Amazon Cruises on the Zafiro
|
|
The Zafiro is a newer floating five-star hotel. Amazing wildlife is identified as the expedition navigates into one of the world's largest wild wetland areas - the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Many species of monkeys, hundreds of colorful exotic birds and family groups of both Gray and Pink River Dolphins are observed in a single day of exploration.
|
|
Nineteen luxurious suites characterize the Zafiro. These include air conditioning, private bathroom and 21-44 meter square of comfort, privacy and tranquility. Four of them are interconnected for family use and 2 give a view of 90 degrees and 01 at 180 degrees. With independent balconies and panoramic floor to ceiling windows, the suites offer beautiful views of the landscape. You can observe nature from an intimate and exclusive setting, surrounded by a classic style.
The health, safety, and well-being of passengers, as well as that of the crew, is top priority on this ship. For this reason, they are applying all the safety and sanitary care measures required so that you feel safe both on board their cruises and on land during excursions.
During these months of crisis due to COVID-19, they have worked together with health organizations to improve the health and safety measures that are applied to each of their vessels: Zafiro, La Perla, and Amatista. Enhanced health and safety protocols OZONE GENERATORS TO DISINFECT ALL SUITES Before check-in, they will use one of the most effective pieces of equipment for the disinfection and elimination of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as harmless to humans: Ozone Generators. PRE-BOARDING CONTROLS Each of their passengers will undergo the necessary medical check-ups before boarding. If someone is considered at risk, additional tests will be submitted for the safety of all. ENHANCED SANITARY CARE MEASURES In compliance with the protocols established by the Ministry of Health (MINSA), each cruise is cleaned and disinfected before setting sail. The cleaning and disinfection of high-traffic public areas and contact points will be intensified. RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL DISTANCING In order to guarantee responsible social distancing, they will monitor the capacity of public areas frequently throughout the trip. IMPROVED MEDICAL RESOURCES. They will have a paramedic on board, duly trained to attend any possible case of COVID-19, as well as other illnesses. As a precautionary measure, there might be slight changes in the itineraries, since we will only visit open and safe port. 4 Day ItineraryDeparture on Wednesday: High Water Season | November - May
Day 1: Iquitos - Nauta After your flight to the capital of the Peruvian Amazon, our guides will meet you at the Iquitos airport—waiting for you with a sign. We will then go to the Doubletree by Hilton Iquitos Hotel, the meeting point, to receive your first briefing about the trip and where you will enjoy a delicious welcome lunch. Then you will be transported by a private vehicle to the main dock of the city of Iquitos to board El Zafiro, your home for the following three nights. Boarding El Zafiro. Our staff will take you to your elegant suite, specially equipped with all the comforts for an experienced traveler like you. Comfortable beds, sheets made from pure Peruvian pima cotton, pillows, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, a private bathroom with a beautifully accentuated walk-in shower, amenities, and a private balcony in each suite on the second deck. During the next four days El Zafiro will sail the Amazon, the Ucayali and Maranon rivers and their impressive tributaries full of wildlife. While El Zafiro begins its initial navigation, you can enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the observation area that is elegantly equipped for your enjoyment and located on our third deck. Enjoy the fantastic panoramic view from our elegant indoor and outdoor lounge that is also located on the third deck. Our bartender will be waiting for you to serve you an exotic cocktail prepared with fruits from the region and pisco, the national liquor of Peru. Before the welcome dinner, your naturalist guides will give you an overview of the travel program, activities, routes, important moments, wildlife and vegetation, the geographical and historical background, and other useful details. If you have any questions or doubts, our guides will always be readily available to help you. Our boats have an open-door policy so you are welcome if you want to learn about navigation systems and spend time with the captain in charge at any time. Welcome dinner. Begin your trip with one of our fine South American wines accompanied by excellent Peruvian gastronomy prepared with a delicious Amazonian-influence. (Our menu offers several options, including a vegetarian option - please let us know of any special food requirements in advance). After dinner, we invite you to the third deck where you can a spectacular view of the stars as we enter the depths of the Amazon rainforest, or relax with live music by our band on board and enjoy a varied repertoire of Amazonian, national, and international music. Day 2: Birth of the Amazon - Vista Alegre - Yarapa - Piraña CreekBefore breakfast we will head towards