Expedition Cruise

Your journey begins with a welcome at Iquitos International Airport. After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer you to the Aqua Nera. Depending on the water levels, the afternoon may include a city introduction or your first skiff ride on the Marañón. Once on board, you will settle into your suite before a safety drill and a welcome dinner featuring Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s innovative Amazonian cuisine.

We rise with the sun. High water guests will explore a "lost river" along the Marañón and walk across suspended bridges in the high rainforest. Low water guests venture into the Samiria River for fishing and a flora and fauna lecture, followed by a jungle walk. Both seasons offer chances to spot pink river dolphins and enjoy the "jungle symphony" after dark.

A morning visit to a local market allows you to see the day’s catch and exotic fruits, guided by our naturalists. The afternoon highlights a geographical wonder: the confluence where the Ucayali and Marañón rivers merge to birth the mighty Amazon. In the evening, we welcome new guests joining for the second half of the voyage as we continue along the Marañón.

We explore the black waters of the Yanallpa (High Water) or cruise the Ucayali (Low Water), observing riverside life where farmers and fishermen work. Activities include jungle walks to see the rainforest interior and dusk excursions to search for caimans and other nocturnal wildlife emerging as the sun sets.

An early start rewards us with a full-day skiff excursion deep into the pristine Pacaya River. We share the water with capuchin monkeys, egrets, and taricaya turtles. After a picnic lunch, you will witness a demonstration of fishing for paiche—the second-largest river fish in the world—before returning via the Ucayali River, watching banana boats transport their goods to market.

The morning offers a choice of activity: jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming in the calm black waters of the Yarapa or Clavero rivers. In the afternoon, we visit a remote village (High Water) or walk through the San Jose flooded forest to see giant water lilies (Low Water). The evening features a farewell gathering to meet the crew members who have ensured your comfort throughout the week.

On our final morning, we visit the bustling Bellavista Nanay market to sample local snacks like suri (Amazon caterpillars) or explore the town of Nauta. After a final breakfast and packing, we disembark. On the way to the airport, we make a touching visit to the Manatee Rescue Center to see rehabilitated manatees, followed by a stop at the San Juan craft market before your flight home.