Zafiro Cruise 8 Days / 7 Nights - Departure on Saturdays (Rising Water Season)

Departure on Saturdays

ITINERARY

(SATURDAY) DAY 01: AMAZON RIVER

Airport pickup and transfer to the Doubletree by Hilton hotel, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch. During the transfer by private vehicle to the main port of Iquitos for your ferry, we'll take a panoramic city tour.

Our staff will escort you to your specially equipped suite, furnished with all the comforts: comfortable beds, pure Peruvian Pima cotton sheets, bathrobes, air conditioning, a private bathroom with shower, and toiletries. Before setting sail, our bartender will serve you a cocktail made with local fruits and pisco, Peru's most popular national spirit. Don't miss the opportunity to savor it while enjoying a 360-degree view from the observation deck.

Once we set sail and before the welcome dinner, the naturalist guides will give us an overview of the trip program, including activities, routes, information about wildlife and vegetation, geographical and historical background, and other useful details. If you have any questions, our guides will always be available to assist you.

Welcome dinner. Start your trip with a Peruvian gastronomic experience with Amazonian influences.

The menu offers several options, including a vegetarian alternative. Please let us know of any special dietary requirements in advance. After dinner, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the starry sky as we begin our journey deep into the Amazon rainforest.

(SUNDAY) DAY 02: AMAZON RIVER - KUKAMA NATIVE RESERVE - SOURCE OF THE AMAZON - MARAÑON RIVER - CASUAL - NAUTA CAÑO

Before breakfast, embark on a boat excursion along the Amazon River to explore the flora and fauna of the area.

Back on the ship you can enjoy our breakfast buffet, which offers a daily selection of traditional dishes, Peruvian specialties, freshly baked homemade products and a variety of freshly prepared juices.

After breakfast, we'll be ready to begin a new excursion to the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, where these two rivers meet to form the Amazon River. At this point, we may observe gray and pink river dolphins.

Before noon, we'll return to the boat for lunch on board, followed by some free time. It's important that you attend the talk about the origin of the Amazon and the hydrography of its rivers. Afterward, we'll begin a hike in the tropical zone, where we'll look for species such as snakes and reptiles, anacondas, poison dart frogs, anoles, giant ants, and much more.

Return to the ship, live music and dinner on board.

After dinner, we will take a night excursion within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve on the Nauta River, searching for caimans, tarantulas, tree frogs, transparent-bellied frogs, and other nocturnal species.

(MONDAY) DAY 03: YANAYACU DE PUCATE - LAGUNA JAPÓN - YANAYAQUILLO - SAN REGIS - AMAZONIAN NATURAL PARK

At dawn, we'll depart by boat to reach Laguna de Japón (Japan Lagoon). There, we'll enjoy a picnic breakfast and appreciate one of the best-preserved and protected areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This area is popular for observing the curious pink river dolphins. Before returning to the Zafiro, we'll explore the Yanaquillo ravine.

Once on the boat, we'll get ready for our kayaking trip. We'll experience the thrill of being in the river's dark waters firsthand and even have the chance to take a dip.

Return to the boat for lunch. Before the afternoon activity, the guides will give a talk on Amazonian philosophy.

In the afternoon, we will begin a hike through the jungle and across the hanging bridges, allowing us to admire the richness of the jungle from the treetops.

Back on the ship, our bartender awaits us with a Peruvian cocktail demonstration, followed by live music, while we kill time before the gala dinner with the ship's captain.

(TUESDAY) DAY 04: MARAÑON RIVER - SAN REGIS - LAKE SHIRIYACU

After breakfast, we will visit the indigenous community of San Regis, where we will learn about their lifestyle and traditions.

We will also learn some ancestral traditions from the community shaman. Our guides will act as interpreters during this experience, giving us the opportunity to ask questions about spiritual connections and his ability to heal the soul. After this experience, we will continue with a tree-planting ceremony, as a positive contribution to the environment. There, we will also see the women of the community displaying their handmade crafts and objects in a small artisan market.

Return and lunch at the Zafiro. After some rest, the guides will tell us about the myths and legends of the Amazon.

In the afternoon, we'll begin our boat trip to the Shiriyacu stream. There, we'll search for a spot to fish for the famous piranhas, using local equipment and techniques. Back on the boat, we can enjoy the light and colors of the sunset.

Return to the Zafiro, live music and dinner.

(WEDNESDAY) DAY 05: MARAÑÓN RIVER - NAUTA – FLORIDA COMMUNAL RESERVE - PAHUACHIRO

Before breakfast, we'll visit Nauta, the second most important city in the region. Upon arrival, we'll take a mototaxi ride to the local market, where we'll experience firsthand the city's commercial life.

Return to the Zafiro for breakfast. After breakfast, we'll be ready to begin a new excursion. We'll hike in the Florida Community Reserve, searching for wildlife such as frogs, birds, and other exotic species. In this area, we'll see the renowned mahogany trees.

At midday, we will offer lunch and afterwards you will have time to rest before starting the afternoon activity, a boat trip to explore the Pahuachiro area and its wildlife.

Return and free time until dinner.

