Discover the best of the Peruvian Amazon during the high water season
Ultimate Peruvian Amazon expedition: Iquitos to Iquitos
Marañón River, Ucayali River, Amazon River
Join like-minded travellers on this luxury river expedition
Hosted by expert naturalist guides intimate with the region
Stay onboard the magnificent &Beyond Amazon Explorer
Uncover the majesty and diversity of the iconic Amazon River
Marvel at an array of unique wildlife, river life and bird species
Enjoy specialised, personalised experiences in small groups
What to look forward to during the high water season
Unsure whether it's best to explore the Peruvian Amazon during the high or low water season? Take a look at some of our favourite highlights that make the high water season extra special.
More river life
Rising water levels flood the rainforest floor, transforming it into a maze of waterways waiting to be explored by skiff or kayak. Keep an eye out for the river’s unique ‘mirrored forest’ phenomenon, visible only during the high water season.
Special sightings
Monkeys, sloths, and a vibrant array of exotic birds gather in the forest canopy, now closer to the riverbank. The flooded ecosystem reveals unique aquatic vegetation, including delicate water lilies and vibrant orchids.
Water activities
Expanded waterways provide more opportunities for kayaking and skiff rides, allowing you to explore secluded creeks and hidden lagoons. Night excursions reveal a variety of smaller nocturnal creatures, including frogs, bats, and caimans.
Cooler climate
Regular rain showers bring a cooler, more humid climate, nourishing the Amazon’s lush, green landscapes. The refreshing rains enhance the vibrant foliage, fill hidden lagoons, and awaken the chorus of jungle wildlife.
Say cheese
Reflective waterways create breathtaking compositions, mirroring the towering trees and lush greenery in the still waters. The vibrant colours of blooming flowers, ripening fruits, and dazzling birds add to the scene.
Your journey at a glance
Discover the Peruvian Amazon during the high water season on board the &Beyond Amazon Explorer. This itinerary can be tailored as a 7-night, 4-night or 3-night adventure.
Your journey begins with a warm reception in the lively city of Iquitos, where the vibrant spirit of the Amazon greets you. Here, the elegant &Beyond Amazon Explorer yacht awaits, ready to transport you into a world of wonder. Over the next few days, prepare to embark on thrilling excursions and captivating discoveries, as you uncover the breathtaking beauty and untamed mysteries of the Peruvian Amazon.
Set off on exciting skiff explorations, navigating lush waterways teeming with life. Spot iconic Amazonian wildlife such as pink and grey river dolphins, playful squirrel monkeys, sloths, hawks, and a dazzling array of colourful bird species. Indulge in a serene picnic breakfast surrounded by nature’s splendour, and for those craving adventure, enjoy optional swimming and kayaking in the calm black river waters. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Amazon with a visit to a local community. Engage with community members, visit schools, and gain a deeper appreciation of their way of life. One of the highlights of your journey is an exclusive early morning visit to a shaman, where you’ll delve into the ancient wisdom of medicinal plants. Explore on foot through the lush rainforest to uncover hidden treasures such as poison dart frogs, tarantulas, rubber trees, and stunning protected water lilies. As evening falls, experience the Amazon’s magical transformation into a nocturnal haven. Night excursions offer the chance to observe the rainforest’s mysterious creatures, including caimans, bats, frogs, and other nocturnal wonders. Stargazing under an unspoiled sky completes this enchanting experience.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change, due to weather and other conditions
7-night, 4-night or 3-night on board the &Beyond Amazon Explorer
TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
A taste of what to expect…
Day 1: Tuesday | Arrival
Iquitos – Itaya River - Amazon River
4-night and 7-night itinerary
Upon arrival at Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your &Beyond Amazon Explorer guide. Located in the Great Plains of the Amazon Basin, fed by the Amazon, Nanay, and Itaya Rivers, Iquitos is known as the capital of the Peruvian Amazon. And so, your Amazon journey begins.
It is here you’ll catch your first look of the &Beyond Amazon Explorer—your luxurious home-away-from-home for the next few nights. After a brief onboard safety and service orientation, the yacht is yours to explore. Settle into your suite and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime.
AFTERNOON: Later, enjoy your first skiff ride (with your fellow travellers and guide), taking in the sights and sounds of the Peruvian Amazon as we leave the city behind. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the beauty of the world’s largest river system.
