Peru

The M/V Arapaima is a new 15 cabin cruise ship built in 2006-2007 with programmed itineraries and charters to the frontier cities of Leticia (Colombia) /Tabatinga (Brazil), Pacaya/Samiria National Reserve, and Tapiche River system among other areas in the Peruvian Amazon. The itineraries feature 2 to 3 daily excursions such as bird-watching, fishing for piranhas, short and long day and night jungle walks into primary and secondary forests, and visit to local indian communities and small Amazon villages as well. Meals are lavish regional, national & international buffet type meals (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) and snacks served on certain days during cruise program.

The M/F Arapaima has three decks:
* Mid-deck: 1 suite with A/C, king size bed, bathtub/shower with hot/cold water, 6 standard twin cabins with A/C, 1 ½ size beds, private bath/shower with hot/cold water, and 2 standard twin or triple cabins with A/C, 1 ½ size beds, private bath/shower with cold water only.
* Upper deck: 6 standard twin cabins with A/C, 1 ½ size beds, private bath/shower with hot/cold water, and an A/C dining/bar area.
* Sun deck: Covered and uncovered with an ample observation area with chairs, rocking chairs, tables and a small bar and BBQ area.

The electricity is 220 V in each cabin and public areas aboard.

IQUITOS to LETICIA/TABATINGA
4 day / 3 night cruise

Day 01 (Saturday) ARRIVE IQUITOS / CRUISE - Upon arrival in the jungle frontier city of Iquitos in the morning, a representative meets and brings us to Iquitos' main dock area where we board the M/V ARAPAIMA, the most modern tourist vessel on the Amazon River and our ultra-comfortable home for the next week. As soon as everyone is aboard and settled, we begin our cruise down the Mighty Amazon. Following cabin assignments, an English/Speaking naturalist/guide gives a general ship orientation, crew member introduction and ship's safety information while sailing along the city's river front, passing lumber factories and small villages. Later we enjoy a delicious lunch featuring authentic Peruvian dishes aboard ship followed by a visit to a local sugarcane liquor, or "cachaza", factory at Yanamono creek. At sunset, we take the motorized canoes further downstream to the mouth of the Napo River -- feel like explorers in the wake of Francisco de Orellana, the Spaniard who in 1541 named the river "Amazonas" for the Amazons of Greek mythology as his expedition encountered fierce female warriors in the area -- and see graceful herons with their slimmer postures reflected on the river, curious pink and gray river dolphins checking us out, and countless birds. Return to the M/V Arapaima for dinner and overnight on board. (L, D)

Note: We highly suggest our customers to arrive one day prior or in the morning hours of departure day. We can help you to book an overnight or day-use room at local hotels if needed.

Day 02 (Sunday) CRUISE / Palometa/Pebas - When we arise this morning, the M/V ARAPAIMA is tied up at the mouth of Palometa creek, near the village of Pebas. Our tour guide takes us on a motorized canoe excursion to a nearby black water lake, or "cocha", for an exciting early-morning bird-watching adventure. Here we have lots of opportunities to look for exotic birds as well as other wildlife. For example, we are likely to encounter the Hoatzin, one of the jungle's most unusual birds, which can mimic the sounds of a number of animals. After breakfast, we visit a small Bora or Wuitoto Indian community where we receive a warm welcome from the chief and villagers alike. This visit carries us back in time, as these natives live much like their ancestors hundreds of years ago. We are invited into their traditional building, or "Maloka", made from sticks and palm leaf thatched roof held together with different types of jungle vines, where they perform some traditional dances. We also have time to buy, or bargain, for their multi-colored handicrafts they make using jungle seeds and vines. Boras and Wuitotos maintain their traditions, values and customs as in the old days, such as using hand-made tools in their everyday lives as yuca or manioc grinders and shakers. After lunch aboard the M/V ARAPAIMA, an extensive primary and second-growth forest hike on the Limon creek gives our guide the chance to point out one wonder after another. We see oriole blackbirds, yellow-headed caracaras, Squirrel and Capuchin monkeys, colored butterflies, leaf-cutter ants, trees like the giant Kapok merging overhead to form a verdant archway, leaves the size of umbrellas, vines with incredible sizes and shapes, and medicinal plants. Along the trail, we learn which plants are edible and which are poisonous. After dinner the day ends with a night boat excursion to look for nocturnal wildlife and watch a crowded sky full of stars, above our heads, while we sail the silent waters of the Amazon River. (B, L, D)

