Perla on the river
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La Perla

Authentic Amazon cruising in a fun and comfortable vessel tailor made for adventure.

Overview

The La Perla Amazon cruise ship, which was remodeled in 2016 in traditional Amazonian style, perfectly balances comfort with affordability. Thanks to a shallow draft, the La Perla explores remote locations that many other boats can not access, which permits up to 28 passengers to experience the Amazon’s biodiversity in a personal way.

Life Aboard The La Perla Amazon Cruise Ship

With 14 air-conditioned cabins, the light, airy rooms throughout the La Perla grant a sense of tranquility amid the wilderness. A range of social areas invite you to relax and enjoy the moment. On the upper deck, swing in a hammock, or perch in a sunbed. Both provide a front-row seat to nature’s spectacles as the boat cruises down the river at a top speed of eight knots.

Chat with your fellow passengers and relive the day’s adventures in either the indoor or outdoor lounge. Feeling peckish? Pop down to the dining room on the lower deck, where meals including local and international cuisine are on the menu. No matter where you spend time aboard the ship, 14 crew members, including a cruise director and a paramedic, provide top-notch service.

Excursions From Your La Perla Cruise

During either a four- or seven-day cruise through the Pacaya-Samiria National Preserve, two bilingual naturalist guides will help you discover the wildlife, plants, and communities of the region. The La Perla Amazon cruise ship sails in the company of two auxiliary boats holding 20 passengers each. Boat outings, including piranha fishing, nighttime caiman spotting, and cruises to see pink river dolphins, allow you to get closer to the mighty waters of the rainforest.

Jungle treks are opportunities to watch for the area’s 200 bird species and 7,300 types of flowering plants. The four-day cruise along the Marañon River offers the chance to see the rainforest from high above the forest floor. Walk over a series of suspension bridges nestled in the treetops. Then, engage in spiritual reflection while meeting a local Shaman to learn about the area’s religions and the medicinal plants that grow in the rainforest. Before you leave, participate in a ceremony to plant a tree as a way to thank Mother Nature for this one-of-a-kind holiday.

Local Team With Local Knowledge

La Perla began life as a missionary-led medical ship visiting riverside villages. Today, the boat has undergone a transformation, and the crew is made of local Amazon people who have spent a lifetime getting to know the area. This local knowledge means you will have access to the most memorable and authentic experiences in the Amazon.

The crew is also dedicated to enhancing the lives of local inhabitants while protecting the ecosystem. With this focus in mind, the crew of the La Perla cruise ship seeks to contribute to sustainable tourism and support local economies while creating one-of-a-kind passenger experiences.

Cruises aboard the La Perla appeal to a wide range of travelers. Families will appreciate interconnecting Amazon View cabins, which share a large balcony. Plus, the itineraries are filled with activities that do not require physical effort. Whether you are a family with children, adults looking for soft adventure, or a solo traveler on a journey of self-discovery, La Perla offers just what you need.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 3
4-Day A
4-Day B
7-Day A+B

4 Day - Ucayali River

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Upon your arrival at the airport, we will be waiting for you to start the adventure. We will take a city tour of Iquitos, a colorful, dynamic city with a captivating past. In this tour you will be able to appreciate the most emblematic attractions of the city. Then, you will be transferred by private vehicle to the city of Nauta, the historic river port where we will embark. Upon arrival in Nauta (about two hours from Iquitos), we will board La Perla and our staff will accompany you to your cabin. 

PM: Enjoy a welcome lunch, your first experience with the delights of regional cuisine. The menu offers several options, including a vegetarian alternative. If you have any particular requirement, please let our crew members know in advance, so that we can attend to it in a timely manner. Before dinner, we will start a night boat excursion to the Nauta Caño area, in search of animals that can only be seen when the sun goes down: alligators, bats, frogs, tarantulas and other species that inhabit the Amazon basin.

Perla - Ucayali River
Location
Iquitos - Nauta - Amazon River - Yacapana Creek
Day
1 / 4

Ucayali River, Vista Alegre & Yarapa

AM: At dawn, we will board the skiffs to visit the banks of the Ucayali River, and observe the beautiful Amazonian birds that fill the dense treetops, a true spectacle of color and life in the heart of the forest. After breakfast on board, get ready to start a new excursion by boat, but this time, on the Yarapa River, this area is ideal for spotting toucans, parrots, macaws, iguanas, sloths and monkeys high up in the trees.

PM: During the afternoon, we will visit the town of Vista Alegre, to meet the native community and learn about their customs, having guides as interpreters and translators. Upon return, you can enjoy live music while we wait for dinner on board.