Day 2: Wednesday
Amazon River – Ucayali River
4-night and 7-night itinerary
MORNING: This morning begins with a serene sunrise over the Amazon River, best enjoyed from the deck of the yacht’s Pisco bar. Early risers can take part in birding from this vantage point, spotting a variety of avian species, including tanagers, parrots, and parakeets as the rainforest awakens. After breakfast, set out on a guided skiff exploration in search of sloths, squirrel monkeys and saddleback tamarins, and other vibrant birdlife such as toucans and aracaris. You may also spot white-necked herons, black-collared hawks, and caracaras soaring overhead. Don’t forget to also keep an eye out for the iconic water lilies that flourish in this remarkable ecosystem.
AFTERNOON: Back on the yacht, spend your afternoon at leisure. Tuck into a delicious onboard lunch, participate in an array of educational talks with your knowledgeable guides diving deeper into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve including its medicinal plant life and the local culture, or join your skilled yacht chefs in an interactive cooking class. Alternatively, take advantage of the onboard wellness centre* or consider booking an optional overflight in a floatplane* to experience the grandeur of the Amazon from above.
As the afternoon cools, venture out with your guide for a late-afternoon skiff ride along the serene blackwaters of the Yarapa River. Keep an eye out for woolly and squirrel monkeys, sloths, pygmy marmosets, and a remarkable variety of birdlife, such as the white throated toucan, yellow crowned parrot and yellow billed tern, as you explore this rich ecosystem. Savour a breathtaking Amazonian sunset with sundowners along the riverbanks before continuing your evening excursion. Under the cover of darkness, search for caimans, frogs, and other fascinating nocturnal creatures. End your evening adventure by stargazing under the pristine Amazon sky, offering a serene and unforgettable close to your first full day in the Peruvian Amazon.
*Available at an additional cost
Day 3: Thursday
Ucayali River
4-night and 7-night itinerary
MORNING: Begin your day with an early morning skiff exploration before breakfast, venturing into the heart of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Search for incredible wildlife, including monk saki monkeys and saddleback tamarins, as well as a variety of birdlife such as macaws, parrots, and toucans, as the rainforest comes alive in the soft morning light. After breakfast back on the yacht, enjoy a gentle kayak along the river, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Amazon’s waterways. While paddling, keep an eye out for pink and grey river dolphins and an abundance of birdlife along the river banks, such as egrets and herons.
AFTERNOON: Later, head out on a guided skiff exploration. Keep an eye out for hoatzin birds, various monkey species in the forest canopies such as squirrel monkeys and playful pink and grey dolphins as you navigate the waterways.
As the sun begins to set and the forest transitions to night, your exploration continues. The night reveals an entirely different side of the forest. The nocturnal rainforest comes alive with an array of fascinating creatures, each adapted to thrive in the dark. Experience the orchestra of nocturnal sounds—chirping frogs, singing insects, and rustling leaves—as your senses heighten. Watch out for glowing caiman eyes near the riverbanks, tree-dwelling creatures like night monkeys, and perhaps even tarantulas or elusive snakes like the emerald tree boa.
Day 4: Friday
Ucayali River
MORNING: Kick-start your day with an early-morning skiff exploration to El Dorado Lake. Enjoy a picnic breakfast alongside kayaking and piranha fishing excursions. Search for howler monkeys in the treetops and pink and grey river dolphins in the cool water. For the more adventurous, take a refreshing dip in the serene waters—an unforgettable and daring experience that few can claim to have embraced. Also keep an eye out for woolly monkeys, sloths, pygmy marmosets, and a remarkable variety of birdlife, such as the white throated toucan, yellow crowned parrots and yellow billed tern.
AFTERNOON: Back on the yacht, spend your afternoon at leisure. After lunch, join your fellow travellers for a variety of engaging onboard activities. Learn to expertly use binoculars and telescopes to enhance your wildlife-spotting experience or for those seeking relaxation, simply unwind on the deck while admiring the breathtaking river views.
Afterward, enjoy an engaging visit to a nearby river community. During your visit you may have the unique chance to visit the community’s local school as well as interact with community members gaining insight into the daily lives of those who live along one of Earth’s largest and most vital rivers. Before leaving, take the opportunity to shop for some beautiful locally crafted items. Not only do they make meaningful mementos of your journey, but your purchase will also support the local community and its people.
4-night itinerary
Tonight is your last night onboard the &Beyond Amazon Explorer. Savour a memorable Captain’s farewell dinner alongside the crew you’ve bonded with and cherished throughout this unforgettable journey. As the evening winds down, head to the Pisco bar for a nightcap—the perfect way to end your Amazon adventure.