Day 03 (Monday) CRUISE / CABALLO COCHA - Early this morning, we explore the rainforest along the banks of the Amazon River in our motorized canoes. We should hear and perhaps see monkeys and birds like toucans, parrots, kingfishers, and Black-necked Red Cotingas at Alfaro Island. After breakfast, our ship drifts silently downstream while we observe on both sides of the river lush green forest and occasionally a dugout canoe loaded with bags or people with merely an inch of freeboard showing.

At mid-morning we visit a typical Amazon jungle village at Paranaquiro to observe how these people live daily in this part of the world. We continue sailing down the Amazon River, passing a few jungle homes, which are light thatched-roof dwellings with countless natives, especially children, walking along the shoreline. After a lavish lunch served aboard, arrive at the channel of Caballo Cocha Lake. The next hour up the channel is amazing as it is only a hundred feet wide with countless varieties of animal sounds on both sides. Near the mouth of the channel it is easy to spot groups of grey and pink Amazon River dolphins arching silently out of the black water. At mid afternoon, ship ties up at the village of Caballo Cocha for a short walk. Then using the motorized-canoes our guide lead us to a piranha fishing trip, using just a wooden stick, line, hook and a cube of beef. After dinner, there will be time for alligator spotting with a flashlight and with the best of his skills our guide will catch an alligator with his bare hands! We enjoy additional opportunities for viewing nocturnal wildlife and Southern constellations while returning to the ship for overnight and continue our journey down the Amazon River. (B, L, D)

Day 04 (Tuesday) ARRIVE/DEPART LETICIA/TABATINGA - After cruising all night, we awake this morning on the Amazon River at Santa Rosa Island (Peru). Breakfast is served aboard and then the motorized-canoes transfer us to the remote cities of Leticia, Colombia, and Tabatinga, Brazil for walking and visiting these two interesting cities at our own pace. We also have time to shop for souvenirs, or just relax with a refreshing soda in one of the local bar-restaurants adjoining the main square. Early afternoon, transfer to Leticia / Tabatinga airport or local hotel if needed. (B)

Note: Transfers from / to hotel or airport are not included and are charged as additional services. Also at additional cost, an array of activities like city tour, visit to local zoo, meals at local restaurants, jungle lodges before or after cruise program, suited to every interest, may also be scheduled

Note: the border is a free zone, so locals and tourists are free to come and go across the border without needing entry and exit stamps on their passports

2008 prices per person in US$: regular cabins = $1745 single, $960 twin, $865 triple. Suite = $2375 single, $1390 double

Departure cruise dates - 2008 - Mar. 29, Apr. 19, May 17, Jun. 21, Jul. 19, Aug. 09 & 30, Sep. 20, Oct. 04, 18 & 25, Nov. 15, Dec. 13

Speedboat service for return to Iquitos - US$100 per person. Departs Leticia at 5am on Mon.,Wed. and Fri., arrives Iquitos at 430pm

Riverboat service to Manaus - US$825 single, US$412 per person double. Departs Tabatinga at 3pm on Wed. and Sat. for 4 night cruise, arriving at 11am in Manaus. Includes all meals and air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom. No excursions or English-speaking guide are included.

Can also arrange Rico Air tickets between Tabatinga and Manaus. Flights are on Tues., Thurs. and Sat. They depart Manaus at 10am and arrive Tabatinga at 1120am. Then they depart Tabatinga at 1150am and arrive in Manaus at 250pm. US$345 per person each way.

Can also arrange air tickets between Bogota and Leticia. Flights are on Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat. They depart Bogota at 1220pm and arrive in Leticia at 220pm. Then they depart Leticia at 250pm and arrive in Bogota at 450pm. US$340 per person each way.