the expedition boats and then we will be in route to the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers; in this union there is the birth of the majestic Amazon River—the perfect place to see different types of birds and the famous pink dolphins. Return to El Zafiro, to enjoy a full and delicious breakfast View the Vista Alegre Community. After breakfast, we will visit the community of Vista Alegre, where we will meet the inhabitants of this Amazonian community through our guides, who will act as interpreters. We will have a culinary demonstration by a local inhabitant, who will expand his knowledge about the local cooking techniques of this community. Before returning to El Zafiro, we will visit the Vista Alegre butterfly farm project, where you will learn about butterflies in the Amazon and their importance to the environment. Return to El Zafiro and lunch. Once aboard El Zafiro we will share a new lunch and take some time to rest. Expedition to the Yarapa River. After lunch, we will continue exploring the waterways in the expedition boats— sailing towards the place where the pink and gray freshwater dolphins swim. We will take a walk in Yarapa, where you will have an unforgettable experience looking for wild life enjoying the incredible panorama that the jungle has to offer. We will continue exploring until we reach Piraña Creek,one of the first tributaries of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This area is excellent for piranha fishing. Return to El Zafiro to enjoy a delicious dinner. Later, we will make a nocturnal excursion in search of black caimans, fireflies, tarantulas, snakes and countless specimens. Day 3: Yanayacu de Yacapana - Amazon River - Zona Tamishacu Breakfast. We will start the day with a full breakfast on board El Zafiro. After breakfast we will continue exploring the water paths in the expedition boats in search of monkeys such as the capuchin monkey, choros monkeys, marmosets and other primates. We will enjoy a unique landscape of the tropical humid forest, in which we will explain the arboreal species in the riverbanks and aquatic plants and their function within the environment. Also, during the expedition, the guides will sharpen their senses to locate the sloths in the trees, macaws that fly over the area, the curious dolphins that gather near the confluences, and whirlpools of fish formed by the river currents. During the tour you will find fishermen and residents in different activities with which they will interact and show us the fruits of their day’s activities. Return to El Zafiro. While El Zafiro continues to sail, we will have a cooking demonstration by our Chef where we will learn first-hand about the local cuisine and taste the Amazonian culinary art. Amazon River Expedition. After lunch, we will explore the Amazon River. Wildlife sighting. We will admire the creatures that inhabit the banks of the Amazon River. Return to El Zafiro. Once on board, the ship will continue its course downstream, sailing towards Iquitos through the night. We will have a small information session in the interior lounge and recapitulation of the itinerary. Dinner. After dinner, your naturalist guides will introduce you to the crew members you may not have met during the trip. Day 4: Manatee Rescue Center - Transport to the Airport Before breakfast you will have your last boat trip to the Bellavista Market, during the tour we will admire the houseboats. Exhibition and tasting of local products. Return to El Zafiro to share the last breakfast with the passengers before their trip back home. Disembarkation. On the way to the airport, you will visit the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA), where biologists and volunteers take care of the endangered species of manatees that the authorities have rescued. See how the manatees are cared for, and prepared for their reintroduction to their natural habitat.There are also other animals that have been rescued from captures with the intention of turning them into pets and other dangerous conditions. Check-in at the international airport of Iquitos. Your guides will assist you with the Check-in and the departure formalities to board your return flight. Departure Wednesday: Low-water Season | June- October Day 1 - Wednesday: same as above Day 2: Birth of the Amazon - Vista Alegre - Yarapa Before breakfast we will head towards the expedition boats and then we will be in route to the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers; in this union there is the birth of the majestic Amazon River—the perfect place to see different types of birds and the famous pink dolphins. Return to El Zafiro, to enjoy a full and delicious breakfast. View the Vista Alegre Community. After breakfast, we will visit the community of Vista Alegre, where we will meet the inhabitants of this Amazonian community through our guides, who will act as interpreters. Return to El Zafiro and lunch. Once aboard El Zafiro we will share a new lunch and take some time to rest. Expedition to the Yarapa River. After lunch, we will continue exploring the waterways in the expedition boats— sailing towards the place where the pink and gray freshwater dolphins swim. We will take a walk in Yarapa, where you will have an unforgettable experience looking for wild life enjoying