UJ #16 - Amazon Cruises

AMAZON 

CRUISES 

CONNECT WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE AMAZON 

Interview with Cesar 

Chiluisa and Cliver 

Rioja from Amazon 

Expeditions 

Luxury 

in the jungle 1

2

Unforgettable journeys in the Amazon, the green heart of the planet. 

3

CURRENT ISSUES / 8 

INTERVIEW WITH CESAR CHILUISA 

AND CLIVER RIOJA GENERAL MANAGER 

AND CHIEF OF OPERATIONS OF AMAZON 

EXPEDITIONS / 32 

AMAZONIA, THE HEART OF 

SOUTH AMERICA / 10 

CRUISES VS LODGE 

INFOGRAPHIC / 16 

AMAZON STAR ROUTE 

INFOGRAPHIC / 30 

THE STAR OF THE AMAZON / 18 

INDEX

LUXURY 

IN THE 

JUNGLE 

/ 38 

This edition of Ultimate 

Journeys - Travel in Peru was 

produced by LimaTours’ 

marketing team. 

UJ GENERAL DIRECTOR 

Gerardo Sugay 

LAND OF LEGENDS /44 

CONTENT DIRECTOR 

Gerardo Sugay 

Ana Paula Albín 

Ximena Arrieta 

GENERAL EDITOR 


COORDINATION 

Karla Huertas 

ART DIRECTOR 

LimaTours 

GRAPHIC DESIGN 

Sergio Salazar 

ILLUSTRATIONS 

Juan Diego Leon 

INFOGRAPHICS 

LimaTours 

EDITORIAL STAFF 


CATALOGUE: CONNECT WITH THE 

SPIRIT OF THE AMAZON / 52 

PHOTOGRAPHS 

LimaTours Archive 

PromPeru Archive 

Delfin Amazon Cruises Archive 

Aqua Expeditions Archive 

Naomi Tamamoto 

Christian Declercq 

Nevin Xavier 

COVER PAGE PHOTO CREDIT 

Christian Declercq

EDITORIAL 

The best way to feel the Amazon: up close and personal. 

DEAR READER: 

Peru is located in a privileged region of the Earth, thanks 

to which we have different ecological levels that are the 

base of our mega biodiversity. 

In the country, we distinguish three completely different 

regions. The Peruvian coast, bathed by the Pacific 

Ocean, where the Humboldt current creates a unique 

ecosystem in the world. The highlands with the Andes, 

the backbone of the continent, crossing the country 

from north to south, where the great Inca civilisation 

was born and spread throughout most of South America. 

And finally the Amazon, the lung of the world that covers 

more than half of the Peruvian territory. 

Visiting the Amazon is the dream of every nature lover. 

To make it happen, it is essential to design the perfect 

itinerary for the style of each traveller. A great alternative 

is to make wonderful journeys aboard Amazon cruises, 

a choice featured in this latest edition of “Ultimate 

Journeys – Travel in Peru”. 

Join us on a dream trip on the Amazon Star, our newly 

renovated cruise ship. You’ll travel with the expert crew 

to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve located in the 

department of Loreto, Peru’s second largest natural area. 

Within the Reserve’s 200 million acres live thousands of 

plant species and over 800 different animals including 

the famous pink dolphin and the paiche, the largest fish 

in the Amazon. 

Find out about the most exclusive cruises that navigate 

the waters of our jungle. Open air jacuzzis, bespoke 

menus created by internationally renowned chefs, 

personalised attention, and rooms designed in the style 

of a top boutique hotel are just some of the services 

these luxury cruises offer their passengers. 

Do you know where the Amazon River is born? What 

countries share the Amazon with Peru? Do you 

understand the real scope of this natural wonder? In 

this edition, you’ll find an article with all the answers. Not 

only will we share interesting facts about the Amazon, 

but also help you understand the enormous importance 

it has for the world. 

We invite you to be a part of this adventure in one of 

the planet’s most impressive bastions of nature. Grab 

your backpack, keep your eyes open so you don’t miss a 

thing, and enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Amazon. 

Happy reading and enjoy! 

Your Friends at LimaTours. 

Design and management of tour programmes, in all areas of the company 

(quotation, product design, suppliers management, Lima operations, billing 

and collection)

CURRENT ISSUES 

Nevin Xavier 

CURRENT ISSUES 

LimaTours 

Machu Picchu was chosen as the winner of the 

‘Travel Dreams Tournament’ organized by the 

Virtuoso Network, leaders in luxury travel, a group 

that LimaTours has been a part of for over 20 

years. The Inca citadel won, thanks to a public poll, 

beating other coveted world-destinations like, the 

Swiss Alps, Greece, New Zealand, Tuscany, Hawaii, 

Paris, Mexico, and London. 

NEW 

HIEROGLYPHS 

ARE 

DISCOVERED IN 

NAZCA 

Peru will participate in the Dakar Rally for 

the second consecutive year. This is how 

the organizers of this important race have 

announced the news, without further details as 

to what legs will take place in Peru, or which other 

countries will participate in the 2019 edition. It will 

be Peru’s fourth time taking part in Dakar: the first 

time was in 2012, the second in 2013, and the 

third in 2018. This year, six legs of the race were 

held in the Peruvian desert, taking participants 

through the cities of Pisco, San Juan de Marcona, 

and Arequipa. 

Media 

MACHU PICCHU, 

DREAM DESTINATION 

Scientists have discovered over 50 geoglyphs on 

hillsides within the Palpa province in Nazca. These 

drawings were made with such fine lines, that they 

have been overlooked by researchers for years, and 

are just now being uncovered with the help of drones. 

While conservations and studies are just beginning, 

experts speculate that these drawings were not, in fact, 

made by the people of the Nazca culture, rather, by 

members of the Paracas Culture. This suggests that 

the creation of geoglyphs was an inherited custom. 

PERU WILL BE PART 

OF DAKAR 2019 

8

LimaTours 

For the second time, the World Travel Awards (WTA) has 

nominated LimaTours as the best tour operator in Peru. 

LimaTours is competing with seven other agencies for what 

is globally considered one of the most important awards in 

the tourism industry. The winner will be chosen through an 

online poll, open to the public until August 5th. The award 

will then be presented in the regional gala held in Guayaquil 

on September 15th, which marks the 25th anniversary of 

the WTA. You can register here to vote for LimaTours. 

LIMATOURS IN RACE 

FOR THE WORLD TRAVEL 

AWARDS 

LimaTours 

The thousands of tourist who will travel to Russia to 

support their teams in the 2018 World Cup will have 

the chance to learn about the gastronomical wealth of 

our country through its products. The ‘Casa Peru’ will 

open its doors in Moscow from June 18th to the 29th, 

parallel to the greatest football celebration in the world. 

