Peru Amazon River Cruise (Wednesday Departure) - LA PERLA - 3 Nights

Upon arrival at the airport, we will be waiting for you to take you to Hilton Iquitos DoubleTree hotel, where you will receive the first orientation talk on the adventure you are about to begin. Then, we will head in a private vehicle to the city of Nauta, the historical fluvial port where we will be boarding.

Before our arrival to Nauta, we will stop by in Iquitos, a colorful and dynamic city with a captivating history. Here, you will appreciate the most emblematic local attractions and for those who wish, enjoy a snack.

Once in Nauta (two hours from Iquitos), we will board La Perla cruise ship and our staff will accompany you to your cabin, equipped especially for you, with all the comfort you need for a pleasant trip.

The ship will initiate the trip and head towards the confluence of the rivers Marañon and Ucayali, the rainforest’s majestic location where the Amazon River is born. Next, our naturalist guides will present the travel plan, the pre-established routes (road map), the programmed activities, and best of all: they will begin to introduce you to the extraordinary world of the Amazon’s wildlife. Pay attention to their advice and recommendations, and keep in mind that if you have any doubts or questions, our guides are here to help you.

Following the presentation aboard, we will have a welcome lunch, your first experience with the delights of regional cuisine. The menu offers various options, including a vegetarian alternative. If you have any particular restrictions or requirements, please let our crew know in advance so we can take care of it as soon as possible.

In the afternoon, we will start a boat outing in direction to the Communal Reserve of Yanayacu de Yacapana to explore its amazing flora and fauna.

Towards the evening, we will go in search of animals that can only be seen when the night falls: caimans, bats, frogs, tarantulas and other species found in our rainforest’s lush mounts.

After this first immersion in the Peruvian Amazon’s universe, we will go back to the ship to enjoy dinner, get some rest and recuperate energies.

In the morning, we will organize a fun picnic breakfast on the Yanayacu of Pucate River, one of the most protected and preserved areas of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This area is usually visited by pink dolphins and is ideal for small boats, so we will put kayaks at your disposal so you can live the experience of rowing in one of the most beautiful aquatic ecosystems in the world. Also, if you want, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the river.

After lunch at La Perla, we will start a walk through the rainforest towards the area of the suspension bridges, a set of structures outstretched high in the trees that will allow you to walk among the leafy tops and admire the richness of the jungle from a unique and elevated perspective.

Later, we will go to meet the shaman of San Regis, a sage from the native community who will share with us his knowledge about the rituals of his ancestors, some medicinal plants and the Amazonian worldview. Our guides will be the interpreters in case you have some questions or comments for the shaman. After this authentic experience of spiritual reflection and exploration, we will continue with the ceremony of planting a tree, as a contribution to protecting our environment.

Back on the ship, we will enjoy a peaceful evening with music and a comforting dinner.

We will start off this morning with breakfast and then head on a boat expedition with destination to the Shiriyacu river stream. Once there we will look for the perfect spot for piranha fishing. We will use local equipment and local techniques.

Back in the ship, we will have a lecture on techniques and tools for geographic orientation in the rainforest. If you prefer, you can take a rest until lunchtime.

Following snacks, we will head to Puerto Prado where we will visit the native community Kukama Prado and learn about their traditions and ancestral practices. We will participate in a culinary demonstration and taste typical regional dishes. We will also go to the small market where the women from the community offer their hand made creations. If you wish, you can buy crafts and other products and, in that way contribute to the local economy. Next, we will go on a walk by the mount to observe the “Victoria Regias”, the largest water lily in the world.

Upon returning to La Perla, we will reserve a spot to contemplate the sunset. We especially recommend that you relax and enjoy this moment, as few experiences compare to watching the sunset on the deck, sailing on a mighty Amazonian river, and observing endless colors on the horizon. We will then wait for the night to come and allow us to hear the prodigious symphony of the millions of animals that populate the forests and waters of this jungle.

Late into the night, we will enjoy some live music before the crew’s final presentation and the farewell dinner.

After the buffet breakfast aboard, we will proceed to disembark in Nauta and head to Iquitos. Along the way, we will visit the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA), where biologists and volunteers take care of the animals that have been saved from illegal trafficking including the beloved manatees and the aquatic mammals, dangerously threatened by hunters. Here, you will find the species that have been rescued by the authorities and which are in the process of reintegration into their natural environment. Here you can also learn more about their traits, the risks they face (deterioration of their habitats and wildlife trafficking) and best of all, you can play around with them since they are very friendly.

After this emotional and unforgettable experience, we will continue our way to Iquitos where, once we get to the airport, our journey will have concluded.