Perla - Ucayali River
Location
Pacaya Samiria Reserve
Day
2 / 4

Ucamara, Amazon Birthplace, Cocha Piranha, Casual & Marañon River

AM: Boat expedition to the point of confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, the majestic location of the jungle where the Amazon River is born. Before returning to La Perla, we will explore the Piraña Cocha area, looking for more wildlife.

PM: Back on the boat, we will offer lunch and you will have time to rest and prepare for the next adventure: a walk through the winding jungle trailsl located at the beautiful area of Casual, inhabited by poisonous frogs and countless exotic animal species. In this area we will also observe a variety of giant trees known by the locals as “Avatar”. You can also purchase local handicrafts made by the local women artisans and in this way contribute with their local economy. As we return to La Perla, there will be a special moment to contemplate the majestic Amazon sunset.

Late at night, you can listen to some live music before the final presentation of the crew and farewell dinner.

Perla - Ucayali River
Location
Pacaya Samiria Reserve
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: This morning begins quietly with breakfast on board, but becomes exciting with a visit to the city of Nauta, the second largest in the region. Upon arrival, we will reach the city market, where you can interact with locals and learn about the particular commercial circuit of the region. We will visit the stalls of typical food, crafts, aphrodisiac drinks and many more. A true immersion in the life of the Amazonian population.

Afterward, you will be transferred to Iquitos airport for your departure flight back to Lima.

Perla - Ucayali River
Location
Nauta - Iquitos
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

4 Day - Marañón River

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: Upon your arrival at the airport, we will be waiting for you to start the adventure. We will take a city tour of Iquitos, a colorful, dynamic city with a captivating past. In this tour you will be able to appreciate the most emblematic attractions of the city.

Then, we will transfer by private vehicle to the city of Nauta, the historic river port where we will embark. Upon arrival in Nauta (about two hours from Iquitos), we will board La Perla and our staff will accompany you to your cabin. All cabins are specially equipped for you to enjoy the most comfortable stay.

PM: After lunch, your first experience with the delights of regional cuisine. The menu offers several options, including a vegetarian alternative. If you have any particular requirement, please let our crew members know in advance, so that we can attend to it in a timely manner.

Before dinner, we will start a night boat excursion to the Nauta Caño area, in search of animals that can only be seen when the sun goes down: alligators, bats, frogs, tarantulas and other species that inhabit the Amazon basin.

Perla - Marañón River
Location
Iquitos - Nauta - Marañon River - Nauta Caño
Day
1 / 4

Pacaya Samiria, Yanayacu de Pucate, San Regis - Amazonic Natural Park

AM: In the morning, we will organize a fun picnic breakfast on the Yanayacu River in Pucate, one of the best protected and preserved areas of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This area is often visited by pink dolphins. Then, we will take a ride in local canoes and live the experience of paddling in one of the most beautiful aquatic ecosystems in the world. Also, if you want, you can enjoy a refreshing deep in the river.

Back on the ship, we will have lunch in the dining room, followed by some time to rest, after which our guides will offer a talk about Amazonic philosophy.

PM: Later, we will meet the shaman of the San Regis community, a wise woman from the native community who will share with us her knowledge about the rituals of his ancestors, medicinal plants, and the Amazon worldview. Our guides will be the interpreter in case you want to ask questions or make comments to the shaman. After this authentic experience of reflection and spiritual exploration, we will continue with the ceremony of planting a tree, as a contribution to caring for the environment.

Perla - Marañón River
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 4

Pacaya Samiria, Amazonic Park & Shiriyacu

AM: Early dawn in the Amazon has a special charm, it is the perfect moment to sight many animal and insect species. For this reason, on this morning, you also have a boat excursion scheduled before breakfast. This time the destination is Iquitos Brook, a privileged area for sighting numerous endemic species. Back on board, buffet breakfast will be served.

After breakfast, we will start a walk through the jungle until we reach the area of the hanging bridges, a set of structures stretched out on top of the trees that will allow you to experience a canopy walk and admire the richness of the jungle from higher grounds.

PM: Later, get ready for the boat expedition to the Shiriyacu stream. Our guides will find the perfect location for piranha fishing, using local equipment and techniques. This area is very popular for spotting pink dolphins.

Perla - Marañón River
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: Early in the morning, we will leave by boat towards Gasparito Brook, a very popular area for bird and primate watching. On the way to Iquitos airport, visit Amazon Forever Bio Park, also known as Manatees Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for manatees, an endangered species. Learn how manatees are treated and prepared for their return to their natural habitat. Next, arrival at Iquitos airport for your departure flight to Lima.