The Association of Exporters (ADEX) and the Ministry 

of Commerce and Tourism (MINCETUR) are evaluating 

which products will be showcased for visitors to enjoy. 

Among the contenders, there are various favourites 

which include: pisco, native Peruvian fruits, super food 

energy bars, chocolate, yellow aji peppers, and quinua. 

LimaTours 

PERUVIAN PRODUCTS 

DESTINED TO SHINE IN 

RUSSIA 2018 

FORBES MAGAZINE 

NAMES AREQUIPA ONE 

OF THE “COOLEST” CITIES 

Arequipa is full of history, which combines well with 

its marvellous natural scenery, and its outstanding 

gastronomic legacy. All these things and more have 

led to the city being deemed one of the “coolest” 

to visit, according to Forbes Magazine. With Tom 

Marchant, director of Black Tomato travel site as their 

consultant, the magazine highlighted Arequipa’s role 

in the country’s “gastronomic renaissance,” as well as 

its splendid colonial constructions. “It offers notable 

sights such as the gigantic cathedral, with the ethereal 

image of the El Misti volcano rising behind it“, he said. 

9

AMAZONIA, THE HEART OF SOUTH AMERICA 

AMAZONIA 

THE HEART OF SOUTH AMERICA 

10

SHARED BY EIGHT 

COUNTRIES AND 

AN OVERSEAS 

DEPARTMENT, THE 

AMAZON IS THE MOST 

IMPORTANT BASTION 

OF ECOLOGY ON THE 

PLANET. ITS PILLAR, 

THE AMAZON RIVER, 

GIVES LIFE TO THE 

THOUSANDS OF PLANT 

AND ANIMAL SPECIES 

THAT IT HOUSES, AS 

WELL AS THE HUMAN 

COMMUNITIES THAT LIVE 

HARMONIOUSLY IN THE 

SURROUNDING NATURE. 

LimaTours 

The Amazon includes the 

Peruvian departments 

of Loreto, Ucayali and 

Madre de Dios; as well 

as part of Amazonas, 

Cajamarca, Huancavelica, 

La Libertad, Pasco, Piura, 

Puno, Ayacucho, Junin, 

Cusco, San Martin and 

Huanuco. 

11


An immense green blanket covers over 60% of Peru’s 

surface. Beneath it, dozens of ecosystems expand across 

the land brimming with life and properties that are still 

being discovered. While being one of the most amazing 

regions in the world, the Amazon continues to be one of 

the least exploited and most fragile, due to increasing 

pollution and deforestation. 

together with the Atlantic Ocean. Identifying its exact 

place of origin, however, was not as easy. In 1996, a 

research expedition set off to search for the place where 

the Amazon River is born, a mission that took the group 

all the way to the Lari province in Arequipa where the 

Chila Mountain Range is found. 

Like the Amazon, 

several Peruvian 

rivers have their 

origin in the snowcapped 

mountains 

of the Andes. 

When thinking about the Amazon, one must look 

beyond Peru and Brazil – recognized for housing 

the largest Amazon territories (11.27% and 59.17% 

respectively) – and consider the six other countries that 

share this magical region: Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, 

Guyana, Surinam, and Ecuador, as well as the overseas 

department of French Guyana. Thus, it can very well be 

considered the heart of South America. 

The Amazon is so vast that when we refer to it, we must 

speak in millions. For example, 34 million people live within 

the Amazon, surrounded by 6.7 million square-kilometres 

of forests, and 2.1 million kilometres of protected areas. 

To that, one must add the million square-kilometres of 

fresh-water ecosystems, and consider that 20% of the 

world’s water supply is found here. 

THE RIVER OF RIVERS 

The spinal column of the Amazon is the Amazon River. 

Father to all rivers, the Amazon is both the largest river 

by discharge volume of water, and the longest river in 

the world, extending for 7,062 kilometres across almost 

all of South America. 

LimaTours 

The inhabitants 

of the Amazon 

have adapted 

their way of 

life to the 

environment 

and the climate 

of the jungle. 

Identifying the end-point of the Amazon River is easy; 

just follow the river to the north of Brazil where it comes 

12 

LimaTours 

In Peru, more than 40 different 

species of monkeys have been 

recorded 

LimaTours

Amazon 

cruises have 

routes in 

Peru, Brazil 

and Ecuador. 

At about 5,170 metres above sea level, amongst mountain 

peaks and below-freezing temperatures – radically 

different than the humid heat of the jungle – the first drops 

of the world’s longest river were born from the mountains, 

millions of years ago. But what happens before the Ucayali 

and Marañon Rivers unite, giving way to the infamous 

Amazon? The River actually begins as a small stream high 

in the Peruvian Andes, eventually turning into the Lloqueta 

River. As it continues to flow north, it undergoes a series 

of name changes, including: Apurimac, Ene, Tambo, and 

Ucayali, before becoming the Amazon. 

The Amazon River does not only govern the natural 

scenery of the Peruvian Amazon, it also marks the seasons. 

Beyond just relying on temperature cues, local residents 

divide their year into two phases depending on the river 

level: the wet, or rainy, season and the dry season. 

During the wet season (from March to May), the rains 

cause the river to rise up to 10 meters higher, which is 

why houses built on the riverbanks are always elevated. 

Many parts of the forest are prone to flooding during 

these months and become lagoons, forcing animals to 

adapt to their new, temporary surroundings. When the 

dry season arrives (from August to October), the river 

lowers back down leaving white sand beaches in its wake, 

and changing the panorama yet again. 

THE AMAZON HOUSES OVER 40 THOUSAND 

PLANT SPECIES, 427 MAMMAL SPECIES, 

1,300 BIRD SPECIES, 378 REPTILES SPECIES, 

400 AMPHIBIAN SPECIES, AND 3,000 

DIFFERENT KINDS OF FRESH WATER FISH. 

ALL ABOARD! 

A small number of established companies have recently 

launched cruise ships that take passengers through the 

Amazon River and its effluents, providing an innovative 

and comfortable platform from which to explore the 

incredible area. These ships navigate from Iquitos to 

Pacaya Samiria, one of the most important and bio 

diverse national reserves in the country. 

Delfín Amazon Cruises Archive 

Nevin Xavier 

The typical landscape of the Amazon: green 

mantles crossed by different rivers that 

represent life. 

13


Amazon Star, the renewed 

Amazon cruise of LimaTours. 

