The Zafiro Experience: 8-Day Amazon Rainforest Expedition

The journey begins with a pick-up from the airport and lunch at DoubleTree by Hilton Iquitos. Travelers will then take a panoramic city tour of Iquitos before boarding the cruise. They’ll be welcomed aboard and shown to their suites, which are equipped with comfortable amenities. Before setting sail, guests will enjoy a cocktail with local fruit and pisco while taking in the views from the observation deck or lounge. Naturalist guides will provide an overview of the itinerary, highlighting activities, routes, and information about the wildlife, vegetation, and the area’s geographical and historical context. The day concludes with a welcome dinner, featuring Peruvian cuisine with Amazonian flavors, and stunning views of the starry night sky as the journey into the Amazon rainforest begins.

The day starts with a morning skiff expedition on the Amazon River to observe the local flora and fauna. After returning for a breakfast buffet, the journey continues to the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, the origin of the Amazon River, where pink and gray river dolphins can be spotted. Guests will return to the boat for lunch and a talk about the source of the Amazon and the river’s hydrography, followed by a walk to Puerto Prado to see the Victoria Amazonica, the world’s largest water lily. The day concludes with dinner, live music, and a nighttime outing to observe caimans, tarantulas, frogs, and other nocturnal wildlife

An early skiff outing takes guests to various lakes and lagoons, including the Japanese Lagoon in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where a picnic is enjoyed in this well-preserved area. Pink river dolphins are often seen here. The journey continues with a visit to the Yanaquillo gorge before returning to the Zafiro for kayaking and swimming in the black waters. After lunch, guides will discuss Amazonian philosophy, followed by a rainforest walk across hanging bridges, offering a unique treetop view of the rainforest. The day ends with a Peruvian cocktail demonstration by the bartender, live music, and a gala dinner with the captain.

The day begins with breakfast and a visit to the San Regis community, where travelers will learn about the local people’s traditions and way of life. The community shaman will share ancestral traditions, and there will be an opportunity to plant a tree, contributing positively to the environment. A market featuring handmade crafts by the community’s women will also be visited. Following lunch on board, guides will share myths and legends of the Amazon. The afternoon features a skiff trip to the Shiriyacu stream for piranha fishing using local techniques. The day concludes with a return to the Zafiro, where guests can enjoy the sunset, live music, and dinner.

The day starts with a pre-breakfast visit to Nauta, the region’s second most important city. Guests will experience the local market via motorcycle taxi. After returning to the Zafiro for breakfast, there’s an outing to the Comunal Florida Reserve for a wildlife walk, where species like frogs and Mahogany trees can be observed. Following lunch and a rest, an afternoon skiff excursion explores the Pahuashiro area and its wildlife. The day concludes with free time until dinner on the boat.

An early skiff excursion takes guests to the Yanallpa area of the Ucayali River in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve to view native animal species. After breakfast, another skiff trip explores the Tapiche River in search of wildlife. Before midday, guests return to the boat for a cooking demonstration by the executive chef. Following lunch, an optional talk about the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is offered, and the afternoon features a skiff trip to the Dorado River for local-style fishing. The day concludes with a nighttime outing to spot caimans, tarantulas, and other nocturnal species, followed by dinner on the Zafiro.

The day begins with an exploration of the Yarapa River, known for its pink and gray river dolphins in the black waters. Back on the Zafiro, guests will witness the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, which form the Amazon River. After lunch and a period of rest, an afternoon skiff sail on the Amazon River allows for observation of local community activities along the riverbanks. The day ends with an Amazon sunset, relaxation, live music, crew presentations, and a farewell dinner.

The final day starts with breakfast before disembarking in Iquitos. A visit to the Manatee Rescue Center (Amazon Forever Organization) offers insights into the rehabilitation of endangered manatees and other rescued animals. Guests are invited to donate to the organization before being transferred to the airport.