(THURSDAY) DAY 06: UCAYALI RIVER - YANALLPA DEL UCAYALI - TAPICHE RIVER - DORADO RIVER

Before breakfast, we will begin a boat excursion in the Yanallpa area of the Ucayali (Ucayali River), located in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where numerous species of native animals will be sighted.

After breakfast, we'll be ready to embark on another boat excursion to the Tapiche River in search of wildlife. Before noon, we'll return to the boat for a cooking demonstration by the executive chef.

After lunch, you can attend a talk about the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, and in the afternoon we'll take a boat trip to the Dorado River, where we'll fish using local techniques. Before returning to the Zafiro, we'll go on a night excursion in search of caimans, tarantulas, frogs, and other species that emerge after sunset.

Return to the ship and dinner on board.

(FRIDAY) DAY 07: UCAYALI RIVER - YARAPA DEL UCAYALI - AMAZON RIVER - TAHUAYO RIVER

In the morning after breakfast we will go out by boat to explore the blackwater Yarapa River, where the famous pink and gray freshwater dolphins swim.

Return to Zafiro, from where we will observe the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, the place where these two rivers join, giving rise to the Amazon River.

After lunch, in the afternoon, we will go out by boat on the Amazon River.

We will explore the Amazon River and observe the daily activities of each community along its banks. Before returning to the boat, we will be able to appreciate the colors of the Amazonian sunset.

Back on the ship, you can relax with live music before the crew introduction and farewell dinner.

(SATURDAY) DAY 08: DISEMBARKATION IN THE CITY OF IQUITOS

After breakfast, we will disembark. On the way to the airport, we will visit the River Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (Amazon Forever Organization), where biologists and volunteers care for manatees, an endangered species rescued by the authorities. We will learn how the manatees are treated and prepared for their reintroduction into their natural habitat. We will also see other animals that have been rescued from captors who intended to keep them as pets or who had been in dangerous conditions. We will invite you to make a donation to this dedicated organization and research center.

Transfer to the airport.

Important:

• Itineraries may vary depending on weather and water conditions.
• (*) It is recommended to arrive in Iquitos before 09:00 hrs. If you are already staying in the city, please notify the reservations department to coordinate your transfer.
• (**) Our menu includes various options, with a vegetarian alternative. For special requests, please inform us in advance.

DEPARTURE SCHEDULE

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS – SATURDAYS

GROWING SEASON

January: —

February: —

March: 14

April: 11, 18

May: 9, 23

EMPTYING SEASON

June: 13

July: 11

August: —

September: 12, 19, 26

October: 3, 24, 31

November: 21

GROWING SEASON

December: 12, 19, 26

NOTE

Cabins 4 and 6 are excluded from the single supplement, as it does not apply.

The proposed itineraries and programs may vary depending on the weather, river water level, animal migration cycles, and variations in recommended flights.

Visits to communities: Visits will depend on the availability of the residents. We strive to avoid negative impacts on cultural identity and protect the environment.

Excursions: Before each outing, we provide waterproof rubber boots for your comfort and convenience; after each outing, these will be returned to the staff for cleaning. We also provide waterproof ponchos for rain.

Kayaking: Please coordinate with the naturalist guide regarding kayak tours, which will depend on weather conditions during your trip. You are welcome to sign up for kayak tours at your own risk. These tours take place on calm waters where you can paddle at a relaxed pace. Our kayaks are ideal for two passengers.

Fishing: Our fishing policy is based on catch and release.

Consult cancellation and change policies.

CABIN TYPES

1. First Deck: Eight cabins ideal for solo travelers seeking comfort and relaxation with a panoramic view, with a space of 21m², equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant stay: King/Twin bed, bedside table, wardrobe, hair dryer and amenities.
2. Second Deck: Eight cabins, each 21m² in size. Each features large panoramic windows and a private balcony that floods the space with natural light. It is equipped with air conditioning, a desk, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers, a king/twin bed, natural latex pillows, and various other amenities. In addition, both cabins have a private bathroom with a Spanish-style shower for a more comfortable experience.
3. Master Suite: Two 23m² cabins located at the front of the first deck, these cabins offer stunning 90° panoramic windows, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views of the Amazon River. The cabin features a king/twin bed. Relax in the private sitting area, enjoy the bathroom with cotton bathrobes and a Spanish-style shower, and unwind in the comfortable beds with pure cotton sheets and latex pillows.
4. Sapphire Suite: This suite features a 45m² cabin with 180° panoramic windows and a private balcony. Located on the second deck, it includes a living area with a mini-fridge and sofa. The suite also features a king/twin bed and a bathroom with a Jacuzzi-style bathtub for relaxation.

IMPORTANT :

Airport transfers to the lodge or RV will be provided by Jungle Experience. It is recommended to locate the lodge counter or staff with the sign inside the airport. Please consider arrival flights before 9:00 AM and departure flights after 6:00 PM; otherwise, additional charges will apply for private transfers.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Bring a towel, swimwear, sandals, medications and personal hygiene items, sneakers or walking shoes, a flashlight with batteries and spare bulbs, a hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent (recommended with 40% or more DEET), a raincoat, long-sleeved shirts and cotton pants, warm clothing in case of cold weather, binoculars, a camera, a luggage backpack and a small daypack.