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Nine
Day Voyage aboard La Esmeralda
Dear Nature Traveler,
We invite you to experience
with us the remarkable voyage of La Esmeralda,a program
designed by the world leader in nature travel, International
Expeditions. The voyage of La Esmeralda blends superb wildlife viewing
in the remote upper Amazon with comfort and attentive service, wrapped
in the aura of a classic nineteeth century expedition. Never has a
vessel so elegant and well appointed charted the
secluded waters beyond the confluence of the Ucayali and Maranon
Rivers-the legendary inception of the mighty Amazon. More species of
primates have been recorded in the region penetrated by La Esmeralda
than anywhere else in the New World. You can observe many of
these monkeys, as well as
thousands of colorful birds, multitudes of both Pink and Gray River
Dolphins, an abundance of other exotic wildlife and an ever-changing
vista of lush tropical wilderness.
 The
eight cabin vessel, impeccably crafted, offers truly
extraordinary accommodations: large
air conditioned staterooms - each with private bath, an elegant
dining atmosphere with delicious cuisine, and a spacious observation
deck equipped with full-service wet bar. Our custom built excursion
boats offer access through narrow passages, flooded forest and
blackwater lakes. Our exceptional overall service is epitomized by our
highly skilled naturalists, who point out the subtle intricacies of the
forest and its inhabitants.
La Esmeralda departures will fill quickly, so contact our travel agency today!
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Day
1 - Saturday – Miami / Lima
Our expedition begins in the Miami International Airport,
where we are met and assisted in preparation for our evening departure
on American Airlines. Dinner is served aboard our nonstop flight to
Lima, Peru. On arrival we clear immigration and customs, and transfer to
our hotel for the night.
Day
2 Sunday – Lima / Iquitos / Amazon Riverboat
After
a leisurely breakfast, we transfer to the airport for a short flight
over the spectacular Andes Mountains to Iquitos. Upon arrival we go
directly to our vessel, where we will spend the coming week. We cast off
soon afterward, and begin our journey into the greatest wilderness on
Earth. Tonight as we cruise up the Amazon, the stars present an
incredible spectacle of both northern and southern constellations.
Day
3 Monday – Amazon River / Rio Ucayali
 We awake this morning
on the mighty Amazon, and we are amazed at the ever-changing panorama of
jungle life. Small villages occasionally dot the shoreline, and channels
weaving through island mazes provide close-up views of a variety of
marsh birds. Around midday we arrive at the junction of the Rio Maranon
and Rio Ucayali. Turning up the left fork, the Ucayali, the enormous population
of both Gray and Pink Amazon River Dolphins, can be seen cavorting near
the boat and along the shoreline.
Day
4- Tuesday - Rio Ucayali / Requena
Today as our riverboat continues on the Ucayali, we venture
ahead in excursion boats to visit a blackwater lake known for the giant
Victoria regia water lily. Later, we visit a local village where we have
the opportunity to observe the lifestyle of the Amazon Riberenos (river
people). After dinner, we enjoy a slide show about Amazon wildlife.
Day
5 - Wednesday Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
We
awaken today in the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, a vital part of The Nature
Conservancy's “Parks in Peril” program, and one of the largest wild
wetlands on Earth. Here huge Horned Screamers, and Plumbeous and
Swallow-tailed Kites feed along the marsh, and troops of Squirrel
Morkeys along the river are a common sight. Over 340 species of birds,
ten species of primates, Manatee, Black Caiman and countless other
animals have been identified in the reserve - an area more than twice the
size of Yellowstone National Park. After a day of exploration, we have
dinner, followed by an excursion to search for nocturnal animals such
as Caiman, Capybara and Boat-billed Heron.
Day
6 – Thursday Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
After
an early breakfast we board excursion boats (which allow us greater
access to the vast wetlands of the reserve) and spend the day exploring
this flooded realm. Our outing begins at an optimal time for wildlife
observation-we can expect to see numerous wading birds, such as the
White-necked Heron, Black-capped Heron, Wattled Jacana and Sunbittern.
Along the river channel we hear leaves rustle high in the trees as
monkeys forage for food. Midmorning we stop at higher ground to take a
leisurely hike through a varzea (seasonally flooded forest).
Surprisingly open, due to being periodically inundated with water, this
type of forest is likely to reveal Three-toed Sloths in the upper canopy
and a proliferation of butterflies, induding the spectacular brilliant
blue Morpho. We enjoy a picnic lunch at a ranger station before heading
back to our vessel. Late in the afternoon we depart the Pacaya-Samiria,
setting our course as sunset unveils the evening sky. After dinner, we
go for a short outing by smaller boat to observe Caiman and other
wildlife along the river’s edge.
Day
7 – Friday – Rio Ucayali / Amazon River / Iquitos
This
morning we take an early excursion to Caro Lake a fertile greenwater
lake where we have the oppportunity to fish for Piranha. These small
carnivorous fish have a fearsome reputation, but the locals consider
them a good source of food. After lunch we begin our return journey down
the Amazon to Iquitos.
Day
8 - Saturday – Iquitos / Lima
Following
breakfast we take a guided tour of Iquitos. We transfer to the airport
for our flight
to Lima, where we enjoy a day tour of what once was the Spanish colonial
capital of Latin America. We dine at one of Lima's finest restaurants
before transferring to the airport for our American Airlines flight back
to Miami.
Day
9 - Sunday - Miami
This
morning we arrive in Miami and clear customs. Soon we will be home,
where the tranquility of life on the river will be replaced with our
daily routines. The memory of the incredible Amazon rainforest,
however, will stay with us forever.
Please
note: Itinerary may vary based on wildlife sightings, water levels and
navigability.
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What's
Included:
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International air transportation
from Miami and all scheduled transportation in Peru, both by
land and river. |
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Jungle excursions via motor
launch, accompanied by experienced Peruvian bilingual guides. |
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Complete pre-departure
information to help you get the most out of your expedition. |
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All accommodations including
bedding and linens. |
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Meals as specified in the itinerary. |
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All transfers, porterage and
service charges. |
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In summary, everything except
U.S. airport taxes, foreign departure taxes, tips to guides,
passport fees, and items of a personal nature such as laundry,
alcoholic beverages, etc. |
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