Pure Amazon

Deals

PM: Your gateway to Amazonia is the bustling port city of Iquitos – the largest mainland metropolis in the world that can only be reached by air and river, not by road. From there it is a 1 hour 45-minute drive with your guide to Nauta, a remote town on the banks of the Marañón River, where you are welcomed aboard Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary. Once checked in, relax in the Explorer’s Lounge as you are briefed about the next day’s activities and, time and energy levels permitting, dine in the restaurant on innovative dishes prepared by talented onboard chefs.

AM: If you wish, set out at sunrise (between 5.30am and 6.20am, depending on the time of year) on a birdwatching adventure by skiff in the area around Nauta Caño, a creek known for its wildlife, dense vegetation and mirror-like “blackwater”. This is a hotspot for early-morning bird activity, and you might spot black-collared hawks, flamboyantly colored tanagers and oropendolas – large birds with a long tail which is at least partially bright yellow. After breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, set off by skiff around 9am. This time, you might head to Yanayacu Pucate – one of the most beautiful tributaries in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, an 8,000-square-mile protected area. Camera at the ready, look out for wildlife which might include squirrel monkeys, tamarins (another small primate) and iguanas, a type of lizard, or try your hand at fishing for piranhas on a catch- and-release basis.

PM: After lunch, wait until 3pm (when the heat begins to subside) before exploring Yanayaquillo – a quiet stream overhung by trees and home to myriad birds and animals. Paddle along its narrow creeks in a double, sit-on kayak, or board a skiff to observe wildlife pointed out by your guide, starting in daylight and ending in darkness. When the light fades, see the reflective eyes of caimans glowing in the beam of a spotlight, or look out for night monkeys and insects. End your evening with a recap of today’s triumphs and a look ahead to the following day, followed by dinner and, weather permitting, stargazing before bed.

AM: Leave Pure Amazon early to visit Nueva Arica – a welcoming riverside village where water levels vary by 30 feet depending on the season. Meet local people, learn how they adapt to life in the low- and high-water seasons, visit their homes and see how A&K Philanthropy is supporting them in the innovative use of forest resources to derive a sustainable income. There are opportunities, too, for kayaking or swimming in calm blackwater with little or no current.

PM: In the afternoon, set out on a guided walk to the Samiria River, known as “the jungle mirror” because its smooth blackwater reflects the forest and sky all around it. On the way, your wildlife guide spots and shows you not just A-lister sloths, monkeys and birds but fascinating flora and smaller animals such as frogs, ants and spiders. Afterwards, return to Pure Amazon for your nightly debrief and a celebratory farewell dinner.

AM: After a final breakfast onboard as Pure Amazon returns to Nauta, disembark and relax in a comfortable vehicle en route to Formabiap, an educational project supported by A&K Philanthropy. There, around 200 young people from indigenous communities study to become teachers – honing their skills in both Spanish and their local language. After a musical welcome, learn about longhouse-building and participate in a spiritual cleansing session with an elder, then listen to a presentation on the use of medicinal plants. Afterwards you are transferred privately to your hotel in Iquitos, or the airport.

PM: Your gateway to Amazonia is the port city of Iquitos – the largest mainland metropolis in the world that can only be reached by air and river, not by road. From there it is a 1 hour 45-minute drive with your guide to Nauta, a remote town on the banks of the Marañón River, where you are welcomed aboard Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary. Once checked in, relax in the Explorer’s Lounge as you are briefed about the next day’s activities and, time and energy levels permitting, dine in the restaurant on innovative dishes prepared by talented onboard chefs. Overnight, the boat cruises to Yuracocha.

From June to November: Overnight, the boat cruises to Lake Clavero.

AM: If you wish, set out at sunrise (between 5.30am and 6.20am, depending on the time of year) on a birdwatching adventure by skiff in the Yuracocha area, known for its silvery oxbow lakes, and peaceful waterways. As the forest comes to life, your guide points out a breathtaking abundance of birdlife. After breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, set off by skiff around 9am to explore the serene waters of Dorado, a blackwater stream system where the calm, reflective waters mirror the forest canopy – and a great spot for photographing wildlife, from squirrel monkeys to iguanas.