Perla - Marañón River
Location
Amazon River - Iquitos
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

7 Day - Marañon & Ucayali

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: The guides will be expecting your arrival at the airport for your transfer to Nauta to board the cruise. As you enter your cabin, fully equipped with everything you need, you will feel how this once-in-a-lifetime trip is about to start. The navigation will initiate in the Marañon River to the confluence of the Marañon and Ucayali rivers where the majestic Amazon begins. We suggest taking the time to go to the observation deck and enjoy the amazing panoramic view, where the guides will be explaining the story of Amazon’s origin.

During the next days, you will be navigating through the Marañon and Ucayali rivers, then through the Amazon and its amazing confluences full of wildlife.

PM: After getting familiar with your new environment, you will be invited to the dining room for lunch, where you will experiment with our exquisite regional gastronomy, a delicious flavor celebration. Later, our guides will provide a general briefing about the trip itinerary, activities, routes, wildlife, and vegetation. Our guides will be attentive to help you with any questions you might have.

After lunch on board, you will have an afternoon-night excursion for searching wildlife in the communal reserve of Yanayacu de Yacapana. During the excursion, you will observe the biggest water plant in the world (Victorias Regias), birds, lizards, sloths, beautiful pink dolphins, and other animals. At the end of the night, the guides will use the lanterns to locate caimans, owls, and capybaras.

Upon returning, a reception with live music by the Ship Band awaits for you to enjoy the local music followed by a welcome dinner. Once dinner is finished, the guides will invite you to a lecture about the Amazon origins. 

Perla’s 7-Day Itinerary Day One - Embarkation.
Location
Iquitos - Amazon River
Day
1 / 7

Yanacu de Yacapana, Ucayalí River & Viste Alegre

AM: Early call in the morning with a serenade to enjoy the beautiful sunrise from the Amazon river. A small trek will take place to observe the birds of the communal reserve Yanayacu de Yacapana, sunrise is the best time of the day for bird sightseeing. This morning we will also be observing macaws, sloths, monkeys, toucans, trogons, quetzals, parrots among others. We will return to have a delicious breakfast as the ship sails to the Ucayali.

Later, there will be a morning excursion to explore the tributaries rivers, like the Yarapa where you can observe a variety of reptiles as iguanas, sloths, and others. We will be back to the ship to enjoy our delicious lunch and breath the purest air ever.

PM: In the afternoon, there will be a retelling of the geographical orientation and the species that we have been observing throughout the day. We will visit the butterfly farm project of Vista Alegre, where you will learn about the Amazon butterflies and their importance in the jungle. You will be amazed at the relevance they have.

You will be back on board for dinner and for enjoying live music. You can’t miss this! A chilling and interesting excursion will be offered at night, based on the search of caymans, snakes, tarantulas, scorpions, anacondas, and nocturnal monkeys. If you don’t want to participate, you can rest upon the moonlight enjoying the nature sounds and drinking pisco sour on board.

Perla’s 7-Day Itinerary Day Two - Sloth Sighting.
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 7

Yarapa River, Piranha Creek & Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve

AM: This morning we get ready to navigate through the black waters of the Yarapa River, where we will search for wildlife, enjoying the amazing landscape of the jungle. After the excursion, a delicious breakfast will be served on board.

We will continue sailing through the paths of the Ucayali upon the high confluence of the Marañon river until we arrive at Piranha Creek (one of the first tributaries of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve). This morning there will be a boat excursion to explore Piranha creek. This area is great for piranha fishing. Once the excursion is finished we will return to the ship to have lunch on board.

PM: Later, there will be a trekking tour in the jungle, where we will learn about medicinal plants. We will be looking for exotic insects of the Amazon-like tarantulas, frogs, spiders, and a multitude of species never seen before. Before returning to the ship, our naturalists will teach us about basic survival in the jungle.

Back on board, you will be welcomed with live music. Then, you will enjoy an exquisite dinner, it’s time to relax and appreciate the beauty of the Peruvian Amazon. 

Perla’s 7-Day Itinerary Day Three - Piraña Fishing.
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 7

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Marañón River & Ucayali River

AM: After an energetic breakfast, we will visit one of the local coastal families. They will share their traditions and culture with you. This once in a lifetime experience will allow you to see life from another perspective.

PM: During lunch, the ship will start to sail on the Marañon River. In the afternoon, we will visit the Samiria Reserve to observe the Charapas turtles. Later at night, we embark on an excursion searching wildlife in the Amazon.

Back to the ship our naturalist guides will share more information and enrich the experiences of the day. You will be able to enjoy the local music followed by an exquisite dinner. 

