Discover the best of the Peruvian Amazon during the low water season
Ultimate Peruvian Amazon expedition: Nauta to Nauta
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 low water season
Unsure whether it's best to explore the Peruvian Amazon during the low or high-water season? Take a look at some of our favourite highlights that make the low water season extra special.
More forest life
As the water levels drop, so more jungle paths are revealed ideal for exploring with your guides. This makes for excellent terrestrial explorations and wildlife spotting along the forest floor.
Special sightings
Smaller tributaries become less accessible, meaning aquatic species like river dolphins, caimans and otters tend to concentrate in the main rivers making for more frequent and better sightings.
Hiking and fishing
As more jungle paths become accessible this allows for close encounters with forest-dwelling wildlife as well as medicinal plant exploration. Piranha fishing is also a major highlight now.
Warmer climate
Drier conditions make for a slightly warmer climate, ideal for guided hikes exploring the forest and more visits to nearby local river communities and participation in activities like crop cultivation.
Picture perfect
Contrasting landscapes of dense forest and exposed sandy riverbanks provide dramatic visuals. Plus, the opportunity to capture close-ups of terrestrial wildlife in their natural habitat.
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 vibrant city of Iquitos, where the spirit of the Amazon welcomes you. From there, take a scenic transfer to Nauta, the gateway to the world’s most extraordinary rainforest, where your luxurious &Beyond Amazon Explorer yacht awaits. Over the next few days, you’ll embark on an array of thrilling excursions and captivating discoveries, unveiling the breathtaking beauty and untamed wonders of the Peruvian Amazon.
Set off on thrilling skiff rides through lush waterways, cast a line for piranha fishing, and marvel at the meeting point of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers, the birthplace of the Amazon River. Every turn reveals incredible wildlife—graceful pink and grey river dolphins, curious monkeys, fascinating tarantulas, and the world’s smallest primates, pygmy marmosets. Guided nature walks and skiff excursions provide intimate encounters with this vibrant ecosystem. Step into the heart of Amazonian life with visits to river communities, engaging with community members. Learn about the ancient wisdom of medicinal plants from traditional shamans, support impactful conservation efforts such as the river turtle project, and shop for beautifully handcrafted items made by local artisans.
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 – Nauta – Marañón 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, 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.
As the sun begins to set and the forest transitions to night, your exploration continues. Equipped with flashlights venture into the mysterious world of the Amazon after dark. Experience the orchestra of nocturnal sounds—chirping frogs, singing insects, and rustling leaves—as your senses heighten. Keep an eye out for glowing caiman eyes near the riverbanks, tree-dwelling creatures like night monkeys, and perhaps even tarantulas or elusive snakes. The night sky, free of light pollution, reveals a stunning array of stars, providing a magical backdrop to this unique adventure.
Day 2: Wednesday
Amazon River – Ucayali River
4-night and 7-night itinerary
MORNING: Start your day with an early outing to the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers, the origin of the mighty Amazon River. This iconic location is a hotspot for Amazon wildlife, offering the chance to observe the incredible biodiversity of the region. Keep an eye out for pink and grey river dolphins gliding through the water and a variety of fascinating monkey species, including common squirrel monkeys and saddleback tamarins. The riverbanks and trees also come alive with colourful birdlife such as toucans and aracaris. You may also spot white-necked herons, black-collared hawks, and caracaras soaring overhead. Iguanas basking on branches or blending into the vegetation add to the array of wildlife that makes your first morning excursion unforgettable.
Afterward, enjoy an engaging visit to a nearby river community. During your visit you may have the unique opportunity 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. From there, continue to a nearby butterfly farm, an essential conservation initiative in the region. The Amazon rainforest is home to an astonishing diversity of butterfly species, including the stunning blue morpho, one of the largest butterflies in the world known for its iridescent blue wings. This visit offers a closer look at the life cycles of these delicate creatures and the crucial role they play in the Amazon ecosystem.
AFTERNOON: Back on the yacht, spend your afternoon at leisure. Tuck into a delicious onboard lunch, join 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 on a nature walk in the Yucuruche area, near the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers. Yucuruche offers a unique opportunity to delve into the micro-world of the rainforest. Explore this fascinating environment as you search for its smaller inhabitants, including the pink-toed tarantula, poison dart frog, and scorpions like the Amazonian giant scorpion. This immersive walk provides a deeper appreciation for the intricate ecosystem and the extraordinary biodiversity of this remarkable region.