Cruise ships like the Delfin I, II, and III, the Aria, the 

Amazon Star, the Zafiro, the Perla, and the Amatista take 

visitors into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon in search 

of some of the thousands of flora and fauna species 

housed within it. In addition, they offer high quality 

installations and services, akin to those found in any of 

the best hotels, as well as specialized excursions, and 

a number of other adventure activities that immerse 

guests into the surrounding nature. 

Houses are 

not built at 

ground level to 

avoid flooding 

near rivers. 

Beyond promoting tourism in the Amazon, these cruises 

provide developmental alternatives and economic growth 

opportunities for local people. For example, locals are 

recruited and trained to become part of the on-board 

staff, relationships are forged with native indigenous 

communities that host tourists, and a wide variety of 

required supplies – from regional food products to 

petroleum – are sourced and purchased locally. 


LimaTours 

One of the most important aspects of these types of 

excursions, however, is the increased awareness of 

the need for the conservation and protection of these 

ecosystems. The unique connection with nature that 

these journeys offer, inspire visitors to truly appreciate 

the importance of the Amazon as a global temperature 

regulator, a provider of natural medicine, an air purifier, a 

source of countless products used both locally and globally, 

and a home to millions of plants and creatures of all kinds. 

LimaTours 

In the Amazon, 

there are 

more than 

16 thousand 

types of trees. 

Some have 

not yet been 

discovered. 

LimaTours 

LimaTours 

14

PACAYA SAMIRIA, A NATURAL PARADISE 

The Amazon River is the gateway into Pacaya Samiria, the largest 

national reserve in Peru. With 2,080,000 hectares framed by the 

Marañon and Ucayali Rivers, the reserve aims to conserve the 

plant and animal resources of the tropical forest. 

Álvaro García / PromPeru Gihan Tubbeh / PromPeru 

Its two main rivers, the Pacaya and the Samiria, are known for 

their dark waters, a reaction caused by tannins released when 

the plants decompose. This natural phenomenon makes for 

particularly clear reflections of the surrounding trees and sky on 

the water’s surface, and has earned the reserve the nickname: 

‘jungle of mirrors.’ 

Delve into the area and discover the amazing biodiversity, which 

includes over 440 bird species, 97 mammal species, 55 amphibian 

species, 259 fish species, and thousands of different kinds of trees 

and plants. Pacaya Samiria is also home to some endangered 

species, like: the manatee, the pink dolphin, and the paiche. 

Álvaro García / PromPeru 

Visiting Pacaya Samiria goes beyond just enjoying the gorgeous 

scenery and spotting fascinating creatures. It is also an 

opportunity to interact and learn from some of the 25 thousand 

local people who hail from different indigenous groups. They are 

living examples of how to coexist with nature and respectfully 

take advantage of what is available. 

15

CRUISE 

VS LODGE 

SHOULD YOU STAY IN A LODGE IN THE 

MIDDLE OF THE JUNGLE, OR TAKE A 

CRUISE DOWN THE AMAZON RIVER? IT 

ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT KIND OF 

EXPERIENCE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. 

BELOW, WE LIST SEVEN REASONS TO 

BOARD A CRUISE SHIP AND EXPLORE 

THE LONGEST AND FULLEST RIVER IN 

THE WORLD. 

CLICK 

HERE TO 

ENLARGE 

EXPLORE 

EVERY DAY 

Each day provides a brand new 

panorama to enjoy on excursions 

or from your private balcony, as 

you make your way down the river. 

GO DEEP IN THE JUNGLE 

Beyond the cruise ship itself, the ample motorboats will take you 

into the heart of the jungle, through tributaries and streams. The 

deeper you go, the more wildlife you will get to see.

TIME SAVER 

The cruise ship positions itself 

as close as possible to the 

beginning point of each tour, 

reducing the transfer time and 

allowing for you to maximize 

your activity time. 

ESTABLISHED 

ITINERARY 

If there is a problem with an activity on 

a cruise, it can be adapted. Is it 

raining? Take a cooking class on board. 

Is the night excursion cancelled? Look 

at the stars on the deck. Rain in the 

lodge could force you to stop 

everything until it stops. 

GUARANTEED 

COMFORT 

You will not have to worry about 

the intruders at bedtime, like 

tarantulas or bats, if you stay in the 

middle of the river far from their 

habitat. Also, the air conditioning 

and a hot shower will always be 

available in comparison to a lodge. 

MEET PEOPLE 

On a cruise, you will live with a 

group of people at all times: on 

boats, during lunches, on walks, 

etc. It's more social experience 

than in a lodge, where each 

person is independent when 

choosing what to do. 

UNIQUE COMPANIONS 

You will never be as close to the mythical 

and beloved pink dolphins as you are on a 

cruise ship.

THE STAR OF THE AMAZON 

THE STAR OF 

THE AMAZON 

18

TO JOURNEY ON 

THE AMAZON STAR 

GOES BEYOND JUST 

NAVIGATING THE 

AMAZON RIVER; IT IS A 

WHOLE EXPERIENCE, A 

WAY OF DISCOVERING 

PERU’S MOST WILD AND 

BEAUTIFUL SIDE. JOIN US 

IN THIS TALE OF NATURE 

AND LEARNING. 


The boat has 14 

cabins divided 

into two decks. 

19


The penetrating 

rivers in the 

Amazon are 

perfect for 

observing 

animal species 

Despite being only a domestic flight away from Lima, the 

jungle is often thought of as a remote and unfeasible 

destination. Unlike other popular cities, like Cusco, 

Mancora, Arequipa, and Puno, the Amazon continues to 

be seen as a hidden, wild, and out-of-reach area. 

Looking out the plane window, a thick, green blanket 

covers all the landscape below as we make our way 

towards Iquitos. Like a giant anaconda, the Amazon River 

snakes its way through the millions of trees, yielding a 

view as superbly impressive as the images seen in any 

documentary about the area. All of a sudden, the lush 

vegetation is interrupted by the concrete airport, and 

the plane begins its descent. 


We have landed in the city of Iquitos. Interestingly, Iquitos 

is the only capital of a department (Loreto) in Peru that, 

due to its location, is not connected by land to the rest 

of the country. There are only two ways to get to Iquitos: 

on an eight-hour – or more – journey aboard a boat from 

Yurimaguas or Pucallpa, or on an hour-and-a-half plane 

ride from Lima. 

“IT QUICKLY BECOMES CLEAR WHY THE 

AMAZON RIVER IS CONSIDERED ONE OF 

THE NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD: 

ITS MAGNIFICENCE IS OVERWHELMING.” 