Perla’s 7-Day Itinerary Day Four - Community Visit.
Location
Amazon River
Day
4 / 7

Yanayacu de Pucate & San Regis

AM: This morning, you will explore Yanayacu de Pucate and enjoy a picnic breakfast in the Pacaya Samiria Natural Reserve accompanied by nature. Some pink dolphins might enrich the panorama. Also, it’s possible to observe blue and yellow macaws, toucans, and different types of monkeys. You will have a canopy walk where we will look for wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking view.

PM: After lunch on board, a ceremony will be held with shamans in St. Regis will take place, where you will learn about the ancient secrets of the rainforest. Later, you will be part of the tree planting ceremony.

Before dinner, a reception with live music will be held by the ship band. In the warm night, you can be part of the boat ride through Nauta Creek within the Pacaya Samiria Natural Reserve, known as the mirrored forest. Gaze upon its glistening black water where you can observe lizards, frogs, and different kinds of nocturnal animals. 

Perla’s 7-Day Itinerary Day Five - Macaw Sighting.
Location
Amazon River
Day
5 / 7

San José de Zarapanga Shiriyucu, Kukama Prado & Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve

AM: After a delicious breakfast, we head for the black water stream of San José de Zarapanga, 'Shiriyacu' to fish for piranhas. Using traditional and local techniques you will be surprised by the many ways there is to fish!

We will also visit Kukama Prado village to learn about ancient traditions and medicine used by our ancestors. Then, you will be part of a cooking demonstration, where you can learn about local techniques and the variety of vegetables and dishes that exists in the Peruvian Amazon.

PM: In the afternoon, a boat excursion will be offered before sunset in the Amazon River, where we can hear the sounds of wildlife, colors, and symphony. At the same time, we will look for caymans, frogs, tarantulas, snakes, and anacondas.

Perla’s 7-Day Itinerary Day Six - Amazonian Cooking Classes.
Location
Amazon River
Day
6 / 7

Disembarkation

AM: After breakfast, we begin to disembark. On the way to the airport, stop by the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA), where biologists and volunteers take care of manatees (an endangered species) rescued by the authorities. We’ll see how the manatees are cared for and prepped for reinsertion into their natural habitat. We also get to see other animals that have been rescued from attempts to turn them into pets and other dangerous situations.There's even time for a brief city tour around Iquitos to see the famous houses dating from the rubber boom era, such as the Iron House, Belen Market, and more.

Afterward, you will be transferred to Iquitos airport for your departure flight back to Lima.

Perla’s 7-Day Itinerary Day Seven - Dismbarkation.
Location
Amazon River - Iquitos
Day
7 / 7
1 / 7

Accommodations

Social Areas

Bar
Dining
Hall
Lecture Room
Observation Deck
Outdoor Lounge
Embarkation Port
Embarkation Port
Red and green cocktail on the bar
A couple dining
Indoors sitting area
Passengers relaxing at the lounge
Open air deck with hammocks and sitting area
A couple relaxing on the outdoor deck
Jungle Experiences Embarkation Port in Nauta
Embarkation Port

Suites & Cabins

Perla's Standard Cabin - Queen. Perla's - Standard Cabin - Twin. Perla's - Standard Cabin.
9 Cabins

Standard Cabin

Guests
2
Size
14 m² / 151 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

Standard cabins are spacious with panoramic windows allowing natural light inside. These rooms are air-conditioned, and the bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer, an amenities basket, and a hot shower to make your stay more comfortable.

Perla’s Amazonian View Cabin - Twin.
2 Cabins

Amazonian View

Guests
2
Size
16 m² / 173 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

Located on the second deck, they offer a great view of the Amazon through the windows. Relax on the shared balcony to experience that tropical rainforest climate. The rooms feature a wardrobe, a dresser, and a drawer where you can easily arrange your belongings.

Perla's Superior Cabin. Perla's Superior Cabin.
3 Cabins

Superior Cabin

Guests
2 - 3
Size
20 m² / 215 ft²
Beds
King / Twin

Discover the secrets of the Amazon through the panoramic windows that come with these cabins. The cabins are spacious enough to accommodate double or triple occupancy if the need arises. Enjoy the hot showers in the bathroom, plus the amenities basket provided to all guests. Cabin 13 has a separate area for the extra bed!

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Cabins with balconies
  • Air conditioning
  • Lecture room
  • Kosher Meals
  • Medical staff

Equipment

  • Satellite phone
  • Kayaks / Canoes
  • Fishing equipment
  • Yoga mats
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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