Down river cruises operate from Iquitos to the twin cities of Tabatinga (Brazil) and Leticia (Colombia) departing Sundays and arriving Wednesdays. Up river cruises reverse the pattern departing Leticia / Tabatinga on Wednesday and arriving Iquitos on Saturday. Passengers can combine cruises in both directions for an in-depth seven day / six night round trip cruise.
Day 1: Iquitos and the Amazon River: Upon arrival, our staff will transfer you directly to our classic ninetieth-century vessel (M/V Rio Amazonas was built in the late 1900's and was rebuilt in 1981 to enable the international traveler to experience the Amazon in basic comfort. It was again refurbished in 1994. It carries 44 passengers in 21 air conditioned cabins on an itinerary which explores life on the Amazon River and its people) first class accommodation for the entire seven days. Right after, our journey begins toward the most incredible voyage experience in natural history. As we navigate along the Amazon river, the breeze and the sky overwhelms us and we begin an incredible spectacle, blending with nature. (Lunch and Dinner)
Day 2: Amazon River: Early morning wake-up on the majestic Amazon will enhance our perception of the rainforest. Occasional fishermen paddling their dugout canoes and children at villages along shore wave at us with a smile, and a variety of birds, including Oriole Blackbird, Purple Gallinule and Yellow-headed Caracara share the friendly environment. We join the fork of the Rio Maranon and Rio Ucayali where Rio Amazonas begins by name, just about 2,400 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. Then we turn left upriver on the Ucayali, having the enormous wildlife-rich Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve on our right. One of the features to look-out for are the Gray and Pink Amazon River Dolphins, often swimming near our vessel. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 3: Ucayali River / Puinahua River: As our journey continues, we venture in fast excursion boats to explore black water tributary streams and into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve searching for wildlife, including primates like Three-toed Sloths, Saki monkeys and a great variety of exotic birds that are commonly sighted . After dinner, we have a night excursion to search for nocturnal mammals such as Black Caiman, Capybara, Common Potoo, poison frogs and countless other species forest (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 04 : Pacaya Samiria Narional Reserve: We awaken in Peru?s largest wild wetland national reserve, the Pacaya-Samiria - home of abundant wildlife. We easily spot Horned Screamers, Wattled Jacana, Black-capped Heron, Scarlet Macaw often flying in pairs, troops of playful Squirrel Monkeys along the river and, high up in the trees, the Red Howler Monkey joining a small family group . Over 200 hundred species of birds, ten species of primate, Spectacled Caiman and many other mammals can be spotted in a single exploration. Our picnic lunch takes place at a ranger park station before heading to the Ucayali River. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 05 : Ucayali River / Maranon River: This morning we spend time visiting a nearby river village where we can try our bargaining skills with the villagers approaching to sell handicrafts made from rainforest natural materials. After lunch, we board excursion boats to search for the Giant Water Lily while we continue our voyage toward the Amazon Natural Park Inn surrounded by a private primary forest on the Maranon. We expect to see on the river, flying fishing bats beginning their night foraging.(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 06 : Maranon River / Amazon Natural Park Inn: A morning hike through a winding trail will lead us to explore the rainforest on a suspended canopy walkway that has opened up the opportunity to experience wildlife observation at tree-top level. Following that you can do an outdoor activity to swim or paddle our native dugout canoes on the black water lake next to a magnificently constructed facade style lodge. By mid-day we begin our return journey down the Amazon to Iquitos while our professional musicians on board create enchanting accompaniment to a farewell dinner.
Day 07 : Amazon River / Iquitos: After breakfast, our happy voyage ends, arriving into Iquitos by 10:00 a. m. followed by a guided tour in the city that includes a stop at a handicraft market on the way to the airport. Expected flight departure to Lima is by 1:00 p. m. Early morning arrival in Santa Rosa Island, Peru, opposite to Leticia/Tabatinga cities. Transfer to the airport in Leticia for the flight to Iquitos and then Lima.
Prices start from US$ 1,900 per person based on two sharing and includes: accommodation on the M/V Rio Amazonas with air conditioned cabins, all meals, jungle walks and boat excursions with experienced bilingual guides. Transfers to and from the airport are also included. Airport taxes, Domestic Flights and the international flight to Peru are not included
