Amazon Riverboat Adventure & Machu Picchu Explorer aboard the Amatista

Overnight in Lima, the nation's capital and largest city.

The day begins very early to catch our flight to Iquitos and transfer to the Amazon Riverboat, our privately chartered home for the next seven days. Once on board the ship, relax and soak in the natural beauty of the wild rainforest. Step out on deck to watch the riverbanks go by, and keep eyes peeled for wildlife such as gray and pink dolphins. The ship casts off and wends its way to the confluence of the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers. It is generally (but not universally!) considered that the Amazon River begins here, at least in name. Over the next five days, explore the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest. Expert guides will lead jungle walks, give lectures, and point out unique species of bird and marine life as you explore the smaller tributaries of the river.

Over the course of the next few days, the skiff and land excursions will be in the morning and late afternoon, when wildlife is at its liveliest. During the hotter hours of midday, expedition staff will present enthralling lectures on everything from the history and culture of the region to the Amazon’s prolific flora and fauna. There will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the comfort of Amatista's observation deck.

Rise early to visit the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Once back on board, gather for breakfast followed by a presentation on the life, history, and culture of the Amazon's main tribes. After lunch, listen to an introductory discussion about shamanism to help understand the traditions of the people living in the rainforest. Touch upon the spirit realm, paying a visit to a local shaman. Shamanism is practiced around the globe, and is universally distinguished by a trance state called shamanic ecstasy. In these "out of body" travels, the shaman enlists denizens of the spirit world to help him with a variety of duties, from healing the sick to assisting a deceased person's soul into the afterworld — all the while, the shaman remains conscious. Gain rare insight into the complexities of this phenomenon when you meet an actual practicing shaman in a river village. He'll introduce the group to his spiritual healing craft and talk about rainforest plants that indigenous peoples have, for untold centuries, held to possess curative properties.

Today get off the boat and meet a local family, enjoy a home cooked meal and experience the Indigenous culture. At night take a boat to go search for wildlife that comes active after dark.

After the excursion, return to the riverboat to relax and opt to enjoy a video about the flooded forest. Take another chance to witness the nocturnal life of the rainforest after dinner this evening, and venture out in small boats onto the Marañon River.

During the day, the ship returns to its home port of Iquitos. Before docking, there are a few more unique experiences to look forward to. In the morning, call on the town of Nauta, where the Ucayali and the Marañon — the major headstreams of the Amazon — join together. During the evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner and party, complete with live music, aboard the ship.