New Amazon River Expedition

Peru-Amazon tour programs

New Amazon River Expedition: 9 days - Visiting the virgin rain forest of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve aboard the deluxe Amatista, La Esmeralda or La Turmalina cruise vessels.

Tara’s Amazon River Journey: 10 days/ 8 nights - Cruising the Mighty Amazon River

Amazon Canopy Walkway: 9 days - Amazon Canopy Walkway and the Explorama Camps

New Amazon River Expedition

Exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve aboard the M/V Amatista, Esmeralda or Turmalina

Seven days and six nights exploring the majestic Amazon, Ucayali and Marañon Rivers and the tributaries that leads to the Sapote River a buffering area of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve and the Marañon Jungle.
Come and experience an extraordinary adventure along the Amazon River and its principal tributaries, the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers far from Peru’s Amazon civilization.
As the expedition enters one of the world’s largest floodable forest reserves, you will see extraordinary wildlife. Many primate species, hundreds of exotic, colorful birds and family groups of gray and pink dolphins will be sighted after only a day of exploration. The classic vessel, built in early 19th Century style will be your home for one week, complete with elegant, first class service.

The ships have been impeccably built by professionals in their own shipyards and fitted out by Amazon carpenters. The design includes air-conditioned cabins and private baths, a grand, classic dining room where you will enjoy delicious meals, an observation deck equipped with a complete bar. Highly trained naturalist guides provide personalized service throughout the voyage.

9days/ 8 nights

Departs every Saturday from USA.

Day 01 SAT. USA-LIMA

Depart from USA via American Airlines to Lima, Peru. Arrive and transfer to hotel Lima-Sheraton.

DAY 02 SUN. LIMA-IQUITOS
Transfer to the airport. Upon arrival, transfer directly to the ship, built in classic 19th Century style where you will be lodged in first class accommodations for seven days. Once boarded, we weigh anchor immediately for the most incredible navigational experience in natural history. As we navigate that day along the Amazon River, the breeze and sky beckon as we begin our adventure. (B,L,D)
DAY 03 MON. AMAZON RIVER / UCAYALI RIVER
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 overhead. These include the South American Oriole, rails or jacanas, egrets and carrion birds.
On the first morning we will reach the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers, located 2,400 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, the place where the Amazon River takes its name. We continue cruising the left branch of the Ucayali River. One of the characteristics features of this river are 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 group pf people that live in the banks of the rivers. (B,L,D)
DAY 04: TUE. UCAYALI RIVER / YANALLPA
We start the day by going on a picnic breakfast, we board rapid excursion launches to explore tributary streams of black water, in search of wild animal life, such as primates, sloths, iguanas, toucans and many other exotic birds, all of which are seen frequently. We stop in a quiet spot to enjoy our meal while several pink and gray dolphins swim curiously around our skiff. Today we will try to catch some fish in a near by stream; piranhas and catfish are usually the catch of the day. After dinner we make a nocturnal excursion in search of mammals, bats and reptiles such as capybara, black caiman, poison frogs and an infinite number of other species. (B,L,D)
DAY 05 WED. UCAYALI RIVER / SAPOTE RIVER
We awaken in the Sapote river one of the best hidden secrets of the Peruvian Amazon, 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. In a single excursion you will see hundreds species of birds, several primate species, spectacular butterflies and many other animals. A jungle hike compliments our activity as we enter the forest to visit the majestic Ceiba Kapok Tree, the king of the forest.
After exploring we will have a picnic lunch below a Ficus Tree before returning to the ship, which down stream through the Ucayali River. (B,L,D)
DAY 06: THU. UCAYALI RIVER / MARAÑON RIVER
We spend a part of that morning visiting a nearby riverbank village where you can try your hand at bargaining with local residents who sell crafts made from natural forest materials. After lunch we board the excursion launches in search of gigantic aquatic plants called “Victoria Regia” while the boat continues on toward the Amazon Natural Park.
An interesting stop on our way to meet a Jíbaro-Ashual Shaman, who will explain to us the use of his medicine plants and perform a health and good luck ceremony with us is definitely the highlight of our day. (B,L,D)
DAY 07: FRI. MARAÑON RIVER / NATURAL AMAZON PARK
A morning walk along a winding path will take us to a hanging bridge, allowing us to catch a glimpse of the animal life that inhabits the upper reaches of the tropical jungle. We present our tribute to the marvelous Rain Forest by planting a tree in a spiritual ceremony where we wish for its longevity. Later, we will paddle native canoes in an enchanted lake where sorts of fishes and water creatures live.
In the afternoon we begin our return to Iquitos while musicians among our crew make for an amenable farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 08: SAT. IQUITOS-LIMA
After breakfast our happy voyage comes to an end, and we arrive at Iquitos at 8:00 am. We leave the ship for a tour of the city and visit a craft market on our way to the airport. The flight for Lima is scheduled for 12:00 noon. Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel Sheraton or Marriott. (B)

