La Perla Amazon Cruise from Iquitos

Arrival in Iquitos and city tour

Your adventure on the Amazon Cruise from Iquitos begins the moment you arrive. Our team will meet you at the airport and take you on a guided city tour of Iquitos. Discover the vibrant energy of this jungle city as you explore colorful streets, local landmarks, and fascinating stories from its unique past.

Transfer to Nauta and embarkation

We’ll travel by private vehicle to the historic river port of Nauta (approx. 2 hours). There, you’ll board La Perla, your boutique cruise ship for the journey ahead. After check-in, our crew will escort you to your cabin, fully equipped for your comfort.

As we begin sailing, our expert naturalist guides will present the journey ahead, introduce the daily excursions, and share insights into the Amazon’s diverse ecosystem.

Welcome lunch

Enjoy your first Amazonian meal on board: a regional lunch featuring local ingredients, with options for all dietary preferences, including vegetarian and special requests.

Exploration in Quebrada Yacapana Gorge

After a short rest, we’ll set out on a boat excursion to explore the stunning Quebrada Yacapana Gorge. Marvel at the lush landscapes and spot iconic Amazonian wildlife in their natural habitat.

Amazon sunset

In the early evening, witness one of the most magical moments of the cruise: the Amazonian sunset. Watch the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colors while the sounds of the rainforest come alive.

Dinner and night on board

We’ll wrap up the day with a delicious dinner and soft background music as we cruise through the quiet of the night, fully immersed in the serenity of the Amazon.

Bird watching at dawn and breakfast.

At first light, we’ll head out on a guided boat ride along the banks of the Ucayali River, where you’ll observe a dazzling variety of colorful Amazonian birds in their natural surroundings.

Back on board, a hearty Amazon-style breakfast awaits—complete with fresh-baked bread, exotic fruit juices, and regional specialties.

Yarapa River

Later in the morning, we’ll cruise along the Yarapa River, a tributary of the Ucayali. This area is one of the most biodiverse regions in the rainforest—ideal for spotting toucans, parrots, macaws, iguanas, sloths, and monkeys high in the treetops.

Cultural talk and visit to Vista Alegre village

After lunch, our guides will host an engaging talk on Amazonian culture, focusing on local traditions, beliefs, and ways of life. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the village of Vista Alegre to meet its residents, explore their crafts, and gain insight into daily life in the jungle.

Dinner and live music

As we return to La Perla, enjoy a lively evening on board with live music and another flavorful dinner under the stars of the Amazonian sky.

Talk about the Pacaya Samiria Reserve

After breakfast, our naturalist guides will offer an insightful presentation on the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve—one of the Amazon’s most remarkable protected areas, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and flooded forest ecosystems.

Expedition to the source of the Amazon River

We’ll board a skiff to visit a truly iconic location: the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers—the point where the mighty Amazon River officially begins. A must-see for any Amazon explorer.

Exploration in Piraña Cocha

Our journey continues into Piraña Cocha, a lagoon teeming with wildlife. It’s the perfect spot for observing animals in their natural habitat. Afterward, we’ll return to the cruise ship for a delicious lunch and some well-deserved rest before the afternoon excursion.

Hike in the Casual area

In the afternoon, we’ll hike through Casual, a biodiverse area known for:

• Poison dart frogs
• Enormous "Avatar" trees
• Unique Amazonian species

We’ll also visit a group of local craftswomen. This is a great chance to purchase handmade pieces and support community-based tourism.

Amazonian sunset and farewell dinner

As evening falls, enjoy one last Amazonian sunset, a striking view that will stay with you forever.

Back on board, the crew will treat you to a special farewell presentation with live music, followed by a memorable dinner to celebrate the end of this extraordinary journey.

Breakfast on board and visit to Nauta

Our final day begins with a relaxed breakfast while you take in the last views of the jungle.

