5 Day Zafiro Amazon Cruise

5 Days/4 Nights
From $4,056 per person
(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)
Saturday Departures Throughout the Year
Overview
Discover the biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon on this 5 day cruise aboard the Zafiro. Departing from Iquitos and then Nauta, you will explore the tributaries of the Amazon River in search of caiman, monkeys, dolphins, and other wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to interact with native villagers. Highlights include visiting the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth, piranha fishing, and meeting with a local shaman. On your final day, you will also visit the Manatee Rescue Center.
Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 4 nights (aboard the M/V Zafiro) and 9 meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners).
Best Time to Go: June-November.
Destinations: South America, Peru, and Amazon.
Interests: Adventure, Culture & History, Expedition Cruising, Luxury, and Wildlife Viewing.
Places Visited: Iquitos & the Northern Amazon.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Activities on board: Once on board, your naturalist guide will inform you of all the additional activities you will have during your trip, such as: bird watching at sunrise, preparing a local meal or learning how to prepare Pisco Sour, an emblematic drink of Peru, and much more. Our crew will always encourage you to participate in these activities on board, so that you can learn as much as possible about the amazon jungle.
Day 1 (Sat): Iquitos-Nauta-Marañon River-Nauta Caño.
Pick up at the airport and transfer by private vehicle to Nauta port, for boarding. On the road you will enjoy a box lunch.
Our staff will accompany you to your suite specially equipped with comfortable beds, pure Peruvian pima cotton sheets, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, private bathroom with shower and amenities.
Before sailing, our bartender will serve you a cocktail prepared with fruits from the region and pisco, the most popular national liquor in Peru. Do not miss the opportunity to savor it while enjoying a full view of the river from the observation deck, or a panoramic view in the indoor or outdoor lounge.
Once we start sailing the naturalist guides will present an overview of the trip program, such as activities, routes, information on wildlife and vegetation, the geographical and historical background, as well as other useful details. If you have any doubts or questions, our guides are always very happy to assist you.
After the welcome briefing we will enjoy delicious appetizers and have time to rest before the next outing on skiffs to Nauta Caño, where you will enjoy a night excursion in search of alligators, tarantulas, frogs and other species that appear when the sun goes down.
Return to the ship and dinner on dinner on board. Begin your trip with a special Peruvian dinner with an Amazonian influence. It is a varied menu that includes a vegetarian option. Please let us know of any special dietary requirements in advance. Overnight aboard the ship. (L,D)
Day 2 (Sun): Marañon River-Yanayacu de Pucate-San Regis.
Early in the morning, we will invite guests to the third deck of the ship to observe the transit of migratory birds.
Afterwards, we will start our excursion by boat to the Yanayacu de Pucate area, where we will appreciate one of the best preserved and protected areas of the Pacaya Samiria reserve. Moreover, we will enjoy a special breakfast in the middle of nature.
Before returning to the ship, those who wish can take a kayak ride. Others might choose to swim in the refreshing black waters of the river.
Back on the boat, our bartender awaits you with a Peruvian cocktail demonstration, after that enjoy lunch. Followed from some time to rest, the guides will give us a talk on Amazonian philosophy.
In the afternoon, we will visit the native community of San Regis, where we will learn about their way of life and traditions. We will also learn about ancestral traditions from the local shaman. Our guides will act as interpreters during this experience, in which you will have the opportunity to ask questions about spiritual connections and the shaman´s abilities to heal the soul.
After living this experience, we will continue with the ceremony of planting a tree as a positive contribution to the environment.
Moreover, there will be opportunity to appreciate how the women of the community exhibit in a small craft market, pieces and objects made with their own hands.
Back on the ship you will have time to rest and relax with live music while we make time before dinner. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 3 (Mon): Marañon River-Amazonian Natural Park-Nahuapa River.
After breakfast we will start a walk through the jungle, followed by a canopy walk, which will allow us to admire the richness of the jungle from the top of the trees.
