Lima – Iquitos, Crucero La Perla

Arrival in Lima. Reception and assistance at the airport and a private transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Lima.

Breakfast at the hotel. Half-day tour of colonial and modern Lima: a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, a ceremonial and archaeological site from the 4th century AD; the historic centre with the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace and Lima Cathedral; and the Santo Domingo convent, with its 16th-century baroque façade, where the remains of Santa Rosa de Lima and San Martín de Porres rest. Overnight in Lima.

At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for the flight to Iquitos (arrival before 12:00 is recommended). Reception and a city tour of Iquitos, a colourful city with a captivating past. Private-vehicle transfer to Nauta (about 2 hours), the river port where you board La Perla; the crew shows you to your cabin, fitted with the comforts for a pleasant journey. The vessel sets off along the Marañón River while the naturalist guides outline the itinerary, routes and activities. Welcome lunch of regional cuisine (vegetarian option available). Before dinner, a night launch excursion towards Nauta Caño in search of caimans, bats, frogs, tarantulas and other species. Return on board for dinner. Overnight aboard the cruise. Meals: breakfast, box lunch and dinner.

In the morning, a picnic breakfast on the Yanayacu de Pucate river, one of the best-preserved areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and frequented by pink dolphins. Lunch on board and a guides' talk on Amazonian philosophy. In the afternoon, a meeting with the shaman of the San Regis native community, who shares his knowledge of ancestral rituals, medicinal plants and the Amazonian worldview, with the guides interpreting; this is followed by a tree-planting ceremony as a contribution to the environment. Return on board, live music and dinner. Overnight aboard the cruise. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Before breakfast, a launch excursion to the Quebrada de Iquitos, a prime area for spotting endemic species. Buffet breakfast on board, then a jungle walk to the hanging bridges, walkways strung between the treetops that let you cross the canopy. Lunch on board and time to rest. In the afternoon, a launch expedition to the Shiriyacu stream for piranha fishing with local techniques, in an area frequented by pink dolphins. Live music and dinner on board. Overnight aboard the cruise. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Very early, a launch excursion to the Quebrada de Gasparito, a good area for spotting birds and primates. After breakfast, a demonstration of the Peruvian Pisco Sour cocktail and disembarkation. On the way to the airport, a visit to the River Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (Amazon Forever organisation), where rescued manatees are cared for and prepared for release. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima (flights before 12:00 are best avoided). Meals: breakfast.