PM: After lunch, wait until 3pm (when the heat begins to subside) before opting for one of two activities: exploring on a double, sit-on kayak, or fishing for piranhas on a catch-and-release basis. As the light fades, board a skiff for a night safari. See the eyes of caimans glowing in the beam of a spotlight, and look out for night monkeys, bats, night herons and insects. Added atmosphere is provided by the “jungle orchestra of the night”, the soundtrack provided by frogs, insects and other animals after twilight. End with a recap of today’s highlights and a look ahead to the following day, plus dinner prepared by our creative onboard chefs.

From June to November: Learn about life on the lake – and swim or kayak in its tranquil waters

If you wish, set out at sunrise (between 5.30am and 6.20am, depending on the time of year) on a birdwatching adventure by skiff on Lake Clavero – a tranquil oxbow lake of dizzying biodiversity. After breakfast, spend the morning in a lakeside village where traditional Amazonian life and culture prevail. Talk to members of the community about subsistence farming and how they adapt to seasonal flooding. Watch as ribereños (river people) navigate the lake and surrounding tributaries in dugout canoes. In the afternoon, when the heat of the day subsides, go for a paddle yourself in a modern-day double kayak, or cool down with a refreshing swim in the lake’s calm waters. In the evening, relive the day’s adventures with a catch-up in the Explorer’s Lounge, followed by a gourmet dinner.

As you sleep, Pure Amazon cruises upriver to Yucuruchi.

AM: Again, depart Pure Amazon before breakfast for an optional skiff excursion at sunrise in search of macaws, toucans and other wildlife on the idyllic Pacaya River – an important area of the protected Pacaya-Samiria Nature Reserve. Expansive at this time of year, the river meanders through vast flooded forests which are home to howler monkeys and the occasional giant river otter. After breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, explore this water-world further by skiff until lunchtime.

PM: After lunch, relax or attend a lecture or cooking demonstration until the heat of the day begins to subside, then choose to go either kayaking or swimming in the area’s safe, tranquil blackwater– an unforgettable Amazon experience – until the light fades. Return to Pure Amazon for the nightly briefing, followed by dinner in its elegant, open-plan restaurant. While you sleep, the riverboat cruises to its next destination: Yanallpa.

From June to November: Spot birds, caimans, bats, piranhas and giant waterlilies in Yucuruchi

AM: Again, opt for a birding excursion at sunrise if you wish – this time in Yucuruchi, a photogenic region humming with life, from scarlet macaws darting through the forest canopy to pink river dolphins breaking the surface of the Ucayali River. This is the perfect place to hone your photographic skills and, if you are lucky, you may come across Victoria regia (also known as Victoria amazonica), a giant waterlily with leaves up to 10 feet in diameter which covers vast areas of the river’s surface. In the morning, explore by skiff as your guide sheds light on its flora and fauna.

PM: In the afternoon, try fishing for piranhas, catfish and other species (releasing any you catch) on the Yarapa River. In the late afternoon, embark on a night safari by skiff and watch – and listen – as day turns to night. After dusk (between 6.20pm and 7pm, depending on the time of year), your guide will deploy spotlights to search for nocturnal animals such as caimans, bats and night herons in the darkness. Added atmosphere is provided by the “jungle orchestra of the night”, the unforgettable soundtrack provided by frogs, insects and other creatures. After dinner, Pure Amazon continues north along the awe-inspiring River Amazon itself to the next untouched tributary.

AM: Rise early, skip breakfast (for now) and board your familiar skiff for a birding excursion around Yanallpa, in a “terra firma” part of the forest that isn’t flooded. As you approach, look out for raptors (birds of prey) and parakeets as your flat-bottomed craft navigates the creeks and shallows. After breakfast back on Pure Amazon, set off on a guided walk along dense forest trails and learn about the region’s plant life and its use by local communities. Stop at a village where residents welcome you and tell you about their lives.