Iquitos 

boardwalk, 

the first 

contact with 

the Amazon 

in the city. 


The ‘Casa de Fierro’ (Iron’s house) in Iquitos, an 

example of opulence during the rubber rush, 

was designed by Gustave Eiffel around 1860. 

After touring the city with the rest of the LimaTours 

team, we make our way towards our real destination. 

The fabulous Amazon Star awaits us only a few meters 

from the city’s port. The ship is clean, and white as snow. 

As we make our way into the on-board reading room, 

we are welcomed aboard by cruise director Alejandro 

Enriquez, who gives us a brief explanation about the ship 

and the mandatory safety regulations aboard. 

20

Nevin Xavier 

The sunset seems synchronized with our departure from 

the port, and after only ten minutes into the voyage, the 

surrounding scenery has transformed. Houses and 

bustling city noises are left behind as we travel down 

the Itaya River towards its point of convergence with 

the famed Amazon River. This marks our first encounter 

with the impressive nature and glorious views that will 

continue to accompany us throughout the eight-day 

journey. It quickly becomes clear why the Amazon River 

is considered one of the natural wonders of the world: 

its magnificence is overwhelming. 

The next morning, the activities begin. After boarding a 

series of small, motorized boats owned by the Amazon 

Star, we make our way through the river, passing by a 

group of children swimming in the river. A canoe acts as a 

trampoline into the water, and the kid’s laughter combines 

with the screeches of the noisy, colourful macaws that 

fly overhead, and sounds of the monkeys jumping from 

branch to branch on the shore. 


Protected otter 

CREA (Amazonian 

Rescue Center) 

in Iquitos, a place 

visited to learn 

about endangered 

species and 

manatees. 

THE PULSE OF THE JUNGLE 

Unlike a traditional cruise, in which the sky and the sea 

seem to blend together into infinity, the trees of the 

Amazon break any potential union. From time to time, 

a peque-peque – a small, local motorboat – appears, 

furiously navigating next to us, reminding us that we 

are not alone. Nowadays, over five million people 

call the Peruvian Amazon home, which include many 

communities that live from the earth, hunting and fishing, 

and responsibly taking advantage of what nature provides. 


The Amazon Star has two boats 

for excursions along the Amazon. 

21


Without television and Internet, these kids give us a 

preview of what is to come: total disconnect from our 

busy, oversaturated worlds, and an immersion into 

nature in a way that we city folk have long forgotten. 

More than 400 species of birds 

inhabit the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. 


Jorge and Robinson are our naturalist guides, and their 

expertise is evident. “Look there, a sloth,” says Jorge. The 

boat stops and slowly approaches the shore so that we 

can get a better look. “There. Do you see it?” he asks. 

It takes us a few minutes to actually locate the animal. 

Both guides have such well-trained sight and hearing 

that they are able to recognize a species by sound, and 

can spot the subtlest differentiations between similar 

creatures. 


Camouflaged 

among the 

branches, iguanas 

and lizards 

observe tourists 

almost motionless. 

THE AMAZON RIVER POURS 

TO THE SEA 170 THOUSAND 

CUBIC METERS OF WATER 

BY SECOND. THIS AMOUNT 

INCREASES DURING THE 

RAINY SEASON, BETWEEN 

THE MONTHS OF MARCH 

AND MAY. 


Our search for animal life takes us into Pacaya Samiria. 

Navigating its rivers and tributaries feels like being in a 

movie, with giant trees that play with the shining sun and 

create spectacles of light on the water’s surface. During 

the wet - or rainy - season, the river’s water-level increases 

so much that it floods the surrounding forest and allows 

boats to float amongst tree-tops, giving visitors the feeling 

that they are entering an enchanted forest as guides chop 

through overgrown vines with machetes. 

The sloth is 

one of the 

most popular 

species in the 

Amazon. 

As night falls, everything changes. The early-morning 

macaws, howling monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and 

sparrows, are replaced by bats and caimans. The lack 

of light intensifies the sounds as birds and toads sing 

in unison, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie 

22


and exciting. The experience of lying on the boat in 

the complete darkness and gazing at the stars as they 

glimmer in all their splendour, while the water softly 

splashes beneath you, is truly indescribable. Once again, 

you feel tiny amongst the grandeur of Mother Nature. 

YOUR INNER INDIANA JONES 

This journey through the Amazon is the perfect 

opportunity to explore your adventurous side. When 

else will you be so close to the legendary piranhas? 

Will you ever have another chance to plunge into the 

river with pink dolphins? Or wander through forests 

brimming with enormous trees and incredible orchids? 

Thus, it behoves all visitors to forget about the myths 

surrounding these creatures, and to look past the 

black river water, as the dark colour has little to do with 

water purity, and more to do with the tannins released 

into the river from decomposing plants. We get a little 

river action in on the kayaks and paddleboards offered, 

which we navigate down-river into the Pacaya Samiria 

Reserve. At the end of the excursion, a refreshing dive 

into the water turns into a magical and memorable 

moment, as pink dolphins appear close by. 

After days of seeing the forest from the boat, the time 

comes to feel it beneath our feet. Members of the 

Puerto Prado community guide us down one of the 

many paths into the heart of the jungle, an excursion 


The red-bellied 

piranhas abound 

in the lagoons 

during the river’s 

growing season 

due to a large 

amount of food. 

The wet season is the ideal time to hit the lagoons and 

test out your fishing skills. If you have never fished before, 

there’s no better debut than catching a red piranha 

from the Amazon. All you’ll need is a rod, bait, and 

loads of patience, and when you least expect it, you’ll be 

celebrating your catch. Not to worry, however, despite 

their sharp teeth, piranhas don’t live up to their vicious 

reputation. Rather, these creatures only attack when 

they feel threatened, when the river’s water level lessens 

and food is scarce, or if they smell blood in their path. 

Surprisingly, these alleged ferocious flesh-eaters actually 

subsist mainly on fruit and leaves that fall into the river. 

Jumping into the Amazon River and enjoying its 

refreshing waters is very much a part of the experience. 

Media 

The silent paddling of 

the kayak allows you 

to enjoy the sounds 

of the jungle. 

Seeing the 

mythical pink 

dolphin is an 

unforgettable 

experience. 

23

24 Sunsets in the Amazon, full of 

magnificent and intense colours.

Alfonso Zavala / PromPerú 

25


Excited children 

welcome 

visitors to the 

communities. 

that opens ones eyes to all the forest has to offer – 

from medicinal plants to leaves used to build houses. 