Full day tour to Tikuna Indians - depart Leticia at 9am by covered boat up the Amazon and Yavari Rivers. Chances are that you will see pink dolphins, birds, Victoria Amazonica water lillies and more on your way to the Indian village. The Tikunas still preserve their identity by keeping their native language and their traditional religion, rituals and cultural art forms. They are a very artistic tribe who make baskets, wood and stone sculptures and masks. They also make bark cloth (a natural fiber paper-like fabric) that they often paint on. $235 for 1 person, $195 per person for 2-4 people, $165 per person for 5-9 people.

Guided tour of Leticia and Tabatinga - visit the main markets, squares and commercial center. Stop by the obelisk that separates the 2 towns. Also visit a local zoo to observe Manatees, small tapirs, parrots, toucans, a harpy eagle, ocelots, an anaconda, variuos monkeys, etc. $90 for 1 person, $70 per person for 2-4 people, $60 per person for 5-9 people.

LETICIA/TABATINGA to IQUITOS
4 Day / 3 night cruise

Day 01 (Tuesday) ARRIVE TABATINGA/LETICIA / CRUISE - Upon arrival in Leticia / Tabatinga airport, or hotel, we are met by a representative and transferred by car, through these frontier cities, then by boat, across the Amazon River, to Santa Rosa Island (Peru) for embarkation and boarding the M/V ARAPAIMA. Our naturalist English-speaking guide gives us general ship orientation and provide ship's safety information. From the observation deck, we have spectacular views of the forest as ship winds along a narrow section of the Amazon River on our way to Iquitos. Late afternoon, and If time permits, we make a brief stop at Micos Island on the Colombian side to spot a great number of monkey species and huge Victoria Amazonica Lily pads which are blooming in an estuary of the river bank. Later, stop by the Cayaru River where we have chances to see a huge variety of colorful birds, and with luck, three toed Sloths and some monkeys. Dinner aboard and as our ship moves against the river current through the night, we can observe, from the observation deck, the stars presenting a marvelous and incredible spectacle of both Southern and Northern constellations. (L, D)

Day 02 ( Wednesday) CRUISE / Camucheros - An early wake up call give us time for a cup of coffee or tea before leaving on motorized canoes for a bird watching excursion at one of the many oxbow lakes in the area. Right after breakfast, get ready for an extensive jungle walk through primary and secondary forest nearby the village of San Juan of Camucheros - Guides show how to survive in the jungle; finding food, water, learn how to make a fire; and point out termite nests, lizards, big trees, medicinal plants, and other type of wildlife. Here, we get a good start on understanding Amazon ecology. After lunch aboard the M/V ARAPAIMA, we experience a new venture into the virgin rainforest by entering TERRA FIRMA for a jungle hike and chances to spot a great variety of blossoming bromeliads, delicate orchids, ferns, huge Ceiba trees, strangler figs, lianas, vines, medicinal plants, frogs, caterpillars and ants. Then visit a nearby colpa to watch for blue-and-yellow macaws, white-throated toucans, tanagers, woodpeckers among other birds. Also we have chances to observe the distinctive red shining eyes of the black caimans along the narrow shorelines of a stream. Tonight ship continues sailing up the Mighty Amazon River while we are relaxing and absorbing the sights, sounds and smells of the lush forest from the top deck of the ship. (B, L, D)

Day 03 (Thursday) CRUISE / PEBAS - Very early in the morning, we grab our binoculars and set off to a small black-water lake, home to a myriad of birdlife. As we move on the tranquil waters of the Ampiyacu River, enjoy breathtaking views of the rainforest and spot pink river dolphins and a large collection of exotic birds. On returning from our bird watch, a filling breakfast will be served, then get ready to visit a Yagua Indian village to get a first-hand look at the daily lives of their people. The tour through the village lets us see the virtues of rainforest life, and highlights the problems facing a people caught between their own culture and traditions, and the imposing Western way of life. It is an amazing experience to chat with the village chief and his relatives who teach us their unique blowgun hunting techniques and perform some typical dances. Try out our bartering skills, or just buying their handicrafts, with westernized articles. The breeze on the river is quite comforting once we reach cruising speed, and the views are excellent from the observation deck of the ship. After lunch, we go out fishing for black and red piranhas at the Apayacu River, also habitat of other fish species such as arawana, sardine, and zungaro catfish. Sunsets are a special time in the Amazon as they can provide an unbelievable myriad of colors so this last afternoon have our camera at hand to take pictures when the sun begins to set behind the trees. (B, L, D)

