AMAZON CRUISE PERU

Ship Offering This Itinerary

ZAFIRO

The Zafiro is a luxury vessel made for cruising the Peruvian Amazon jungle. The panoramic windows and open social areas allow guests to enjoy the amazon rain forest whilst on the boat as well as when exploring by canoe or by foot with the expert guides. Onboard enjoy excellent cuisine with Amazonian influence, an observation deck equipped with a Jacuzzi, outdoor bar, indoor lounge, spa and gym. The indoor dining room is the perfect place to share experiences from your excursions with your fellow travellers. Each suite offers twin or king beds, air conditioning and private bathrooms.

Day 1 Iquitos to Nauta Port, Embarkation Amazon

Overview:

You will be met by a representative from Zafiro on arrival at Iquitos Airport, Peru. You will then head to Double Tree by Hilton Iquitos for a briefing and lunch.  Board the private bus for scenic 1.5 hour drive through the Peruvian countryside to the small city of Nauta, the oldest town in the state of Loreto where you will board Zafiro.  On board you will be assisted by the crew to check in and settle into your suite which is waiting to take you on your amazing Amazon journey.

As the vessel begins the river navigation enjoy the comforts of the ship, perhaps relax on the observation deck with a drink and watch the sun setting over the river. Before dinner your naturalist guide will give you an overview of the itinerary for the next few days. After a hearty dinner of Amazonian influenced dishes, enjoy some live music with the band on board or head to the top deck to take in the stars.

Day 2 Amazon River – Birthplace of the Amazon, Vista Alegre, Yarapa, Pirana Creek

Before breakfast board the expedition boats and cruise to the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers which create the majestic Amazon River. Here you will see different types of birds and the famous pink dolphins.

After breakfast visit the community of Vista Alegre. Here a member of the community will demonstrate local cooking techniques. Visit the Vista Alegre butterfly farm project, to learn about butterflies in the Amazon and their importance to the environment.

The afternoon expedition will take you to the Yarapa River. Explore the waterways in the expedition boats sailing towards the place where the pink and gray freshwater dolphins swim. Take a walk in Yarapa looking for wild life and enjoying the lush rain forest. When you reach Piraña Creek,one of the first tributaries of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve you will be able to try piranha fishing. In the evening take a nocturnal excursion in search of black caimans, fireflies, tarantulas, snakes.

Day 3 Yanayacu de Pucate, Zona Tamishacu

Start the day exploring the water paths in the expedition boats in search of capuchin monkey, choros monkeys, marmosets and other primates. Your guide will point out unique species in the riverbanks and aquatic plants and their function within the environment. You may also spot sloths in the trees, macaws, dolphins and whirlpools of fish formed by the river currents. ALong the way you will see fishermen and residents involved in their daily activities.

After lunch continue exploring the Amazon river and spotting the creatures that inhabit its banks. In the afternoon the ship will continue its course downstream, sailing towards Iquitos through the night.

Day 4 Manatee Rescue Centre, Iquitos

Very early this morning board the expedition boats and visit the Bellavista Market. Admire the houseboats and taste some of the local products. Return to Zafiro for the last breakfast on board before disembarkation.

On the way to the airport, you will visit the Amazon Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers take care of the endangered species of manatees that have been rescued. See how the manatees are cared for and prepared for their reintroduction to their natural habitat.

You will then be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in for your onward flight.