Expedition Details
Voyage aboard the M.V. Aqua to the headwaters of the mighty Amazon in the heart of Peru's rain forest. Explore pristine forest by foot, track dolphins and monkeys, and examine massive lily pads and towering ceiba trees. Slip through jungle waterways in a skiff, spotting hundreds of bird species as well as caimans, frogs, and otters; and experience the nocturnal life of the Amazon River basin on nighttime excursions.
Trip Highlights
- Discover the wilds of the Amazon River in comfort aboard the elegant M.V. Aqua.
- Enjoy a guided tour of colonial Lima and visit the Larco Herrera Museum, which contains the largest private collection of pre-Columbian art in the world.
- Explore the black-water lakes of the flooded forest of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve with experienced naturalists.
- Visit a village of Amazonian tribespeople to learn about life in the rain forest.
Itinerary - 7 Days
Day 1 — U.S./Lima, Peru
Depart on a flight to Lima and transfer to our hotel upon arrival. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a festive welcome reception and dinner in the lovely gardens of Casa Garcia Alvarado, a private mansion in the heart of the Miraflores district.
Casa Andina Private Collection (D)
Day 2 — Lima/Iquitos/Amazon Rain Forest
This morning, take a guided tour of colonial Lima, Peru's capital since it was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Visit the Plaza Mayor and La Cathedral, and see the Government Palace. Browse the renowned pre-Columbian ceramic collection at the Larco Herrera Museum. After lunch, fly to Iquitos. Drive through the Peruvian countryside to the village of Nauta and board the luxurious Aqua. Gather for an orientation before casting off, and then enjoy dinner on board. Tonight, step out on deck to gaze at the Amazon night sky.
M.V. Aqua (B, L, D)
Day 3 — Amazon Rain Forest/Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Set out along the Yanallpa River, gliding past fishermen in dugout canoes and watching for parrots, macaws, and monk saki monkeys. In the afternoon, take a magical journey into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Stretching more than five million square acres, this pristine swath of jungle is flooded annually by the waters of the Amazon and known locally as the Mirrored Forest because towering trees cast long reflections on its glassy black water. Explore the area by skiff, on the lookout for parrots and blue-yellow macaws, butterflies, and pink dolphins. On our return to the vessel, watch for caimans, frogs, and fishing bats as they venture out in the twilight.
M.V. Aqua (B, L, D)
Day 4 — Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Cruise Hatum Posa Lake this morning, spotting tropical birds and a variety of primates and sloths as you delve into the lake's intricate network of waterways. Skim across smaller black-water lakes past giant lily pads. Meet subsistence farmers and learn how they cultivate wild plants and trees to earn income. Discover edible fruits and indigenous plants with medicinal properties hidden deep in the jungle. Gaze up the thick, folded trunks of soaring ceiba trees—the tallest in the Amazon. In the late afternoon, go on an excursion to Yanayacu Lake to observe the evening activities of the jungle. As night falls, listen to a cacophonous symphony of nocturnal animals calling out across the tree tops. Use special spotlights to see caimans and other night creatures on our return to the Aqua.
M.V. Aqua (B, L, D)
Day 5 — Amazon Rain Forest
Rise early for a wildlife viewing excursion to see toucans, parrots, and monkeys. Stop for a picnic breakfast at a popular dolphin feeding spot. Later, take a fishing trip to catch (and release) some of the 3,000 species of tropical fish that live in the Amazon basin. This is an especially popular area for piranhas, an important food source for local people. Tonight, celebrate your Amazon adventure during a farewell reception and dinner.
M.V. Aqua (B, L, D)
Days 6 & 7 — Iquitos/Lima/U.S.
Arrive in Iquitos in the morning, and visit the floating village of Belen. Take a walking tour of Iquitos, an important center in the days of the rubber boom, or visit the Manatee Rescue Center. Late this afternoon, fly to Lima and connect to your evening flight home, arriving the following day.
M.V. Aqua (B, L)
Optional Extension
- Cusco and Machu Picchu - Pre-Trip Extension, 6 Days
Related Trip
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Kitty Coley
Kitty Coley is a geologist and naturalist who serves as a consultant to National Geographic magazine on articles related to her expertise. She has spent extensive time studying in the world's rain forests, and explored the Amazon River Basin in depth during a two-month research expedition to Peru. A popular National Geographic expert for more than eight years, Kitty brings an enthusiastic and interactive approach to studying the geology, flora, and fauna of the Amazon.
Kitty will join the following departures:
Mar 22 - 28, 2010 • Nov 01 - 07, 2010Dec 28, 2010 - Jan 03, 2011
Expedition Dates 
2010
- Mar 22 - 28, 2010
- Apr 19 - 25, 2010
- Oct 11 - 17, 2010
- Nov 01 - 07, 2010
- Dec 28, 2010 - Jan 03, 2011
indicates a departure that has a slightly different itinerary than the one shown on this page. Click the icon to see the day-to-day itinerary.
The December departure will be aboard the Delfin II. See the "Ship Info" tab for details.
Delfin IIExpedition Costs
The round-trip flight between Lima and Iquitos is included in the expedition cost. International airfare is not included. Round-trip economy airfare between Miami and Lima is $700 (subject to change).
What To Expect
During the high water season (December through May), there will be more excursions by skiff and less walking on land. The higher water level enables the skiffs to get closer to the canopy, where the wildlife is abundant. During the low water season (June through November), in addition to exploring by skiff, we will venture deeper into the forest on foot to see wildlife. This is also an ideal season to see migratory birds.
