Amatista – 7 Day Cruise

The itineraries and programs proposed by La Perla may vary depending on the weather, the river water level in each season and the migratory cycles of the animals. The visit to the communities will depend on the availability of its inhabitants.  

Overview: 

Embark on a unique tour of the Amazon with the most complete way to know the most authentic corners of the Amazon and its surroundings. Seven days and six nights to cross the waters of the largest river in the world and walk among wild vegetation, discover the most diverse flora and fauna in the world and immersing yourself with surprising life forms. The Amazonian journeys, with the help of our expert guides, form part of the most genuine way to get close up to the fauna and flora of the Amazon, discovering and feeling in our own skin the cultures built around the waters of the river.

Ships that operate this itinerary:
- Amatista

Inclusions:

• Box breakfast upon arrival.
• All meals aboard Amatista. Every day you will enjoy a variety of flavors made with products from the area. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet style.
• All hiking and equipment (including hiking boots and ponchos).
• Transfers from / to the ship upon arrival on recommended flights to Iquitos.
• Entrance fee to the Pacaya-Samaria National Reserve.
• Natural juices, coffee, infusions are included. One beverage to choose: soda, local beer or one glass of wine is included during lunch and dinner. Premium bar with additional cost.

Exclusions:

• Domestic flights.
• Cost of medical emergencies (including emergency evacuation).
• Tipping etiquette: on board Amatista cruise, we recommend a tip of USD 30 per passenger, per night for the crew, and USD 20 per passenger, per night for the guides. Please note that these amounts are suggested and entirely at the discretion of our guests.
• Any additional transportation services.
• Any additional bar consumption.

Day 1:

Embarkation

AM: Upon your arrival at Iquitos airport, we will be waiting for you to start the adventure. We will take a city tour of Iquitos, a colorful, dynamic city with a captivating past. Then, we will transfer by private vehicle to the city of Nauta, the historic river port where we will embark. Upon arrival in Nauta (about two hours from Iquitos), we will board Amatista Cruise and the staff will accompany you to your cabin. The ship will start sailing down the Marañón River, as the naturalist guides present the trip plan, the routes to follow and the scheduled activities, and the best thing: they will begin to introduce us to the wonderful world of Amazon wildlife. After this presentation, enjoy a welcome lunch, your first experience with the delights of regional cuisine.

PM: Before dinner, we will start a night boat excursion to the Nauta Caño area, in search of animals that can only be seen when the sun goes down: alligators, bats, frogs, tarantulas and other species that inhabit the Amazon basin. After this first immersion in the jungle world, we will return to the ship and enjoy dinner and then you can rest and recover energies for the next day.

Yanayacu De Pucate & San Regis

AM: Very early the morning, we will organize a fun picnic breakfast on the river, in a well protected and preserved areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This area is often visited by pink dolphins. Later in the day, take a ride in local canoes and live the experience of paddling in one of the most beautiful aquatic ecosystems in the world. Also, if you want, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the river.

PM: Back on the ship, lunch will be served on board, followed by some time to rest, after which our guides will offer a lecture about Amazonic philosophy. Continue to meet the shaman of the San Regis community, a wise woman from the native community who will share with us her knowledge about the rituals of his ancestors, medicinal plants, and the Amazon worldview. Our guides will be the interpreters in case you want to ask questions or make comments to the shaman. After this authentic experience of reflection and spiritual exploration, continue with the ceremony of planting a tree, as a contribution to caring for the environment. Back on the boat, you can relax with live music while we wait for dinner.

Amazonic Natural Park & Shiriyacu

AM: Dawn in the Amazon has a special charm, it is the perfect moment to spot many animal and insect species. For this reason, there is a boat excursion scheduled before breakfast. This time the destination is Iquitos Brook, a privileged area for sighting numerous endemic species. Back on board, buffet breakfast will be served. After breakfast, take a walk through the jungle to the area of the hanging bridges, a set of structures stretched out on top of the trees that will allow you to experience a canopy walk and admire the richness of the jungle from higher grounds. Before noon, we will return to the ship for lunch on board.

PM: Free time to rest before the next adventure. Later, get ready for the boat expedition to the Shiriyacu tributary. The naturalist guides will find the perfect location for piranha fishing, using local equipment and artisanal techniques. This area is very popular for spotting pink dolphins. Upon returning to the ship, we can relax even more with live music and comfort ourselves with the delicious dinner on board.

Marayali Lagoon & Yacapana Creek

AM: This morning, navigate towards Gasparito Brook, a very popular area for bird and primate watching. After breakfast, the bartender awaits us for a Peruvian cocktail demonstration, Pisco Sour, the emblematic drink of Peru. Then, we will continue with a boat excursion to Marayali lagoon, another jewel to appreciate the Amazonian biodiversity, observe the “Victoria Amazónica” or “Victoria Regias”. Before noon, return to the ship for lunch on board.

PM: In the afternoon, ttime to rest before the next departure to the Yacapana Creek, in search of new imposing landscapes and more emblematic species of the Amazon. Before returning to the cruise, observe the wonderful light and the incomparable colors that unfold in the sky of these latitudes during sunset. Back on the boat, enjoy a peaceful night with music and a replenishing dinner.

Vista Alegre & Yarapa

AM: At dawn, board the skiffs to visit the banks of the Ucayali River, and observe the beautiful Amazonian birds. After this exciting ride and back on the boat, have a delicious buffet breakfast. Afterwards, get ready for the next excursion by boat, this time, on the Yarapa River, this area is ideal for spotting toucans, parrots, macaws, iguanas, sloths and monkeys high up in the trees.

PM: Back at Amatista cruise, lunch will be served on board; followed by a moment of rest, the guides will do a lecture on local Amazonian culture. During the afternoon, visit the town of Vista Alegre, to meet the native community and learn about their customs, having the guides as interpreters and translators. Upon return, you can enjoy live music while we wait for dinner on board.

Amazon Birthplace and Piranha Lagoon

AM: After breakfast, the naturalist guides will have a lecture about the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Afterwards, be ready for the next expedition on board the skiffs; to the point of confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, the majestic location of the jungle where the Amazon River is born. Before returning to Amatista, explore the Piraña Cocha area, looking for more wildlife.

PM: Back on the boat, lunch will be served on board. Free time to rest and prepare for the afternoon adventure: a walk through the winding jungle trails located at the beautiful area of Casual, inhabited by poisonous frogs and countless exotic animal species. In this area there is a variety of giant trees known by the locals as “Avatar”. You can also purchase local handicrafts made by the local women. Return to Amatista, and contemplate the majestic Amazon sunset. Late at night, you can listen to some live music before the final presentation of the crew and farewell dinner.

Disembarkation

AM: This morning begins quietly with breakfast on board, but becomes exciting with a visit to the city of Nauta, the second largest in the region. Upon arrival, visit the city market, where you can interact with locals and learn about the particular commercial circuit of the region. A true immersion in the life of the Amazonian population. Once on the ship, check.out and proceed to disembark. On your way to the airport, visit Amazon Forever Bio Park, also known as Manatees Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for manatees, an endangered species. Learn how manatees are treated and prepared for their return to their natural habitat. Likewise, other animals are also rescued, treated and reinserted in their natural habitat. Transfer to the airport.