Amazon Explorer and Southern Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Arrive in Lima at any time.

Day 2 Lima / Iquitos / Amazon River (B,L,D)

Fly to the charming town of Iquitos and board the 19th century style riverboat which will be your home for the next six days. Accessible only by air or water, Iquitos, the Peruvian jungle's largest city, remains pleasantly insulated from the outside world.

Day 3 Amazon River / Marañon River (B,L,D)

Rise early to catch a glimpse of the fishermen paddling their handmade canoes and village children smiling and waving from the river banks. Heading towards the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers, it is hard to miss the wide variety of exotic birds overhead. In the afternoon, head upstream and enjoy a sunset before heading out on a nocturnal walk.

Day 4 Amazon Natural Park / Kapok Camp (B,L,D)

Canoe through a black water lake, home to many jungle animals including capybaras, the world's largest rodent. Give back to the mighty rainforest by planting a tree on our way to our "maloka" campsite. Built exclusively for G.A.P Adventures, spend the evening in a luxurious camp with running water, raised, canvas tents with beds and traditional food from the area.

Day 5 Kapok Camp / Marañon River (B,L,D)

Today we visit the giant of the forest, the Kapok or Ceiba tree. From here, take a quick dip and then head back to the comfort of the Amazon Explorer. Our last visit in the area will be to a Jibaro-Ashual Shaman who will explain his traditional use of medicinal plants and bless your journey with a good luck ceremony.

Day 6 Marañon River / Pucate River / Ucayali River (B,L,D)

Keep your eyes open for dolphins and waterfowl as we cross the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve on the Pucate River. For lunch we will get even closer to nature as we go for a floating picnic before searching for the "Victoria amazonica" or giant water lily.

Day 7 Ucayali River (B,L,D)

Explore one of the Peruvian Amazon's best hidden secrets - the black water rivers that criss-cross the forest. Among the abundant fauna, discover a large variety of egrets, macaws, capuchins and squirrel monkeys.

Day 8 Iquitos / Lima (B)

Arrive in Iquitos for one last stop at the craft market before flying back to Lima.

Day 9 Lima/Buenos Aires (B)

Off to Buenos Aires, the 'Paris of the Americas'! Flight is unescorted, not included and must be pre-booked.

Day 10 Buenos Aires (B)

Known as the �Paris of the Americas,� Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life. Enjoy the city at your leisure and visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show at one of the many famous tanguer�as. Wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets in this most European of Latin cities.

Day 11-12 Iguassu Falls (B)

Travel to the border between Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina, en route to the magnificent Iguassu Falls. The falls are actually comprised of 275 separate waterfalls spanning over 3km, with some over 80m in height. Spend two days exploring both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides of the falls with great optional activities, including a helicopter trip above the falls.

Day 13-14 Paraty (B)

Continuing towards Rio de Janeiro, make your way to the gorgeous coastal town of Paraty by local flight and bus.

Day 15 Rio de Janeiro (B)

Follow the scent of sand and Caipirinha (a Brazilian cocktail) to the incomparable Rio de Janeiro, where the friendly Cariocas (residents of Rio) will have you swaying to the ever-present samba rhythms. Enjoy some local food and drink. Don�t forget to visit Copacabana beach, the perfect place to end your journey across the heart of South America.