The Arca - or Ark in English - was originally a missionary ship, used by an evangelical Christian group to bring their brand of religion to remote Amazon villages. She has recently been bought and remodeled to meet the demands of the international tourist industry and is now a comfort-level, 27-passenger, steel-hulled vessel holding fourteen air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms.

The public areas include a welcoming dining room with bar, and a shaded sun deck with plenty of seating. The crew and English-speaking guides are professional and hospitable; and the galley creates delicious meals of regional and international dishes using fresh, local ingredients.

While the facilities are functional, rather than luxurious, the Arca III is still big enough to be comfortable ... and yet small enough to access the small tributaries where larger cruise ships cannot go.

The Arca III offers a range of itineraries, from three days to the Amazon town of Pevas, to six and seven day expeditions to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. She also regularly operates classic routes such as from Iquitos to the border with Brazil and Colombia, and back, and Iquitos to Nauta. 

3-Day Iquitos - Pevas Cruise Itinerary

This two-night voyage is a perfect snapshot of life in Peru's northern Amazon for those on a tight schedule. By sailing overnight, the Arca III is able to get far away from the urban life of Iquitos, in a short time.

Day 1: Iquitos Embarkation
(Dinner)

At 4pm, we depart Iquitos, to sail down the Amazon River. As we sail, there will be a briefing on board from your tour director, accompanied by a delicious, refreshing fruit drink.

At 7.30pm, we have our first dinner on board.

We continue sailing downstream overnight, so as to wake up in the midst of the Amazon wilderness.

Day 2: Pevas
(All meals)

This morning, before breakfast, we take you on an early morning bird-watching excursion, to take advantage of the best times for wildlife spotting. Coffee and tea are available to help blow out the cobwebs!

On return to the Arca, we have breakfast on board, as we sail up the Ampiyacu River. On the way, we stop at a Bora or Huitoto settlement, where we have a chance to learn a little about their customary way of life, dance and handicrafts.

In the late morning, we arrive in Pevas, and have a chance to look round the small riverside town, with its market, church and main square. The people are extremely friendly.

Once back on board, we have lunch ... and then there is time for a welcome siesta!

In the late afternoon, we make an excursion by skiff to a small tributary where we can fish for piranha and some of the other thousands of fish species.

Dinner on board, followed by a demonstration of typical Peruvian music. You are welcome to join in!

Day 3: Return to Iquitos
(Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast, we have a guided jungle walk to learn more about the abundant flora and fauna of the region.  

We have a final lunch on board, before arriving back in Iquitos in the early afternoon, where we transfer you to the airport or city hotel.

Please note that the itinerary above is dependent on the river water level, weather conditions, wildlife behavior, and accessibility to locations, so may vary.

4-Day Nauta - Iquitos Itinerary

Often overlooked in voyages to the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, the route from Nauta to Iquitos still contains a number of highlights, including the birthplace of the Amazon River.

A day in the Reserve is also accommodated, and there are plenty of chances to enjoy the remarkable wealth of bio-diversity of the region, while experiencing the traditional method of transport of Amazonia ... the river. 

Day 1: Iquitos - Nauta: Embarkation
(Lunch & Dinner)

At 9am, we depart by private transport for a two-hour drive on a paved road to Nauta.

On arrival in Nauta, we board the M/V Arca III, where the guide will given an introductory briefing about the ship's amenities and the coming program. Meanwhile, we set sail on the Marañon River.

Lunch is served in the dining room, and then in the afternoon, we have our first experience of the Amazon rainforest with a guided hike through dense primary forest, which is home to a huge bio-diverstiy.

During dinner on board, our guide outlines the plan for the next day. And once we have finished eating, we board the excursion skiffs again in order to spot caimans and other nocturnal animals and insects.

Day 2: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
(All meals)

This morning, before breakfast, we take you on an early morning bird-watching excursion, to take advantage of the best times for wildlife spotting. Coffee and tea are available to help blow out the cobwebs!

Upon our return to the Arca, we have breakfast, before setting off for a full-day exploration of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve by expedition skiff.

We make a stop in a scenic spot to have a picnic lunch and a rest before continuing to explore the Reserve.

In the late afternoon, we return to the Arca III for dinner and a good night's rest.

Day 3: Amazon & Yarapa Rivers
(All meals)

Early this morning, we arrive at the birthplace of the Amazon, where the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers join. To celebrate this, we stop at an observation tower to enjoy the beautiful landscape.

We continue sailing down the Amazon for the rest of the morning, and then, after lunch, we board this skiffs in order to explore the Amazon River and the Yarapa, a tributary of black river water. Our goal is to find a remote lake where we can fish for piranha, and some of the other thousands of fish species.

