UJ #16 - Amazon Cruises

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.
Naomi Tamamoto
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.
Christian Declercq
The Amazon Star has two boats
for excursions along the Amazon.
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