Pure Amazon: High water season 4D/3N Experience, starting on Nauta

The journey starts in Iquitos, which stands as the biggest city in the world, only accessible through air travel and water routes. The journey from this point requires a one-hour and forty-five-minute drive to reach Nauta, which lies along the Marañon River and presents a stunning postcard-like view. Board the Pure Amazon from here. The ship will begin its welcome briefing right after passengers settle in, while the onboard chefs prepare a delicious meal for them.

Start your morning at dawn with a birdwatching trip on a skiff to Nauta Caño, where you will discover black-collared hawks and tanagers, and oropendolas in the dense vegetation, which mirrors itself in the dark water. The Pure Amazon will serve breakfast before you start your journey to Yanayacu Pucate, which stands as a top tributary of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, where you will find squirrel monkeys and tamarins, and iguanas. The afternoon heat begins to fade, so you should paddle down the peaceful Yanayaquillo stream by kayak or skiff to watch animals until darkness falls. After dark, search for caimans and night monkeys before ending the day with dinner, a recap of the day’s adventures, and stargazing.

The day begins with a visit to the welcoming community of Nueva Arica, a riverside village that experiences dramatic 30-foot water level changes between high and low seasons. Here, you’ll meet local residents and learn how they adapt to the rhythms of the Amazon. Supported by the Philanthropy cruise, the community focuses on sustainable ways to use forest resources for income.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided expedition along the serene, mirror-like blackwaters of the Samiria River, ideal for kayaking or swimming. As you glide through the calm reflections of the forest and sky, your guide will help you spot sloths, monkeys, colorful birds, frogs, and other fascinating wildlife. Return to Pure Amazon afterward for a daily recap and a festive farewell dinner.

Start the day after breakfast in Nauta by visiting the Formabiap educational project. Students at the Formabiap project study teaching methods that enable them to instruct in Spanish, along with their native languages, which number around 200 students. The event begins with musical greetings to all visitors, who then learn about longhouse building techniques before participating in a spiritual cleansing ceremony, which an elder leads, and finally attending a presentation about medicinal plants. Your trip will end with a transfer that leads you back to your hotel in Iquitos or the airport.