Amazon Rainforest Cruise - Premium Adventure

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Extraordinary Stays

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Adventures that put Nature FIRST

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10 days

from

$10,879 USD

incl. taxes

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Premium Adventures

Activity level:

Leisurely / Moderate

Trip code:

WPA

Ways to Travel:

Premium Adventures, Voyages, Guided Group

Activity:

Wildlife Holidays

Max group size:

Ages:

16+

Voyage into the world's largest river basin and explore the Peruvian Amazon

The Amazon: one of the wildest and most remote corners of Earth. For those drawn to the natural beauty of our planet a voyage along the mighty Amazon River in Peru offers the ultimate adventure. Come face to face with pink dolphins, playful monkeys, sleepy sloths, giant butterflies and a myriad of other rare creatures in the remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Travel in high style aboard M/V Zafiro, the Amazon's most luxurious ship, enjoying all the comforts of a 5* hotel. Disembark for guided moonlight safaris, canoe excursions, nature walks and piranha fishing. Amazonian cultural encounters are aplenty in Ribereño villages - receive a blessing from a Shaman and learn ancient customs with the locals. Drawing on insight from our native Amazon travel guides, we intentionally vary the villages and tributaries we visit, ensuring you get the most authentic experience possible.

With certified naturalist guides on board, an outdoor jacuzzi, cooking class, pre and post cruise hotel in Lima, internal flights and more, this expedition is as once-in-a-lifetime as it gets.

Highlights

A full week to discover the Peruvian Amazon by boat and on foot, travelling in style aboard the Premium riverboat Zafiro
Get to the heart of the rainforest, with opportunities to spot Pink and Grey River dolphins, caiman, Scarlet macaws and much, much more
All excursions accompanied by fascinating naturalist guides who are experts in the Peruvian Amazon - join them for stargazing and storytelling!
Join a village Shaman for a blessing ceremony and learn about the important use of medicinal plants within the local community
Luxurious amenities aboard the Zafiro, including on board Jacuzzi, spa services and fresh Amazon fusion cuisine

Key information

2 nights Premium hotel accommodation in Lima and 7 nights on board the Premium riverboat M/V Zafiro
7 days of wildlife viewing by sturdy excursion boats, accompanied by expert naturalist guides
Internal flight to/from Iquitos included
Group normally 22-39 plus crew.

Countries visited: Peru

What's included

All breakfasts and lunches, plus 7 included dinners. Food on the Zafiro is excellent!
Complimentary tea, coffee, water, natural juices, Peruvian cocktails, soft drinks, house wines and local beer during meals
Premium accommodation on board the Zafiro in your choice of spacious suite - four different price categories
Assistance at Lima airport on arrival
Internal return flights from Lima to Iquitos
Transfers to/from the airport in Iquitos to M/V Zafiro
Daily excursions with a focus on discovering the wildlife and culture of the Peruvian Amazon
Rubber boots and rain ponchos for use during excursions
Entrance fees to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Named naturalist guides, all chosen for their extensive experience and great customer feedback
Tips to the crew of the Zafiro are included (only the cost of tipping the naturalist guide will be extra)

What's not included

International Flights
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Tipping for the naturalist guide

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Enquire Today

Live Chat

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

The use of a local guide who has expert knowledge in this remote area of the Peruvian Amazon means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally employed staff, and purchase of food supplies that are sourced locally to showcase the breadth of Peruvian cuisine.
Guides will provide information about the lives of the Ribereño people as we visit some villages perched along the riverbanks as part of the expedition. This supports local enterprise and enables information sharing, such as understanding about medicinal plants or visiting a local shaman.
Sustainable practices are in place on board the Zafiro, for example, use of eco-friendly cleaning products that do not affect the ecosystem.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
Wildlife and biodiversity conservation is supported through our time spend in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve as part of this expedition.
All excursions will be accompanied by naturalist guides who are experts in the Peruvian Amazon, with specialist knowledge of local culture, ornithology, and the flora and fauna of this biodiverse region.
All of the skiffs use silencers to avoid noise pollution and respect the natural habitat of the fauna in the area we navigate.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices about wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
Guides display respectful behaviour in the way they approach the fauna and flora observed during the excursions, for example, no-one is allowed to touch any animal and all guests will be kept at an appropriate distance.
One of the included excursions features a ceremony hosted by a local shaman, where every traveller may plant their own tree and in this way they leave a positive footprint as part of their travels in the Amazon region.
Our local team collaborate with NGO Manatees Rescue Center, which takes care of manatees and other animal species in danger of extinction.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Read about our climate action here including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Travelling through a remote region such as the Peruvian Amazon by boat ensures that our landing sites and visits are carefully controlled which ensures a culturally sensitive expedition.
Our guides and local staff are natives to the area and understand how to protect and care for the region, enriching the experience for local people and guests.
During every expedition there will be a tree planting ceremony, an important Amazon tradition.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable. Please also consider avoiding use of single-use toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Itinerary