PM: In the afternoon, Pure Amazon journeys into Supay Creek, another quiet blackwater stream rich in wildlife. You may hear the roar of red howler monkeys reaching its outlandish crescendo as you explore by skiff with your guide. Alternatively, try your hand at fishing.

From June to November: Awake on the River Amazon, then explore by skiff –and on a jungle walk

AM-PM: For the first and only time on this voyage, Pure Amazon cruises the broad expanse of river that gave it its name. After breakfast, board your skiff for an adventure on the Yanayacu Yacapana River. Learn about the fascinating plants that live here, and how numerous animals depend on them. Your next tributary of interest is the Tahuayo River, which runs through a biodiverse protected area known as the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Regional Conservation Area. Look out for a thrilling number of birds and primates on a skiff excursion, then on a jungle walk led by your expert guide. Return to Pure Amazon for the nightly debrief, followed by dinner in its elegant, open-plan restaurant.

AM: After a final breakfast onboard Pure Amazon as it returns to Nauta, disembark and relax in a comfortable vehicle en route to Formabiap, an educational project supported by A&K Philanthropy. There, around 200 young people from indigenous communities study to become teachers – honing their skills in both Spanish and their local language. After a musical welcome, learn about longhouse-building and participate in a spiritual cleansing session with an elder, then listen to a presentation on the use of medicinal plants. Afterwards you are transferred privately to your hotel in Iquitos, or the airport.

This is a suggested itinerary and includes a selection of possible explorations.

PM: Your gateway to Amazonia is the port city of Iquitos – the largest mainland metropolis in the world that can only be reached by air and river, not by road. From there it is a 1 hour 45-minute drive with your guide to Nauta, a remote town on the banks of the Marañón River, where you are welcomed aboard Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary. Once checked in, relax in the Explorer’s Lounge as you are briefed about the next day’s activities and, time and energy levels permitting, dine in the restaurant on innovative dishes prepared by talented onboard chefs. Overnight, the boat cruises to Yuracocha.

From June to October:

Your gateway to Amazonia is the port city of Iquitos – the largest mainland metropolis in the world that can only be reached by air and river, not by road. From there it is a 1 hour 45-minute drive with your guide to Nauta, a remote town on the banks of the Marañón River, where you are welcomed aboard Pure Amazon, an A&K Sanctuary. Once checked in, relax in the Explorer’s Lounge as you are briefed about the next day’s activities and, time and energy levels permitting, dine in the restaurant on innovative dishes prepared by talented onboard chefs. Overnight, the boat cruises to Lake Clavero.

AM: If you wish, set out at sunrise (between 5.30am and 6.20am, depending on the time of year) on a birdwatching adventure by skiff in the Yuracocha area, known for its silvery oxbow lakes and peaceful waterways. As the forest comes to life, your guide points out a breathtaking abundance of birdlife.

After breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, set off by skiff around 9am to explore the serene waters of Dorado, a blackwater stream system where the calm, reflective waters mirror the forest canopy – and a great spot for photographing wildlife, from squirrel monkeys to iguanas.

PM: After lunch, wait until 3pm (when the heat begins to subside) before opting for one of two activities: exploring on a double, sit-on kayak, or fishing for piranhas on a catch-and-release basis. As the light fades, board a skiff for a night safari. See the eyes of caimans glowing in the beam of a spotlight, and look out for night monkeys, bats, night herons and insects. Added atmosphere is provided by the “jungle orchestra of the night”, the soundtrack provided by frogs, insects and other animals after twilight. End with a recap of today’s highlights and a look ahead to the following day, plus dinner prepared by our creative onboard chefs.

From June to October: Learn about life on the lake – and swim or kayak in its tranquil waters

If you wish, set out at sunrise (between 5.30am and 6.20am, depending on the time of year) on a birdwatching adventure by skiff on Lake Clavero – a tranquil oxbow lake of dizzying biodiversity. After breakfast, spend the morning in a lakeside village where traditional Amazonian life and culture prevail. Talk to members of the community about subsistence farming and how they adapt to seasonal flooding. Watch as ribereños (river people) navigate the lake and surrounding tributaries in dugout canoes. In the afternoon, when the heat of the day subsides, go for a paddle yourself in a modern-day double kayak, or cool down with a refreshing swim in the lake’s calm waters. In the evening, relive the day’s adventures with a catch-up in the Explorer’s Lounge, followed by a gourmet dinner. As you sleep, Pure Amazon cruises upriver to Yucuruchi.