Day 5: Saturday
Ucayali River - Marañón River - Nuata
7-night itinerary
MORNING: After breakfast on the yacht, disembark for a short skiff ride to Nauta, where you will visit the bustling Nauta Food Market. Offering an authentic taste of daily life and culinary traditions of the Peruvian Amazon, where the local people gather to sell and trade fresh, regional ingredients, here you’ll find an array of exotic fruits, wild-caught fish, and traditional Amazonian dishes, each telling a story of the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The market’s lively atmosphere, filled with vibrant colours, enticing aromas, and friendly vendors, creates an unforgettable sensory experience that immerses travellers in the heart of Amazonian cuisine.
Afterward, take some time to explore the Sapi Sapi artificial lake. Built by the local government for the community, this man-made lake is known for its abundance of turtles, paiche (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), caimans, and other Amazonian aquatic species, making it a great place for nature lovers and photographers.
For those seeking an extra adventure, an optional rickshaw (tuk-tuk) ride through the town is also available.
AFTERNOON: Return to the yacht for lunch, followed by a leisurely afternoon. Enjoy an Amazon-themed documentary screened onboard, offering deeper insights into the region’s culture, history, and biodiversity. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, unwind with a treatment at the onboard wellness centre* or opt for an unforgettable floatplane overflight*, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Amazon.
*Available at an additional cost
4-night itinerary | Departure
MORNING: Begin your final day onboard with an early breakfast before disembarking. You’ll then transfer to Iquitos for a guided city tour, featuring a visit to the Museum of Indigenous Cultures and a stroll through downtown to admire iconic buildings from the Rubber Boom era and the vibrant Plaza de Armas. Conclude your morning with a delightful brunch at a local restaurant, before heading to the airport to catch your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Amazon adventure.
Your rich and beautiful journey through the Peruvian Amazon aboard the &Beyond Amazon Explorer has come to a close, leaving you with cherished memories of this remarkable region.
3-night itinerary | Arrival
Upon arrival at Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your &Beyond Amazon Explorer guide, who will transfer you to Nauta. During the scenic drive(approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours), your guide will point out fascinating sights along the way. Highlights include the unique white sand forest, glimpses of local life and villages, breathtaking scenery, and the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve. The small town of Nauta, located on the northern bank of the Marañón River, serves as a gateway to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. It is here that your Amazon journey begins.
In Nauta, you’ll catch your first look of the &Beyond Amazon Explorer—your luxurious home-away-from-home for the next few nights. After a brief onboard safety and service orientation, the yacht is yours to explore. Settle into your suite and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime.
AFTERNOON: Later, join a small group of fellow travellers and your guide on your first skiff ride (a small boat propelled by a motor perfect for navigating the Amazon River). With our electric skiff engines, you’ll enjoy a quieter, more eco-conscious experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking Peruvian Amazon while observing the remarkable wildlife along the riverbanks. As the day draws to a close, savour a magical Amazon River sundowner, raising a toast to the unforgettable journey that awaits.
Day 6: Sunday
Marañón River
3-night and 7-night itinerary
MORNING: Start your day with a guided skiff exploration featuring a picnic breakfast amidst the serene beauty of the Amazon. Search for incredible wildlife, including the iconic pink and grey river dolphins, as they playfully navigate the waterways. For those craving more adventure, optional swimming and kayaking opportunities await. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!
AFTERNOON: Conclude your day with an afternoon guided skiff exploration that includes fishing for piranhas. Savour a breathtaking Amazonian sunset with sundowners along the riverbanks before continuing your evening excursion. Under the cover of darkness, search for hawks, nocturnal birds, caimans, frogs, and other fascinating creatures. End your evening adventure by stargazing under the pristine Amazon sky, offering a serene and unforgettable close to your day.
Day 7: Monday
Marañón River
3-night and 7-night itinerary
MORNING: Begin your day with a visit to a nearby community to spend some time with the local shamanic people. This intimate encounter offers a unique glimpse into their lives along the river and their deep knowledge of the Amazon’s medicinal flora. Learn about the extraordinary uses of these plants, which continue to play a vital role in their daily lives.
After breakfast back on the yacht, embark on a guided nature walk and enjoy an engaging visit to a nearby river community. Along the way explore the fascinating Amazon ecosystem with your guide, searching for its smaller inhabitants, including the pink-toed tarantula, poison dart frog, and scorpions like the Amazonian giant scorpion, and the stunning water lilies. This immersive walk provides a deeper appreciation for the intricate ecosystem and the extraordinary biodiversity of this remarkable region. During your community visit you’ll have another opportunity to interact with community members gaining further insight into their daily lives. Before leaving, take the opportunity to shop for some beautiful locally crafted items. Not only do they make meaningful mementos of your journey, but your purchase will also support the local community and its people.
