Amazon Journey - High Water Season

Arrive at the airport and transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Iquitos, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. On the way to the main dock, take a panoramic tour of Iquitos and discover how this unique city developed in the heart of the rainforest as a gateway to countless Amazon expeditions.

Then continue to the main dock and board the Zafiro river cruise, your home for the coming days. Settle into your suite and explore the ship’s observation decks and lounge areas while admiring scenic rainforest views. Join an introductory briefing with your guides as they explain the geography, wildlife, and ecosystems you will encounter throughout the voyage.

As the vessel begins navigating the river, relax with a refreshing cocktail and watch the jungle landscape unfold around you. End the day with a welcome dinner featuring regional Peruvian flavors while the ship quietly journeys deeper into the Amazon basin.

Begin your day early with a boat excursion along the vast Amazon River, when wildlife activity reaches its peak. As the morning mist rises above the water, follow your guides as they point out birds, monkeys, and other species living along the riverbanks and forest canopy. Enjoy one of the best opportunities to appreciate the immense scale of the Amazon ecosystem and the incredible wildlife that thrives within it.

Return to the ship for breakfast before continuing toward one of South America’s most significant geographical landmarks, the confluence of the Marañón River and Ucayali River, where the mighty Amazon River officially begins. Watch for pink and gray river dolphins that frequently surface near the boats in this remarkable area.

Later in the day, join a guided walk near Puerto Prado and discover Amazonian flora, including the extraordinary Victoria Amazonica water lilies with their enormous floating leaves. After dinner, head back out for a nighttime excursion and experience the rainforest after dark as caimans, frogs, insects, and other nocturnal creatures emerge from the shadows.

Today’s explorations take you deeper into the protected landscapes of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Traveling by skiff through narrow waterways, lagoons, and flooded forest, you will experience one of the most pristine regions of the Amazon. The morning begins with a memorable breakfast picnic near the tranquil Japanese Lagoon, a remote location known for its mirror-like waters and frequent dolphin sightings. Surrounded by untouched rainforest, this peaceful setting provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the sounds and sights of the jungle.

During the late morning and midday, guests can participate in optional activities such as kayaking or swimming in the dark, tannin-rich waters typical of the region. These calm waters are ideal for observing wildlife and appreciating the dense vegetation that lines the riverbanks.

In the afternoon, a guided exploration of Amazon Natural Park combines canoe navigation and short rainforest walks. Your guides explain the complex relationships between plants, animals, and the environment while pointing out medicinal plants and hidden wildlife. The evening concludes with a lively cocktail demonstration and entertainment onboard before dinner.

This morning you will visit the riverside community of San Regis, offering a meaningful cultural experience in the Amazon. Here, guests learn about traditional ways of life and how local families depend on fishing, agriculture, and forest resources. Community members welcome visitors with a traditional ceremony led by a local shaman, sharing cultural knowledge and spiritual traditions that remain important to Amazonian communities. Travelers also participate in planting a tree, symbolizing support for conservation and the long-term protection of the rainforest.

A small artisan market within the village allows visitors to discover handmade crafts produced by women community members. These crafts often reflect the cultural identity and natural environment of the Amazon region.

Later in the afternoon, the expedition continues with a skiff ride to Shiriyacu Lake. This calm body of water is an excellent location to observe birds and aquatic wildlife. Guests can also try traditional piranha fishing techniques guided by local experts. As the sun sets over the river, the sky fills with warm colors before returning to the ship for dinner and evening relaxation.

The day begins with a visit to Nauta, one of the oldest towns in the Peruvian Amazon and an important cultural and commercial center for the region. Walking through the town provides an authentic glimpse into daily life along the river, from bustling markets to small shops selling local goods and produce. The market in particular offers insight into the foods and products that sustain communities throughout the rainforest.

After returning to the ship and breakfast, the expedition continues with a guided walk in the Comunal Florida Reserve. This protected area is known for its diverse wildlife and towering rainforest trees, including impressive mahogany specimens. As you walk along forest trails, guides explain the ecological importance of these trees and the incredible biodiversity that exists within the Amazon ecosystem.

Later in the afternoon, a skiff excursion explores the waterways around Pahuachiro. These quiet channels provide excellent opportunities to observe birds, monkeys, and reptiles along the riverbanks. After a full day of exploration, return to the ship for dinner while reflecting on the day’s discoveries in the rainforest.

Early morning exploration begins along the Yanallpa region of the Ucayali River. Traveling by skiff through flooded forests and winding channels allows guests to access areas unreachable by larger vessels.

Later in the morning, the ship continues toward the Tapiche River. This remote waterway is known for its remarkable biodiversity and tranquil scenery. While navigating the riverbanks, you may encounter colorful birds, sloths, and other species inhabiting the forest canopy.

Back onboard, guests can participate in a Peruvian cooking demonstration led by the chef, offering insight into regional flavors and culinary traditions. During the afternoon, a visit to the Dorado River provides the chance to try traditional fishing techniques while enjoying the surrounding rainforest landscape. The day concludes with another nighttime excursion to observe Amazon wildlife after dark.

After breakfast, the expedition continues along the Yarapa River, a beautiful blackwater tributary surrounded by dense rainforest. This area is well known for frequent sightings of pink and gray river dolphins, which often appear near boats as they navigate through the calm waters. Early morning excursions provide excellent opportunities to photograph wildlife and observe birds, monkeys, and other animals beginning their day.

After returning to the ship, the voyage passes once more near the confluence where the Marañón and Ucayali rivers merge to form the Amazon River. This powerful meeting of waters highlights the immense scale of the Amazon basin and its importance as one of the planet’s most significant ecosystems.

During the afternoon, skiff rides along the Amazon River offer glimpses of life in riverside communities where families live in harmony with the surrounding rainforest. As evening approaches, enjoy a spectacular Amazon sunset from the deck of the ship. The final evening onboard includes live music, a crew presentation, and a farewell dinner celebrating the unforgettable journey through the Amazon.

After breakfast onboard, guests disembark and on the way to the airport continue with a meaningful final visit to the Amazon Manatee Rescue Center. This conservation facility works to rehabilitate endangered manatees and other rescued wildlife before releasing them back into the wild.

During the visit, biologists explain the threats faced by Amazonian wildlife and the efforts being made to protect these species and their habitats. Seeing these gentle animals up close offers a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation in the Amazon region. The experience also provides valuable insight into the environmental challenges faced by the rainforest and the initiatives working to preserve it for future generations.

After the visit, the journey concludes with a transfer to the airport, marking the end of an unforgettable exploration of the Peruvian Amazon and the extraordinary landscapes of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.