Lima – Iquitos, Crucero Zafiro

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). Pick-up at the airport and a private-vehicle transfer to Nauta to embark; a box lunch is provided along the way. The crew shows you to your suite, fitted with comfortable beds, pima cotton sheets, robes, air conditioning and a private bathroom. Before setting sail, a welcome cocktail made with regional fruits and pisco, to enjoy from the 360° observation area or the lounge. As the vessel gets under way, the naturalist guides present the programme, the routes and information on the wildlife and vegetation. Aperitif and time to rest; at dusk, a night launch excursion in search of caimans, tarantulas, frogs and other species. Overnight aboard the cruise. Meals: breakfast, box lunch and dinner.

Before breakfast, a launch excursion around Yanallpa del Ucayali (Ucayali River), within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, spotting native wildlife. After breakfast, another launch outing to the Tapiche River in search of wildlife. Back on board, a cooking demonstration by the executive chef. After lunch, a talk on the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and, in the afternoon, a launch excursion to the Dorado River to fish with local techniques. Before returning to the vessel, a night excursion in search of caimans, tarantulas and frogs. Dinner on board. Overnight aboard the cruise. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

After breakfast, a launch excursion along the black-water Yarapa River, where freshwater pink and grey dolphins swim. Return to the Zafiro to see the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, which gives rise to the Amazon. After lunch, a launch outing on the Amazon, observing the everyday life of the riverside communities and the colours of the Amazonian sunset. Live music, a crew presentation and a farewell dinner. Overnight aboard the cruise. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Visit to the River Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (Amazon Forever organisation), where rescued manatees are cared for and prepared for release into their habitat. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima (flights before 12:00 are best avoided). Meals: breakfast.