CODE: JUNEXP
LA TURMALINA

7 Days / 6 Nights
 
Seven days and six nights exploring the majestic Amazon, Ucayali and Maraņon Rivers and the tributaries that leads to the Sapote River a buffering area of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve and the Maraņon Jungle Suite.
Come and experience an extraordinary adventure along the Amazon River and its principal tributaries, the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers far from Peru's Amazon civilization.
As the expedition enters one of the world's largest floodable forest reserves, you will see extraordinary wildlife. Many primate species, hundreds of exotic, colorful birds and family groups of gray and pink dolphins will be sighted after only a day of exploration. Our classic vessel, built in early 19th Century style will be your home for one week, complete with elegant, first class service.
Our ships have been impeccably built by professionals in our own shipyards and fitted out by Amazon carpenters. The design includes air-conditioned cabins and private baths, a grand, classic dining room where you will enjoy delicious meals, an observation deck equipped with a complete bar. Highly trained naturalist guides provide personalized service throughout the voyage.
 
Day 1 Sunday: Iquitos
You will be met by a representative from Jungle Expeditions, after getting all luggage, you will board the air conditioned buses and go visiting the craft market on the way to the dock and also have a city tour of Iquitos. After this, our driver will take you directly to your ship, built in classic 19th Century style where you will be lodged in first class accommodations for seven days. Once boarded, we weigh anchor immediately for the most incredible navigational experience in natural history. As we navigate that day along the Amazon River, the breeze and sky beckon as we begin our adventure. Lunch will be onboard. (L,D)

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Day 2 Monday: Amazon River / Ucayali River
An early awakening on the majestic Amazon River heightens our perception of the tropical rain forest. Occasionally, fishermen paddling canoes made of hollow tree trunks and children living in villages along the bank will greet us with a smile and a wide variety of birds can be spotted in the trees and overhead. These include the South American Oriole, rails or jacanas, egrets and carrion birds.
On the first morning we will reach the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers, located 2,400 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, the place where the Amazon River takes its name. We continue cruising the left branch of the Ucayali River. One of the characteristics features of this river are abundant gray and pink dolphins, frequently seen swimming near our boat. After a comprehensive lecture with our guides about the vast Amazon culture we visit a town of ribereños, small group pf people that live in the banks of the rivers. (B,L,D)
 
Day 3 Tuesday: Ucayali River / Yanallpa
We start the day by going on a picnic breakfast, we board rapid excursion launches to explore tributary streams of black water, in search of wild animal life, such as primates, sloths, iguanas, toucans and many other exotic birds, all of which are seen frequently. We stop in a quiet spot to enjoy our meal while several pink and gray dolphins swim curiously around our skiff. Today we will try to catch some fish in a near by stream; piranhas and catfish are usually the catch of the day. After dinner we make a nocturnal excursion in search of mammals, bats and reptiles such as capybara, black caiman, poison frogs and an infinite number of other species. (B,L,D)
 
Day 4 Wednesday: Ucayali River / Sapote River
We awaken in the Sapote river one of the best hidden secrets of the Peruvian Amazon, a place of abundant biodiversity. You will soon see a variety of egrets, macaws flying in pairs and groups of capuchin and playful squirrel monkeys. In a single excursion you will see hundreds species of birds, several primate species, spectacular butterflies and many other animals. A jungle hike compliments our activity as we enter the forest to visit the majestic Ceiba Kapok Tree, the king of the forest.
After exploring we will have a picnic lunch below a Ficus Tree before returning to the ship, which down stream through the Ucayali River. (B,L,D)
 
Day 5 Thursday: Ucayali River / Marañon River
We spend a part of that morning visiting a nearby riverbank village where you can try your hand at bargaining with local residents who sell crafts made from natural forest materials. After lunch we board the excursion launches in search of gigantic aquatic plants called "Victoria Regia" while the boat continues on toward the Amazon Natural Park.
An interesting stop on our way to meet a Jíbaro-Ashual Shaman, who will explain to us the use of his medicine plants and perform a health and good luck ceremony with us is definitely the highlight of our day. (B,L,D)
 
Day 6 Friday: Marañon River / Natural Amazon Park
A morning walk along a winding path will take us to a hanging bridge, allowing us to catch a glimpse of the animal life that inhabits the upper reaches of the tropical jungle. We present our tribute to the marvelous Rain Forest by planting a tree in a spiritual ceremony where we wish for its longevity. Later, we will paddle native canoes in an enchanted lake where sorts of fishes and water creatures live.
In the afternoon we begin our return to Iquitos while musicians among our crew make for an amenable farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
 

Day 7 Saturday: Iquitos
Pax will have a very early wake up call for breakfast, our happy voyage comes to an end, and we arrive at Iquitos at 5:00 am. We leave the ship and go directly to the airport. The flight for Lima is scheduled for 7:00 am. (B)
 
2008 Departures: Sunday 11:00 am. All year
Arrival: Saturday 05:00 am. All year.
Availability 2008: Jan 27 (7 cabins available); Feb 3 (4 cabins available); Oct 12 (5 cabins available);
Dec 14 (15 cabins available)
Important: The itinerary may vary depending on the climate and the seasons that regulate the water level in the rivers and the life cycles of local wildlife in order to protect their natural habitat. Visits to local villas are carefully planned in order to avoid having a negative impact on local culture and identity.
Included: - First class service aboard, with personalized small group attention
- Highly qualified naturalist guides and an experienced crew
- Private and unique destinations
- All meals, as specified in itinerary
- Excursions, activities and use of private facilities in the Amazon Natural Park
- Tips for luggage carriers in the Iquitos, Francisco Secada Airport
Not Included: - International and national airfare, airport taxes
- Health and personal travel insurance, or medical assistance on board
- Other extensions such as soft drinks and alcohol
- Tips for the guides and crew members
2008 Prices per person: $2423 in shared cabin. $3634 in single cabin
2008 Charter rates: $44 884