Day 04 (Friday) ARRIVE/DEPART IQUITOS - At mid-morning we arrive in Iquitos, and following breakfast and disembarkation, we have time to browse on our own pace by visiting some of the city's tourist sights, relaxing, shopping or just taking a motorized rickshaw, with a very inexpensive price, to ride around this exotic town. Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima. (B)

Note: Transfers from / to hotel or airport are not included and are charged as additional services. Also at additional cost, an array of activities like city tour, visit to local zoo, meals at local restaurants, jungle lodges before or after cruise program, suited to every interest, may also be scheduled.

2008 prices per person in US$: regular cabins = $1745 single, $960 twin, $865 triple. Suite = $2375 single, $1390 double

Departure cruise dates - 2008 - Apr. 01 & 22, May 20, Jun. 04 & 24, Jul. 22, Aug. 12,Sep. 02 & 23, Oct. 07, 21 & 28, Nov. 18, Dec. 16

Speedboat service from Iquitos to Leticia - US$100 per person. Departs Iquitos at 6am on Tues., Thurs. and Sat., arrives Leticia at 4pm

IQUITOS to LETICIA/TABATINGA
7 day / 6 night cruise (2 cruises above combined)

2008 prices per person in US$: regular cabins = $3205 single, $1750 twin, $1575 triple. Suite = $4100 single, $2250 double

Departure cruise dates - 2008 - Mar. 29-Apr. 04, Apr. 19-25, May 17-23, Jun. 21-27, Jul. 19-25, Aug. 09-15
Aug. 30-Sep.05, Sep. 20-26, Oct. 04-10, Oct. 18-24, Oct. 25-31, Nov. 15-21, Dec. 13-19

PACAYA / SAMIRIA NATURAL RESERVE
7 Days / 6 Nights

A journey by river into the Amazon rainforest….Immense buttressed trees loom overhead hanging with vines and alive with over 500 species of birds and many more…this region has been identified as having one of highest bio-diversity on the planet

DAY 1 - Saturday - Arrive IQUITOS - Our early morning flight takes us from Lima, across the snow-capped Andes Mountain range to the tropical forest and winding rivers of the Amazon, to the exotic city of Iquitos. After collecting our luggage, we are met by our English-speaking naturalist guide and make our way by a 45 minute bus ride, with a short sightseeing tour en route visiting Belen Market, Main Square, Plazas, the Eiffel or Iron House, and the Boulevard area, to our dock in downtown Iquitos. We board the M/V ARAPAIMA and after settling in our cabins, guides provide a general orientation, staff introduction, safety procedures, amenities and excursions to be held for this day. We depart a few miles downstream on the Itaya River to meet and up the Amazon River passing by islands of different sizes, small villages and farms lined along the river shore.

A Peruvian welcome buffet lunch is served in the dining room while the M/V ARAPAIMA sails during the middle of the day stopping in the afternoon for a motorized boat excursion into the rainforest to observe the immensity of the trees and the incredible amount of different types of vegetation that surrounds us. At mid-evening we pass the juncture of the Ucayali & Marañon Rivers, both major tributaries of the Amazon, where the Mighty River begins its flow down to the Atlantic Ocean, then upstream the Marañon River to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. (L, D)

DAY 2 - Sunday - PACAYA/SAMIRIA - We awake to the exotic sounds of the dawn chorus and join our naturalist guides for a bird-watching excursion along the Marañon's River edges. We are afforded excellent views and photo opportunities of different species we might see here including jacamars, Ibis, parrots, the spectacular red-and-green, blue-and-gold and Scarlet macaws among other wildlife that reside within this virgin paradise. A lavish buffet lunch is served on board followed by a further optional lecture. Early afternoon, the M/V Arapaima arrives at San Martin Lake, part of the Pacaya/Samiria National Reserve.

