Ara 02
Leticia / Tabatinga to Iquitos
4 days / 3 nights cruise
Departures: Tuesday
Rates expressed in US$

Day 01 (Tuesday) ARRIVE TABATINGA/LETICIA / CRUISE (Departure at 11:00hrs)

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/V 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)

Day 02 ( Wednesday) CRUISE / 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/V 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)

Day 03 (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 04 (Friday) ARRIVE 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)

Note: Transfers from / to hotel or airport are not included and are charged as additional services. Also at additional cost, 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 also be scheduled.

Ship: M/F Arapaima Tourist Amazon Cruise Rates per person in US$ in double accomodation Program Days Duration Departure day Price   Ara 02 4D/3N Tuesday 1,010.00 Download PDF