Expand all

Lima

Day 1
Start Lima
Welcome to Peru! Today is an arrival day into the city of Lima, the nation’s capital and largest city.
On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and accompanied the very short walk to the Wyndham Costa del Sol, a premium hotel with comfortable rooms and facilities. A meet and greet on arrival is included for everyone, regardless of which flight you arrive on today.
Premium accommodation: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima (4*) or similar
Day 2
Fly from Lima to Iquitos; board the Zafiro
Our adventure begins with a flight over the Andes to Iquitos, the gateway to the Amazon River. The local team in Lima will assist with flight check in today.
On arrival in Iquitos, we have a welcome lunch together with all guests before boarding the elegant Zafiro - a premium riverboat and our home for the next seven nights. The crew will be waiting to welcome you on board, and help you get settled into your cabin and familiar with the boat. All suites have 100% Peruvian prima cotton sheets, comfortable beds, bathrobes, air conditioning and floor to ceiling windows for that all important view!
After a welcome Pisco Sour, enjoy your first chance for stargazing and storytelling with the expert naturalist guides while cruising slowly on the Amazon River toward the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers.
Premium accommodation: Zafiro
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Days 3-8
Amazon River & Tributaries
Spend the next six nights aboard the premium Zafiro riverboat navigating deep into the tributaries of the Amazon—a web of forests and lakes that pulsates with a chorus of birdlife, the calls of primates, and flashes of colorful butterflies.
More than 1,300 species of birds, 40,000 plant species and Grey and Pink River dolphins can be found in this lush, ever-changing rainforest known collectively as “The Amazon.”
Enjoy unprecedented access to three habitats, varzea, igapó and palm-flooded forest, including the deep reaches of the protected Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. There is a huge diversity of possible wildlife sightings here, including spectacular blue-and-gold Scarlet macaws, Hoatzins and Horned screamers. Traverse the waterways aboard sturdy excursion boats to areas where you may find marsh birds such as Oriole blackbirds, Green ibis, Yellow-headed caracaras, Black-capped donacobis and White-headed marsh-tyrant. Night time excursions may reveal caimans, capybaras, Common pootoos, frogs and other nocturnal wildlife. Periodically throughout the year, guests may even release turtle hatchlings.
Daily excursions include early morning birding, enriching presentations, visits in local villages and even piranha fishing! Learn about the lives of the Ribereño people as we visit villages perched along the riverbanks. This is a fantastic opportunity to stroll through their gardens and learn about medicinal plants from a local Shaman.
Pointing out details no guidebook could provide are the onboard team of world-class naturalists, while Zafiro’s attentive crew ensures exceptional service in the wild.
Please note that our navigational itinerary will have some seasonal variations depending on the water levels of the river.
Premium accommodation: Zafiro
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9
Fly from Iquitos to Lima
This morning we disembark the Zafiro, waving goodbye to our excellent crew and guides who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. En route to the airport we have the opportunity to visit the Amazon Rescue Center where biologists and volunteers take care of manatees before their eventual release. Following this excursion we transfer back to Iquitos for our flight to Lima.
Upon arrival back in Lima this afternoon, it's just a short walk to our premium airport hotel. Most guests stay overnight and depart on day 10. If you have a tight schedule, you could use the hotel as a dayroom to freshen up before connecting with independent overnight flights (from late evening onwards). Please discuss with your sales consultant whether your international flight timings will work.
Premium accommodation: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima (4*) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch
Day 10
End Lima
You are free to depart Lima at any time today, or alternatively consider extending your stay to spend some more time discovering Peru.

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

High water itinerary of Amazon Rainforest Cruise

Show map

Essential Info

Visas

Peru

Visas are not required by UK citizens, Western European nationals, Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and most other nationalities. If you are in any doubt please contact the nearest Peruvian Embassy.

Vaccinations

Peru

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements.

Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.

Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

If you are travelling to the Tambopata reserve in the Amazon rainforest, the risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. We also strongly recommend that you obtain a Yellow Fever vaccination. Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in the Amazon region. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites: always apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers while in the rainforest to avoid being bitten.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and lunches plus 7 dinners are included.

Savour regional specialties and contemporary cuisine infused with flavors from the surrounding rainforest. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant as you sample Amazon fusion cuisine while enjoying spectacular views from the panoramic windows. All meals are served buffet style, and tea, coffee, water, natural juices, Peruvian cocktails, soft drinks, house wines and local beer are complimentary during meals.

While on board the Zafiro, please bring a reusable water bottle that can be refilled as needed at refill stations.

Weather

The Iquitos area, near where you will be exploring during your cruise, is located a few degrees south of the Equator and is characterized by strong tropical sun and rainforest. Average temperatures range from 21-27°C year-round during the day, to the lower 20s at night. It can be cool on the river at night or on overcast days. There is very little seasonal variation between winter and summer temperatures. The average humidity ranges from 60-80%, and rainfall occurs approximately 250 days out of the year. Most showers occur in the late afternoon or evening and are of short duration.

