The Discovery Journey to
the Amazon
Discover the thrill of ancient civilizations and amazing natural history. Explore the world's second longest river, the Amazon, on a 6-Night cruise aboard a classic vessel. As you journey along the majestic Amazon, an ever-changing panorama of incredibly abundant life greets you. Small villages dot the shoreline and channels weaving through small islands provide glimpses of an astounding variety of wildlife and vast assortment of birds.
Day 1 - Miami/Lima
Your journery begins as you board your flight en route to Peru. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be escorted to your hotel which is located in the lovely suburb of San Isidro and situated by beautiful forest of ancient olive trees. SONESTA POSADA DEL INCA SAN ISIDRO.
Day 2 - Lima
Discover the Spanish colonial beauty of Lima, Peru's ancient capital, on a guided tour. Highlights include the Plaza de Armas (main square) with the government palace, the Archbishop palace and the Cathedral. See a superb collection of pre-Columbian artifacts at the Archaelogical Museum. Your afternoon is at leisure. Your guide can arrange optional visits to the Gold Museum or ancient pueblos. This evening enjoy a feast for the senses - rich Peruvian cuisine served in Restaruante La Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Columbian temple offering a spectacular view of the illuminated ruins surrounding you. SONESTA POSADA DEL INCA SAN ISIDRO. (B,D)
Day 3 - Lima/Iquitos, Amazon River
Your midday flight to Iquitos takes you to the rainforest and your first glimpse of the Amazon. Board LA TURMALINA, a classic vessel accomodating a maximum of 28 passengers, or one of the sister vessels. Each elegant cabin is equipped with air-conditioning, private bathroom and hot shower. As the ship departs downriver, take in the dramatic scenery of the town's waterfront as vestiges of industrialization quickly give way to the native thatched houses along the shore. Savor the magic of the myriad of colors of your first sunset in Amazonia. (All Meals)
Days 4 - Amazon River/Ucayali River
You're up with the birds, and a vast assortment at that - from Oriole Blackbird and Purple Gallinule to egrets and Yellow-headed Caracara. Your ship joins the fork of the Maranon and Ucayali Rivers where the Amazon River begins by name, just about 2,400 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean. As you turn left upriver on the Ucayali, keep your eyes open for the gray and pink Amazon River dolphins, often swimming near the vessel. Board your small boat and begin your exploration of some of these channels. Visit the village of San Joaquin for a brief lecture on local birdlife. Later this afternoon learn all about the regional habits from your guide, followed by another excursion to a nearby village. (All Meals)
Day 5 - Ucayali River/Yanallpa
Start the day with a picnic breakfast followed by a rapid excursion launch to explore the tributary streams of black water in search of primates, sloths, iguanas, toucans and exotic birds. You may even attempt to catch fish in the nearby stream - piranhas and catfish are usually the catch of the day. After dinner, depart on a nocturnal excursion in search of bats and reptiles such as, capybara, black caiman, poison frogs and an infinite number of species. (All Meals)
Day 6 - Ucayali River/Sapote River
Awaken on Sapote River, one of the best hidden secrets of the Peruvian Amazon and a place of abundant biodiversity. You will soon see a variety of egrets, macaws flying in pairs and groups of capuchin and playful squirrel monkeys. On a single excursion you can see hundreds of species of birds and spectacular butterflies. Hike through the rainforest and visit the ceiba kapok tree, the king of the forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch under a ficus tree before returning to the ship. (All Meals)
Day 7 - Ucayali River/Maranon River/Amazon Natural Park
Visit a nearby riverbank village and barter for crafts made from natural forest materials. After lunch, board the launch in search of gigantic aquatic plants called Victoria Regia water lilies. It's the most famous species of the region, known as the "queen of the lakes," named in honor of Queen Victoria of England. The leaves can exceed seven feet in diameter and are able to supposr the weight of a small child. The color of the flower changes from white to pink, staying open during the day and closing at night. Also meet a Jibaro-Ashual Shaman for insight into the culture of this region and his medicinal use of plants. He will perform a health and good luck ceremony in your presence. (All Meals)
Day 8 - Amazon Natural Park
A morning walk along a winding path begins your exploration of Amazon Natural Park. Here, high bluffs line the river and the forest is much taller. This area is characterized by 'terra firma,' that is composed mostly of tall forest species which grow in high dry areas. The most diverse vegetation in the world is found in this part of the Amazon Basin and the scenery is typical of that which is normally described as "jungle" - towering trees festooned with epiphytes and palms and woody vines fashioned into vaulted canopy. Present your tribute to the park in a spiritual ceremony as you plant a tree for longetivity. Later, paddle native canoes in an enchanted lake. This evening a special farewell party is hosted on the ship's upper deck. (All Meals)
Day 9 - Iquitos/Lima/En Route
Arrive into Iquitos at about 9:30 a.m. Take a brief city tour, visit the Iquitos museum, or shop, as your expected flight to Lima isn't until 2:00 p.m. Upon arrival in Lima you will be transferred to the SONESTA POSADA DEL INCA SAN ISIDRO where a dayroom awaits your. After dinner tonight, return to the airport for your overnight flight home. (B,D)
Day 10 - Miami
Arrive Miami this morning having discovered the mysteries of the mighty Amazon.
Optional Extension to Cuzco & Machu Picchu
*Minimum of 5 passengers required.
Fly to Cuzco, once the capital of the Incan Empire. In this lovely city, descendants of the original Incas dress and speak much in the same way as their ancestors. Visit the Incan ruins at Ollantaytambo and the town of Pisac with its bustling market and magnificent Inca citadel. Then it's off by rail to legendary Machu Picchu - the "lost" city of the Incas. Hike into a mystical past amidst the remains of Machu Picchu's temples, houses, terraces, gardens and even to Inti Punku - the Sun Gate. Return to Cuzco and explore the nearby temples of the Sun and the Moon, and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Your Journey Includes:
- Superior accommodations at hotels and cruise ship, or similar.
- Continental or buffet breakfasts daily. All meals while on the Amazon River cruise. Other meals as specified.
- 7-Days/6-Nights Cruise on LA TURMALINA, or sister vessel. Professional naturalist provided aboard the ship. Accommodations are in double, air-conditioned cabins, outside with private facilities.
- All applicable hotel taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All entrance fees to places of interest visited and on sightseeing tours indicated in the itinerary.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.
2008 Dates |
Main Trip Price/Person Land Only |
Single Supplement |
Extension |
Single Supplement |
Feb 22- Mar 2 |
$4,895 |
$1,495 |
$2,895 |
$895 |
Mar |
$4,895 |
$1,495 |
$2,895 |
$895 |
Jul |
$4,995 |
$1,595 |
$2,895 |
$895 |
Sep 26- |
$4,995 |
$1,595 |
$2,895 |
$895 |
Oct |
$4,995 |
$1,595 |
$2,895 |
$895 |
For reservations or more information, please contact:
Classic Escapes at (800) 627-1244