the incredible panorama that the jungle has to offer. We will continue exploring until we reach Piraña Creek,one of the first tributaries of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This area is excellent for piranha fishing. Return to El Zafiro to enjoy a delicious dinner. Later, we will make a nocturnal excursion in search of black caimans, fireflies, tarantulas, snakes and countless specimens. Day 3: Isla Yacapana - San Joaquin de Omaguas - Río Amazonas - Amazon River - Zona Tamishacu Breakfast. We will start the day with a full breakfast on board El Zafiro. Expedition to Isla Yacapana – San Joaquin de Omaguas. After breakfast we will continue exploring the water paths in the expedition boats in search of monkeys such as the capuchin monkey, choros monkeys, marmosets and other primates. We will enjoy a unique landscape of the tropical humid forest, in which we will explain the arboreal species in the riverbanks and aquatic plants and their function within the environment. Also, during the expedition, the guides will sharpen their senses to locate the sloths in the trees, macaws that fly over the area, the curious dolphins that gather near the confluences, and whirlpools of fish formed by the river currents. During the tour you will find fishermen and residents in different activities with which they will interact and show us the fruits of their day’s activities. Return to El Zafiro. While El Zafiro continues to sail, we will have a cooking demonstration by our Chef where we will learn first-hand about the local cuisine and taste the Amazonian culinary art. Amazon River Expedition. After lunch, we will explore the Amazon River. Wildlife sighting. We will admire the creatures that inhabit the banks of the Amazon River. Return to El Zafiro. Once on board, the ship will continue its course downstream, sailing towards Iquitos through the night. We will have a small information session in the interior lounge and recapitulation of the itinerary. Dinner. After dinner, your naturalist guides will introduce you to the crew members you may not have met during the trip. Day 4 Saturday: CHECK OUT- DISEMBARK IN IQUITOS - MANATEE RESCUE CENTER - AIRPORT - same as above 5 Day ItineraryDeparture Saturday: All year round
Day 1: Iquitos - Amazon River After your flight to the capital of the Peruvian Amazon, our guides will meet you at the Iquitos airport—waiting for you with a sign. We will then go to the Doubletree by Hilton Iquitos Hotel, the meeting point, to receive your first briefing about the trip and where you will enjoy a delicious welcome lunch. Then you will be transported by a private vehicle to the main dock of the city of Iquitos to board El Zafiro, your home for the following four nights. Boarding El Zafiro. Our staff will take you to your elegant suite, specially equipped with all the comforts for an experienced traveler like you. Comfortable beds, sheets made from pure Peruvian pima cotton, pillows, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, a private bathroom with a beautifully accentuated walk-in shower, amenities, and a private balcony in each suite on the second deck. During the next five days El Zafiro will sail the Amazon, the Ucayali and Maranon rivers and their impressive tributaries full of wildlife. While El Zafiro begins its initial navigation, you can enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the observation area that is elegantly equipped for your enjoyment and located on our third deck. Enjoy the fantastic panoramic view from our elegant indoor and outdoor lounge that is also located on the third deck. Our bartender will be waiting for you to serve you an exotic cocktail prepared with fruits from the region and pisco, the national liquor of Peru. Before the welcome dinner, your naturalist guides will give you an overview of the travel program, activities, routes, important moments, wildlife and vegetation, the geographical and historical background, and other useful details. If you have any questions or doubts, our guides will always be readily available to help you. Our boats have an open-door policy so you are welcome if you want to learn about navigation systems and spend time with the captain in charge at any time. Welcome dinner. Begin your trip with one of our fine South American wines accompanied by excellent Peruvian gastronomy prepared with a delicious Amazonian-influence. (Our menu offers several options, including a vegetarian option - please let us know of any special food requirements in advance). After dinner, we invite you to the third deck where you can a spectacular view of the stars as we enter the depths of the Amazon rainforest, or relax with live music by our band on board and enjoy a varied repertoire of Amazonian, national, and international music. Day 2: Amazon River - Yanayacu de Yacapana - Nacimiento del Amazonas - Nauta Creek - Puerto Prado Community- Marañón River Before breakfast, we will take part in our first activity: Birdwatching. We will travel aboard our comfortable expedition boats to the native reserve of Kukama (Yanayacu de Yacapana): an exotic place with around 17 blackwater lakes, abundant wildlife and home to the indigenous communities of Ayacucho and San Juan. Life-jackets, rain ponchos, rubber boots, and lots of cold water are always