The amazing and profound connection to nature that 

comes with moments like these is often forgotten in the 

comfort and speed of city life, but if we don’t remember 

to pause and reconnect, what happens to our primal 

essence? 

NATURAL CONNECTION 

The people of the Amazon wake up as the sun rises, and 

go to sleep as it sets. They take their machetes and work 

in the agricultural fields, board their peque-peques for a 

fishing excursion, or head to town to sell their products. 

Rural houses in these areas do not have windows or 

doors, food is prepared in outdoor ‘kitchens’, and children 

play freely amongst the trees in their ‘backyards’. Is there 

any better way to imagine a true connection with nature? 

To board the Amazon Star is to escape one’s routine. It 

provides the chance to penetrate both the jungle and 

the inner-self in search of that natural instinct each one 

of us contains. The instinct that allows us to be able to 

recognize animals, to really enjoy a sunset, to locate 

the Southern Cross within the starry skies, and to learn 

about the ways of living and culture of the 25 thousand 

Peruvians that call Pacaya Samiria home. 

The community of Puerto Prado, which consists of roughly 

60 inhabitants, works every day towards the conservation 

LimaTours 

The 

enriching 

experience 

of sharing 

with the 

community 

is priceless. 

LimaTours 

26 

These visits allow tourists to 

appreciate the reality of the people of 

the Amazon.

Victoria Regia, 

iconic plant of 

the Amazon. 

of the area’s natural wealth. After being declared a 

Private Conservation Area, the community began to offer 

diverse activities to visiting tourists. For them, it is a way 

of generating consciousness about the importance of 

protecting the resources from the Amazon; for us, it is the 

perfect way to become one with it. 


After the hike we enter the town, from where we can see 

the Marañon River, an effluent of the Amazon. The children 

appear in the doorway of the local school building and 

greet us in Kukama, one of the 43 native languages that are 

kept alive by imparting bilingual education to youngsters. 

A lagoon full of Victorias Regias – the most famous lilies 

in the Amazon – surrounds the structure where the local 

shaman shares with us some of his ancestral knowledge. 

The Amazon jungle is considered the world’s pharmacy 

with most of the 40 thousand plant species living within 

the forests used to cure a number of ailments that vary 

from the common cold to serious infections. 

LimaTours 

The shaman 

is the link 

with the 

mystical 

strength of 

nature. 

The time to depart has arrived, but we cannot leave Puerto 

Prado before receiving blessings from the spirits of the 

forest. With mapacho in hand, the shaman performs a 


Tourists visiting the community school. 

27



ritual for good fortune, exhaling the smoke of this natural 

tobacco over each one of us. With our eyes closed and our 

minds open, we absorb the positive energy he bestows 

upon us before heading back to reality. 

YOUR HOME IN THE AMAZON 

The cabins 

are relaxing 

spaces to 

rest after 

a day of 

excursions. 

We find our refuge aboard the Amazon Star, in comfortable, 

air-conditioned cabins. To wake up and look through the 

sliding glass-doors that separate the rooms from the 

private balconies is and exciting luxury. Each morning 

provides different scenery that waits to be discovered, in 

one of the greatest living treasures on the planet. 

You can feel the Amazon in the wind, see it in your 

excursions, and hear it in the birds. You can also enjoy 


Relax with an enviable 

view of the Amazon 

on the upper deck. 


ACCORDING TO FAO, THE FOOD AND 

AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE 

UNITED NATIONS, 80% OF PEOPLE 

LIVING IN COUNTRIES IN DEVELOPMENT 

DEPEND ON NON-WOOD PRODUCTS 

OF THE AMAZON - LIKE FRUITS AND 

MEDICINAL PLANTS - FOR THEIR 

NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTH NEEDS. 

Buffet-style 

meals show 

visitors the 

taste of our 

cuisine. 

28 

The piranhas, fished the same day, 

are served as a delicacy in the area. 

Christian Declercq

Taking the time to converse with the ship’s crew members 

is also a unique and enriching experience. Not only are 

the staff members highly trained and willing to help with 

any and all of your needs, but they come from diverse 

local communities and Amazonian cities, and have 

fascinating stories to share about life in the jungle. Their 

knowledge and passion for the Amazon is unparalleled: 

they are wholly in their element, like a dolphin in water. 

Various complementary 

activities are offered on 

board, such as cooking 

classes or art with towels. 

the taste of the delicious ingredients used in each meal 

– from fresh fruits to flavourful, local fish. Are you in the 

mood for a fried piranha? Chonta salad? An Amazonian 

rice chaufa with cecina? Local, spicy aji charapita with 

sweet cocona fruit? How about a tangy, refreshing camu 

camu juice? Whatever you may desire, you can find it here. 

If there is any local tradition that is always honoured, it is 

that of the siesta, or afternoon nap. You can take advantage 

of the two hours and relax with a good book in the reading 

room, enjoy a cocktail at the bar, sunbathe on the open-air 

terrace, or simply sit out on your private balcony and enjoy 

the surrounding nature as you listen to the sounds of the 

water as the ship makes its way through the river. 

On the final afternoon of the journey, nature bids us 

farewell with a true, cleansing Amazonian downpour. We 

are drenched from head to toe in a matter of seconds. 

Then, just as quick, the rain stops, the clouds part, and 

the blaring sun appears again, gifting us a glorious visual 

spectacle. As the sun begins to hide behind the trees, 

the clouds look like cotton balls in the vivid, red sky. The 

intensity of the colours and the postcard-worthy beauty 

of it all leave us speechless. 

So, what can be taken away from this trip? For one, the 

importance of the Amazon for the entire planet. It is a 

lung that purifies the air, a millenary pharmacy, an open 

book for researchers and naturalists, and above all, a 

place to connect with Mother Earth and create endless 

unforgettable memories. 



The Amazon 

Star stands 

out among 

the endless 

green of the 

Peruvian 

forests. 

