La Amatista Amazon Cruise

M/V La Amatista - meaning amethyst, a type of semi-precious stone, in English - is a classic, wooden Amazon River vessel, built and fitted out by Amazon carpenters and shipwrights, so as to create an authentic atmosphere while providing all the facilities for a relaxing and comfortable stay.

The amenities include delicious international and local cuisine, an observation point on the boat's upper deck equipped with a full service bar, and cabins that are air-conditioned and with hot water in the private bathrooms. Though the physical conditions of the vessels are lesser when compared to those of a European river cruise, you will find that cleanliness and onboard service are second-to-none.

Highly trained naturalist guides - and the entire crew – provide a first class service with a personal touch that completes the experience.

The M/V Amatista operates fixed six and seven day departures to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve - an area unrivaled for wildlife - with the option of spending a night camping in the heart of the rainforest and getting close to the abundant flora and fauna of the jungle canopy on the Canopy Walkway.

It's a bit Pirates of the Caribbean, but contains good detail of an area with notoriously poor mappage! 

4-Day Pacaya Samiria Cruise Itinerary:

This three-night itinerary is ideal for those on a tight timeframe who want to enjoy an authentic and intense snapshot of natural and human life in and around the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. 

NB. Amazon river cruises are soft adventure-based. Shore activities require the ability to board and disembark from smaller vessels and the ability to hike through uneven jungle terrain for extended periods of time. Although, you are under no obligation to leave the cruise ship, if you choose not to! 

Day 1: Tues: Iquitos - Nauta - Marañon River
(Lunch & Dinner)

Our adventure starts in Iquitos city: after being welcomed at Iquitos airport, off an early flight from Lima, or at your Iquitos hotel, we make the two-hour bus ride to the port of Nauta to board La Amatista. 

As the boat sets sail up the mighty Marañon River, we settle into our comfortable cabins and have lunch on board. 

In the mid-afternoon, we arrive at the Amazon Natural Park, where we use canoes to explore the lagoon, which is a centerpiece of the Park, and contains numerous species of bird, monkey and iguana ... not to mention, fish!

We return to the Amatista for a delicious dinner, and time to enjoy the the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest at night, for the first time.

Day 2: Weds: Amazon Natural Park - Yanayacu Pucate: Canopy Walk

(All meals)

The Amazon basin has many types of forest, flooded areas and highlands. Usually these are not close to each other, however there are some areas where they can all be appreciated in close proximity. So today we explore the jungle first at ground level, and then from a series of hanging bridges that extend over 300m / 1,000ft to give a magical view of the jungle canopy. Here, as well as the rich flora, many monkey, butterfly and bird species can be spotted.

Lunch today will be in a large gazebo, with a live band playing local music. This is followed by a shaman ceremony, which is a chance to see indigenous beliefs in the flesh.

Once back on the Amatista, we sail further up the Marañon River to Lost Creek. Here we take to our excursion skiffs to look for wildlife, and enjoy the sunset.

We have dinner on board, while sailing back downstream to moor in the Yanayacu Pucate region. 

Day 3: Thurs: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: Amazon Culture
(All meals)

Today our highlight will be exploring the Pacaya Samiria Reserve through two of its black water tributaries, Yanayaquillo and Yanayacu Pucate.

Our guides will give us a quick briefing about the area, before we head off into the largest flooded forest in the country. This hidden jewel of the Amazon is a perfect hideaway for numerous species, including macaws, toucans, hawks, monkeys, sloths, iguanas and dolphins, all of which merge with the vegetation. The black water of this tributary can give the illusion of navigating over mirrors that reflect, not only the sky above but also the scenery with great detail.

Breakfast this morning is in the middle of this enchanted forest: we stop in a quiet spot to eat aboard our open skiffs, while pink and gray dolphins may swim curiously around; and there may also be time for a little fishing: piranhas and catfish are usually the catch of the day.

We return to the Amatista in the late morning, to relax and have lunch on board. 

Along the banks of the Marañon River live ribereños, local people with a mixture of both Christian and local, traditional cultures. In their world view, trees have souls as well as humans and their everyday life still conserves many fascinating ancient customs.

So, this afternoon we get a chance to interact with the children of a small village, by sharing songs and games with them. One of the first things we notice is how charming and eager to learn these children are; while at the same time we learn about existence in Amazonia.