*Available at an additional cost
Day 3: Thursday
Ucayali River
4-night and 7-night itinerary
MORNING: Kick-start your day with a skiff exploration to Clavero Lake, a stunning blackwater oxbow lake teeming with life. Enjoy a picnic breakfast alongside kayaking and piranha fishing excursions. Best enjoyed during the low water season, Clavero Lake offers excellent sightings of pink and grey river dolphins and an abundance of wetland birdlife, such as egrets and herons. For the more adventurous, take a refreshing dip in the cool, serene black waters—an unforgettable and daring experience that few can claim to have embraced.
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.
As the day winds down, embark on a late-afternoon skiff ride along the Ucayali River. Scout for wildlife that thrives along its banks and take the opportunity to interact with local fishermen, gaining insight into their daily lives and traditional fishing practices.
Day 4: Friday
Ucayali River - Marañón River
MORNING: Begin your day with an early-morning skiff adventure and a short, guided nature walk along the Yarapa River and its surrounding forest. 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.
After breakfast on the yacht, visit 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. 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: Set out on a guided nature walk through the forest, immersing yourself in the lush and biodiverse surroundings. As evening falls, prepare for an exhilarating night exploration in a Primary Forest—a pristine, ancient ecosystem that has remained untouched by significant human activity. Known for its dense vegetation and incredible biodiversity, this area provides a rare look into one of the Amazon’s most vital and intact habitats. Accompanied by your guides, explore this unique environment, searching for fascinating wildlife such as colonies of bats flitting through the canopy, playful tamarins, and pygmy marmoset monkeys (the smallest primates in the world). Also keep an eye out for bullet ants, whose reputation as one of the most formidable insects of the forest adds a touch of excitement to the journey, as well as a variety of other insects and creatures that emerge after sunset.
The night reveals an entirely different side of the forest, with bioluminescent fungi glowing softly on the forest floor and the symphony of nocturnal sounds creating an indescribable atmosphere. Your guide will ensure your walk is both safe and enriching, highlighting the ecological importance of Primary Forests and the unique species that call them home.
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
Marañón River – Nauta - Iquitos
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, 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: Set out on a guided nature walk through the forest, immersing yourself in the lush and biodiverse surroundings. As evening falls, prepare for an exhilarating night exploration in a Primary Forest—a pristine, ancient ecosystem that has remained untouched by significant human activity. Known for its dense vegetation and incredible biodiversity, this area provides a rare look into one of the Amazon’s most vital and intact habitats. Accompanied by your guides, explore this unique environment, searching for fascinating wildlife such as colonies of bats flitting through the canopy, playful tamarins, and pygmy marmoset monkeys (the smallest primates in the world). Also keep an eye out for bullet ants, whose reputation as one of the most formidable insects of the forest adds a touch of excitement to the journey, as well as a variety of other insects and creatures that emerge after sunset.
The night reveals an entirely different side of the forest, with bioluminescent fungi glowing softly on the forest floor and the symphony of nocturnal sounds creating an indescribable atmosphere. Your guide will ensure your walk is both safe and enriching, highlighting the ecological importance of Primary Forests and the unique species that call them home, making for the perfect start to your Amazon adventure.
Day 6: Sunday
Marañón River
3-night and 7-night itinerary
MORNING: After breakfast on the yacht, set off on a guided nature walk through the pristine forest within the San Isidro area of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Trek to discover the majestic giant kapok tree, explore the fascinating world of medicinal plants, and observe playful squirrel monkeys in their natural habitat. The San Isidro area offers a truly unique and untouched experience, as it remains largely unexplored by others. While the hiking trails to the kapok trees may be slightly rugged, the journey promises an unmatched opportunity to immerse yourself in the Amazon’s breathtaking natural beauty and incredible biodiversity. This is an experience you will never forget.
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.
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 Amazon sky, offering a serene and unforgettable close to your day.
Day 7: Monday
Marañón River
3-night and 7-night itinerary
MORNING: Start your day with a guided skiff exploration featuring a picnic breakfast and the thrill of fishing for piranhas in the still black water. For those craving even more adventure, optional swimming and kayaking opportunities await. It’s an experience you’ll never forget! Later, visit a nearby community to learn about the water river turtle conservation project, a meaningful initiative to protect this vital species. This enriching experience takes place in the beautiful Yanayacu-Pucate area, offering a deeper connection to the Amazon’s wildlife and communities.
AFTERNOON: As the day winds down, enjoy sundowners on an exclusive, untouched sandbar along the Marañón River. Sip drinks and savour snacks while soaking in the serene Amazonian sunset. Feel like the only people in the Amazon as you sink your toes into the soft sand, cool your feet in the water, and cherish your final night in this remarkable ecosystem
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: 29 September to 17 November 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:
- Nauta to Nauta (low water season): 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
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