29

AMAZON 

STAR 

DORADO 

RIVER 

LEGEND 

Pacaya Samiria 

OUR 

PROGRAMS 

National Reserve 

Route by bus 

Amazon River 

Ucayali River 

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS 

Marañon River 

DAY 1 - Transfer by land to Nauta and visit to CREA, 

Manatees Rescue Center 

DAY 2 - Swimming with dolphins and piranha fishing 

DAY 3 - Giant water lilies observation, characteristic plant 

of the Amazon, nature walk and visit to a local shaman 

DAY 4 - Disembark at Iquitos 

NAUTA 

Tour of the 

Pacaya Samiria 

Natural Reserve 

Confluence 


Iquitos 

DAY 1 - Iquitos City tour and visit to CREA, 

Manatees Rescue Center 

DAY 2 - Exploring the Amazon and Yarapa rivers 

DAY 3 - Visit to a local community and school 

DAY 4 - Picnic breakfast and piranha fishing 

DAY 5 - Disembark at Nauta and transfer by land 

to Iquitos 

CONFLUENCE 

Lima 


DAY 1 - Iquitos City tour and visit to Crea, Manatee 

Rescue Center 

DAY 2 - Exploring the Amazon and Yarapa river 

DAY 3 - Visit to a local community and school 

DAY 4 - Picnic breakfast, cooking class and kayak 

DAY 5 - Nauta City tour and visit to the market 

DAY 6 - Swimming with dolphins and piranha fishing 

DAY 7 - Giant water lilies observation, characteristic plant 

of the Amazon, nature walk and visit to a local shaman 

DAY 8 - Disembark at Iquitos 

IQUITOS 

BOARDING & 

LANDING 

Flight 

Lima - Iquitos 

90 minutes

INTERVIEW 


32

CESAR 

CHILUISA AND 

CLIVER RIOJA 

AMAZON EXPEDITIONS’ 

GENERAL MANAGER AND 

CHIEF OF OPERATIONS 

THE RE-LAUNCH OF THE AMAZON STAR GUARANTEES PASSENGERS AN 

IMPROVED AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE AS THEY ENCOUNTER ONE 

OF THE NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD. 

What are the principal characteristics of the 

Amazon Star? 

Cesar: The Amazon Star is a platform from which one can 

engage on a deep exploration of the Amazon. We want to 

offer passengers a setting and services worthy of any topcategory 

hotel as they make their way down the Amazon River. 

Each one of our air-conditioned cabins has its own, private 

balcony; we have a dining room with panoramic windows, and 

an ‘exploration room’ in which passengers can rest, watch a 

movie, or read. We also have two decks, one open air, and the 

other covered, with tables, lounge chairs, and a bar. 

What do you think differentiates the Amazon Star 

from the other cruises that follow the same route? 

Cesar: After a months-long process, we have managed 

to boost our boat’s security system and adapt it to 

international standards. We wanted to surpass the 

national level of operations with the Amazon Star, so 

we had inspectors from american companies come and 

evaluate our security conditions. Now, we are proud to 

say that we have passed all the audits and are pleased 

with the level of the product we offer. 

What is special about the programs you offer to 

passengers? 

Cesar: In comparison to other operators, our itineraries 

highlight the fact that we are navigating a part of the 

Amazon River. One always hears about the Amazon 

Jungle, but the river should be the protagonist since it is 

the driving force behind the whole area. 

Cliver: Whether departing from Iquitos or Nauta, each 

passenger that participates in our programme has the 

chance to navigate through the Amazon. Not only can 

they say that they have visited the Amazon and enjoyed 

its flora and fauna, but they can also say that they have 

been in one of the natural wonders of the world. 

How do you assemble the itineraries for each 

programme? 

Cliver: Thanks to our experience and knowledge of the 

zone, we have outlined exploration areas in accordance 

with the river’s water level. The Amazon undergoes a 

drastic change in landscape depending on the season; 

during the wet, or rainy season, the water level rises 

33

ENTREVISTA 

All cabins have a private 

bathroom, balcony and 

air conditioning. 


and many of the effluents and ravines can be explored 

on boats, but when the river’s water level drops, the 

exploration opportunities are less. Nonetheless, there 

are still some channels that maintain their water level 

and allow for the entry into the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. 

The most important thing is that the passenger can reach 

the areas conducive to the themes of flora and fauna 

exploration, where the greatest variety in species can be 

appreciated. 

What impact do the cruises have on the area? 

Cesar: I think the mission that we – the companies who 


dedicate our time to this – have is to make many people’s 

dream to travel to a special destination, a reality. We help 

fulfil this dream by offering them a product made up of 

three things: the Amazon as a destination, the ship itself, 

and the experience, which is where the guided visits, the 

service aboard the ship, the local food, and other details, 

factor in. 

Cliver: Many believe that the company receives all the 

direct benefits, but that is not the case. To organize an 

expedition with tourists on board, we need supplies, like, 

food products and petroleum, both of which we source 

Dining room 

with panoramic 

windows to not 

miss a detail of 

the landscape. 

34

The boat has all 

the amenities, 

services and 

security for an 

unforgettable ride. 

from local vendors. In some way or another, these 

excursions benefit the local economy and propel it in a 

way that would not exist otherwise. 

LimaTours 

Night monkeys among the 

trees of Pacaya Samiria. 

Do you have an agreement with the Reserve? 

Cliver: In order to operate within the Pacaya Samiria 

Reserve we have to become conservation allies on a 

tourism project approved by SENARP (National Service 

of Natural Areas Protected by the State). Our project has 

been approved for a period of five years, and is renewable. 

This way, we constantly contribute to the Reserve, whether 

it be through entrance-fees collected from passengers, or 

through the support we offer to the communities. But 

over all, our formality as a company is the most important 

factor in being able to operate that route. 


20% of the 

world’s 

butterfly 

species are 

found in the 

Amazon. 


And with the communities? 

Cesar: We try to use the local work force, which has 

not been the most well trained in these last years. Jobs 

like these give people a chance to receive the proper 

preparation and understand the high-standards 

the industry requires. It is about encouraging their 

professional growth by taking them a bit outside of their 

local surroundings and exposing them to internationalcalibre 

product. That is part of our social contribution 

Cliver: In respect to the native communities, the visiting 

passengers almost always purchase local handicrafts 

directly from community members. Thus, the people 

Pacaya Samiria is a paradise for 

birdwatching. The guides on the excursions 

have binoculars to facilitate the activity. 


Residents use natural raw materials, 

such as palm leaves, to build their 

houses. 


35

INTERVIEW 

The sale of handicrafts is an 

additional income for the locals, in 

addition to agriculture. 

of the community have the chance to generate income 

through their manual abilities, using fibres, seeds, and 

other materials found in their areas. Some tourists take 

school supplies and other donations for local children, but 

we try to avoid generating dependency from communities, 

by visiting different towns every time. That way, the tourist 

can enter the community, have fun, enjoy the scenery, 

and, at the same time, contribute. 



Tourists offer donations to schools 

in the area as a form of retribution 

for the opportunity to visit them. 

How do you perceive the touristic panorama of the 

Amazon? 