When the day again starts to cool it gives us time to get back into our motorized aluminum boats to head into the jungle once more for exploration. Invisible birds call sporadically to each other in shrill chirps shattering the silence, like distant gunshots, while ours and naturalist guides' eyes dart in all directions trying to locate the sources of these occasional noises. Dinner is served aboard while the ship continues sailing up and deep into the Samiria River. (B, L, D)

DAY 03 - Monday - Pacaya/Samiria - At daybreak, we continue our fascinating cruise program by exploring an Amazon flooded forest and a black water oxbow lake at Ranger's check point #2. The Lake is often crowded with giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies; their enormous leaves can exceed five feet in diameter. We also search the jungle surrounding the lake for primitive-looking birds called Hoatzins and also have chances to see a huge variety of colorful birds, Three-toed Sloth and numerous species of monkeys like Squirrel and Capuchin. Guides teach us how to catch piranhas and other species with just using a wooden stick, fishing line, a hook and a cube of beef or chicken. Here, we can see the true variety of the Amazon's edible fishes such as the huge Paiche or ARAPAIMA GIGAS, which is a primitive 60 - 80 pound fish that has scales so large and rough that Amazonian people use them as a rasp or for decoration. Tonight, we board our motorized canoes and use our flashlights to pierce the darkness and perhaps catch the shining red eye of the black Amazon caiman, frogs, snakes and birds. (B, L, D)

DAY 04 - Tueday - Pacaya/Samiria - After breakfast we get an introduction to the daily life of the river people. Naturalist guides, educated in biology and ecology, translate, for park rangers and native guides, and compliment your Amazon expedition cruise with explanations of the significance of annual rainy season floods to the health of the rainforest. As we slowly make our way upstream on the Samiria River and then into even narrower waterways, a wall of tropical vegetation line each side of the river, we are fascinated by the tales our naturalist guides tell about the region's ecology.

We are barely glimpsed at the enormous variety of wildlife and flora found in this unique environment - try to imagine 250 species of tree per hectare and 573 species of birds! Although we are literally tripping over plants, the fauna is much harder to locate as each find is a discovery in itself, and usually the result of hours of patient searching. (B, L, D)

DAY 05 - Wednesday - Pacaya/Samiria - We have another fascinating full day exploring many areas around the Samiria's reserve. An outstanding feature of this river is the large population of both Gray and Pink Amazon River Dolphins, often seen cavorting near the ship and along the shoreline. Search for primates, such as Capuchins, Pygmy Mormosets, and black monkeys, sloth and colorful birds. We can expect to see trees in a mind-numbing variety of shapes, sizes, colors and configurations, vines weaving themselves amongst the trees, creepers hanging from the vines, and orchids and bromeliads. We return to the ship just in time to take a quick shower and eat an early dinner before our next adventure - Cayman spotting. We board aluminum skiffs to go with our naturalist guide into marshy areas looking for the red eyes of the caymans along the riverbanks. When night falls, we start our cruise back to the Marañon River. (B, L, D)

DAY 06 - Thursday - Pacaya/Samiria/YARAPA - Today, we hope to reach a region of flooded forest and small jungle lakes where we have the chance to spot the pre-historic Hoatzin bird. We also get to fish for giant armored catfish, sardines, and piranhas - if you do catch your own, these fish make an outstanding lunch or dinner (the chef will be happy to cook them for you). We stop at Nauta Caño creek to hike into the forest to stretch our legs. This also gives us a chance to see things we might not see from the river. This area is famous for its high concentration of wildlife and with luck we may see many rare and endangered species. During the afternoon, we visit a village at the Yarapa River to shop some souvenirs and learn how people in this part of the world live in conjunction with their surroundings. Tonight, we bid a goodbye to our captain and crew at a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 07 - Friday - Depart IQUITOS - We arrive in Iquitos this morning and after disembarkation you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. (B)

Please note: This itinerary is a guideline - it is important to allow room for the unpredictable and unexpected surprises that make each trip unique. We will find it is more satisfying to let the jungle, the weather and our naturalist guides lead the way. Trust the expert guides if they find the need to modify the itinerary for the best interest and safety of the group. Flexibility is a GREAT tool during Amazon expedition cruises!