available aboard the expedition boats. During this activity, you can observe all kinds of birds such as herons, swallows, macaws and more. On this excursion we will also have the opportunity to see another type of wildlife such as the monk monkey, lion monkey, iguanas, sloth, mama vieja and we will learn more about nature. Return to El Zafiro, breakfast on board. Our breakfast buffet offers a wide selection of traditional dishes, Peruvian specialties, homemade baked goods and freshly prepared fresh juices. After breakfast, we will start to explore the Yanayacu area of Yacapana or Isla de Yacapana, better known as Isla de las Iguanas. We will be ready to identify different species of this area. We will continue the expedition aboard our comfortable boats to the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers; where these two rivers join giving rise to the birth of the great "Amazon River", at this point we can see the famous pink dolphins. Return to El Zafiro and lunch. The ship begins to sail on the Marañón River. After lunch, we will have a talk on Amazonian philosophy. Our guides will present us with the idiosyncrasies, beliefs and deep thoughts of the Amazonian population; like the spirituality that is everywhere and not only in human beings. Expedition of Nauta Creek In the afternoon, we will leave in the expedition boats towards Nauta Creek inside the Pacaya Samiria reserve. We will discover the jungle of the mirrors and sharpen our senses to locate toucans, parrots, macaws, iguanas, sloths and monkeys on the top of the trees. We will go on a hike through the community of Puerto Prado, where we can admire the largest aquatic plant in the world, giant water lilies, or "Victoria Regias". Return to El Zafiro and live music. We will enjoy the colors of the sunset as they fall over the waters on the way back to El Zafiro. Once on the boat, we can enjoy a live music concert held by our local band accompanied by an exquisite cocktail. Dinner on board. Optional night boat ride. At nightfall, we will take an optional boat ride that will allow us to enjoy the constellations while the naturalist guides look for alligators, tarantulas and snakes. Day 3: Yanayacu De Pucate - Laguna de Japón - Yanayaquillo - San Regis - Amazonian Natural Park Yanayacu de Pucate and exploration of Yanayaquillo. We will visit different lakes and lagoons aboard our expedition boats. The guide will use his expert eye to point out all the biodiversity of the region to reach the Laguna de Japón. There we will have our picnic breakfast and enjoy one of the best preserved and protected areas of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. This area is popular for watching pink dolphins. Before returning to El Zafiro, we will take a hike and continue the exploration towards the Yanaquillo Ravine, which crosses towards the Marañón River and we will search for toucans, camungos, blue-billed herons, kingfishers, gray herons, parrots and more. Return to El Zafiro to enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a time for rest and relaxation. Departure by kayak. We will experience the waters of the Amazon up-close by swimming next to the pink dolphins. In the afternoon, enjoy a small presentation about geographical orientation in our indoor air- conditioned lounge. Learn about the hydrography of the rivers to explore sustainable species according to the natural resources of the area. Expedition in the Amazonian Natural Park. Afternoon-night excursion where you will have a short walk through the forest and the hanging bridges of this beautiful park full of colorful birds, where you can admire the beautiful jungle from the canopy of the trees that make up the bridges. Return to El Zafiro and dinner. We will recuperate our strength with a dinner on board El Zafiro. Day 4: Marañón River – San Regis - Shiriyacu Expedition to the community of San Regis. After breakfast we will visit the community of San Regis. We will meet the genuine and welcoming inhabitants of this Amazonian community through our guides, who will act as interpreters. We will have the opportunity to buy crafts made by these same inhabitants and to exchange smiles with the smallest of the area. We will walk through the jungle to meet the shaman of the community and learn about the complementary medicine of the Amazon and the ancestral traditions. This experience will give you the opportunity to formulate questions that you would like to ask the shaman and learn a little more about the ancestral traditions for healing the soul. After living an experience with the shaman, we will participate in the tree planting ceremony and contribute to the environment. Return to El Zafiro and lunch. Lunch will be the best time to charge your batteries again and prepare to continue discovering the Amazon rainforest. Followed by a talk about the Amazon, learn where the name of the Amazon comes from, and about the flora and flora that inhabit it. In the afternoon, we will explore the Shiriyacu stream. We will discover this hundred- year-old lake that houses an ample supply of good fish, including red-bellies and freshwater sardines. We will look for a space to fish for the famous piranhas while using local equipment and techniques. It will be an exciting experience. Return to El Zafiro. On the way back