Amazon Journey via Marañón River- High Water Season

Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton Iquitos, where a delightful lunch awaits. Afterward, travel to the main dock to board the cruise vessel while enjoying a panoramic tour of the city of Iquitos along the way.

Once onboard, settle into your comfortable suite and admire the surrounding Amazon scenery from the ship’s observation areas. As the vessel prepares to depart, sip a refreshing welcome cocktail made with local fruits and pisco while watching the river landscapes drift by. Later, the naturalist guides introduce the upcoming expedition and share insights about the Amazon basin, the wildlife you may encounter, and the route through the rainforest waterways. End the evening with a memorable welcome dinner inspired by Peruvian cuisine and regional Amazonian flavors as the ship journeys deeper into the jungle.

Begin your day with an early boating excursion, one of the best times to observe wildlife in the Amazon. The soft morning light also creates exceptional opportunities for photography and quiet immersion in the sounds of the jungle.

After returning to the ship, enjoy a buffet breakfast featuring traditional favorites, Peruvian specialties, freshly baked breads and pastries, and a selection of freshly squeezed juices.

Later, visit the remarkable confluence where the Marañón and Ucayali rivers meet to form the Amazon River. Watch the swirling currents that often attract pink and gray river dolphins, creating one of the region’s most fascinating natural spectacles. After lunch onboard, attend an engaging presentation about the hydrology and geography of the Amazon basin.

In the afternoon, explore the rainforest near Puerto Prado during a guided jungle walk. Discover the impressive Victoria Amazonica, the world’s largest water lily, famous for its enormous floating leaves. As evening falls, return to the ship for dinner and live music. After dark, embark on a nighttime wildlife excursion and search for caimans, frogs, insects, and other nocturnal species that emerge after sunset.

After breakfast, venture deeper into the protected ecosystems of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Navigate remote lakes and lagoons by skiff, including the tranquil Japanese Lagoon, known for its pristine waters and high probability of spotting pink river dolphins. The still waters reflect the surrounding rainforest, creating a serene environment where wildlife sightings are common.

Continue to Yanayaquillo. During the excursion, guests may kayak or swim in the calm blackwater lagoons typical of this region of the Amazon. These nutrient-rich waters support a variety of plant and animal life while offering a unique perspective of the flooded forest.

Later in the day, attend an informative talk about Amazonian environmental philosophy and cultural perspectives on conservation. In the afternoon, explore the Amazon Natural Park through a combination of rainforest walking trails and canoe exploration. This area is ideal for observing tropical plants, birds, and wildlife in their natural habitat. Back on board, enjoy a Peruvian cocktail demonstration hosted by the bartender before concluding the evening with live music and a festive gala dinner with the captain.

The morning begins with breakfast and a visit to the riverside community of San Regis, where travelers gain insight into the traditions and daily life of people who live along the Amazon’s waterways. Residents share aspects of their culture, including local crafts and customs that reflect generations of life in the rainforest environment.

During the visit, guests meet a community shaman who explains ancestral spiritual beliefs and healing practices connected to the natural world. A symbolic tree-planting activity follows, representing a shared commitment to conservation and environmental protection in the Amazon region. There, you will also find a small market organized by local women from the community, where they offer their handmade crafts for sale.

After returning to the vessel for lunch and relaxation, guides share stories and legends from Amazonian culture, offering a deeper understanding of the myths that shape local traditions. Later in the afternoon, explore the waterways of Shiriyacu stream by skiff and try traditional piranha fishing techniques used by local communities. As the day ends, admire the vibrant colors of an Amazon sunset before returning to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

On the final morning before breakfast, travel to Nauta. Explore the lively local market by motorcycle taxi, a popular form of transportation in the area. This visit offers an authentic glimpse into daily Amazonian life as residents shop for fresh produce, fish, and handmade goods.

After returning to the ship for breakfast and disembarkation, begin the journey back to the airport. Along the route, visit the Amazon Manatee Rescue Center, a conservation facility dedicated to rehabilitating rescued manatees and other wildlife. Biologists at the center explain the importance of protecting these gentle aquatic mammals and the ongoing efforts to release them back into the wild.

Following the visit, continue to the airport for departure, bringing an unforgettable Amazon exploration to a close.