Transfers from / to hotel or airport are not included and are charged as additional services. Also at additional cost, an array of activities like city tour, visit to local zoo, meals at local restaurants, jungle lodges before or after cruise program, suited to every interest, may also be scheduled.

2008 prices per person in US$: regular cabins = $3100 single, $1645 twin, $1480 triple. Suite = $3995 single, $2150 double
Entrance fee of $40 per person to Pacaya Samiria Reserve is not included in price.

Departure cruise dates - 2008 - Apr. 05-11, May 24-30, Jul. 05-11, Jul. 26-Aug. 01, Sep. 06-12

TAPICHE RIVER
7 days / 6 nights cruise

The Tapiche river system is a small tributary of the Ucayali river, and in front of the mouth of the Pacaya River. It is a new Amazon area for travelers, so not many ships go there yet. You can observe wildlife right from the observation deck of the ship.

DAY 1 - Saturday - ARRIVE IQUITOS - Our early-morning flight takes us from Lima across the majestic snow-capped Andes Mountains to the tropical forest and winding rivers of the Amazon and the exotic city of Iquitos. After collecting our luggage, we are met by our English-speaking naturalist/guide to make our way by 45' minute bus ride through Iquitos' most interesting sites, such as Belen Market, the Eiffel or Iron house, Main Square and cathedral to dock area, where we board the M/V ARAPAIMA. After settling in our cabins, guides provide a general orientation, along with staff introduction, a discussion of safety procedures on board, amenities and excursions to be held for this day. We depart a few miles downstream on the Itaya River to meet the Mighty Amazon and upriver. A Peruvian welcome buffet lunch is served in the dining room while the M/V ARAPAIMA sails during the middle of the day, stopping in the afternoon for a motorized boat excursion at a black water lake. (L, D)

DAY 2 - Sunday - SAPUENILLO - This very early morning we reach the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon rivers, the point where the Amazon River takes its name and its waters flow to the Atlantic Ocean. Occassionally, fisherman paddling canoes and children living in villages along the bank greet us with a smile. We have chances to observe a wide variety of birds, such as orioles, jacanas, ibis, egrets and eagles, that can be spotted in the trees and overhead. We continue cruising the left branch of the Ucayali River. After lunch and a lecture about the vast Amazon rainforest and culture we visit a village nearby Sapuenillo Creek for a short jungle walk. Then, we continue sailing along the Ucayali River to the Tapiche River, a new Amazon wildlife refuge. Dinner and overnight on board/ (B, L, D)

DAY 3 - Monday - TAPICHE / Aleman / Galacia - We awake to the exotic sounds of the dawn chorus and join our naturalist-guides for a bird-watching excursion at Aleman Creek. We are afforded excellent views and photo opportunities of different species we might see here including jacamars, Ibis, parrots, the spectacular red-and-green, blue-and-gold and Scarlet macaws among other wildlife that reside within this virgin paradise. Near the ship, which is anchored, it is easy to spot groups of pink and grey dolphins arching silently out of the black waters. A lavish buffet lunch is served on board followed by an optional lecture. Around mid-afternoon we arrive at Galacia village where our naturalist-guides lead us into the Amazon rainforest for an extensive jungle hike. We marvel at the sudden changes in the vegetation as we observe different species of huge trees, colorful flowers, lianas, and some wildlife. When the day again cools we have time to get back into our motorized aluminum boats to head into the jungle once more for exploration. Invisible birds call sporadically to each other in shrill chirps shattering the silence, like distant gunshots, while our eyes dart in all directions, trying to locate the sources of these occasional sounds. Our tour ends with a night excursion for the South American crocodile known as caiman. Guides using flashlights shine a bright light on the reeds of the distant shore, and the eyes of caimans light up like bike reflectors. They might pick up small caimans for a closer look and subsequently return them to the same spot where our light located them. Dinner is served aboard while the ship continues sailing up and deep into the Tapiche River. (B, L, D)

