Aboard the Aquamarina

November 9 – 18, 2012

From the sky, the Amazon looks like a lush, green blanket stretching as far as the eye can see, with silver ribbons snaking across it. But on the ground, the world’s largest rain forest and its rivers comprise a complex realm where even the teeniest insect, seemingly invasive vine and inhibited bird all serve important roles.

• Cruise aboard a comfortable riverboat that accommodates just 24 guests.
• Travel with naturalist guides who grew up in the Amazon.
• Take daily outings by small boats to observe birds, primates, sloths, dolphins and other animals.
• Go ashore and interact with the ribereño people living in riverside villages.

Trip Itinerary

Friday, November 9, 2012: U.S. / Lima
Fly to Lima on the recommended group flight or independently, and spend the night in Lima, the capital city. Swissôtel. (D aloft)

Saturday, November 10: Lima / Iquitos Embark
Tour historic Lima, visiting the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and monastery and vast catacombs of the Iglesia de San Francisco. Fly over the Andes to Iquitos, where you will board La Aquamarina. Cruise slowly toward the confluence that marks the beginning of the Amazon River. (B,L,D)

Sunday, November 11: Confluence of the Amazon River / Río Ucayali
Wake to a panorama of life as the ship navigates past small villages and islands. Look for marsh birds such as oriole blackbirds, white-necked herons and yellow-headed caracaras. Venture into the flooded varzea in search of giant water lilies, monkeys and sloths. (B,L,D)

Monday, November 12: Río Ucayali / Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
After breakfast along the blackwater Sapote Creek, try your hand at piranha fishing. Continue to the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. At night, board motorboats to look for caimans, capybaras, common potoos, frogs and nocturnal wildlife. (B,L,D)

Tuesday & Wednesday November 13 & 14: Pacaya-Samiria Reserve
Explore this tangled realm of forest, rivers and lagoons on foot and aboard excursion boats, looking for pink dolphins, herons, wattled jacanas and horned screamers. Parrots – including festive, yellow-headed and orange-winged – are common too. Excursion boats grant us deep access into this vast wetland. Once you reach the reserve’s second checkpoint, hike around the ranger station to explore the igapó (seasonally flooded forest). Also learn about the lives of the Ribereño people while visiting a village on the riverbanks. Accompanied by guides who grew up along the river, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn about medicinal plants from the respected village shaman, visit a school or join in a game of soccer. (B,L,D)

Thursday, November 15: Río Ucayali / Río Marañón
Head downriver, with a wildlife excursion or other activity. Back aboard the ship, take advantage of the open-air top deck, learning to make Peruvian dishes, enjoying a lecture or playing traditional instruments. After dark, float peacefully and listen to the symphony of sound from the forest. (B,L,D)

Friday, November 16: Marañón River / Amazon Rain Forest
Journey into the terra firma forest to search for a variety of amphibians and insects. Large trees festooned with epiphytes, palms, woody vines and a vaulted canopy add to the mystery of the rain forest. Enjoy a farewell dinner aboard La Aquamarina.(B,L,D)

Saturday, November 17: Iquitos / Lima
Disembark in Iquitos, where a city tour includes the Belen market and Las Malvinas garden and school. Enjoy lunch before flying to Lima and connecting with overnight flights back to the United States. (B,L)

Sunday, November 18: U.S. 
Arrive in the United States and connect with flights home. (Meals aloft)