Day 4: Fri: Amazon River - Nauta - Iquitos
(Breakfast)

After breakfast on board, we disembark in Nauta, and then make the two hour return trip by bus to Iquitos. Once here, we have a brief tour of the city to see the main sights, before we continue to the airport.

NB. This itinerary may vary depending on the weather and seasons that control the water level in the rivers and the wild life cycle to protect its natural habitat.

Visits to local villages are carefully planned to avoid a negative impact on their cultural identity.

We recommend booking an early morning flight from Lima to Iquitos to begin this tour. Otherwise, you may choose to have a night's stay (or more) in the energetic and interesting city of Iquitos

6-Day Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve Itinerary:

This five-night riverboat cruise gives us a chance to get a real feeling for life in Amazonia, which is in fascinating contrast to our daily lives.

The itinerary takes in three separate nature reserves, the private Amazon National Park; the Yanayacu Communal Reserve; and the massive Pacaya-Samiria, the largest in Peru.

Even those with a fear of heights will not want to miss out on the Canopy Walkway, which gives a new perspective on the jungle canopy, where so much of the flora and fauna is to be found!

NB. Amazon river cruises are soft adventure-based. Shore activities require the ability to board and disembark from smaller vessels and the ability to hike through uneven jungle terrain for extended periods of time. Although, you are under no obligation to leave the cruise ship, if you choose not to! 

Day 1: Sun: Iquitos - Nauta - Amatista
(Lunch & Dinner)

Upon arrival at Iquitos Airport, or at your Iquitos hotel, we welcome you and make the 90-minute drive to the Amazon port town of Nauta, where the Amatista is moored.

Our river journey starts, before a late lunch - a perfect way to begin, enjoying a delicious meal with a panoramic view of the jungle surrounding us.

After lunch, we take the expedition skiffs to the meeting of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers, which merge to form the Amazon River. Along the way, there will be many chances to appreciate the rich flora and fauna, such as iguanas and pink river dolphins. 

Once back on board, it is time for dinner, after which the talented crew may treat you to some live music.

Day 2: Mon: Pacaya-Samiria: Yanayacu or Yurucuchi
(All meals)

Today's itinerary depends on water levels, which fluctuate dramatically over the course of the year. In low water season, we can hike along the trails to Yurucuchi Creek, in search of the emblematic Victoria Regia giant water lilies. It is said that at full growth, one may hold a young child without sinking!

In high water season, we used the expedition skiffs to visit the Yanayacu Communal Reserve, followed by Mohena and Zapote Lakes, home to a plethora of birdlife, mammals and fish ... including the notorious piranha! Lunch will be on board the skiff in the middle of the wilderness. 

We have dinner back on board the Amatista, and then take a night excursion into one of the tributaries of the Marañon to see the incredible nightlife that awakens when the sun goes down: nocturnal bats, birds, insects and monkeys. With the help of the crew we will try to spot white or black caiman.

Day 3: Tues: Amazon Natural Park
(All meals)

An early awakening in the middle of the Amazon basin inspires us to search out for wildlife. Masked Crimson Tanagers, Black-fronted Nun Birds and Social Flycatchers are some of the active species that will continue with their morning routine as we stop to observe.

After breakfast back on board, we may go fishing. With so many species of fish in the Amazon region (some 2,300) in such abundance, it is surprisingly easy to catch the smaller varieties with basic equipment. It is great fun, and the fish are returned to the water ... once their photograph has been taken!

After lunch, we arrive at the Amazon Natural Park, a private reserve dedicated to the protection of native flora and fauna and reforestation. Here we visit the appropriately-named Enchanted Lake by boat, where we will search for various species of monkeys and iguanas.

We return to the Amatista at dusk, for dinner and relaxation. 

Day 4: Weds: Amazon Natural Park - Yanayacu Pucate: Canopy Walk
(All meals)

The Amazon basin has many types of forest, flooded areas and highlands. Usually these are not close to each other, however there are some areas where they can all be appreciated in close proximity. So today we explore the jungle first at ground level on the Ceiba Hike, and then from a series of hanging bridges that extend over 300m / 1,000ft to give a magical view of the jungle canopy. Here, as well as the rich flora, many monkey, butterfly and bird species can be spotted. And keep an eye out for the small, but magnificently-colored Poison Dart Frogs. 