DAY 04 - Tuesday - TAPICHE / Iberia - At daybreak, we continue our fascinating cruise program by exploring the surroundings at Garza Lake or cocha, nearby Iberia, visiting an Amazon flooded forest in search of primitive-looking birds called Hoatzins, and also have the chance to see a huge variety of colorful birds, three-toed sloth and numerous species of monkeys like Squirrel and Capuchin. Guides teach us how to catch piranhas and other species of fish like sardines and catfish with just a wooden stick, fishing line, a hook and a cube of beef or chicken. After lunch, our on-board naturalist-guides, most of whom were born and who grew up in nearby river villages, lead us on a jungle hike, pointing out which plants are for medicinal and healing purposes and how to look for leaves, lianas and pieces of wood people in the Amazon use to build their houses. Naturalists discuss with us the fascinating rainforest creatures we may observe while moving through the dense woodland. Following dinner, the top deck is a great place to keep an eye out for wildlife while the M/V Arapaima makes her way to our next destination. (B, L, D)

Day 05 - Wednesday - TAPICHE / San Pedro - Early morning we arrive at the village of San Pedro, where after breakfast we have a chance to visit, talk and enjoy the atmosphere of the local villagers. The children, especially, are intrigued and pleased by our visit, an opportunity that provides excellent photograph possibilities. Naturalist-guides are always on-hand to escort guests, to identify and discuss the thousands of plants and animal species we may find around the villages, and all sort of questions about their lifestyle in the Amazon rainforest. Lunch is served on board, an optional lecture gives us chances to interchange our experiences in the village. In the afternoon, a hike through the forest for about three hours at an easy pace gives us time to study and photograph the wilderness and wildlife all around us. After this adventure-filled day, we return to the M/V Arapaima to relax in one of the hammocks at the sun deck or just take a hot shower preparing ourselves for a fantastic dinner while we start our cruise back to the Ucayali River. (B, L, D)

Day 06 - Thursday - TAPICHE / Requena / Yucuruchi - Early morning, as per our naturalist-guides, is the perfect time for exploring the rainforest because it is the most active time for birds and animals - after mid-morning, because of the heat, the wildlife tend to sleep or to rest - so the ship drops anchor in mid-Ucayali River and we travel in the aluminum boats up a tributary as daylight slowly dawns in an amazing experience, allowing us to see parrots flying overhead in pairs, their distinctive squawks piercing the jungle air, along with other species such as tinamous, herons, vultures, kingfishers, ibis, kites, woodpeckers, flycatchers and many, many more. Following a hearty lunch, and when the outside temperature is uncomfortably hot, we have a lecture and slide show, if available, by our naturalist experts. During this talk we are taught about the fishes, plants, birds, the fascinating life of river dolphins and details about weather patterns of the Amazon region. The rest of the afternoon brings time to explore for wildlife, taking an optional short jungle hike or just relax in a hammock overlooking breath-taking panoramic views along the river. Before sunset a brief stop at Libertad village gives us a chance to understand how these people live in the Amazon and buy some of the handicrafts they make. Dinner is served on board. (B, L, D)

Day 07 - Friday - Yanaquillo - DEPART IQUITOS - After cruising all night down the Ucayali River, we awake this morning on the Mighty Amazon. After breakfast, the M/V Arapaima moors at the Yanaquillo creek for a boat excursion to see Victoria Amazonica water lilies, which can be several feet across and adorned with basketball-size flowers, and some wildlife along river shores. We arrive in Iquitos around midday and enjoy the afternoon at our leisure. We can walk through the stunning streets of this exotic city or have a cold drink at one of the local restaurants in front of the Main Square or Boulevard area. At late-afternoon, we transfer to the hotel or airport for flight to Lima. (B)

Note: Transfers from / to hotel or airport are not included and are charged as additional services. Also at additional cost, an array of activities like city tour, visit to local zoo, meals at local restaurants, jungle lodges before or after cruise program, suited to every interest, may also be scheduled.

2008 prices per person in US$: regular cabins = $3100 single, $1645 twin, $1480 triple. Suite = $3995 single, $2150 double

Departure cruise dates - 2008 - Apr. 26-May 02, Jun. 07-13, Aug. 16-22, Sep. 27-Oct. 03, Nov. 01-07, Nov. 22-28