Returning to the ship late afternoon, we make a stop in the middle of the Amazon River to enjoy the sunset and observe pink and gray freshwater dolphins.

Day 4: Local Village Visit & Return to Iquitos
(Breakfast)

Bird watching excursion before breakfast.

After breakfast visit a riverside village, which is an opportunity to learn how the locals live in harmony with the jungle that provides all they need: food, building materials, medicines, and tools, to name but a few.

We arrive in Iquitos in the late morning, where we transfer you to the airport or city hotel, and our services end.

Please note that the itinerary above is dependent on the river water level, weather conditions, wildlife behavior, and accessibility to locations, so may vary.

7-Day Iquitos - Tres Fronteras - Iquitos Riverboat Cruise

This is a classic Amazon journey, taken by 'Che' Guevara amongst others, from Peru's remote jungle capital, Iquitos, to the frontier with Brazil and Colombia. Travelers can then choose whether to continue into these two amazing countries, or take the comfortable Arca III back to Iquitos. Either way, Peru's Amazon River will reveal fascinating biology and ethnography. 

Day 1: Sunday: Iquitos Embarkation
(Dinner)

Transfer from Iquitos airport - or your hotel - to the port for a midday sailing.

On arrival, we board the M/V Arca III, where the guide will given an introductory briefing about the ship's amenities and the coming program. Meanwhile, we set sail on the Amazon River, one of the seven New Natural Wonders of the World, travelling downstream.

We have lunch on board, and then, later in the afternoon, we board the expedition skiffs for the first time to explore the Amazon River's banks, lagoons and tributaries.

Once back on board, we can enjoy the upper observation deck or the bar.

During dinner, the guide will explain the next day’s activities. 

Overnight in a comfortable cabin.

Day 2: Mon: Pevas & Shishita 
(All meals)

Early this morning, we arrive at the small town of Pevas, located on the banks of the Ampiyacu River, and the oldest European settlement on the Peruvian Amazon.

After breakfast, we take the skiffs to visit a Bora/Witoto village and see how these indigenous people live. We visit their communal house (maloka) for a display of traditional dancing, with outfits made entirely of materials found in the jungle. This is no longer the everyday garb of the villagers, but our visit is helping to keep traditions alive; we can also help by buying locally-made handicrafts, such as bark paintings, bracelets and necklaces ... even blowguns and bows and arrows! 

We return to the Arca III& for lunch, followed by a welcome siesta, perhaps. Then, in the afternoon, we go on a jungle walk to the Shishita area, during which our guide explains some of the many trees and plants used by local people. It is also an opportunity to spot rainforest fauna.

Finally, in the late afternoon, if the weather is good, we take the excursion skiffs to enjoy an Amazon sunset in the middle of the river. And once it is dark, we go looking for caiman and other nocturnal animals, and listen to the sounds of the rainforest.

Back to the ship for dinner and overnight on board.

Day 3: Tues: Lake Caballococha
(All meals)

Early wake-up call with time for a cup of coffee or tea before setting out in one of the excursion boats for a bird watching trip. Our guide should be able to point out a wide variety of colorful birds and explain their habits; also you we have the opportunity to see the giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica), an emblematic plant of the Amazon region.

Back on board the ship for breakfast. This time we make a brief stop at the police checkpoint in Chimbote. The crew will do the necessary formalities. 

Later this morning we stop in a small village and learn how the riverside dwellers live in harmony with the rainforest.

Lunch is taken back on board, and then in the afternoon, we visit the beautiful Lake Caballococha, where we can fish for piranha, and some of the other thousands of fish species, as well as admiring the scenery and wildlife.

On the way back, we stop to visit the town of Caballo Cocha, which is the capital of the province of Ramon Castilla.

Once back on board, we have dinner and hear the program for the next day. 

Day 4: Weds: Tres Fronteras
(All meals)

We arrive early at Santa Rosa Island, which is the Peruvian border post. From here it is a stone's throw to Leticia in Colombia and Tabatinga in Brazil.

Passengers taking only the downriver itinerary will be transferred to the airport or their hotel after breakfast. The rest of the passengers will have free time to look around the small Amazon towns of Leticia and Tabatinga, that are right next to each other, before returning to the Arca for lunch.

Those boarding for the four-day itinerary upstream to Iquitos board at noon - in time for lunch - and will receive an orientation from the Cruise Director about the Arca, its facilities and itinerary as the ship begins to sail upriver. 

Dinner on board, as we sail upstream on the majestic Amazon River.

