The Cattleya

Amazon Cruise

Day 1- Sunday 

Fly Lima to Iquitos on the afternoon flight. You will be greeted upon arrival and transported to the Cattleya riverboat docked in Iquitos. Upon arrival, take some time to settle in, relax and have a drink as you get to know your fellow passengers. There will never be more than 12 guests, so you will have the opportunity to make life-long friends. We will conduct a safety drill and explain everything you need to know about the Cattleya to have a safe and fun adventure. Savor the first of many wonderful dinners by our talented chef as we begin our journey along the Amazon.

Day 2 - Monday 

In the morning we slowly meander up-river toward the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers, the beginning of the mighty Amazon. Observe small villages that dot the river's edge and catch a glimpse of the locals' activities as they go about their day. As we turn into the Ucayali River we will look for freshwater pink and gray river dolphins. In the afternoon, we will board our sturdy excursion boats to explore the Yarapa River so we can get a closer look at the wildlife that abounds such as monkeys, sloths, frogs, and an amazing variety of birds. Experience one of many brilliant Amazon sunsets as we return to the Cattleya.

Day 3 - Tuesday 

Today we will travel in the Supay Creek area and in the morning we will visit a small riverside village to see how the people live in harmony with the rainforest. Depending on the time of year we will also visit the local school. In the afternoon we will go piranha fishing and bring any big ones back to have cooked up for dinner. After dinner we will go back out in the excursion boat and search for caiman and colorful frogs. This is a great time to hear the night sounds of the rainforest and see the star-filled sky.

Day 4 - Wednesday 

After a relaxing breakfast along the black-water of Belluda-Caño Creek, we will explore this small tributary of the Ucayali River looking for a variety of primates, colorful and unusual birds unique to the Amazon River basin and a wide variety of primates, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and rainforest plants. Our wildlife sightings and experiences will swell as we continue up river into the Pacaya-Samiria reserve, the largest wetland reserve in the world and home to over 500 species of birds, over 130 species of reptiles and amphibians and hundreds of mammals and primates. After lunch we will take a rainforest hike and you will experience the huge biodiversity that the rainforest is known for. Watch for monkeys, sloths, tree-frogs, iguanas, pink and gray river dolphins, and many varieties of bird species. Examine and learn first-hand about jungle plants - their unique survival tactics as they compete for sun and nutrients in the dense rainforest, the part they play in sustaining the complex balance of life in the jungle and the important medicinal value they offer. Back on board the Cattleya we will have dinner and discuss the days events.

Day 5 - Thursday 

After breakfast depart on the excursion boat for a jungle hike and wildlife viewing. Return to the Acacia for lunch. Afternoon free or take a guided tour of the town of Nauta and the man-made SapiSapi Lake where you will see many turtles and fish (Travelers doing Day 1 of the 4 Day Program may arrive today or travelers doing Day 5 of the 5 Day Program may depart today.

Day 6 - Friday 

In the morning we will be at the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers, the beginning of the mighty Amazon. Observe small villages that dot the river's edge and catch a glimpse of the locals' activities as they go about their day. As we turn into the Ucayali River we will look for freshwater pink and gray river dolphins. In the afternoon, we will board our sturdy excursion boats to explore the Yarapa River so we can get a closer look at the wildlife that abounds such as monkeys, sloths, frogs, and an amazing variety of birds. Experience one of many brilliant Amazon sunsets as we return to the Cattleya.

Day 7 - Saturday 

Today we will travel in the Supay Creek area and in the morning we will visit a small riverside village to see how the people live in harmony with the rainforest. Depending on the time of year we will also visit the local school. In the afternoon we will go piranha fishing and bring any big ones back to have cooked up for dinner. After dinner we will go back out in the excursion boat and search for caiman and colorful frogs. This is a great time to hear the night sounds of the rainforest and see the star-filled sky.

Day 8 - Sunday 

After a relaxing breakfast along the black-water of Belluda-Caño Creek, we will explore this small tributary of the Ucayali River looking for a variety of primates, colorful and unusual birds unique to the Amazon River basin and a wide variety of primates, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and rainforest plants. We will then sail back to Nauta for transfers to the airport or your hotel.