Lunch today will be in a large gazebo, with a live band playing local music. This is followed by a shaman ceremony, which is a chance to see indigenous beliefs in the flesh.

Once back on the Amatista, we sail further up the Marañon River to Lost Creek. Here we take to our excursion skiffs to look for wildlife, and enjoy the sunset.

We have dinner on board, while sailing back downstream to moor in the Yanayacu Pucate region. 

Day 5: Thurs: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: Amazon Culture
(All meals)

Today our highlight will be exploring the Pacaya Samiria Reserve through two of its black water tributaries, Yanayaquillo and Yanayacu Pucate.

Our guides will give us a quick briefing about the area, before we head off into the largest flooded forest in the country. This hidden jewel of the Amazon is a perfect hideaway for numerous species, including macaws, toucans, hawks, monkeys, sloths, iguanas and dolphins, all of which merge with the vegetation. The black water of this tributary can give the illusion of navigating over mirrors that reflect, not only the sky above but also the scenery with great detail.

Breakfast this morning is in the middle of this enchanted forest: we stop in a quiet spot to eat aboard our open skiffs, while pink and gray dolphins may swim curiously around; and there may also be time for a little fishing: piranhas and catfish are usually the catch of the day.

We return to the Amatista in the late morning, to relax and have lunch on board.

Along the banks of the Marañon River live ribereños, local people with a mixture of both Christian and local, traditional cultures. In their world view, trees have souls as well as humans and their everyday life still conserves many fascinating ancient customs.

So, this afternoon we get a chance to interact with the children of a small village, by sharing songs and games with them. One of the first things we notice is how charming and eager to learn these children are; while at the same time we learn about existence in Amazonia.

After exploring the area, we return to the Amatista to begin sailing back upstream to Nauta. There is time to review our sightings in our checklist with the guides.

We end the day with a farewell dinner and music from members of the crew.

Day 6: Fri: Nauta - Iquitos
(Breakfast)

This morning, we disembark at the port of Nauta and then transfer by bus to Iquitos airport.

NB. The itinerary may vary according the climate and seasons that determine the water level in the rivers and the life cycles of local wildlife and in order to protect their natural habitat. 

7-Day Pacaya Samiria Cruise Itinerary:

This seven-day itinerary is a leisurely snapshot of Peru's Amazon in and around the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. For those that want, there is the chance to spend a night camping in the rainforest, at the well-equipped Kapok Camp. And even those with a fear of heights will not want to miss out on the Canopy Walkway, which gives a new perspective on the jungle canopy, where so much of the flora and fauna is to be found!

NB. Amazon river cruises are soft adventure-based. Shore activities require the ability to board and disembark from smaller vessels and the ability to hike through uneven jungle terrain for extended periods of time. Although, you are under no obligation to leave the cruise ship, if you choose not to!

Itinerary and activities may vary due to fluctuating water levels, or other unpredictable forces of nature, that are out of the control of the ship's crew. The captain and guides reserve the right to adapt the itinerary to ensure passenger safety and enjoyment.

Day 1: Sun: Iquitos - Nauta - Amazon River
(Lunch & Dinner)

You will be welcomed on arrival at Iquitos Airport and escorted to the awaiting private bus. We then drive to Nauta, with a short tour of Iquitos and visit to a handicraft market, along the way.

Once in Nauta, we board La Amatista which weights anchor, while we settle into our comfortable cabins, which will be home for the next six nights. Lunch is the first chance to sample the delicious cuisine on board, which relies heavily on the rich local ingredients

This afternoon, we reach the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers, located 2,400 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, and where the Amazon River begins. Our first excursion takes place here, as we go exploring using the Amatista's excursion skiffs.

Once back on board, a delicious Pisco Sour is served as a welcome to Amazonia and the boat, followed by dinner.

Day 2: Mon: Amazon River - Marañon / Ucayali River - Amazon Natural Park
(All meals)

An early awakening on the majestic Amazon River heightens our perception of the tropical rain forest. Occasionally, fishermen paddling canoes made of hollow tree trunks and children living in villages along the bank will greet us with a smile; and a wide variety of birds can be spotted in the trees and flying overhead. These include the South American Oriole, rails or jacanas, egrets and carrion birds.

We go out in open boat excursions through the Ucayali River to see the gigantic Victoria Regia water lilies, in the Yucuruchi area.

