Itinerary High River Season 5 Days

Embark on a five-day adventure through the Peruvian Amazon aboard the Zafiro river cruise. The journey follows the Amazon, Marañón, and Ucayali rivers, reaching deep into the flooded forests of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, one of South America’s most pristine natural regions. Throughout the trip, travelers navigate narrow waterways, observe wildlife such as pink river dolphins and vibrant tropical birds, visit remote riverside villages, and learn about traditional Amazonian culture. This expedition combines guided excursions, cultural interaction, and spectacular scenery while exploring one of the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth.

Day 1 (Saturday): Iquitos, Amazon River

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the DoubleTree by Hilton Iquitos for lunch. Afterward, continue to the main dock to board the cruise vessel while enjoying a short panoramic tour of the city.
Once aboard, settle into your suite and take in views of the surrounding rainforest from the ship’s observation areas. As the cruise prepares to depart, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink prepared with local fruits and pisco while watching the river landscapes glide by. Later, the naturalist guides introduce the upcoming expedition, explaining the geography of the Amazon basin, the wildlife you may encounter, and the route through the jungle waterways. The evening ends with a welcome dinner featuring Peruvian cuisine and Amazonian flavors as the ship begins sailing deeper into the rainforest.

Day 2 (Sunday): Amazon River, Kukama Reserve (Yanayacu of Yucapana), Source of the Amazon - Marañón River, Casual, Nauta Creek

The day starts early with a skiff excursion, an excellent time to observe wildlife as the rainforest awakens. The gentle morning light also creates ideal conditions for photography.
Back on the ship, enjoy a buffet breakfast offering a variety of traditional dishes, Peruvian specialties, freshly baked breads and pastries, and natural juices.
Later, visit the dramatic meeting point where the Marañón and Ucayali rivers join to form the Amazon River. These swirling waters often attract pink and gray river dolphins, making the area one of the region’s most impressive natural sights. After lunch on board, attend a presentation about the hydrology and geography of the Amazon basin.
In the afternoon, explore the rainforest near Puerto Prado on a guided walk. One of the highlights is the enormous Victoria Amazonica, the largest water lily in the world, known for its giant floating leaves. In the evening, return to the ship for dinner and live music. After sunset, join a night excursion to look for caimans, frogs, insects, and other nocturnal wildlife that become active after dark.

Day 3 (Monday): Yanayacu of Pucate, Japanese Lagoon, Yanayaquillo, San Regis, Amazonian Natural Park

Following breakfast, continue deeper into Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Travel by skiff through secluded lakes and lagoons, including the serene Japanese Lagoon, where sightings of pink river dolphins are common. The calm waters reflect the surrounding rainforest, creating a peaceful and wildlife-rich setting.
The journey then continues to Yanayaquillo. During this excursion, guests may have the chance to kayak or swim in the calm blackwater lagoons typical of this region. These nutrient-rich waters support diverse plant and animal life while offering a unique view of the flooded forest.
Later, attend an informative talk about Amazonian environmental philosophy and local conservation perspectives. In the afternoon, explore Amazon Natural Park by combining rainforest walking trails with canoe exploration, providing opportunities to observe tropical plants, birds, and wildlife. Back on the vessel, enjoy a demonstration of classic Peruvian cocktails before ending the evening with live music and a festive captain’s gala dinner.

Day 4 (Tuesday): Marañón River, San Regis, Shiriyacu Lake

After breakfast, visit the riverside community of San Regis to learn about daily life along the Amazon. Local residents share aspects of their culture, including traditional crafts and customs shaped by generations of life in the rainforest.
During the visit, guests meet a community shaman who explains ancestral beliefs and natural healing traditions. Travelers then participate in a symbolic tree-planting activity that represents a shared commitment to preserving the Amazon environment. A small market organized by local women offers handmade crafts for sale.
After returning to the ship for lunch and relaxation, guides share Amazonian legends and folklore that reveal the cultural heritage of the region. Later in the afternoon, explore the waterways of Shiriyacu by skiff and try traditional piranha fishing methods used by local communities. The day ends with views of a colorful Amazon sunset before returning to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Marañón River, Nauta, Disembark In Nauta, Iquitos Airport

On the final morning, travel to Nauta before breakfast and explore its vibrant local market by motorcycle taxi, a common form of transport in the area. This experience offers an authentic glimpse of daily Amazonian life as residents shop for produce, fish, and handcrafted goods.
After breakfast and disembarkation, begin the journey back to the airport. Along the way, visit the Amazon Manatee Rescue Center, where rescued manatees and other animals are rehabilitated. Biologists explain the importance of protecting these gentle aquatic mammals and the work being done to return them to the wild.
After the visit, continue to the airport for departure, marking the end of your Amazon exploration.

What´s includes?

1 night accommodation Hotel - City of Iquitos. (Only 8D/7N and 5D/4N programs). *The night at the DoubleTree hotel is an additional service to the nights included in the Zafiro 8D/7N and 5D/4N itineraries. It can be taken at the beginning or end of the trip and does not change or reduce the number of days of navigation on board.
Lunch is included before boarding at our DoubleTree by Hilton Iquitos hotel. (This service depends on the arrival time of the recommended flight, which might change), (Valid for the 8D/7N and 5D/4N programs), (The 4D/3N itinerary includes a box lunch).
All meals while on board Zafiro.
All excursions & equipment (including rubber boots & rain ponchos).
Transfer from/to the cruise on the recommended flights. In case the passengers stay in Iquitos city hotels – please inform the Guest Coordinator, to arrange pick-up prior to or after your cruise.
Entrance fee to Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
Beverages: Sodas, natural juices, coffee, tea, water, local beer, and house wines available at all times. Premium bar available at an additional cost. Cocktails, spirits, and bottled water are not included.
Welcome drink.
Includes onboard Wi-Fi.

What´s not includes?

Domestic flights.
Cost of medical emergecies (including evacuation).
Tipping etiquette: On board Zafiro cruise, we recommend a tip amount of USD 60 per passenger per night for the crew (which will be divided among all crew members) and a tip amount of USD 40 per passenger per night for the guides. * Please note that these amounts are suggested and that this is entirely at the discretion of our guests.
Any additional transportation services.
Any additional bar consumptions.
Any spa services.
Binocular rental (onboard cost: USD 10 for the entire cruise).
Flashlights (we recommend bringing your own).