to El Zafiro, our guides will use special torches to locate wild nocturnal animals. Dinner on board. Once on board the ship, we will enjoy a comforting dinner. Day 5: Nauta - Manatee Rescue Center - Transport to the Airport Visit Nauta City. Very early we will board the expedition boats to head towards the city of Nauta, the second most important city in the region. Upon reaching Nauta, you will board the most common local transportation in the area ̈the motorcycle taxis ̈ which will take you on a tour of the entire city until you reach the most important market in the city. Together with the guides, we will visit the market and learn how to trade in the area, as well as learn about the different important foods and ingredients we use in the Amazon.Return to El Zafiro to share the last breakfast with the passengers before their trip back home. Disembarkation. On the way to the airport, you will visit the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA), where biologists and volunteers take care of the endangered species of manatees that the authorities have rescued. See how the manatees are cared for, and prepared for their reintroduction to their natural habitat.There are also other animals that have been rescued from captures with the intention of turning them into pets and other dangerous conditions. Check-in at the international airport of Iquitos. Your guides will assist you with the Check-in and the departure formalities to board your return flight. "It was wonderful. I enjoyed every minute and did very well for my age. This was a great cruise, busy every minute, except for the usual nap after lunch. Saw so much. We were given a flash drive album which I will send to you. Passengers were a very interesting group and very friendly. Staff went beyond anything I have ever seen. Highly recommend this adventure to anyone. You always get me the best, never leave me stranded. I really appreciate all you do for me. If there is anything I can do to help your business, please let me know." Lois "Everything was perfect. The tour leader Freddy and the cruise director Alex made sure everything ran perfectly and the naturalist guides Segundo and Uxiel were outstanding. Of course the scenery and wildlife were amazing. Nothing could be faulted. Thanks for your help." Bonnie and John |
Suite
Suite with balcony
master suite
Zafiro suite
SAVOR regional specialties and contemporary cuisine infused with flavors from the surrounding rainforest. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant as you sample Amazon fusion cuisine while enjoying spectacular views from the panoramic windows. There are different appetizers between meals at disposal of the passengers, usually served during readings in the afternoon and before dinner enjoying the sights and sounds of the night accompanied by our band on board playing regional, national and international music. Peruvian cuisine is among the most varied and best in the world. It’s a reflection of its three main geographical zones, the coast, the Andean highlands and the jungle, and a fusion of influences from different times and immigrant cultures. While the Peruvian cuisine is recognized internationally in the last few years, food and its provision is one important part of the Peruvian culture and a very personal way to express the Peruvian identity. The Executive chef will delight your palate with an Amazon fusion cuisine. You can savor it while enjoying the spectacular view of the landscape and biodiversity that the Amazon has to offer. Spices and hot jungle peppers will season your dishes, and fruits such as the aguaje, carambola, cocona and camu camu will refresh the palate of the most discerning gourmet.
CONNECT with fellow travelers, chat with your local guides or enjoy snacks and a drink in the large indoor lounge. The comfortable furnishings make a perfect spot for relaxing with a book or enjoying the passing scenery. GLIDE past the Amazon rainforest and clusters of wooden houses on stilts with children playing soccer as you sip morning coffee and take in the fresh air from the river’s most luxurious Observation Deck. Siesta on a cushioned lounger beneath a soaring canopy — ideal for avoiding the sun’s glare. Plus, ease into the Zafiro’s outdoor Jacuzzi to relax after a shore excursion. INDULGE in aromatherapy or a massage in the spa, which is staffed by a wellness specialist. EXPLORE during the 2-3 daily excursions that include swimming with dolphins, fishing for piranha, birdwatching, hiking, interacting with people in local communities, etc. They do not offer tree planting and a shaman ceremony on the 4 days program but they do offer those activities on the 5 days and 8 days programs KIDS can have special activities too - learning how to identify animals, seeing how many they can spot and photograph, fishing for piranha, drawing in their traveler's diary, learning to cook Amazon food, observing dolphins, visiting communities and playing with local kids FEEL SAFE because there will be a paramedic on board during the whole itinerary. And they have also security, in permanent communication (24 hours via satellite phone) with the Peruvian Navy and will only be sailing the route authorized (and controlled) by the Peruvian navy. Covid 19 Safety
Specials!! SAVE UP TO 30% off per person.