AFTERNOON: Return to the yacht for lunch, followed by a leisurely afternoon onboard. Chat with the crew about joining a local food tasting experience or a cocktail-making class with the barmen. If there are any other onboard activities you haven’t had the chance to enjoy yet, now is the perfect time to do so.
As the day comes to a close, savour your final sundowner in the Amazon, immersed in the tranquillity of the breathtaking jungle sunset. Tonight is your last night onboard the &Beyond Amazon Explorer. Enjoy a memorable Captain’s farewell dinner alongside the crew you’ve bonded with and cherished throughout this unforgettable journey. As the evening winds down, head to the Pisco bar for a nightcap—the perfect way to end your Amazon adventure.
Day 8: Tuesday | Departure
Marañón River
3-night and 7-night itinerary
MORNING: Begin your final day onboard with an early breakfast before disembarking. You’ll then transfer to Iquitos for a guided city tour, featuring a visit to the Museum of Indigenous Cultures and a stroll through downtown to admire iconic buildings from the Rubber Boom era and the vibrant Plaza de Armas. Conclude your morning with a delightful brunch at a local restaurant, before heading to the airport to catch your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Amazon adventure.
Your rich and beautiful journey through the Peruvian Amazon aboard the &Beyond Amazon Explorer has come to a close, leaving you with cherished memories of this remarkable region.
Stay here on this journey
2026 All-inclusive rate
Per person sharing per cruise
*Rates below are based on the Luxury Suite
What's included
- Accommodation on the yacht
- Three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, and tea and coffee
- Internet (via Starlink)
- Laundry
- VIP Lounge at Iquitos Airport
- Road transfers to/from Iquitos
- The exclusive use of one pair of SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars per room to share, for the duration of your stay
- Guides' Journal with regional information and wildlife illustrations
- Area map with Star Birds checklist
- Daily excursions
- Included activities: Guided nature walks, skiff excursions, kayaking, community visits, Iquitos city tour, and brunch on the day of departure
What's not included
- Administration fee
- Champagne, cognac, fine wines and premium brand spirits
- Flights to/from Iquitos
- Items of personal nature
- Wellness treatments
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance - should you be interested we can introduce you to our recommended partners
Conditions
- All rates are inclusive of VAT and in USD
- Rate validity: 17 November to 31 December 2026
- Dates will vary each year based on seasonal changes
- Accommodation rates are per person per cruise sharing, except for Private Charter rate which is charged per charter per cruise.
- Single Supplement: A single supplement of 25% applies to all single rooms per booking.
- Closure dates: 01 - 07 December 2026
- Departure days:
- 3-night itineraries: Embark on Saturday and disembark on Tuesday
- 4-night itineraries: Embark on Tuesday and disembark on Saturday
- 7-night itineraries: Embark on Tuesday and disembark the following Tuesday
- This schedule applies to both high water and low water season itineraries
- Seasons:
- Low water season from 29 September to 16 November 2026
- High water season from 17 November to 31 December 2026
- Child Policy:
- Children aged 8 years and older are welcome (7 years and younger welcome on Private Charters).
- Maximum 8 children on the yacht at any one time.
- Children aged 8 - 16 years sharing with one or two adults receive a 20% discount off the adult rate.
- An additional bed (for a child aged 8 - 16 years) may be added to the Superior Suite (maximum 2 triples).
- Luxury Suite:
- 8 Luxury Suites can be configured into 4 adjoining Luxury Suites. The adjoining suites can take a maximum of 4 guests.
- Flights:
- Iquitos to Iquitos (high water season): 4-night and 7-night itinerary: Guests must arrive by 16h00. Departure flights should be scheduled for 14h00 or later. 3-night itinerary: Guests must arrive by 14h00 for scenic road transfer to Nauta. Departure flights should be scheduled for 14h00 or later. We do suggestion that all flights be booked with &Beyond.
- The Ultimate Peruvian Amazon Expedition itineraries are subject to change at the discretion of &Beyond
- Charters with special requirements will attract a surcharge.
- The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) and Manned or Unmanned Submersibles (underwater vehicles) is not permitted on board the &Beyond Amazon Explorer or in the Peruvian Amazon.
- &Beyond Trading Terms apply
TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
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