Cesar: Now a days, the Amazon is seen as an extension 

of Peru’s main attraction, Machu Picchu. While that might 

not change, we are hoping that this area of the country 

might gain more notoriety and become the second most 

important destination. Another thing that few people 

know is that the Amazon River actually originates in Peru. 

This fact should help reinforce its relevance. Unfortunately, 

the entire area has suffered an economic and touristic 

depression because of the petrol drilling in the jungle, but 

public and private companies are working hand in hand 

to increase the number of visitors. 

“THE AMAZON STAR’S REASON FOR 

BEING IS TO SERVE AS A VEHICLE FOR 

PEOPLE TO FULFIL THEIR DREAM OF 

BEING IN THE AMAZON.” 

CÉSAR CHILUISA, GENERAL 

MANAGER OF AMAZON EXPEDITIONS 

Perú’s main cities gourmet guide 

36 

- 

8 9 

The guide for all who love fine dining 

CONTACT US: ventas@creandoidea.com C. 981419945 - 981299956


Cliver Rioja (left), chief of 

operations; Cesar Chiluisa 

(centre), general manager; 

Alejandro Enriquez (right), 

cruise director; and the rest of 

the crew of the Amazon Star. 

37

LUXURY IN THE JUNGLE 

LUXURYIN 

THE JUNGLE 

38

TOP-LEVEL CRUISE SHIPS 

ARE NOT ONLY SAILING 

THE OCEANS THESE 

DAYS. PERSONALIZED 

ATTENTION, 

INTERNATIONALLY 

CELEBRATED CHEFS, AND 

EVEN PRIVATE JACUZZIS 

ARE SOME OF THE 

SERVICES OFFERED ON 

LUXURY JUNGLE CRUISES 

WHILE THEY SAIL THE 

PERUVIAN AMAZON. 


Fine details 

decorate the 

elegant rooms 

on luxury 

cruises. 

39

LUXURY IN THE JUNGLE 


You’ve decided your next destination will be the Amazon. 

And you know you want to visit on a cruise. Now it’s time 

to decide which of the available ships you’ll board to start 

your adventure. If the sky is the limit, the best choice is 

one with top service. 

Open air jacuzzis, delicious dishes created for you by 

famous chefs, spas with a view of the Pacaya Samiria 

Reserve, comfortable and sophisticated rooms with 

bespoke services are some of what awaits you on an 

Amazon luxury cruise; the perfect combination of a 5-star 

on-land hotel, and the breath-taking Peruvian Amazon. 


The food on the Aria is a delight for the taste buds. 

With a menu created by Executive Chef Pedro Miguel 

Schiaffino, recognized for his work with cuisine using 

the myriad of ingredients from the Peruvian Amazon, an 

explosion of colours, scents, and flavours is guaranteed. 

Each ingredient has a history and relationship with the 

Amazon; an infinite source of exotic foods to create an 

unforgettable, luxurious gastronomic experience. 

A ‘peque peque’ 

sails next to the 

Aria in the Amazon. 

The 

gastronomic 

variety of the 

jungle is lived 

daily on board 

the Aria. 

THE SHAPE OF WATER: THE ARIA 

Designed by the renowned architect Jordi Puig, the Aria 

maintains the style of a modern boutique hotel without 

leaving aside the details that connect it with the jungle 

as the wooden floors and decorations with indigenous 

motifs. The neutral colors and the soft light of its facilities 

allow the outdoor nature to shine, from the green of the 

trees to the red of the sky at sunset. 

Other ways to enjoy your trip? Drinking a cold fruit juice 

made with local products in the ship’s bar; reading a 

book about the magic of Peru in the lounge; or seeing 

the stars up close on the observation deck. The jacuzzi 


Each room is a pleasure; ideal for relaxing after a busy day 

of fishing and outings along the Amazon. The 16 suites on 

the boat’s two decks all have panoramic windows so you 

won’t miss any of the scenery, and are air conditioned for 

complete comfort. Bedding is made using Peru’s finest 

cotton and organic bathroom accessories give the cabins 

a final touch. 

40 

Top deck of the Aria, 

perfect to enjoy the view.


area, located right outside the lounge, is the icing on 

the cake, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the open air on 

comfortable lounge chairs. 

All the excursions offered by the Aria are led by four, bilingual 

naturalists. Aboard small motorboats, they take you into the 

Pacaya Samiria looking for jungle animals like anacondas, 

sloths, monkeys, and a wide variety of birds. Active travellers 

can hike in the jungle, swim in some of the Reserve’s natural 

pools, fish for piranhas, and even ride bikes around Nauta, 

a typical jungle town located on the shores of the Amazon 

where one can become part of local life. 

A WORLD OF DOLPHINS: EL DELFIN 

For those looking for complete exclusivity, the Delfin I is the 

best option. With four large suites located on two decks, 

only eight passengers at a time have the opportunity 

to see the Amazon on this cruise. The experience: a 

sensation of being in a luxury hotel, with completely 

personalized service, but in the Amazon. 

The Amazon is the ideal piece of art for each suite, and you 

can enjoy it with panoramic windows from floor to ceiling. 

Every suite also has a private outdoor terrace where one 

Room of the Aria. 

It stands out 

for its modern 

and luxurious 

decoration. 


Spacious master suite 

in the Dolphin II. 

41

HERENCIA MOCHICA, VIAJANDO AL PASADO 



The spa in the 

Dolphin II, one more 

option to relax. 

The Deluxe Master 

suite of the Dolphin I 

and its private Jacuzzi. 

can enjoy breakfast in the morning, or the sunset in the 

afternoon. Soft bedding made using 100% Peruvian pima 

cotton, hard wood floors from the Amazon forest, and 

other exclusive details make nature a part of the Delfin I. As 

a complimentary addition, each of the two Deluxe Suites 

on the lower deck each have a private jacuzzi where 

guests can enjoy the views and, maybe, bump into a pink 

dolphin gliding though the Amazon waters. 

The 14 suites of the Delfin II can accommodate up to 

30 passengers, a much higher number than his brother 

ship, but still offering all the luxury one expects from an 

Amazon cruise of this class. All the suites share elegant 

decorative details including hardwood floors, large 

windows, air conditioning, and organic bath amenities. 

Dining aboard either the Delfin I or the Delfin II is a 

celebration of Peruvian flavours, thanks to the menu of 

Peruvian-creole and regional dishes that reflects the rich 

gastronomic tradition which characterizes our country. 

Fresh, local ingredients are the basis of the refined, edible 

art created by the Delfin chefs, guaranteeing guests a 

delicious journey. 