AM: Again, depart Pure Amazon before breakfast for an optional skiff excursion at sunrise in search of macaws, toucans and other wildlife on the idyllic Pacaya River an important area of the protected Pacaya-Samiria Nature Reserve. Expansive at this time of year, the river meanders through vast flooded forests which are home to howler monkeys and the occasional giant river otter.

After breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, explore this water-world further by skiff until lunchtime.

PM: After lunch, relax or attend a lecture or cooking demonstration until the heat of the day begins to subside, then choose to go either kayaking or swimming in the area’s safe, tranquil blackwater– an unforgettable Amazon experience – until the light fades. Return to Pure Amazon for the nightly briefing, followed by dinner in its elegant, open-plan restaurant. While you sleep, the riverboat cruises to its next destination: Yanallpa.

From June to November: Spot birds, caimans, bats, piranhas and giant waterlilies in Yucuruchi

AM: Again, opt for a birding excursion at sunrise if you wish – this time in Yucuruchi, a photogenic region humming with life, from scarlet macaws darting through the forest canopy to pink river dolphins breaking the surface of the Ucayali River. This is the perfect place to hone your photographic skills and, if you are lucky, you may come across Victoria regia (also known as Victoriaamazonica), a giant waterlily with leaves up to 10 feet in diameter which covers vast areas of the river’s surface. In the morning, explore by skiff as your guide sheds light on its flora and fauna.

PM: In the afternoon, try fishing for piranhas, catfish and other species (releasing any you catch) on the Yarapa River. In the late afternoon, embark on a night safari by skiff and watch – and listen – as day turns to night. After dusk (between 6.20pm and 7pm, depending on the time of year), your guide will deploy spotlights to search for nocturnal animals such as caimans, bats and night herons in the darkness. Added atmosphere is provided by the “jungle orchestra of the night”, the unforgettable soundtrack provided by frogs, insects and other animals. After dinner, Pure Amazon continues north along the awe-inspiring River Amazon itself to the next untouched tributary.

AM: Rise early, skip breakfast (for now) and board your familiar skiff for a birding excursion around Yanallpa, in a “terra firma” part of the forest that isn’t flooded. As you approach, look out for raptors (birds of prey) and parakeets as your flat-bottomed craft navigates the creeks and shallows. After breakfast back on Pure Amazon, set off on a guided walk along dense forest trails and learn about the region’s plant life and its use by local communities. Stop at a village where residents welcome you and tell you about their lives.

PM: In the afternoon, Pure Amazon journeys into Supay Creek, another quiet blackwater stream rich in wildlife. You may hear the roar of red howler monkeys reaching its outlandish crescendo as you explore by skiff with your guide. Alternatively, try your hand at fishing.

From June to November: Awake on the River Amazon, then explore by skiff –and on a jungle walk

For the first and only time on this voyage, Pure Amazon cruises the broad expanse of river that gave it its name. After breakfast, board your skiff for an adventure on the Yanayacu Yacapana River. Learn about the fascinating plants that live here, and how numerous animals depend on them. Your next tributary of interest is the Tahuayo River, which runs through a biodiverse

protected area known as the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Regional Conservation Area. Look out for a thrilling number of birds

and primates on a skiff excursion, then on a jungle walk led by your expert guide. Return to Pure Amazon for the nightly debrief, followed by dinner in its elegant, open-plan restaurant. Overnight, the riverboat returns to the port of Nauta where you first embarked.

AM: After a leisurely breakfast onboard Pure Amazon as it returns to Nauta, set off with your guides and other guests to explore the remote town on the banks of the Marañón River. Visit the market and check out typical produce such as rainforest fruits and river fish, as well as local crafts.