Promotion subject to availability and while stock lasts. Not combinable with other offers. Enjoy 20% savings on all 2025 cruise departures (excluding Christmas and New Year). Our early bird bonus is valid for the following cabins:
2024 Rates per person, double occupancy, in US$:
Child policy: 7 years old minimum on all departure. Children aged 11 or under are eligible for a 50% discount from the adult rate. Children must be accompanied for one or two adults in the same suite maximum one child per suite adult rate. The Zafiro suite accepts 2 children maximum.
2024 start dates:
8 days - Aug. 24 5 days - Aug. 31, Sept. 7, Nov. 9, 16 4 days - Aug.28, Sept. 18, Dec. 23, 30 2025 start dates: 5 days - Jan. 18, 25, Feb. 15, March 1, 8, 15, 22, April 5, 26, May 17, June 7, 28, July 26, Aug. 23, 30, Sept. 20, 27, , Oct. 4, 11, Nov. 8, 15, Dec. 6 4 days - May 7, 14, 28, June 18, July 9, 16, 23, Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 26, Dec. 17, 24 INCLUDED:
NOT INCLUDED -
BOOKING POLICIES
• Our fares are transferable (allow change of date and passenger name), up to 60 days prior to departure date, at no additional cost. • In case of emergency and force majeure, operator can suggest a change of boat to the passengers, in case it is required and they agree. • Changes to be made are subject to availability. BOOKINGS AND PAYMENTS For bookings made 61 days or more prior to the boarding date: • A deposit of US$ 500 per person is required to confirm the reservation. • Full payment must be cancelled 60 days before the boarding date. In case the full payment is not received, the reservation will be automatically canceled. For reservations made during the 60 days prior to the boarding date: Full payment is required to confirm the reservation. CANCELLATION POLICIES For New Bookings
• The trip must be cancelled no later than one week before the departure date to receive a credit note or to be rescheduled for a future trip. • In case of rescheduling the trip for boarding dates during the year 2023, no fare difference will be applied. • Applies only for new bookings. ADDITIONAL DETAILS • The supplement for a suite for a single booking, is 50% additional to the regular adult rate for Zafiro. • Children’s Policy: A minimum of 7 years of age for all departures. Children 11 years and younger are eligible for a 50% discount on the adult rate. Children must be accompanied by adults in the same cabin, maximum one child for the adult cabin fare. • Requirement for boarding: Present vaccination card and negative COVID test, PCR with 72 hours or antigen with 48 hours in advance, must be sent prior to boarding. • Operator recommends all its clients to opt for the rescheduling of their trips or accept credit for future reservations, to collaborate in this way with the process of reactivation of the tourism industry. Given the uncertain situation we are experiencing, booking and cancellation policies may change at any time. 