Led by bilingual specialists, excursions are designed to 

bring the Amazon to the traveller. Passengers can enjoy 

journeys to learn about the beauty of local flora and fauna, 

as well as trips to local Amazon communities where visitors 

can meet and share experiences with Amazonian people 

who call this place their home. Sharing with the locals is 

a core part of the Amazon experience, and visitors will 

have a chance to learn about ancestral traditions and the 

Amazonian people’s special connection with the natural 

world around them. 

If you prefer to take a break, the bar of both ships always 

has a variety of chilled juices made from local fruits and 

drinks created using special, local ingredients, which you 

can enjoy as you watch the Amazon pass by. Additionally, 

Delfin II offers spa services, and has a reading room and 

mini gym. 

The Amazon can be a demanding destination, but aboard 

these cruise ships, you’ll feel right at home in the lap of 

luxury. Are you ready? 

Lounge and bar 

of the Dolphin II, 

perfect to rest in 

your free time. 


42

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52 

EXPERIENCES / CONNECT WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE AMAZON

CONNECT 

WITH THE 

SPIRIT 

OF THE 

AMAZON 

The Amazon is one of the planet’s natural bastions, 

which remains an almost virgin territory. Few have had 

the privilege of exploring its depths, seeing its fish-filled 

lagoons, the freely flying birds reflected in the river water 

below, or sharing moments with the wise shamans who 

have inherited their generations-old ancestral traditions. 

This are some of the activities that we offer on our Amazon 

Star cruise so that our passengers have the chance to 

disconnect from the city, take in the beauty of nature, and 

experience the Amazon on another level. 


53

EXPERIENCES / CONNECT WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE AMAZON 


AMAZON / NATURE 

EXPLORING THE 

PACAYA 

SAMIRIA 

RESERVE 

You never know what you might find as you make 

your way by boat through the rivers of the Pacaya 

Samiria, known as the ‘jungle of mirrors’ because of the 

spectacular way the forest reflects on the water. Thus, 

our naturalist guides will be keeping their eyes wide 

open so they are sure not to miss any of the species 

that might cross your path. 

You will have between two and three excursions each 

day, which include an evening activity. During the night, 

the jungle transforms: new animals appear and with 

them come new sounds and new ways of spotting them. 

The guides, who hail from different Amazonian cities 

and communities, will share the famous legends of the 

mysterious jungle with you as you explore. 

54


BIRD 

SIGHTINGS 

Peru is paradise for those looking to sight birds or 

engage in formal birdwatching, offering 1,830 different 

species to be seen. Pacaya Samiria is one of the favourite 

areas to realise these activities, with almost 450 different 

types of birds catalogued, which include the white heron, 

macaws, and hoatzin. 

Navigate the tributary rivers within the reserve searching 

for these animals. The specialised guides will help you in 

the task, with the help of books that complement their 

knowledge and binoculars to see them at a distance. 


55


Media 


SWIM WITH 

PINK 

DOLPHINS 

Pink dolphins are, without a doubt, the cherry atop the 

whole Amazon experience. The stories woven around 

their very existence have turned them into mystical 

creatures, and the fact that they are not so easy to find 

makes the prospect of swimming with them that much 

more exciting. 

Take a pre-sunset dip in the waters of Pacaya Samiria and 

enjoy the sound of the birds as you await the dolphins. 

These curious creatures travel in groups, making them 

easy to spot as they make their appearance. 

56

AMAZON / ADVENTURE 

FISHING FOR 

PIRANHAS 

Over the years, movies and television have given piranhas 

an undeserved bad reputation. In this excursion, you will 

have the chance to see these feared creatures face to 

face and learn more about their species. 

Explore the lagoons and summon all your patience as you 

sit and wait for the fish to nibble your bait. Try not to let 

their sharp teeth and uninviting face deter you, as what 

you catch will be your dinner – an Amazonian reality. 


57


Nevin Xavier 

AMAZON / ROMANCE 

SUNSET AND 

STARGAZING IN 

THE 

AMAZON 

If you are a fan of sunsets, prepare yourself for the 

gorgeous, mind-blowing experience that is witnessing 

one from the Amazon. Watch the rainbow of colours 

reflect off the water as the sun hides itself behind the 

treeline. This experience goes beyond being merely 

postcard worthy; it is a gift. 

When night comes and darkness descends, the sky 

shimmers above in all its splendour. Make your way to 

the Amazon Star’s open-air deck and revel in the beauty 

of the stars and constellations that decorate the skies 

above, as you are lulled into relaxation by the soft 

sounds of the ship against the water. 

58

AMAZON / ADVENTURE 

WATER 

SPORTS 

The best way to explore the jungle and get close to the 

animals is in complete silence. Thus, navigating the 

rivers aboard a kayak or paddleboard offers the perfect 

opportunity to experience the intimacy of the jungle and 

appreciate its treasures up close. 

The Amazon Star provides both vehicles to its passengers, 

and offers the chance to engage in afternoon 

explorations of the waters, departing from small lagoons 

within the reserve, and journeying to the mouth of the 

Amazon River. It is an unforgettable and one-of-a-kind 

excursion. 


59



AMAZON / CULTURE 

VISIT A 

COMMUNITY 

AND COMMUNE WITH A 

LOCAL SHAMAN 

For over 11 thousand years, groups of people have 

chosen to settle in the Amazon and adapt to its 

ways, living from what Mother Nature provides, and 

establishing a profound relationship with her. These 

days, despite incredible technological advances and 

development, many of the native communities maintain 

the legacy left behind by their ancestors, and continue 

to live as one with the surrounding nature. 

Visit the community of Puerto Prado, declared a private 

conservation area, where community members take 

advantage of the natural resources and offer visitors the 

chance to experience the jungle first-hand. Then, join 

the community shaman who will share his knowledge of 

local medicinal plants and lead you in an ancient ritual. 

60

AMAZON / GASTRONOMY 

TOUR OF A 

LOCAL 

MARKET 

AND COOKING CLASSES 

Fruits are a fundamental part of the Amazonian diet. 

Encounter the exotic pacae, aguaje, camu camu, cocona 

fruits, as well as over a dozen different kinds of bananas 

as you peruse the market stalls and take in the array of 

bright colours and natural products. 

Then, time to delight the palate. What might you be in the 

mood for? A doncella ceviche? An Amazonian rice dish 

with chonta palm? Some locally cured cecina, perhaps? 

Let our on-board chef be your guide as you learn about 

the exotic flavours of Amazonian gastronomy. 


61

62 

Adventure and reconnection with nature in a trip through the jungle.

UJ #16 - Amazon Cruises

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