The Phytelephas

Boat description

Capacity: 32 passengers
Additional accommodation:   1 child in each cabin (roller bed)
Length: 141 feet / 43 meters
Beam: 34.4 feet / 10.5 meters
Draft: 8.5 feet / 2.6 meters
Lifejackets: In all cabins
Social Areas: Dining Room, Observation Deck, Lounge, Jacuzzi
Cruising Speed: 16 knots
Engine: Caterpillar 385 HP
Generator: (02) Caterpillar 85 KW (encapsulated)
Radio Communications: VHF, UHF, Satellite Telephone

STAFF
Crew: 18
Naturalist Guides: 4 (fluent English speakers)

Deck plans & cabins

Tour

Itinerary 4 nights

Day 1

The Adventure Begins!
Welcome to the Amazon! Reached only by airplane or boat, the bustling city of Iquitos is the 5th largest city in Peru and the beginning of your Amazon adventure! You will be met at the airport and comfortably transported 2 hours by road to the town of Nauta. Here you will embark our modern and newly built river boat, the M/V Cattleya. 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 8 guests, so you will have the opportunity to make life-long friends. As safety is our priority, we will conduct a safety drill and explain everything you need to know about the M/V Cattleya to have a safe and exhilarating adventure. Savor the first of many authentic freshly prepared dinners by our talented chef as we begin our journey along the Amazon!. (Dinner)

Day 2

Ucayali River and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
After a relaxing breakfast along the black-water of Belluda-Caño Creek / Dorado river, we will explore a 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. Have your binoculars and cameras on hand because our guides will expertly identify creatures difficult to spot with an untrained eye. After an invigorating day filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, return to relax in comfort aboard the M/V Cattleya for a nourishing dinner and review of the day's discoveries. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3
Venturing deep into the rainforest, we will spend the entire day wandering through the island mazes and twisted tunnels of the the igapo (seasonally flooded forest) where the dense plant life is dramatically different than what we see from the river's edge and harbors a whole new variety of exotic wildlife. As water levels allow, we will hike through the reserve for close up viewing and discovery lead by our expert and knowledgeable guides. Examine and learn first-hand about the 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. Witness a brilliant Amazon sunset as we return to the M/V Cattleya where you can savor a glass of wine or a pisco sour with your expertly prepared dinner followed by some star-gazing on deck before you turn in for a well-deserved night's sleep. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4
After an early breakfast, we will further explore the vast wetlands of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. Add to your growing list of wildlife and bird sightings. In the afternoon, we will visit a village along the river for a chance to meet and learn about the lives of the "Ribereño" people who call the river's edge their home. It is an excellent opportunity to ask questions (practice your Spanish if you like!) and gain a deeper understanding of how people live in this remote part of the world. A wide variety of handmade handicrafts and delightful folk art will be available for your viewing and purchase. Experience one of many brilliant Amazon sunsets as we return to the M/V Cattleya. As we cruise slowly back toward Nauta, join the crew and all your new friends in a farewell dinner of authentic Peruvian cuisine and a celebration of your Amazon experience. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5
In the morning we slowly meander up-river toward the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers, famous for marking the beginning of the mighty Amazon River (and inspiring our company name: UCAyali - MARAñón). 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, the famous freshwater gray river dolphins and Amazon pink dolphins frequently swim near the boat. We will board our sturdy excursion boats to explore the channels that weave through island mazes so we can get a closer look at the wildlife that abounds such as monkeys, sloths, frogs, and an amazing variety of marsh birds.