- Aqua
- River Boat
- 24 Capacity
- 5 Days
- 2013
View Departure>
- 2013
- Dec 3 Tue
- Dec 24 Tue
- Dec 31 Tue
- Price from
- $3,580
Summary : Explore the diverse environments of the Amazon aboard a luxurious riverboat during the high water season. Experience the Amazon River’s three powerful tributaries: the Marañon, the Ucayali, and the Puinahua, as well as hidden black water lakes. Explore the jungle and venture into the Amazon darkness to witness caimans in their natural habitat. Observe monkeys, toucans, iguanas, sloths and possibly dolphins during expeditions with highly knowledgeable naturalist guides. Enjoy incredible wildlife on one of the most luxurious and exciting journeys of a lifetime.
Activities : Birding, Child-Friendly, Culture, Hiking
PRICING
Prices from
$3,580 to $3,780
Itinerary
Day 1
Iquitos / Nauta / Embarkation / Marañon River
Arrive in Iquitos and transfer to Nauta, the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Settle into your suite and take in the view as you embark on your Amazon adventure. Enjoy fine South American wine and world-class cuisine on your first evening surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon.
Day 2
Ucayali, Yanallpa and Dorado Rivers
In the morning, board the skiffs to explore this amazing black water stream, part of the vast Amazon flooded forest. Discover what scientists call a “gallery forest,” creating a tunnel of leaves due to its narrow vegetation. Navigate the tunnel observing parrots, macaws, and fluffy monk saki monkeys.
In the afternoon, take a magical journey and experience towering trees reflecting in the black water river while spotting dozens of enchanting parrots, blue-yellow macaws, and monkeys. En route to the vessel observe caimans, frogs and bats.
Day 3
Puinahua River / Hatum Posa Lake / Yanayacu Lake
Rise early to cruise Hatum Posa, a beautiful ox-bow lake. View monkeys and birds amongst the flooded forest. Visit native communities practicing subsistence farming and discover how they cultivate wild plants and trees.
In the afternoon, head to Yanayacu Lake. You may see saki monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and heavy howler monkeys leaping long distances from tree to tree. As the sun sets, hear ferocious warning signals made by howler monkeys marking their territories. When night falls, listen to the second movement of the symphonic Amazon rainforest, as nocturnal animals send calls across the tree tops. Use special spotlight torches to locate night creatures, including, perhaps, huge caimans.
Day 4
Puinahua and Pacaya Rivers / Carocurahuayte Lake
Explore the river viewing parrots, macaws, toucans, monkeys and possibly dolphins. Visit splendid Carocurahuayte Lake where you will be certain to catch some of the 3,000 species of tropical fish that live in the Amazon Basin. Leaving the peace and beauty of the jungle behind, enjoy a farewell dinner together swapping stories about the wonderful experiences shared on the river.
Day 5
Iquitos / Disembark / City Tour
Weather and time permitting, enjoy a morning excursion to the Amazon community of Belen where the houses and shops actually float on the river during some months. Observe the bustling food market of the entire Peruvian Amazon. Local people throughout the entire region sell and purchase goods here. In the afternoon, visit Iquitos' Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees. Learn how the manatees are rehabilitated before re-introduction back into their natural habitat. Transfer to airport for flight to Lima.
Notes
What to Expect (High Water Season):
The Amazon River in Peru has essentially two seasons; a high water season (Dec through May) and a low water season (Jun through Nov). Whichever season you choose, you will see spectacular wildlife and plant life. During the high water season, when the Amazon Basin’s rivers and streams are approximately 23 feet higher than lower water season, more rivers, creeks and lakes are navigable. Flooded waterways put travelers much closer to the Amazon jungle canopy making it very likely to see many more mammals, including monkeys, and birds. The average temperature is slightly cooler (about 86 degrees Fahrenheit). During high season, areas to walk and hike are sometimes limited, you may encounter more mosquitoes, and fishing in the Amazon River can be more limited—though you still have close to a 50:50 chance of making a catch.
Included:
Cabin accommodations; all meals while onboard; excursions; all beverages (non-alcoholic, house wine and beer); transfers to/from vessel when arriving on recommended flights; Pacaya Samiria entrance fee.
Not Included:
Airfare to and from Iquitos; travel insurance; departure taxes; visa fees if applicable; items of a personal nature, such as boutique purchases; guide and crew gratuities.
