Day 1: Arrive Iquitos, board Amazon Star
On arrival in Iquitos you’ll be met by a boat representative and taken to visit some of city’s varied attractions, starting with the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA), a foundation dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of manatees.
Your tour will continue with a visit to the Museum of Amazonian Indigenous Cultures for an insight into the lifestyle and ceremonial wear of the Amazon’s traditional inhabitants. You’ll also explore Casa Morey, now a boutique hotel, but originally a home built in 1913 by rubber baron Luis Morey. It is a wonderful example of the ostentatious architectural style that was popular during the rubber boom era.
After your tour, transfer to the port from where the Amazon Star sets sail. There will be an orientation and safety talk, as you begin to navigate the Amazon River.
Day 2: Yarapa River explorations
Early in the morning you can head to the deck for bird watching. Peru contains over 1,800 bird species, of which over 400 are found in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
After breakfast you’ll head onto the river in a smaller boat to discover some of the unique flora and fauna found on the river bank – keep an eye out for spider monkeys, sloths and caiman – before returning to the Amazon Star for lunch.
Following lunch and a talk about life in the Amazon, you depart again by small boat, continuing to explore the Yarapa River, a tributary of the Ucayali River.
Overnight on board the Amazon Star.
Day 3: Yanallpa Stream/El Dorado River
Early this morning you sail to Yanallpa, a beautiful stream near the Ucayali River. After breakfast, visit a school and a local town where you will learn about the culture and traditions in the Amazon.
There will also be the opportunity to purchase some handicrafts. Back on the boat you’ll have a relaxing lunch while watching the world go by. For those who want to learn more, the naturalist guide will offer a talk on the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
This evening you can take a night walk along the El Dorado stream in search of nocturnal species; if you don’t see them you’ll certainly hear them!
Day 4: El Dorado River/Supay Stream
Before breakfast journey out onto the El Dorado River and go fishing for the most famous of Pacaya Samiria’s 256 fish species - the piranha.
Your journey then continues along the river – keep an eye out for endangered river turtles, monkeys and various birds flying overhead as you progress. After lunch you may wish to take a cookery class from the boats’ chef; alternatively continue relaxing on deck and enjoying the views.
Later this afternoon you can explore Supay Stream by kayak, before returning to the Star for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Disembark in Nauta and transfer to Iquitos Airport
Wake early this morning and disembark in Nauta by 6am. Breakfast will be taken en route to the airport in Iquitos, where you board your regional flight to connect with your international flight home.
Amazon River Cruise (Pacaya Samiria)
5-day river cruise aboard the Amazon Star
Amazon River Cruise (Pacaya Samiria)
This 5-day cruise itinerary takes you deep into the Peruvian Amazon, as you explore the labyrinthine waterways of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, named after the two tributaries of the Amazon River that flow through the area – the Pacaya and the Samiria. The cruise takes place on the Amazon Star, a mid-sized deluxe cruise boat with 31 cabins.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
The price shown is based on two travellers in a shared twin/double cabin. Single cabins are also available - please enquire. Please see full itinerary for inclusions & exclusions.
Pricing
5 days from £2055pp
Family adventure in Tanzania
We are safely back from our wonderful fortnight in Africa, and we all want to say a big thank you.