We continue navigating the right branch into the Marañon River. As we navigate that day along the Marañon River, the breeze and sky beckon as we begin our adventure. One of the characteristic features of the Ucayali river is abundant gray and pink dolphins, frequently seen swimming near our boat.

After a comprehensive lecture with our guides about the vast Amazon culture, we visit a town of ribereños - small groups of villagers that live on the banks of the rivers.

Tonight, we experience the nocturnal jungle life as we take a guided hike along the paths of the Amazon Natural Park, with our flashlights.

Day 3: Tues: Amazon Natural Park: Kapok Camp
(All meals)

We start the day with early birdwatching, return to the lodge to have breakfast at the balcony of the Suites; we go visiting the Butterfly farm, we walk through the Ceiba Hike, where we present our tribute to the marvelous Rain Forest by planting a tree in a spiritual ceremony where we wish for its longevity; we go canoeing at the lake, home of many creatures such as capybaras, one of the largest rodents in the Amazon.

This afternoon we prepare our overnight bags and head for the Kapok camp. The adventure starts on the way there, so pack light, because some parts are traveled by canoe through a lagoon between the trees of the Amazon Natural Park.

Once we are settled in our camp, our guide will explain the habitat that surrounds us.

After dinner we will go to the camp’s Maloka, which will create the perfect atmosphere for our guides to chat about the myths and legends of the Peruvian Jungle. 

Day 4: Weds: Amazon Natural Park: Suspended Bridges
(All meals)

After the unique experience of a night in the jungle and a camp breakfast, we walk to the Canopy Walkway, which allows us a glimpse of the animal and plant life that inhabits the upper reaches of the tropical jungle.

This afternoon we will spend some time fishing, trying to catch the famous red bellied piranhas!

Just as the sun is setting, we meet a Shaman, a healer from the local Jíbaro-Ashual trieb, who will explain to us the use of his medicinal plants and perform a health and good luck ceremony with us. Once blessed, we return to the Amatista for the night!

Day 5: Thurs: Marañon River - Pacaya Samiria Reserve: Pucate River
(All meals)

This morning, we board the skiffs to explore the Pucate River, which crosses the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, in search of flora and fauna. The Pacaya Samiria Reserve is the largest natural protected area in the country containing more than 2,080,000 hectares of rainforest (representing 1.5% of the country’s surface area), nearly all of which is flooded during high-water season.

The Pucate basin is one of the main entries into the reserve and here we hope to find some Toucans, Pink and Grey Dolphins, Saddleback Tamarind Monkeys, among many other species.

We stop in a quiet spot to enjoy a picnic lunch where pink and gray dolphins may swim curiously around our skiff.

Day 6: Fri: Marañon River - Nauta
(All meals)

Today, after breakfast we will explore Gaspa Creek, a black water tributary of the Ucayalli River, in search of more wildlife.

This afternoon we visit Las Palmas riverside village, to get a clearer idea of what life in Amazonia entails.

Tonight we gather on the upper deck of our ship to watch our last Amazon sunset with a Pisco Sour in our hand and live music, while our crew treats us to a hearty farewell dinner.

Day 7: Sat: Nauta -Iquitos
(Breakfast)

After an early breakfast, our happy voyage comes to an end, and we arrive at the port of Nauta.

We disembark the ship and a bus is waiting for us to transfer us back to Iquitos airport to take our flight back to Lima. Or you may choose to spend more time in the Iquitos area, either in the city or at one of the many excellent lodges. 

Peruvian Amazon Tour Prices: La Amatista

4 Day Pacaya-Samiria Cruise:

~ Main Deck Cabin:                         $1,540

~ Top Deck Cabin:                          $1,630

6 Day Pacaya-Samiria Cruise:

~ Main Deck Cabin:                         $2,090

~ Top Deck Cabin:                          $2,240

7 Day Pacaya-Samiria Cruise:

~ Main Deck Cabin:                         $2,390

~ Top Deck Cabin:                          $2,540

Price Policy:

- All prices listed are PER PERSON in DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Cabins
- Single Supplement: 50% in addition to adult rate
- Published Prices for 2013 Amazon Cruises only
- Children up to 9 years old accompanied by parents: 50% off
- Minimum age: 4 years old

Included:
- All meals
- Accommodation in double cabins
- Excursions as described in the itinerary
- Bilingual naturalist guide

