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 Tour
Description: Cruise deep into the
large and complex eco-system of the Peruvian
Amazon basin on a small but comfortable Amazon
expedition boat, the
MV Arca. Marvel at flocks of parrots crossing the sky
above, watch children from small villages play at the mighty
River's edge and observe the towering trees that form a
green corridor thru which the rivers flow. Something new and
exciting is always to be seen around the next bend in the
river. Spend days hiking through the rainforest, explore the
rivers and lakes by small boats, view wildlife, fish for
piranha and relax in comfort on the upper deck of your
expedition boat while surrounded by the sights and sounds
most people can only imagine.
This voyage traveling into remote areas operates
in two different versions following the same basic
itinerary but with the difference that "Naturalist" trips will be
guided by knowledgeable local English speaking Naturalist guides
while the "Zoologist" trips operate with the added value of
insight into the wonders of the rainforest flora and fauna provided
by an American Zoologist host.
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Small Group sizes
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
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(max. 16 people) |
Day 1
- Saturday
- LIMA
AM, PM -or EVE -
This tour begins with your arrival in
Lima, the capital of Peru. We highly recommend to arrive in
Peru (Lima) at least one day prior to the departure of the boat
trip from
Iquitos on Sunday -
Click here for tentative flight information.
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Contact us for
additional accommodations and services in Iquitos and its
surrounding area
We can also provide our clients with International airfare quotes
and quotes for flights to Iquitos |
No services are scheduled during your arrival day
in Lima, however, at an additional cost we can provide you with
airport transfers and hotel accommodations in Lima if needed,
depending on the arrival time of your International flight.
(No meals)
Day 2 -
Sunday
- LIMA, IQUITOS, AMAZON RIVER,
TRIBUTARIES & RAINFOREST - Transfer, sailing and excursion
AM -
Our services will begin upon your arrival at the airport of Iquitos
where you will be greeted by the guides outside the customs area.
Transfer to the
MV Arca for
departure on the Amazon.
PM -
At around lunch time we depart from Iquitos or Nauta on the
Amazon River upstream towards the junction of the Rio Ucayali and Rio Marañon,
the two rivers that mingle their waters to form the Amazon. As
we travel, watch for the Pink and Gray Dolphins that can be
observed from the deck and the egrets along the riverbanks. We'll gather for a brief orientation, allowing everyone to
acquaint themselves with the boat and crew.
Late in the afternoon
we leave the Arca for an outing in the aluminum boats to look for birds, monkeys and sloth along a jungle creek. With luck we
will have a terrific
sunset, complete with flocks of parrots, caciques, and oropendolas heading for their rookeries.
EVE - Dinner and relax before
bed.
(L, D.)
Day 3 - Monday -
AMAZON RIVER, TRIBUTARIES & RAINFOREST
AM - At dawn we will have arrived far upriver into remote regions seldom traveled by
outsiders. Before breakfast we take an excursion boat
and head up a beautiful, black-water stream to look for monkeys,
parrots, and a host of other birds that will be moving at this
time. Smaller streams are excellent places to observe bromeliads
and orchids, and all sorts of wildlife.
Return to the boat for
breakfast followed by a hike in the rainforest,
experiencing the sights, sounds, and scent of the world’s
greatest wilderness up-close for the first time. We will take a
leisurely stroll and look at plant and animal oddities along the
way. This is a great opportunity for photography. Some
truly gigantic forest trees, complete with twisting lianas,
aerial termite nests, and a host of novel flora and fauna can be
seen here. Upon
our return to the boat we continue sailing upstream.
PM - After a
refreshing shower, lunch will be served while we talk about our
morning hike and the next destination not too far away. At mid-afternoon we reach a riverside community where
everyone can visit, purchase local handicrafts, and see how
people live along the river. Late afternoon we head up a
beautiful stream nearby where we can observe monkeys,
blue-and-yellow macaws, and perhaps a sloth or two. Those
choosing to remain on board can fish or relax with a good book,
taking in the never-ending river sights: rafts of bananas,
dugouts with exotic tropical fishes, etc.