Is this trip for you?

Safari Rating: 4

Cover more than 600 miles on the Amazon and its tributaries as you travel deep into the protected Pacaya-Samiria Reserve and explore three different habitats, so you have the best chance of spotting rare wildlife!

On an Amazon River cruise, guests can enjoyed unrivalled access to the Peruvian rainforest’s most pristine areas and the company of the river’s most knowledgeable guides. Your exciting daily excursions include birding at dawn, visits to local villages and even piranha fishing! Join us and be transported to discover a rainforest that pulsates with an unrivalled diversity of wildlife. On these Amazon River cruises, we look for monkeys, birds, sloths and other mammals, Pink and Grey dolphins and so much more.

Please note that these departures are not exclusive to Exodus and groups may consist of a mixture of clients from other tour operators.

Although this tour is not overly strenuous, you should be reasonably fit and capable of moderate exercise while searching for wildlife. While ashore, you should be able to walk without assistance at a group pace in order to participate in this expedition. On several occasions there will be walks that will entail walking, unaided, along rugged trails with occasional inclines and rooted dirt trails. You will occasionally have to climb/descend stairs, often without handrails, and negotiate places where footing is uncertain. Some days on the Amazon Voyage will include boat journeys that require sitting for long periods of time in search of the diverse and rich wildlife.

Booking Conditions:

Please note this tour is excluded from our standard booking conditions, and instead the following conditions will apply:

Deposit:              25%
Balance:             Due at 90 days
Cancellation within 90 days:
89 days to 71 days: 50% of trip costs retained
70 days of less: 100% of trip costs retained

Nature-focused, small-group expedition travel is at the heart of an expedition cruise into the Amazon. Expert local naturalist guides accompany each Amazon Voyage - if the boat has a full complement of 38 travellers, the Zafiro will have 3 guides each rotating to lead smaller groups of 14, 12 and 12 passengers . Each day, these knowledgeable guides use their decades of learning and guiding experience to serve as lecturers, field guides and friends as you explore the rainforest.

Guides will join all excursions and activities, providing daily recaps and briefings, and are always on hand to answer any questions. We can’t guarantee which guides will be available on which departure date. Please see the 'experts' tab on the website to see who is likely to be leading your Amazon adventure.

Please see our COVID Travel Guides for more information on current guidelines for travel in Peru.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Enquire Today

Live Chat

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation

M/V Zafiro

We couldn't recommend this Premium Adventure enough!

Enjoy an expedition on the famous Amazon River, reaching the heart of the rainforest, all from the comfort of a Premium riverboat: the Zafiro.

Zafiro:

Blending stylish design and modern comforts, the Zafiro offers huge panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite which are ideal for admiring the beauty of the Amazon.
A ship staff and crew of 24, including a cruise director, paramedic and up to 3 highly experienced bilingual naturalist guides, will ensure an unprecedented level of service.
The common areas on board include an indoor lounge and bar, outdoor jacuzzi and bar, indoor reading lounge, observation deck, exercise room, massage room, dining room and boutique.
Relax with a book or enjoy the passing scenery from the comfortably furnished indoor lounge, refresh any aching muscles in the outdoor jacuzzi, or indulge in aromatherapy or massage in the spa which is staffed by a wellness specialist.
On the observation deck, cushioned loungers under a soaring canopy are ideal for avoiding the sun’s glare and letting you soak up the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Sure to be a highlight of your Amazon Cruise on the Zafiro is the exquisite cuisine – gastronomy is an essential part of the Zafiro experience and will let you discover new flavours and some truly unique recipes.

CABINS

The Zafiro has a capacity for 38 guests, in 19 spacious suites of four different price categories. All cabins are air conditioned with en suite bathrooms, desk and ample space.

Lower Deck Suite: 21 sq.m of space. Cabins have convertible twin or California King-sized bed and panoramic floor-to-ceiling window.
Upper Deck Suite: 21 sq.m of space. Cabins have convertible twin or California King-sized bed, panoramic floor-to-ceiling window and balcony.
Master Suite: 23 sq.m of space. Cabins have convertible twin or California King-sized bed, panoramic floor-to-ceiling window with 90° view.
Zafiro Suite: 44.60 sq.m of space. Cabins have convertible twin or California King-sized bed, panoramic floor-to-ceiling window with 180° view, balcony and Jacuzzi-style bathtub and convertible sofa bed.

At the start and end of this Premium Adventure we have comfortable Premium accommodation at the Wyndham Costa del Sol which is conveniently located within walking distance of the arrivals hall at Lima Airport. This modern and comfortable hotel is ideal for an easy arrival/departure and meets 4* classification.

Zafiro deck plan

The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance, however we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. While we will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.