Zafiro
7 Nights Cruise Itinerary
Rainy / High Water Season
November – May
Eight days and seven nights to live the heart of the Amazon—to delve into the immense diversity of the Peruvian jungle and allow yourself to be seduced by the charm of a land where you will only find the purest authenticity of life. You will discover species of plants and animals that you did not even know existed, the ways of life of the native cultures, and the flavors of all the fruits of the Amazon. The Pacaya Samiria Reserve will not only be an adventure that takes you back to the most authentic nature, but also will take to yourself—to your authentic self. You will find a plethora of new revitalizing experiences via jungle treks fishing, bird watching, exploration in the Yacapana Islands, watching dolphins from up close, visits to local villages, the jungle of mirrors, nocturnal wildlife safaris and a visit to the Manatee Rescue Center and many other additional activities that where you will get to know and fall in love with the Amazon.
Itineraries
High River Season - December - May
Low River Season - June - Novemeber
ROUTE MAP
Notes
- The proposed itineraries and programs may vary depending on the weather, the river´s water level, the migratory cycles of the animals
- Local communities´ visits: the visits will depend on the availability of its inhabitants. We try to avoid the negative effects of the activity on the identity of cultures and protect the environment.
- Excursions: before each outing, we offer waterproof rubber boots for your comfort and convenience; and after each departure, they will be returned to the staff for cleaning. We also offer waterproof rain ponchos.
- Kayaks: ask your naturalist guide about kayak rides, which will depend on the weather conditions on the days of your trip. You are welcome to sign up for kayak tours at your own risk. These rides take place in calm
waters where you can paddle in a relaxed way. Our kayaks are ideal for two passengers. - Fishing: Our fishing policy is based on catch and release.
Related Programs
ARIA 7 nights, high water
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Day 1 - Saturday:
Iquitos > Amazon River
You'll be picked up at the airport and brought to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels Iquitos where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch. On the road to the main dock to board the cruise ship we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city of Iquitos.
Our staff will show you to your suite, which will be equipped with comfortable beds, 100% Peruvian Pima cotton sheets, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning and a private bathroom with a shower and amenities.
Before setting sail, our bartender will serve you a cocktail prepared with local fruit and pisco, the most popular liquor in Peru. You can sip it while enjoying 360° views from the observation deck or a panoramic view from the indoor or outdoor lounge.
After setting sail, our naturalist guides will offer an overview of the travel itinerary, including activities, routes, information about wildlife and vegetation, geographical and historical context, as well as other useful info. If you have any doubts or concerns, our guides are always available to answer your questions.
We’ll then enjoy the welcome dinner. Start your journey by dining Peruvian cuisine with an Amazon flare. There are many options on our menu, including vegetarian alternatives. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary needs.
After dinner, you’ll be able to take in stunning views of the starry night sky while we start our journey to the to the depth of the Amazon rainforest.
Day - 2 Sunday:
Amazon River > Kukama Reserve (Yanayacu of Yucapana) > Source of the Amazon > Marañon River > Casual > Nauta Creek
Before breakfast, we’ll go out for a boating expedition on the Amazon River to explore the local flora and fauna.
When you get back, enjoy our breakfast buffet, which offers a daily selection of traditional dishes, Peruvian specialties, freshly baked goods and a range of freshly squeezed juices.
After breakfast, we'll head out to see the confluence of the Ucayali river Marañón rivers, which give rise to the Amazon River. Here we'll observe pink and gray river dolphins.
We'll go back to the boat for lunch by midday and then have time to rest. Make sure you attend the talk about the source of the Amazon and the hydrography of the river so that you'll be up to speed for our walk to Puerto Prado, where we'll see the Victoria Amazonica, the largest water lily in the world.
We'll then head back to the boat for dinner and live music.
After dinner, we'll enjoy a nighttime outing in search of caimans, tarantulas, frogs and other nocturnal species
Day 3 - Monday:
Yanayacu de Pucate > Japanese Lagoon > Yanayaquillo > San Regis > Amazonian Natural Park
Outing on skiff to different lakes and lagoons, until we reach the Japanese Lagoon. There, we'll enjoy a picnic on one of the best conserved and protected areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. It's also a popular spot to watch pink river dolphins.
Before heading back to Zafiro cruise, we'll take a trip to the Yanaquillo gorge.
Once we're back on the cruise ship, we'll get ready to go kayaking and take a dip in the black waters.
Head back for lunch aboard Zafiro. Before starting the afternoon activity, our guides will give a talk about the Amazon philosophy. Afterwards, we'll take a walk through the rainforest over hanging bridges, where you can admire the riches of the rainforest from the treetops.
Once we're back on the cruise, our bartender will give a demonstration of how to prepare Peruvian cocktails, and we'll then enjoy live music while we await the gala dinner with the Captain
Day 4 - Tuesday:
Marañon River > San Regis > Shiriyacu Lake
Breakfast and visit to the community of San Regis, where we'll learn about the local people's way of life and traditions.
We'll also learn about their ancestral traditions from the community's shaman. With our guides as interpreters, we'll be able to ask questions about spiritual connections and curing the soul. We'll then continue the ceremony by planting a tree as a positive contribution to the environment. There, we'll also see a market set up by women from the community to sell their handmade crafts.