Day 5: Thurs: San Pablo
(All meals)

This morning, after breakfast, we go on a bird-watching excursion by skiff. Among the many species our guide may point out are multi-colored Macaws, Yellow-headed Caracara, and the poetically-named Horned Screamers.

There is then an interesting jungle walk, through primary rainforest area, with the chance to see multiple varieties of medicinal trees and plants, orchids, butterflies and of course, ants, which are an omnipresent feature of the jungle and play a vital role in the eco-system.

After lunch, there is the option of visiting the Hospital of San Pablo, a former leper colony run by French-Canadian nuns and made famous by Che Guevara's Motorcycle Diaries/

Later in the afternoon, we stop in another riverside village to see more evidence of how locals exist in harmony with the jungle: their lives revolve around hunting, fishing, agriculture and forest husbandry.

Once back onboard, we continue sailing upstream.

Finally, in the early evening, if the weather is good, we take the excursion skiffs to enjoy an Amazon sunset in the middle of the river. And once it is dark, we go looking for caiman and other nocturnal animals, and listen to the sounds of the rainforest.

We return to the ship for a tasty dinner and comfortable night's rest.

Day 6: Fri: Santa Lucia de Pro
(All meals)

Today we wake up early, grab a cup of tea or coffee and set off in the skiffs to visit the Yagua community of Santa Lucia de Pro in the Ampiyacu River, a tributary of the Amazon. Once here, locals perform ancestral dances and provide a chance to buy their handicrafts. 

Later, if time and weather allows, we make a visit to the town of Pevas.

Once back on board, we have lunch as the Arca III sails upriver.

In the afternoon, we visit the black waters of the Apayacu River to see the flora and fauna of the area. There is a beautiful lake here, that is good for both fishing and swimming, and if we are lucky, we may be joined by pink or gray river dolphins! 

Tonight, we have our final dinner on board.

Day 7: Sat: Iquitos Disembarkation
(Breakfast)

We arrive in Iquitos early this morning, and after breakfast, we are transfered to to the airport or a hotel.

Please note that the itinerary above is dependent on the river water level, weather conditions, wildlife behavior, and accessibility to locations, so may vary.

Peru Amazon Tour Prices: Arca III

3 Day Pevas Cruise:

~ Single Cabin                              $1,283

~ Double Cabin                             $883

4 Day Pacaya-Samiria Cruise:

~ Single Cabin                              $1,581

~ Double Cabin                             $1,181

4 Day Iquitos to 3 Fronteras Cruise:

~ Single Cabin                              $1,581

~ Double Cabin                             $1,181

NB. These prices also apply to return journey ie 3 Fronteras to Iquitos
 

4 Day Yurimaguas to Iquitos Cruise:

~ Single Cabin                              $1,581

~ Double Cabin                             $1,181

5 Day Pacaya Samiria Cruise:

~ Single Cabin                              $1,879

~ Double Cabin                             $1,479

5 Day Iquitos to Yurimaguas Cruise:

~ Single Cabin                              $1,879

~ Double Cabin                             $1,479

7 Day Iquitos to 3 Fronteras to Iquitos Cruise:

~ Single Cabin                              $2,474

~ Double Cabin                             $2,074

8 Day Pacaya Samiria Cruise:

~ Single Cabin                              $2,474

~ Double Cabin                             $2,074

8 Day Iquitos - Yurimaguas - Iquitos Cruise:

~ Single Cabin                              $2,772

~ Double Cabin                             $2,372

Note: The Arca III requires a minimum of 15 passengers to guarantee a departure. Please contact us for the latest information.
 

The Arca III is also available for charter: $5,890 per day.

Price Policy:
- All prices listed are PER PERSON
- Published Prices for 2013 Amazon Cruises only
- For groups of 15 passengers or more, discounted rates apply

Included:

- All meals
- Accommodation in single or double cabins
- Excursions as described in the itinerary
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Airport Transfer
- Pacaya Samiria Entrance Ticket for applicable cruises

Not Included:
 - Soft Drinks or 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

Note: both US Dollars and Euros are accepted on board. 

BOOK NOW!

