Two men standing at the bow of a small boat looking ahead as they go down a river in the Peruvian Amazon
Two people walking across a suspension bridge to a hut across the canopy in the Pervuian Amazon rainforest
Small ship amatista docks in a remote village in the Peruvian Amazon
Guide looking up from a boat with binoculars looking for wildlife in the Amazon
Turtle with about 15 baby turtles piled together on top of each other on a log in a river in the Peruvian Amazon
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South America Amazon Cruise

Amatista Amazon Cruise

Hop aboard the purpose-built, 28-guest Amatista riverboat and experience the Peruvian Amazon in style. Led by an Amazon Reserve naturalist guide, the 9-day Amatista Amazon Cruise begins and ends in Lima, Peru, and includes daily excursions by motorized skiff designed to reveal the exotic rainforest wildlife. Explore by day on exciting hikes and skiff rides, searching for a plethora of bird species, hidden sloths, toucans and the famous pink Amazon river dolphins; by night the challenge is to spot bats, capybaras, black caimans, poison frogs and even jaguars.

This exploration of the Amazon’s famous Pacaya Samiria National Reserve provides an up-close understanding of the Amazon jungle with experienced naturalist guides who are dedicated to minimizing the impact of your expedition on wildlife and sensitive natural habitats. Immerse fully into the Peruvian Amazon lifestyle on board with regional cuisines that provide a unique and delicious window into local culture. Gain a rare glimpse of how life on the river is lived by local people and experience the magic of the Amazon on this once-in-a-lifetime riverboat adventure.

Itineraries in the Peruvian Amazon vary based on high-water season and low-water season. High-water season is November to May and may allow for more extensive exploration and access via water. Low-water season is June through October and may allow for more trail walks. All listed activities depend on water levels, weather and season. Travelers equipped with a sense of adventure and openness tend to enjoy their experience in the Amazon jungle more.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Amazon cruises and Amazon trips.



Itinerary

Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth Itinerary

The Amatista Amazon cruise begins and ends in Lima, Peru, cruising along the Amazon, Sapisapi and Ucayali Rivers. 

Amatista Amazon Cruise route map for a 9-day river cruise.
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Day 1
Arrive Lima, Peru

Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru, any time and be transferred by private vehicle from the airport to the hotel. Explore the city of Lima on your own, perhaps choosing one of the following optional activity suggestions (to be arranged on your own at additional cost). Normal check-in times apply at hotels, but guests can usually store luggage at the hotel for the day if arriving early. Return to the hotel in time for the important welcome meeting, meet the group and review the details of the trip with the guide.

Optional Added-Cost Lima Activity:

Lima Cooking Class

Get a taste of Peruvian cuisine, visit local markets, sample exotic fruit, select fresh ingredients and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes influenced by China, Italy, West Africa and Japan.

Accommodations

Hotel Radisson RED (or similar)

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Iquitos & Embark Nauta

Catch an early flight to Iquitos and transfer to the Amazon riverboat. Once on board the ship, relax and soak in the natural beauty of the wild rainforest. Step on deck to watch the riverbanks go by and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as grey and pink dolphins. Expert guides lead jungle walks, give lectures and point out unique species of bird and marine life while exploring the smaller tributaries of the river. Take advantage of the nighttime boat ride in the wild and watch the Amazon become a different domain. Be on the lookout for bats, capybaras, black caimans, poison frogs and a vast number of other species. See if flashlights reflect the red eye shine of the black caiman or show the glowing yellow eyes of a jaguar.

Accommodations

Amatista

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Head out into Pacaya Samiria National Reserve on a boat excursion and search for monkeys, sloths and macaws. Awake early for the opportunity to enjoy this bird-watching haven, as over 200 bird species call the Amazon home: parrots, macaws, herons, kingfishers, swallows, martins, falcons, black collared hawks and many more. While cruising, guides point out the interesting wildlife species that inhabit the riverbanks and unusual fish and vegetation that can be found in the river. Stay on the lookout for squirrel and woolly monkeys, caimans and sloths. In the afternoon, take a walk through the jungle and visit a local community to learn about their traditions. After dinner, opt to go on a night excursion to Piranha Creek.

Accommodations

Amatista

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Nauta & Sapisapi River

Explore the town of Nauta before continuing to cruise down the Amazon River. Ride local motorcars and browse the local market during this included tour. Try your hand at bargaining and pick up some souvenirs. In the afternoon, continue along the Amazon River, enjoy a jungle walk, learn about medicinal plants, search for monkeys and keep an eye out for reptiles. Search for turtles along the Sapisapi River.