8 Day ItineraryDeparture on Saturday: year round
Day 1: Iquitos - Amazon River Fly over the Andes to Iquitos. Visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have rescued. Learn about efforts to help these endearing mammals. See how the manatees are cared for and prepared for reintroduction into their natural habitat. Board the elegant riverboat, Zafiro, home for seven nights. Enjoy stargazing and storytelling with our local guides while cruising slowly on the Amazon River toward the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers. Day 2: Confluence of the Amazon River / Río Ucayali We awake this morning on the Amazon River, seeing some of the ever-changing panorama of jungle life as the Amazon River cruise ship continues upriver. Small villages dot the shoreline, and channels weaving through island mazes provide close-up views of a variety of birds. The confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers is famous as the beginning of the Amazon River in Peru. Amazingly, we are about 2,400 miles from where the river flows into the Atlantic. The river drops only about 350 feet the entire way! On our Amazon Voyage adventure, travel waterways aboard sturdy excursion boats to areas where we may find marsh birds such as oriole blackbirds, green ibis, yellow-headed caracaras, black-capped donacobis and white-headed marsh-tyrant. We turn into the Río Ucayali, where we’re apt to find gray river dolphins and Amazon pink dolphins cavorting near the boat and along the shoreline. Later we take an excursion into the surrounding rainforest in search of giant water lilies and elusive wildlife such as monkeys and sloths. As dusk approaches, fishing bats begin their night’s foraging. Day 3: Río Ucayali / Pacaya-Samiria Reserve After a peaceful breakfast along the black-water Sapote Creek, we explore a small tributary of the Ucayali aboard excursion boats. Look for animals including primates, sloths and an enormous variety of birds. Our Amazon Voyage adventure continues upriver to the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. Although scientific studies are far from exhausted, the Pacaya-Samiria is the known home to 450 bird species, 102 species of mammals, over 130 species of reptiles and amphibians, and countless plants. This afternoon, an excursion into this largest wetland reserve in the world provides the opportunity to see 13 species of primates, including monk sakis, red howler, saddle-backed tamarin and squirrel monkeys. Explore Caro Lake, connected to the river by way of a very small stream, where we may find flocks of greater ani, often seen following monkeys in search of insects disturbed by the monkeys’ foraging. We enjoy a nighttime boat excursion for a chance to find caimans, capybaras, common potoos, frogs and other nocturnal wildlife. Day 4: Rio Pacaya / Pacaya-Samiria Reserve Spend the day exploring this flooded realm, seeing wading birds such as herons, wattled jacanas and horned screamers. Venturing deep into the rainforest, tour an igapo (seasonally flooded forest), where plant life is very different from what we see along the main course of our Amazon cruise, and walk through the forest. Lucky guests may release turtle hatchlings. A delicious lunch energizes us for afternoon excursions with our expert naturalists, where we may find scarlet macaws, hoatzins, black-collared hawks and red howler monkeys. Day 5: Pacaya-Samiria Reserve After an early breakfast, we board excursion boats for access even further into the heart of these vast wetlands. As our Amazon Voyage adventure cruises the narrow waterways, we’ll find birds such as canary-winged parakeets and spectacular blue-and-gold and scarlet macaws. Primates also are fairly common, including noisy squirrel monkeys. Once we arrive at a remote ranger station, enjoy a refreshing swim. Gradually make our way back to the riverboat through the maze of waterways. Enjoy an al fresco lunch and time to relax before our afternoon excursion. Day 6: Río Ucayali Head back downriver, with a morning wildlife or other activity. Visit a village along the river, with the chance to learn about the lives of the “Ribereño” people who live there. Accompanied by guides who grew up along the river, this is a fantastic opportunity to stroll through gardens learning about medicinal plants and folklore, visit a school, or join in a game of soccer. The children are especially excited to see their faces on digital cameras and to show off their school and sing Peruvian songs. Depending on the villages visited during your Amazon River tour, you may also have the opportunity to see an IE-funded water treatment plant. The clean drinking water provided by these plants is having an enormous positive health impact in remote river villages. Learn about medicinal plants and enjoy a blessing ceremony by a respected village shaman. Aboard the ship, learn to make traditional Peruvian dishes or enjoying an enriching lecture. After dark, go out in excursion boats to listen to the sounds of the rainforest and look for nocturnal wildlife. Day 7: Amazon River Wake up early for a morning birdwatching excursion along the Yarapa River. After breakfast, try your hand at piranha fishing in Ubos Lake. Piranha are very common in the slower-moving water. With luck, we may catch red-breasted, white or black piranha, and feast on our catch this evening at dinner. Once back aboard your luxury Amazon River cruise ship, we enjoy a farewell dinner. Day 8: Manatee Rescue Center - Iquitos - Transport to the Airport On an early morning excursion to Pilpintuwasi Rescue Center, see two- and three-toed sloth, red uakari and even a jaguar which have been rescued. The itineraries are subject to change according to climatic conditions at certain times of the year. The excursions can be modified at the discretion of the Zafiro crew. |