Important: The itinerary may vary depending on the climate and the seasons that regulate the water level in the rivers and the life cycles of local wildlife in order to protect their natural habitat. Visits to local villas are carefully planned in order to avoid having a negative impact on local culture and identity

Day 09 SUN. LIMA-USA :

Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami with connection to your hometown.(B).

THE TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Airfare via American Airlines from Miami to Lima, Peru. English speaking naturalist tour guides. 6 night cruise aboard the M/V La Amatista. All shore and boat excursions. Transfers to/from piers, airports, hotels and boats. Meals as mentioned in itinerary B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner. Local flights Lima-Iquitos-Lima. Two night hotel accommodations in Lima at hotel Sheraton (first and last night) with Buffet Breakfast.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:· Meals, unless specified in itinerary. · Insurance (see information on back page) · Tips to tour guide or bus drivers. · Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. · Airport departure taxes in Lima and Cuzco $5.00 each and upon departing Peru $28.00 and USA departure tax $268 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges).

*AIR-CRUISE TOUR RATES 2008 (See dates & add-ons below)

Including airfare from Miami
Seasons	DBL	TRP
Jan.01 to Dec.09	3,985	3,490

*SEASONS: From Jan.02 to Apr.16 and Jun.15 to Aug.15 add $100 p.p

From Dec.10 to 31 -please add $250 per person.

AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME

Single supplement for this program $1195.00

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package.....

Add $300 from LAX, SFO, DEN,LAS and Zone 5; Add $160 from ATL, ORL, SJU, TPA & ZONE 1; Add $200 from DFW, HOU & ZONE 2; Add $280 from BDL, BOS, BWI, CHI, EWR, NYC, WAS, ZONE 3; Add $340 from ZONE 4. Add $350 from JAC, PDX, SEA.(See below Zone Chart). RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.

Zone 1: FL; Zone 2: AR, LA, MS, NM, OK, TX; Zone 3: CT, GA, MA, MD, NC, NH, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT; Zone 4: AL, AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, SD, TN, WI; Zone 5: CA, ID, NV, UT; Zone 6: OR, WA

IMPORTANT:

We recommend getting a Yellow fever vaccination and taking Malaria pills for this trip.

DEPOSITS:

US$350.00 per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 60 days before departure.

CANCELLATIONS: Please see section...Payments & cancellations

ABOUT The Amatista (30), Turmalina (28), La Esmeralda (17), La Aquamarina (24 passengers)

Especially built to cruise the Amazon River and its tributaries, these classy boats are the perfect way to travel the Amazon region. Measuring from 90 to 125 feet in length, 18 to 28 feet in width and accommodating 16 to 29 passengers, these vessels are staffed by skillful and personable crews. All cabins are air conditioned with private baths and hot water showers. Delicious Peruvian and international meals are served daily using fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish and all breads and desserts are made on board.