Accommodations

Amatista

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 7
Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

In the constantly changing Amazon, flexible itineraries are key to exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Onboard naturalists tailor each departure to the surroundings and seasonal water levels to ensure the most memorable Amazon small ship cruise. Over the next few days, enjoy a range of included, optional shore excursions, night excursions, educational lectures, a visit to a local shaman, an indigenous village and the incredible wildlife of this lush area.

Included Possible Excursions:

Amazon Jungle Excursion

Go on an early morning excursion to watch the rainforest world awaken. Spot iguanas, river turtles, cormorants and wattled jacana; gain insight into another side of the jungle.

Pacaya-Samiria Reserve Excursion

Rise early to visit the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, Peru’s largest national park and home to more than 200 bird species and 10 primate species. Have the chance to view cocoi and striated herons, macaws, squirrel and woolly monkeys, caimans and sloths. Follow a route that crosses the tributary waters of the Marañon. Along the way, the guides point out the interesting wildlife species that inhabit the riverbanks and unusual fish and vegetation that can be found in the river.

Ucayali River Walking Excursion

Walk along the banks of the Ucayali River to explore the Yucuruchi region of the Amazon and have the opportunity to see the Victoria Regia water lily—a gigantic aquatic plant with leaves that measure up to 10 feet in diameter. Keep a watch out for the Amazon River dolphin, giant otter and the Amazonian manatee, all of whom make their home in Ucayali’s waters.

Local Family Visit

Be welcomed into the home of a local indigenous family. Share conversation over a midday meal and be introduced to their culture and way of life. Participate in an unforgettable opportunity to gain insight into a new and different world.

Local Shaman Visit

Gain rare, firsthand insight into Shamanism while meeting a practicing shaman in a river village. Be introduced to spiritual healing craft and learn about rainforest plants that are known to possess curative properties.

Night Time Boat Excursion

Take advantage of this nighttime boat ride in the wild and watch the Amazon become a different domain. Be on the lookout for bats, capybaras, black caimans, poison frogs and a vast number of other species. See if your flashlights reflect the red eye shine of the black caiman or show the glowing yellow eyes of a jaguar!

Accommodations

Amatista

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Choroyacu Creek & Disembark Iquitos to Lima

Rise early and set out to explore the impressive biodiversity of the area’s unusual ecosystem. Look for a quiet spot to enjoy a picnic breakfast, followed by a trip to explore Choroyacu. Ride up the Nahuapa River for piranha fishing. Visit Choroyacu Creek for the opportunity to climb in a dugout canoe and explore this scenic area with locals. Explore the shoreline by motorized skiff, keeping your eyes out for birds, monkeys and sloths.

Leave the peacefulness of the river behind and en route to Iquitos stop in Nauta at the Manatee Rescue Center. Learn about the efforts of the Amazonian Manatee Rescue Center, an organization focused on rescuing orphaned manatees that were the victims of poaching. The center helps to rehabilitate and reintroduce these very rare and endangered mammals back into the Amazon Basin. Take this opportunity to observe these amazing and lovable animals and be sure to bring your camera. Fly back to Lima and enjoy the evening in the city.

Accommodations

Hotel Radisson RED or similar

Meals

breakfast

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Day 9
Depart Lima, Peru

Depart at any time or enjoy the city with extended optional activities (to be arranged on your own at additional cost).

Optional Added-Cost Lima Activities: 

Lima City Tour 

Discover Lima’s highlights on this half-day guided tour. Visit the San Francisco Church and its impressive catacombs, walk around Plaza de Armas and get to know some of Lima’s lovely neighborhoods. Stop to enjoy some authentic Peruvian tapas and be introduced to pisco sours during a demonstration and tasting before heading back to the hotel. (Note: a full-day version is also available.) 

Lima Cooking Class 

Get a taste of Peruvian cuisine, visit local markets, sample exotic fruit, select fresh ingredients and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes influenced by China, Italy, West Africa and Japan. 

Huacas & Larco Museum by Night 

Tour three different Huacas in the city which were built during pre-Inca times in the middle of Lima. Then, visit the Larco Museum and enjoy a 3-course dinner in its restaurant. 

Bike Miraflores & Barranco 

Head out on a ~8-mile bike tour through Miraflores and Barranco, visiting iconic districts in Lima along the way. Take in the colorful atmosphere while passing by historic houses in the Bajada de Baños district and visit the famous Puente de los Suspiros. 

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Visits to local indigenous family, local shaman and the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve; arrival transfer; cruise aboard the Amatista Amazon Riverboat; launches and land excursions with expert naturalist team; internal flights; all transport between destinations and to/from included activities; accommodations aboard the Amatista Amazon Riverboat and hotels as indicated in itinerary; meals as indicated in itinerary; transportation by riverboat, plane, private vehicle; excursions lead by certified Amazon Reserve naturalist guide and support staff aboard Amatista, local representatives in Lima.

