bringing home unforgettable memories of their time exploring the rivers and rainforests of the Peruvian Amazon.