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Explore the Upper Amazon River system in small motorized
canoes, en route to the bustling city of Iquitos. The
scenery will provide some fascinating opportunities to
photograph people who live on the river, many of them in
floating houses right on the river itself … Observe
birds and monkeys play in the trees and butterflies of
every conceivable color, description and size ... Visit
narrow rivers with luxuriant vegetation ranging from
grasses to giant Kapok trees and go fishing for piranhas
while spotting caimans sunning on the shore at nearby
inland black water lakes. Feel a hands-on experience
while the sun begins to set behind fleecy thicket of
clouds tingeing them with hues of purple, light blue,
and gold colors. |
Day 1. Tuesday - Arrive Tabatinga (Brazil)
or Leticia (Colombia) / Cruise
Upon
arrival in
Leticia /
Tabatinga airport, or hotel, we are met by a
representative and transferred by car, through these frontier
cities, then by boat, across the Amazon River, to Santa Rosa
Island (Peru)
for embarkation and boarding the
M/Y Arapaima. Our naturalist English-speaking guide
gives us general ship orientation and provide ship’s safety
information.
From the observation deck, we have spectacular
views of the forest as ship winds along a narrow section of the
Amazon River on our way to
Iquitos. Late afternoon, and If time permits, we make a
brief stop at Micos Island on the Colombian side to spot a great
number of monkey species and huge Victoria Amazonica Lily pads
which are blooming in an estuary of the river
bank. Later, stop by the Cayaru River where we have chances to
see a huge variety of colorful birds, and with luck, three toed
Sloths and some monkeys. Dinner aboard and as our ship moves
against the river current through the night, we can observe,
from the observation deck, the stars presenting a marvelous and
incredible spectacle of both Southern and Northern
constellations. (L, D)
Note
We suggest our customers to arrive one day prior or in
the early morning hours of the ship's departure day. We can help you book
additional services, such as airport transfers, overnight or day-use rooms at local hotels
and other, if needed.
 A day on the M/F Arapaima begins
with a hearty breakfast which will normally be
served between 7:00 and 8:30 AM followed, or
preceded, by daily excursions. During a "normal" day
in the Amazon we will take three excursions which
may focus on bird
watching, fishing for piranhas, short and long day
and night jungle walks into primary and secondary
forests and visits to local Indian communities and
small Amazon villages. Lunch is ready between 12:30
and 2:00 PM and dinner is served between 7:30 and
9:00 PM. The bar opens from 9:00 AM till 11:00 PM.
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Day 2. Wednesday - Camucheros
An early wake up call give us time for a cup of coffee or
tea before leaving on motorized canoes for a bird watching
excursion at one of the many oxbow lakes in the area. Right
after breakfast, get ready for an extensive jungle walk through
primary and secondary forest nearby the village of San Juan of
Camucheros - Guides show how to survive in the jungle; finding
food, water, learn how to make a fire; and point out termite
nests, lizards, big trees, medicinal plants, and other type of
wildlife. Here, we get a good start on understanding Amazon
ecology. After lunch aboard the M/Y Arapaima, we experience a
new venture into the virgin rainforest by entering Terra Firma
for a jungle hike and chances to spot a great variety of
blossoming bromeliads, delicate orchids, ferns, huge Ceiba
trees, strangler figs, lianas, vines, medicinal plants, frogs,
caterpillars and ants. Then visit a nearby colpa to watch for
blue-and-yellow macaws, white-throated toucans, tanagers,
woodpeckers among other birds. Also we have chances to observe
the distinctive red shining eyes of the black caimans along the
narrow shorelines of a stream. Tonight ship continues sailing up
the Mighty Amazon River while we are relaxing and absorbing the
sights, sounds and smells of the lush forest from the top deck
of the ship. (B, L, D)
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Day 3. Thursday - Cruise / Pebas
Very early in the morning, we grab our binoculars and set off to
a small black-water lake, home to a myriad of birdlife. As we
move on the tranquil waters of the Ampiyacu River, enjoy
breathtaking views of the rainforest and spot pink river
dolphins and a large collection of exotic birds. On returning
from our bird watch, a filling breakfast will be served, then
get ready to visit a Yagua Indian village to get a first-hand
look at the daily lives of their people. The tour through the
village lets us see the virtues of rainforest life, and
highlights the problems facing a people caught
between their own culture and traditions, and the imposing
Western way of life.
It is an amazing experience to chat with
the village chief and his relatives who teach us their unique
blowgun hunting techniques and perform some typical dances. Try
out our bartering skills, or just buying their handicrafts, with
westernized articles. The breeze on the river is quite
comforting once we reach cruising speed, and the views are
excellent from the observation deck of the ship. After lunch, we
go out fishing for black and red piranhas at the Apayacu River,
also habitat of other fish species such as Arawana, sardine, and
zungaro catfish. Sunsets are a special time in the Amazon as
they can provide an unbelievable myriad of colors so this last
afternoon have our camera at hand to take pictures when the sun
begins to set behind the trees. (B, L, D)
Day 4. Friday - Arrive / Depart Iquitos
At mid-morning we arrive in Iquitos, and following
breakfast and disembarkation, we have time to browse on our own
pace by visiting some of the city’s tourist sights, relaxing,
shopping or just taking a motorized rickshaw, with a very
inexpensive price, to ride around this exotic town. Transfer to
the airport for flight to Lima. (B)
Flexibility is a GREAT tool during Amazon Expedition Cruises!
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Please note:
The itinerary, as outlined here, is a guideline – it is
important to allow room for the unpredictable and unexpected
surprises that make each trip unique. We will find it is more
satisfying to let the jungle, the weather and our naturalist
guides lead the way. Trust the expert guides if they find the
need to modify the itinerary for the best interest and safety of
the group. |
Package includes
- Welcome drink
- Accommodations in air conditioned cabins
- All shore excursions and sightseeing as described
*
- Naturalist English speaking guide
- Snacks (certain days)
- Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Package DOES NOT Include
- International and domestic airfare (can be quoted
separately)
- Airport transfers
- Hotels
- Tours not offered in the program
- Any type of insurance
- Tips to porters, drivers, crew and Tour Guides
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Domestic airport taxes of US$6.00 at each airport in Peru and
International departure taxes of US$31.00 upon leaving Peru
- Any other services not mentioned in itinerary
Note:
Transfers from / to hotel or airports are not included and are
charged as
additional services. Also at additional costs, an
array of activities like city tour, visit to local zoo, meals at
local restaurants, jungle lodges before or after cruise program,
suited to every interest, may be scheduled.
