Amatista: 4-Day Experience, starting on Sunday

Welcome to your Amazon experience! After your arrival at the airport, you will be escorted on a tour of Iquitos to see the sights and sounds of one of Peru’s largest cities. You will then be transferred to Nauta, the historic port, and embark on your vessel to meet your crew. After introductions and a welcome orientation, you will have a lovely lunch to fuel your journey and begin sailing the Amazon River. As you travel, your expert naturalist will present your itinerary for the journey ahead. In the afternoon, you will board your first boat excursion, where your naturalist will look for wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, caimans, and, hopefully, you will catch a glimpse of the pink dolphin, although they are shy and elusive. Sail back to your vessel for dinner and relax for a new day of exploration and adventure tomorrow!

You will begin the day enjoying a scenic picnic breakfast along the banks of the Yamayacu River in the protected Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, which is known for the sighting of pink dolphins. You will have the opportunity to paddle local canoes through stunning water areas or take a swim in the river. After paddling, you will re-board to enjoy lunch and a short rest before an inspiring talk on how Amazonian thinking works. Visit with a shaman from the San Regis community, where you will learn about their ancestral rituals, medicinal plants, and spirituality working with the rainforest. You will then participate in a tree-planting ceremony in support of conservation. Finally, settle in for relaxing live music and dinner on board.

Mornings in the Amazon are kind of magical with all the species of wildlife and insects. We couldn’t think of a better way to start the day than with a pre-breakfast boat trip to Iquitos Brook, a typical area to spot endemic species. Upon our return, we will partake in a buffet breakfast on the boat. After breakfast, we will take a walk in the jungle, which leads to a series of hanging bridges where we will enjoy a canopy walk and see the forest from above. Upon return to the ship, we will have lunch and have free time to relax before we take a boat expedition to the Shiriyacu Stream for fishing for piranhas using traditional methods, while keeping an eye out for pink dolphins. The day will end with drinks, live music, and dinner on board.

In the morning, head out by boat to Gasparito Brook, a great spot for seeing birds and primates. After breakfast, you will see the demonstration of a Peruvian cocktail – Pisco Sour. After this, we will transfer to Iquitos and visit Amazon Forever Bio Park, also the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered manatees and other rescued animals, and get them ready for release into their natural environment. Jungle Experiences supports these conservation efforts, and we encourage our guests to contribute to this wonderful project. Finally, we will continue to the airport and you will depart.