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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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