Not Included:
 - Alcoholic beverages
 - International or Domestic Airfares
 - Airport Taxes
 - Cost of medical emergencies including evacuation
 - Gratuities
 - Souvenirs or additional services
 - Travel Insurance
 - Cost of relevant visas
 - Anything else not listed as included

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La Amatista Amazon Cruiseship: Specifications

Built: 1994 in Iquitos, Peru

Remodelled: 2012

Boat Style: Regional Riverboat

Registered: Peru

Weight: 820 tonnes

Draft: 8.6ft / 2.6m

Length: 124ft / 38m

Width: 28ft / 8.6m

Capacity: 31 passengers

Speed: 10 Knots

Engine: 322hp Caterpillar

Generators: 2: Stamford 95 kwa & Olympiam 68 kwa

Voltage: 110 & 220V

Cruising Speed: 8 - 10 knots

Water: 2 x 820 Gallon fresh water tanks

Water Treatment: 6,0000lt Aerobic Biofilter Tank

Radio Communication: HF, Satellite Phone

Navigation: GPS, Radar, Sonar

Safety Equipment: Life Vests; Flares; Fire Extinguishers

Launch Boats: 3 with 4-stroke, low emission outboard motors
- 1 x motorized canoe holding up to 6 passengers
- 2 x motorized canoes holding up to 20 passengers 

3 decks:

- The Main deck has 8 Cabins
- The Top Deck has 7 cabins & a covered dining room (which comfortably seats all passengers at the same time) 
- The Observation Deck is a spacious sundeck with a fantastic 360° panoramic view, and a covered area with a bar and seating.

Crew: 15 including Cruise Director & 2 English-speaking naturalist guides

Cabins: 15

3 double cabins, with queen-sized bed and private bathroom.

11 twin cabins, with two single beds and private bathroom. 

1 triple cabin, with three single beds and private bathroom. 

All cabins are 170 sq ft (16 sq meters) and have A/C, hot water, hair dryer, smoke alarms, desk, wardrobe and 110V & 220V electricity.

Amazon Cruiseship Amatista: 4-Day Itinerary Departure Dates

2013

~ Weds, 8th - Fri, 11th May

~ Tues, 14th - Fri, 17th May

~ Tues, 28th - Fri, 31st May

~ Tues, 18th - Fri, 21st June

~ Tues, 25th - Fri, 28th June

~ Tues, 2nd - Fri, 5th July

~ Tues, 16th - Fri, 19th July

~ Tues, 30th July - Fri, 2nd Aug

~ Tues, 13th - Fri, 16th Aug

~ Tues, 20th - Fri, 23rd Aug

~ Tues, 3rd - Fri, 6th Sept

~ Tues, 17th - Fri, 20th Sept

~ Tues, 8th - Fri, 11th Oct

~ Tues, 22nd - Fri, 25th Oct

~ Tues, 29th Oct - Fri, 1st Nov

~ Tues, 12th - Fri, 15th Nov

~ Tues, 26th - Fri, 29th Nov

~ Tues, 10th - Fri, 13th Dec

~ Tues, 17th - Fri, 20th Dec

Amazon Cruiseship Amatista: 6-Day Itinerary Departure Dates

2013

~ Sun, 12th - Fri, 17th May

~ Sun, 26th - Fri, 31st May

~ Sun, 16th - Fri, 21st June

~ Sun, 23rd - Fri, 28th June: SOLD OUT

~ Sun, 30th June - Fri, 5th July

~ Sun, 14th - Fri, 19th July

~ Sun, 28th July - Fri, 2nd Aug

~ Sun, 11th - Fri, 16th Aug

~ Sun, 18th - Fri, 23rd Aug

~ Sun, 1st - Fri, 6th Sept

~ Sun, 15th - Fri, 20th Sept

~ Sun, 6th - Fri, 11th Oct

~ Sun, 27th Oct - Fri, 1st Nov

~ Sun, 10th - Fri, 15th Nov

~ Sun, 24th - Fri, 29th Nov

~ Sun, 8th - Fri, 13th Dec

~ Sun, 15th - Fri, 20th Dec

Amazon Cruiseship Amatista: 7-Day Itinerary Departure Dates

2013

~ Sun, 20th - Sat, 26th Oct

~ Sun, 27th Oct - Sat, 2nd Nov

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