EVE - After dinner, grab your flashlights and board the
aluminum boats for an unforgettable night ride along the creek
in search of owls, potoos (really weird birds), and caimans.
(B, L, D.)
Day 4 - Tuesday
- AMAZON RIVER,
TRIBUTARIES & RAINFOREST
AM - Sunrise in the Amazon is always an amazing spectacle.
Early-morning boat ride for those who wish to see monkeys and
birds. Return to the riverboat for breakfast while we continue
upstream towards a huge oxbow lake where we arrive late morning.
Here we board our shore boats and head into the lake to observe
Horned Screamers (really weird birds) and Hoatzins (even weirder
birds).
PM & EVE - During lunch, and the entire afternoon, we
sail downstream, stopping in time for a post-dinner night hike
after darkness has fallen. Flashlights in-hand, we head slowly
down a rainforest trail and gaze in amazement at the wonderful
creatures on display. The forest comes alive at night and one
can see everything from bizarre katydids to colorful tree-frogs.
We may find sleeping birds and butterflies, maybe even an Owl
Monkey. Night walks are among the most unusual of experiences
and an unforgettable way to appreciate the tropical rainforest.
(B, L, D.)
Day 5 - Wednesday
- AMAZON RIVER,
TRIBUTARIES & RAINFOREST
AM -
At wake up time we head towards a stream that runs through dense
rainforest. The fishing and dolphin watching in the area is
superb, and birders will enjoy watching from the forward
observation deck as we head upstream. After breakfast, we cross
the river to a place to walk in high forest. This is a botanical
wonderland where the forest is a paradise, complete with
brilliantly colored poison frogs, jumping about like tiny jewels
on the trail.
PM - We return to our boat for a refreshing shower and a
relaxing lunch while the boat cruises onward. Late in the
afternoon we will go on an excursion by the small boats. Dusk
will find us searching the skies for yet another Amazon sunset
as the boat turns slowly into the mouth of a small jungle river.
We'll overnight here.
EVE - We will take another nocturnal excursion in
search of caimans and night birds (by aluminum boat).
(B, L, D.)
Day 6 - Thursday
- AMAZON RIVER,
TRIBUTARIES & RAINFOREST
AM -
Dawn is a cacophony of bird noises, punctuated by pink dolphins
as they exhale. Coffee and tea on the deck while we try to get
some pictures of the dolphins will be followed by breakfast as
the boat slowly makes its way up the river. After breakfast,
we'll trade for handicrafts with the friendly people at a couple
of the villages. The locals make beautiful and interesting items
and are happy to swap for t-shirts, dollars, or Peruvian
currency. The children are eager to see who might be bringing
candy, colored pencils, or other exotic goodies. Also, a variety
of wild animals is usually on display...pets roaming through the
village.
PM - After lunch we head off to fish for piranha and take
in the wildlife in a big lagoon filled with tropical fish like
those we see in pet shops. Late afternoon will find us cruising
downstream towards the Amazon.
EVE - After dinner evening outing by small boat.
(B, L, D.)
Day 7 - Friday
- AMAZON RIVER,
TRIBUTARIES & RAINFOREST
AM - This morning we visit the river town of Requena with
its interesting local market. Here you will see all types of
river fish and jungle produce and meats. As we continue our trip
down river, we later stop for a short hike into a small lake to
view giant Amazon water lilies.
PM - Late afternoon we visit a small village with an
excellent arts and crafts tradition, then we travel on to the
main Amazon River and our destination of Iquitos.
EVE - The boat will run all night.
(B, L, D.)
Day 8 - Saturday
- AMAZON RIVER & IQUITOS
AM -
We will arrive back to Iquitos in the early morning. A quick
breakfast and then transfer to the airport for the flight to
Lima from where you can connect with your evening flight to the
USA or continue on to a
Cuzco and Machu Picchu extension tour.
(B.)
END OF SERVICES |