We’ll disembark in Nauta and explore its bustling local market, where you’ll get a taste of everyday Amazonian life:

• Traditional food stalls
• Handmade crafts
• Local aphrodisiac drinks
• The energy and commerce of a riverside town

River Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

On our way back to Iquitos, we’ll stop at the River Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, managed by Amazon Forever. Here, local biologists care for rescued manatees and other wildlife, offering insight into their rehabilitation and reintegration into the wild.

Transfer to Iquitos airport

Finally, we’ll head to the airport for your flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Amazon Cruise from Iquitos aboard La Perla.

Presentation of the itinerary on board

As we begin sailing along the powerful Marañón River, our expert naturalist guides will introduce the journey ahead—routes, excursions, and the incredible wildlife we may encounter. Their insights will help you connect more deeply with the Amazon rainforest.

Welcome lunch

We’ll enjoy our first Amazonian lunch on board, featuring a diverse menu with vegetarian options and special accommodations available by request—so everyone feels right at home.

Arrival in Iquitos and city tour

Welcome to the Amazon! Upon arrival in Iquitos, our team will greet you with a warm welcome to kick off this unforgettable experience. We’ll begin with a guided city tour through the heart of Iquitos—a lively, colorful city rich in history and jungle charm. As we explore, you'll uncover its most iconic landmarks and the magic of its past.

Transfer to Nauta and embarkation

From Iquitos, we’ll travel by private vehicle (approx. 2 hours) to the historic port of Nauta, where we’ll board La Perla, your home for the coming days. Our crew will accompany you to your cabin, thoughtfully designed for comfort.

Night excursion in Nauta Caño

At dusk, we’ll head out on our first jungle adventure: a boat excursion through Nauta Caño, where we’ll search for nocturnal wildlife like caimans, bats, frogs, tarantulas, and other fascinating nighttime creatures. We’ll return to La Perla for a peaceful dinner, surrounded by the mystery and sounds of the Amazon night.

Picnic breakfast at Yanayacu de Pucate

We’ll start the day with a scenic picnic breakfast on the banks of the Yanayacu River in Pucate, located deep within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Here, it’s not uncommon to spot pink river dolphins playing in the waters nearby.

Lunch on board and rest

Back on La Perla, we’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch followed by free time to rest and enjoy the views as we cruise through the rainforest.

Tree planting ceremony

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the San Regis community and meet a local shaman. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ll participate in a tree-planting ceremony—a symbolic act of giving back to the Amazon, the lungs of the planet.

We’ll return to the ship for an evening of live music and a delicious dinner as we prepare for another day of exploration.

Sunrise boat excursion

At dawn, we’ll board small boats and head to the Quebrada de Iquitos, a peaceful area ideal for spotting rare birds and wildlife in the early morning hours.

Afterward, a buffet breakfast awaits you on board, featuring a variety of Amazonian flavors.

Hike through the hanging bridges

We’ll continue with a jungle hike to a set of hanging bridges—suspended walkways that allow you to walk among the treetops for a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy.

We return to the cruise ship for lunch and time to relax.

Expedition by boat to Shiriyacu Stream

In the afternoon, we’ll head out to the Shiriyacu Stream for a fun and interactive piranha fishing experience using traditional techniques. You may also spot pink river dolphins nearby.

As night falls, we’ll enjoy live music on board and dinner to close another remarkable day in the Amazon.

Morning excursion to Gasparito Gorge

We’ll begin the day with an early boat ride to Gasparito Gorge, a prime location for viewing birds and primates in their natural habitat—an intimate farewell to the Amazon's rich biodiversity.

On the way back to La Perla, we’ll enjoy breakfast on board, including a special Pisco Sour demonstration from our bartender—a flavorful toast to this unforgettable journey.

Disembarkation and visit to the Rio Mammal Rescue Center

Before heading to the airport, we’ll stop at the River Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (Amazon Forever), where local biologists work to rehabilitate endangered species like the Amazonian manatee. This visit is a touching reminder of the importance of conservation.

Transfer to Iquitos airport

We’ll then head to the Iquitos airport, bringing with us lasting memories, new friendships, and the deep connection formed during this incredible Amazon Cruise from Iquitos aboard La Perla.