OPTIONAL TOUR TO CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU

Day 01-08 (As above itinerary) Day 09 Sun. Lima to Cuzco: Transfers. PM City-ruins tour. (B) Day 10 Mon: Machu Picchu: Full day excursion to Machu Picchu. (Optional overnight in Machu Picchu available upon request.) (B) Day 11 Tue. Cuzco: At leisure. (B) Day 12 Wed. Cuzco-Lima-Miami. Connecting flights.

Includes 3 nights hotel accommodations (Hotel LIBERTADOR in Cuzco-5 stars) with breakfast, city tour of Cuzco with visit to ruins nearby, full day excursion to Machu Picchu with train/bus tickets, entrance fees, English speaking tour guides, transfers on arrival and departure and domestic airfare LIMA-CUZCO-LIMA

Cost per person: Sharing double $988.00; Single $1393.00

Tara’s Amazon River Journey

(See add-ons from more than 100 USA cities below)

10days/ 8 nights
Departs every Friday from USA.

Day 01 FRI. USA-LIMA: At night depart from USA to Lima.
Day 02 SAT. LIMA-IQUITOS: Arrive in Lima and connect to Iquitos, Peru. Upon arrival you will be accompanied to hotel Dorado or to the Amazon Suites.

Day 03 SUN. LIMA-IQUITOS-CRUISE: The Amazon Cruise staff will meet all cruise passengers and transfer them to the orientation lecture by the Cruise Director. Dinner as the ship weighs anchor. (All meals during the cruise are buffet style . (L,D.).

Day 04 MON. CRUISE: This morning’s call Pevas, oldest town in Peru; during the afternoon cruise to the Cochaquinas River for another shore excursion. This evening , you will enjoy a boat trip to hear the symphony of the jungle. (B,L,D).

Day 05 TUE. CRUISE: Visit Chimbote this morning for an extensive walk through the rain forest. During lunch, cruise down river to the Cayaru River for another shore landing. (B,L,D).

Day 06 WED. CRUISE: Early morning arrival across the river from Leticia; travel to Leticia by speedboat for a walking visit of Colombia’s only port on the Amazon. Return to the ship in the afternoon to cruise upriver, pausing at Monkey Island for an interesting excursion ashore. (B,L,D.).

Day 07 THU. CRUISE: Land at San Pablo this morning to see this remote hospital and visit the handicraft shop. Cruise upriver until the afternoon shore call at a typical jungle sawmill.(B,L,D).

Day 08 FRI. CRUISE: A morning visit to the Bora and Huitoto Indian tribes. Dance performances and trading with the Indians are just a part of the morning’s activities. Continue the upriver cruise stopping briefly at a small island for another shore visit. (B,L,D).

Day 09 SAT. IQUITOS: After an early breakfast, arrive in Iquitos. Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima where you will be taken to hotel Antara located in the pretty district of Miraflores. Afternoon at leisure to explore the City of Kings. (B)

Day 10 SUN. LIMA-USA : Transfer to the airport for flight to Miami or Dallas with connection to your home town.(B).

THE TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Airfare from Miami to Lima, Peru via American Airlines. English speaking naturalist tour guides. 6 night cruise aboard the M/V Rio Amazonas. All shore and boat excursions. * Transfers to/from piers, airports, hotels and boats. Meals as mentioned in itinerary B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner. Two night hotel accommodations (One in Iquitos and one in Lima).

NOT INCLUDED:

USA departure tax $223 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges).*Departure tax of US$28.00 when leaving Peru.* Tips to tour guides, hotel porters, bus/boat drivers, and any other service not specifically mentioned in itinerary. Insurance is not included and Tara Tours strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance. Insure America has designed a policy for Tara Tour’s clients. Cost for this program is US$159.00 (please refer to the Terms and Conditions).

AIR-CRUISE TOUR RATES 2008 (See add-ons below)
Including airfare from Miami

*Seasons	DBL	TRP	SGL.SUPP
Jan.01 to Dec.31	US$2905	2861	1060

*From Jan.02 to Apr.16 and Jun.15 to Aug.15 add $100 p.p

From Dec.10 to 31 -please add $250 per person.

AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package.....

IMPORTANT: We recommend getting a Yellow fever vaccination and taking Malaria pills for this trip.

DEPOSITS: US$350.00 per person at the time of booking. Final payment is due 60 days before departure.

CANCELLATIONS: Please see section Payments & cancellations

ABOUT The M/V RIO AMAZONAS

Passenger capacity is 44 in 21 air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms (19 doubles and 2 triples).

The ship was reconstructed in 198; is 146 feet long and 29 feet wide and has a crew of 18; VHF Radio, infirmary; VHS video tape programs; PA system on Main and Sun Decks; shore boats for shore calls; safe deposit boxes; and library with information on the Amazon.

OPTIONAL TOUR TO CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU

Day 01-09 (As above itinerary)

Day 10 Sun. Lima to Cuzco: Transfers. PM City-ruins tour. (B)

Day 11 Mon: Machu Picchu: Full day excursion to Machu Picchu. (Optional overnight in M. Picchu available upon request.) (B)

Day 12 Tue. Cuzco: At leisure. (B)

Day 13 Wed. Cuzco-Lima-Miami. Connecting flights.

Day 14 Thu. Arrive in USA

Includes 3 nights hotel accommodations (Hotel Novotel in Cuzco) with breakfast, city tour of Cuzco with visit to ruins nearby, full day excursion to Machu Picchu with train/bus tickets, entrance fees, English speaking tour guides, transfers on arrival and departure and domestic airfare LIMA-CUZCO-LIMA

Cost per person: Sharing double $961.00; Sharing triple $898.00; Single $1285.00

For more programs about the Amazon Rain Forest, see our new web site:

http://www.galapagos-amazoncruises.com

Amazon Canopy Walkway

Visiting and learning about the Amazon Rain Forest

Opened in 1993, the Amazon Center for Tropical Studies (ACTS) (called ACEER in the past), is an effort to provide a research station for scientists in the rainforest and an opportunity for the layman to share in their discovery. A donation to maintain and enlarge the surrounding Amazon Reserve and Canopy Walkway is included in the tariff . In addition to the Walkway, extensive trail hikes are available including the "Medicine Trail" used specifically to show the local rain forest plants used in modern medicine today as well as examples of native plant remedies which science may use tomorrow.

Departs every Saturday from Miami (Add-ons from more than 100 other USA cities -see below)

9 days/8 nights

DAY 01 THU. USA-LIMA:

Depart USA for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the new hotel Faraona located in Miraflores.

DAY 02 FRI. LIMA-IQUITOS-EXPLORAMA LODGE:

Transfer to the airport for flight to Iquitos. Arrive and transfer to the Explorama pier to board a motorized canoe for a 50-mile journey down the Amazon River to the Explorama Lodge. In the afternoon, you will participate on a hike along the "Lake Trail" through lowland rain forest that is seasonally flooded (B,L,D).

DAY 03 SAT. EXPLORAMA LODGE-AMAZON CENTER FOR TROPICAL STUDIES (ACTS):

After breakfast you will be taken for a 2 hour boat ride down the Amazon and up the Napo River to the 250,000-acre Amazon Biosphere Reserve, ExplorNapo Lodge and the ACTS. In the afternoon, you will have a hike through primary Reserve rain forest to the ACTS, where you will get a brief orientation to canopy biology and an opportunity to visit the Canopy Walkway . At night visit to the canopy walkway is also planned if weather allows. (B,L,D).

DAY 04 SUN. ACTS:

Early risers can take advantage of an optional morning birding excursion along the Canopy Walkway. Then, enjoy a morning hike along the "Medicine Trail" where you will see a demonstration of the use of local rain forest plants in modern medicine as well as examples of native plant remedies that may be used in the future. In the afternoon, choose from a return to the Canopy Walkway, a hike along one of the many forest trails or if the water is high enough canoe trip along the Quebrada Grande, a small stream passing in front of the ACTS facility (depending on water level) (B,L,D).