PM: In the afternoon, explore the waters around Nauta by skiff and get a glimpse of nature.

AM: If you wish, set out at sunrise (between 5.30am and 6.20am, depending on the time of year) on a birdwatching adventure by skiff in the area around Nauta Caño, a creek known for its wildlife, dense vegetation and mirror-like “blackwater”. This is a hotspot for early-morning bird activity, and you might spot black-collared hawks, flamboyantly colored tanagers and oropendolas – large birds with a long tail which is at least partially bright yellow

After breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, set off by skiff around 9am. This time, you might head to Yanayacu Pucate – one of the most beautiful tributaries in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, an 8,000-square-mile protected area. Camera at the ready, look out for wildlife which might include squirrel monkeys, tamarins (another small primate) and iguanas, a type of lizard, or try your hand at fishing for piranhas on a catch- and-release basis.

PM: After lunch, wait until 3pm (when the heat begins to subside) before exploring Yanayaquillo – a quiet stream overhung by trees and home to myriad birds and animals. Paddle along its narrow creeks in a double, sit-on kayak, or board a skiff to observe wildlife pointed out by your guide, starting in daylight and ending in darkness. When the light fades, see the reflective

eyes of caimans glowing in the beam of a spotlight, or look out for night monkeys and insects. End your evening with a recap of today’s triumphs and a look ahead to the following day, followed by dinner and, weather permitting, stargazing before bed.

From June to November: Birding, fishing and kayaking

AM: Early risers can set out at sunrise on a birding trip by skiff in the area around Nauta Caño, a creek known for its wildlife, dense vegetation and mirror-like “blackwater. In this hotspot for early-morning bird activity, you might spot black-collared hawks, flamboyantly colored tanagers and oropendolas – large birds with a long tail which is at least partially bright yellow. After breakfast onboard Pure Amazon, set off by skiff around 9am. This time, you might head to Yanayacu Pucate – one of the most beautiful tributaries in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, an 8,000-square-mile protected area. Camera at the ready, look out for wildlife which might include squirrel monkeys, tamarins (another small primate) and iguanas – a type of lizard. Or try your hand at fishing for piranhas on a catch-and-release basis.

PM: After lunch, wait until 3pm (when the heat begins to subside) before exploring Yanayaquillo – a quiet stream overhung by trees and home to myriad birds and animals. Paddle along its narrow creeks in a double, sit-on kayak, or board a skiff to observe wildlife pointed out by your guide, starting in daylight and ending in darkness. When the light fades, spot the reflective eyes of caimans glowing in the beam of a spotlight, or check out night monkeys and insects. End your evening with a recap of today’s highlights and a look ahead to the following day, followed by dinner and, weather permitting, stargazing before bed.

AM: Leave Pure Amazon early to visit Nueva Arica – a welcoming riverside village where water levels vary by 30 feet depending on the season. Meet local people, learn how they adapt to life in the low- and high-water seasons, visit their homes and see how A&K Philanthropy is supporting them in the innovative use of forest resources to derive a sustainable income. There are opportunities, too, for kayaking and swimming in calm blackwater with little or no current

PM: In the afternoon, set out on a guided walk to the Samiria River, known as “the jungle mirror” because its smooth blackwater reflects the forest and sky all around it. On the way, your wildlife guide spots and shows you not just A-lister sloths, monkeys and birds but fascinating flora and smaller animals such as frogs, ants, spiders and other insects. Afterwards, return to Pure Amazon for your nightly debrief and a celebratory farewell dinner.

AM: After a final breakfast onboard Pure Amazon as it returns to Nauta, disembark and relax in a comfortable vehicle en route to Formabiap, an educational project supported by A&K Philanthropy. There, around 200 young people from indigenous communities study to become teachers – honing their skills in both Spanish and their local language. After a musical welcome, learn about longhouse-building and participate in a spiritual cleansing session with an elder, then listen to a presentation on the use of medicinal plants. Afterwards you are transferred privately to your hotel in Iquitos, or the airport.