Exclusions

International airfare and local airport taxes; transfer to airport on final day; alcoholic and bottled beverages; personal expenses; optional activities on Days 1 and 9; gratuities; insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 60 days – 100% of deposit (may be applied to future trip)
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost, including 100% of deposit (may be applied to future trip)
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost, including 100% of deposit (may be applied to future trip)

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Amatista Amazon cruise begins and ends in Lima, Peru (LIM). Plan flights to arrive to Lima any time on Day 1, ideally in time for the evening orientation. An arrival transfer by private vehicle (approximately 1-hour drive from the airport to the hotel) is included. Plan to depart Lima any time on the final day. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Activities

Activities include ecological walks at a moderate pace within the Natural Reserves, boat rides, piranha fishing, as well as night tours. Daily excursions to the Amazon rainforest may include walking on uneven ground and occasionally getting in or out of the boats may require some physical effort. The walks can last up to an hour. Some of the activities/excursions may require physical demands and long walks.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.8x the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Single travelers who are willing to share accommodation will not be charged a single supplement rate. There is one triple room that may be available upon request.

Families & Children

Due to the expeditionary nature of this cruise, there is a minimum age requirement of 12 years old. All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Travel Insurance

Travelers are required to have travel insurance with a minimum medical, evacuation and repatriation coverage of USD $200,000 covering all applicable dates of travel, personal injury and emergency medical evacuation. It is strongly recommend that you extend coverage to include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that may arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience while traveling.  Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, season, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Itineraries in the Amazon vary based on the high water season of November to May and low water season of June to October. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

High-water season is November to May and allows for more extensive exploration and access via water. Low-water season is June through October and may allow for more trail walks.

Apr 20 - Apr 28, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
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From $3699USD
Per Person
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May 04 - May 12, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
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From $3699USD
Per Person
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May 18 - May 26, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
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From $3699USD
Per Person
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Jun 22 - Jun 30, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
green low-water season icon
From $3349USD
Per Person
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Jul 13 - Jul 21, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
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From $3349USD
Per Person
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Jul 27 - Aug 04, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
green low-water season icon
From $3699USD
Per Person
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Aug 10 - Aug 18, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
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From $3699USD
Per Person
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Sep 07 - Sep 15, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
green low-water season icon
From $3699USD
Per Person
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Oct 05 - Oct 13, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
green low-water season icon
From $3699USD
Per Person
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Oct 19 - Oct 27, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
green low-water season icon
From $3699USD
Per Person
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Nov 16 - Nov 24, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
green high-water season icon
From $3699USD
Per Person
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Dec 21 - Dec 29, 2024
Amatista • 9 days
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From $3699USD
Per Person
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green high-water season icon High-Water Season
green low-water season icon Low-Water Season
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Riverboat
Amatista

The 28-guest Amatista explores the Peruvian Amazon in classic riverboat style. Her comforts include air-conditioned cabins and dining on tropical flavors of the Amazon.

Expert Reviews

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Leslie Camacho • November 30th, 2018
Expert Review: Amatista Amazon Cruise

An AdventureSmith Specialist reviews her time in the Peruvian Amazon aboard the 30-guest Amatista where she learned from the locals, observed sleepy sloths and fished for piranha.

Aaron Gaines • September 4th, 2015
Expert Review: Iquitos & the Amazon Aboard Amatista

An Adventure Specialist reviews his Amatista Amazon River Cruise in Northern Peru. Pink dolphins, pirahna and why he's now called "California."

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"I Loved Seeing All the Birds & Wildlife"

The crew was absolutely fantastic. I most enjoyed the skiff excursions with Victor and Neal—they were so knowledgeable.

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"Most Amazing Trip"

I must admit I was hesitant to book a group tour (as I had never done so before) - but it was the most amazing trip I have ever taken, primarily due to the excellent crew who were extremely knowledgeable about about local wildlife. We saw so many interesting birds, caiman, squirrel monkeys, anaconda, boa(s), frogs, moths, sloths, piranha, snakes, black wooly monkeys, grey dolphins, pink dolphins, leaf-cutter ants, bats, tarantulas, and much, much more.

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"Lifelong Dream"

It has been our lifelong dream to visit the Amazon! This was one of the most organized and informative trips we've been able to experience. I have an extensive background in working in tourism and as a naturalist in the eastern U.S. The guides were excellent and you can really see their passion for the Amazon and keeping the native culture alive.

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"Great Trip"

The Amazon River has been on my bucket list for a long time. I love cruising, and the small group size had great appeal. The price was outstanding. All of the above made for a great trip.

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Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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