DAY 05 MON. ACTS-EXPLORNAPO LODGE:

Morning hike through terra firma, non-flooding primary rain forest to the ExplorNapo Lodge. Enjoy an excursion to a black water oxbow lake, which was formed when water from the Napo River became separated from the river’s main flow. Often these lakes are covered with giant Victoria Regia water lilies. In the afternoon climb aboard a canoe to explore one of the Napo tributaries. Watch for sloth's and exotic birds and even try your hand at piranha fishing. (B,L,D).

DAY 06 TUE. EXPLORNAPO LODGE-EXPLORAMA LODGE: Morning excursion from ExplorNapo Lodge. Early lunch and boat trip back to Explorama Lodge passing by the town of Francisco de Orellana where a statue was erected to the intrepid explorer who at the mouth of the Napo River became the first European to see the Amazon River (B,L,D).

DAY 07 WED. EXPLORAMA LODGE:

Morning excursion to the neighboring Yagua Native Community and an explanation of their culture and customs. Time to trade or buy local handicrafts. Then continue to the Amazon River’s edge to see a local school, store and sugar cane rum operation. Afternoon canoe excursion along the Amazon in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river (B,L,D).

For information about theExplorama lodges click here

DAY 08 THU. EXPLORAMA LODGE-IQUITOS- LIMA:

After breakfast, 1 1/2 hour boat transfer upriver from Explorama Lodge to Iquitos and to the airport for flight to Lima. Arrive and transfer to hotel Faraona located in Miraflores. Balance of day at leisure. (B)

DAY 09 FRI. LIMA-USA:

Transfer to the airport for flight to USA via American Airlines. (B)

About EXPLORAMA LODGE: Established in 1965, 80 km. (50 mi.) down the MAIN AMAZON RIVER, the Lodge is deep in primary jungle and offers kerosene torches and lamps illuminating palm-thatched houses with 10 to 17 sleeping rooms and connecting walkways leading to the Tahuampa Bar, the Dining Room and the Hammock House. Showers and latrine-style facilities adjoin each house.

About EXPLORNAPO LODGE: Built in 1983 and recently renovated, off the Napo River on the small Sucusari stream, ExplorNapo allows you to enjoy a privately owned Plant and Animal Reserve as well as visiting the adjoining Amazon Canopy Walkway, the longest treetop walkway in the world. ExplorNapo gives the visitor the opportunity to enjoy open-hearth cooking and more remote rain forest surroundings.

INCLUDED:

Meeting and transfer service as per itinerary, including tips to airport porters. Tours as noted, including entrance fees when necessary with English speaking tour guides. All hotel/lodge accommodations (8 nights), including room taxes and service charges. Meals as noted, CB=Continental Breakfast, B=Buffet breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner. Airfare via American Airlines from Miami(For domestic flights via Lan Peru or similar).

NOT INCLUDED:

Other services not mentioned in this itinerary or Passport fees. Peru departure tax US $28.00 per person to be paid upon leaving the country. Insurance (Insure America has designed a policy for Tara Tour’s clients. Insurance cost for this program is $159.00 p.p. USA departure tax $223 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges).

*AIR-LAND TOUR RATES 2008 (See dates & add-ons below)

Including airfare from Miami
Seasons	Double	Triple
Jan.01 to Dec.31	US$2,860	2,770

*From Jan.02 to Apr.16 and Jun.15 to Aug.15 add $100 p.p

From Dec.10 to 31 -please add $250 per person.

AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME

Single supplement for this program $610.00.

ADD-ONS VIA AMERICAN AIRLINES: For same package.....

Deposit: US$350 per person at the time of booking.

Final Payment: 60 days before departure.

Cancellations: Please see Terms and Conditions at the back of brochure.

IMPORTANT: We recommend a Yellow fever vaccination and Malaria Pills for this trip.

OPTIONAL TOUR TO CUZCO AND MACHU PICCHU: (See program "Tara’s Amazon River Journey

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