Arca III Amazon Cruiseship Specifications

Built: in Iquitos, Peru

Type of vessel: Steel-hulled Amazon River vessel

Port of Embarkation: City of Iquitos

Vessel Registry: Peru

Length: 22m / 72ft

Beam: 5.9m / 19 ft

Strut: 1.35m / 4.4ft

Decks: 2

Capacity: 27 passengers

Crew: 5

Cabins:14

- 8 with 2 bunk beds
- 4 with a double bed
- 1 with three 1.5 size single beds
- 1 with a king-size bed and two1.5 size single beds

- All air-conditioned 

Dining Room & Bar: 

- Air-conditioned
- Sound system 
- 2 Flat-screen TVs with DVD player

Outdoor Seating Areas: 

- Uncovered: Main Deck Prow Side
- Covered: Foredeck 

Electricity Generation: 2 generators

Cruising Speed: Average 7 knots

Engine: 235 HP

Water: Potable Water System

Navigation: 

Radio Communication: VH & VHF Radios

2 Launch Boats:

- 1 with 85HP Outboard Motor
- 1 with 40HP Outboard Motor 

Arca III: Departure Dates: 2013

3-Day Pebas Amazon Cruise:

~ Sun, 27th - Tues, 29th Jan

~ Sun, 24th - Tues, 26th Feb

~ Sun, 21st - Tues, 23rd April

~ Sun, 16th - Tues, 18th June

~ Sun, 11th - Tues, 13th Aug: GUARANTEED DEPARTURE

~ Sun, 15th - Tues, 17th Sept

~ Sun, 24th - Tues, 26th Nov

~ Sun, 15th - Tues, 17th Dec

4-Day Pacaya-Samiria Amazon Cruise:

~ Sun, 13th - Weds, 16th Jan

~ Sun, 10th - Weds, 13th Feb

~ Sun, 10th - Weds, 13th March

~ Sun, 7th - Weds, 10th April

~ Sun, 5th - Weds, 8th May

~ Sun, 2nd - Weds, 5th June

~ Sun, 30th June - Weds, 3rd July

~ Sun, 28th - Weds, 31st July

~ Sun, 1st - Weds, 4th Sept

~ Sun, 29th Sept - Weds, 2nd Oct

~ Sun, 27th - Weds, 30th Oct

~ Sun, 1st - Weds, 4th Dec

~ Sun, 29th Dec - Weds, 1st Jan, 2014

4-Day Iquitos - Tres Fronteras Amazon Cruise:

~ Sun, 3rd - Weds, 6th Feb

~ Sun, 24th - Weds, 27th March

~ Sun, 19th - Weds, 22nd May

~ Sun, 14th - Weds, 17th July

~ Sun, 18th - Weds, 21st Aug

~ Sun, 13th - Weds, 16th Oct

~ Sun, 10th - Weds, 13th Nov

4-Day Tres Fronteras - Iquitos Amazon Cruise:

~ Weds, 6th - Sat, 9th Feb

~ Weds, 27th - Sat, 30th March

~ Weds, 22nd - Sat, 25th May

~ Weds, 17th - Sat, 20th July

~ Weds, 21st - Sat, 24th Aug

~ Weds, 16th - Sat, 19th Oct

~ Weds, 13th - Sat, 16th Nov

5-Day Pacaya Samiria Itinerary Dates:

~ Weds, 16th - Sun, 20th Jan

~ Weds, 13th - Sun, 17th Feb

~ Weds, 13th - Sun, 17th March

~ Weds, 10th - Sun, 14th April

~ Weds, 8th - Sun, 12th May

~ Weds, 5th - Sun, 9th June

~ Weds, 3rd - Sun, 7th July

~ Weds, 31st July - Sun, 4th Aug

~ Weds, 4th - Sun, 8th Sept

~ Weds, 2nd - Sun, 6th Oct

~ Weds, 30th Oct - Sun, 3rd Nov

~ Weds, 4th - Sun, 8th Dec

~ Weds, 1st - Sun, 5th Jan, 2014

7-Day Iquitos - Tres Fronteras - Iquitos Amazon Cruise:

~ Sun, 3rd - Sat, 9th Feb

~ Sun, 24th - Sat, 30th March

~ Sun, 19th - Sat, 25th May

~ Sun, 14th - Sat, 20th July

~ Sun, 18th - Sat, 24th Aug

~ Sun, 13th - Sat, 19th Oct

~ Sun, 10th - Sat, 16th Nov

8-Day Pacaya Samiria Itinerary Departure Dates:

~ Sun, 13th - Sun, 20th Jan

~ Sun, 10th - Sun, 17th Feb

~ Sun, 10th - Sun, 17th March

~ Sun, 7th - Sun, 14th April

~ Sun, 5th - Sun, 12th May

~ Sun, 2nd - Sun, 9th June

~ Sun, 30th June - Sun, 7th July

~ Sun, 28th July - Sun, 4th Aug

~ Sun, 1st - Sun, 8th Sept

~ Sun, 29th Sept - Sun, 6th Oct

~ Sun, 27th Oct - Sun, 3rd Nov

~ Sun, 1st - Sun, 8th Dec

~ Sun, 29th Dec - Sun, 5th Jan, 2014

Book Now!