At noon, we will return to the ship for lunch on board, after which we will have time to rest. It is important that you are present at the talk about the animals in the area that are in danger of extinction.
In the afternoon, we will begin our exploration by boat on the Nahuapa River. There you will experience fishing for the famous piranhas, using local equipment and techniques.
Before returning to Zafiro cruise, we will make a night excursion in search of alligators, tarantulas, frogs and other nocturnal species. Return to Zafiro, live music and dinner. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Tue): Marañon River-Casual-Amazon River.
After breakfast, we will start a walk in Casual, in search of wildlife, such as poisonous frogs and other exotic species. In this area we will see the well-known giant trees called Avatar and the “Victoria Amazonica” also known as Victoria Regia or water lilies, the largest aquatic plant on the planet. There you will also have the opportunity to purchase local handicrafts made by local women artisans.
Before noon you will return to the ship where there will be a cooking demonstration by the executive chef.
After lunch, do not miss the talk about the origin of the Amazon, and then start an excursion to the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, the place where these two rivers join, also known as the origin of the Amazon River. This area is very popular for watching the curious pink river dolphins. Return to the ship and have some free time until dinner. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 5 (Wed): Marañón River-Nauta-Disembarkation-Iquitos.
Before breakfast we will visit Nauta, the second most important city in the region. Upon arrival, we will take a motocar tour to the local market where we will learn first-hand what the commercial life of the city is like.
Return to Zafiro for breakfast.
After breakfast, we will proceed to disembark. On your way to the airport, visit Amazon Forever Bio Park, also known as Manatees Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for manatees, an endangered species. Learn how manatees are treated and prepared for their return to their natural habitat. Likewise, other animals are also rescued, treated and reinserted in their natural habitat.
Jungle Experiences actively collaborates with this dedicated organization and think tank. We invite you to do so as well and help this meaningful cause.
Transfer to the airport. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Itinerary Map
Prices & Dates
Price per Person
Category | Single | Double | Triple |
---|---|---|---|
First Deck Suite | $4,867 | $4,056 | $3,380 |
Second Deck Suite | $5,117 | $4,264 | $3,553 |
Master Suite | $5,616 | $4,680 | $3,900 |
Zafiro Suite | $6,490 | $5,408 | $4,507 |
Notes:
- The above prices are valid until December 31, 2025.
- The Single Supplement is 20% of the Double Price.
- There is a minimum age of 7 for all departures.
- Triple price is based on one Child 7-11 sharing the cabin with one or two adults. The Child Rate is 50%.
Departure Dates
Saturday departures throughout the year. This itinerary is offered during the low water season, which runs from June to November. A slightly different itinerary is offered during the high water season, which runs from December to May.
What's Included
Price Includes
- South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
- Transfers to/from vessel when arriving on recommended flights to Iquitos.
- Accommodations on board the M/V Zafiro.
- One night accommodation at Double Tree by Hilton Iquitos.
- All meals scheduled on board.
- Welcome drink: Pisco Sour.
- Natural juices, soda, coffee, tea, water, and local alcoholic beverages (house wines, beer and pisco cocktails) are included with lunch and dinner.
- Entrance fee to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
- Licensed, English-speaking tour guides.
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare.
- Domestic airfare.
- Hotel nights before/after the cruise.
- Gratuities to ship crew and guides (Suggested $20-$30/person/night for the crew, and $7-$10/person/night for the guides).
- Cost of medical emergencies.
- Any additional transportation services.
- Any additional bar consumptions.
- Gifts and personal items.
- Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare, land services, and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.
Accommodations
Iquitos
Additional Details
Group/Private: All services included in this tour are operated on a group basis.
Elevations: N/a.
Passport/Visa: U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens require a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Peruvian embassy in their country before traveling.
Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.
To Book This Trip: Call or email us to confirm the availability of the ship and airfare for your desired dates of travel. Once we have confirmed availability, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person. The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days prior to departure.
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