Head back for lunch aboard the Zafiro. After resting, the guides will tell us about the myths and legends of the Amazon.
In the afternoon, we'll head out on a skiff to the Shiriyacu stream. There, we'll find a good spot to do some piranha fishing using local techniques and equipment. Back on the boat, we'll enjoy the stunning colors of the sunset.
Return to the Zafiro, live music and dinner
Day 5 - Wednesday:
Marañon River > Nauta > Reserve of Comunal Florida > Pahuashiro
Before breakfast, we'll visit Nauta, the second most important city in the region. Upon arriving, we'll take a motorcycle taxi to the local market where we'll see what business in the city is like firsthand.
After, we'll head back to Zafiro cruise for breakfast. Then we will be ready to start a new outing, this one consists on a walk on “Comunal Florida” Reserve, in search of wildlife including frogs, birds and other exotic animal species. In this area we will find the popular selected trees known as Caoba or Mahogany.
We'll have lunch at midday and then rest up for the afternoon activity: another outing on the skiff to explore the area of Pahuachiro and its wildlife.
We'll then head back to the boat for some free time until dinner.
Day 6 - Thursday:
Ucayali River > Yanallpa del Ucayali > Tapiche River > Dorado River
Before breakfast, we'll head out on a skiff to the Yanallpa area of the Ucayali River in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where we'll see many native animal species.
After breakfast, we'll head out on a skiff to the Tapiche River in search of wildlife.
Before midday, we'll head back to the boat for a cooking demonstration by the executive chef.
After lunch, whoever is interested may attend a talk about the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, and in the afternoon we'll take a skiff to the Dorado river, where we'll fish using local techniques. Before heading back on board, we'll enjoy a nighttime outing in search of caimans, tarantulas and other species that make an appearance after the sun goes down.
Dinner will then be served aboard the Zafiro.
Day 7 - Friday:
Ucayali River > Yarapa of Ucayali (Black Waters) > Amazon River > Tahuayo River
After breakfast, we'll set out to explore the Yarapa River, where the famous pink and gray river dolphins swim in its black waters.
Back on the Zafiro, we'll see the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, which give birth to the Amazon River.
After enjoying lunch and resting, we will set out on skiffs on a nice sail on the Amazon river. We will explore and observe the daily activities that local communities do on the river banks. Before heading back to the boat, enjoy a colorful Amazon sunset.
Back on board Zafiro, you'll have some time to relax and enjoy live music before the presentation by the crew and farewell dinner.
Day 8 - Saturday:
Disembark in Iquitos city
After breakfast we will proceed to disembark. On the way to the airport, we will visit the Manatee Rescue Center (Amazon Forever Organization) where biologists and volunteers care for manatees, an endangered species that authorities have rescued.
We will learn how manatees are treated and prepared for their return to their natural habitat. Likewise, we will be able to see other animals that have also been rescued. We will invite you to make a donation to this dedicated organization and study center.
Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the airport
| Price per person in USD | 2025 | 2026 |
| First Deck Suite | US$ 7,800 | US$ 8,034 |
| Second Deck Suite | US$ 8,112 | US$ 8,355 |
| Master Suite | US$ 8,840 | US$ 9,105 |
| Zafiro Suite | US$ 10,192 | US$ 10,497 |
- Rates are expressed in US Dollars, per person, based on double occupancy.
- Single Supplement is 20% in addition to the adult rate.
- Child policy: 7 years old minimum on all departure. Children aged 11 or under are eligible for a 50% discount from the adult rate. Children must be accompanied for one or two adults in the same suite maximum one child per suite adult rate. The Zafiro suite accepts 2 children maximum.
- Requirement for boarding: present vaccination Card and negative COVID test, PCR with 72 hours or antigen with 48 hours in advance, must be sent prior to boarding.
- 1 night accommodation Hotel - City of Iquitos. (Only 8D/7N and 5D/4N Itineraries).
- Lunch is included before embarkation time in our hotel Double tree by Hilton Iquitos.
- All meals while on board MV Zafiro.
- All excursions & equipment (including rubber boots & rain ponchos).
- Transfers from / to the airport on the recommended flights. In case the passengers stay in Iquitos city hotels– please inform the sales & reservations department to coordinate the pick up or drop off service.
- Entrance fee to Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
- Natural juices, soda, coffee, tea, water and national alcoholic beverages of the house.
- Domestic flights.
- Cost of medical emergencies (including evacuation).
- Tipping guidelines. On board Zafiro we recommend an amount in the range of US $20 - $30 per passenger per night for the crew (to be divided among all the crew members) and between US $7 - $10 per passenger per night for the guides. * Please note that these amounts are suggested levels of gratuities and that this is entirely at the discretion of our guests aboard the vessels.
- Any additional transportation services.
- Any additional bar consumptions
- A deposit of US$600 per person is required to confirm the reservation.
- Full payment must be cancelled 70 days before the boarding date. In case the full payment is not received on time, the reservation(s) will be automatically canceled.
- Full payment is required to confirm the reservation.
- The deposit will be refunded.
- There is not refund, the client may reschedule the trip with no Addittional charge for one single time.
- The total payment will be rescheduled according to the new boarding date; it must always be canceled 70 days before the boarding date.
- In case of rescheduling the trip for boarding dates during the year 2023, no fare difference will be applied.