We have just returned from a 8 day Amazon cruise from Nauta (Iquitos) aboard the luxury vessel Zafiro. The trip was organised as a full charter for our group of 30 professionals. The ship can accommodate up to 40 people but we wanted a bit more space.
The charter was organised via Rainforest Cruises by one of the most professional agents we encountered in 35 year of travel, JP Salcedo. Despite the challenges of us being in Australia, JP in Florida and the cruise in the Amazon, the whole process was quite easy and smooth…..mainly due to JP’s responsiveness and professionalism. JP handled all our enquiries and requests and always made us feel like nothing is too much trouble.
THE SHIP: Zafiro was built in 2015 specifically for luxury cruising in remote areas of the Amazon. Since new it was maintained to the highest standards creating an oasis of comfort and luxury in the rainforest. Coming back to the comfort of the Zafiro after every one of the daily excursions was a great experience for everyone in our group. The cabins are spacious, all with ensuite, huge windows, most with balconies and obsessively clean. The lounge on the upper deck was an ideal venue for our academic program (computer, projector and screen organised by JP) as well as a space to socialise, dance and enjoy the band performances. Wifi via Starlink was available in the lounge.
The restaurant was a superb location for our meals with full view of the dolphins playing in the river.
THE ITINERARY: During the 8 days we visited a variety of locations with two excursions on most days. The program included wildlife spotting skiff trips,(both during the day and at night) , jungle walks, visits to local communities and villages, butterfly farms, local shamans, kayaking and swimming. We saw: pink and grey dolphins, sloths (including a cuddle with a baby), anacondas, vipers, caymans, multiple species of monkeys (including being robbed by one) ,butterflies, tarantulas…etc..and he bird watchers among us were kept busy all the time. Piranhas and dragon fish were the stars for the fishermen.
THE CREW: we had one of the most professional crews that we ever encountered. From Roger (the cruise director) to the chef and the skiff drivers everyone made us feel welcome and more like members of their family than just guests. The whole crew (many with good command of English language) were always available and extremely attentive to guess our needs….sometimes even before we knew that we wanted something. A special mention for our three naturalists, Roger, George and Usiel. All three were extremely knowledgeable, spoke perfect English and they never left one single question unanswered. We were constantly surprised by the depth of their expertise in all areas that we would want to discuss. They were invaluable in making our cruise an exceptional experience. Personally, a big thank you to Usiel for all the effort made to coordinate excursions with the requirements of our academic program.
Overall, a great experience for the whole group. We can thoroughly recommend Zafiro and Rainforest Cruises
An amazing experience, truly incredible. The staff on the boat are so helpful, kind and nothing is too much trouble.
Beckett and Carlos in the dining room along with Charles the barman serving drinks and the amazing 5 course meal in the evenings. The dining area was always immaculate and the buffet breakfast and lunch and the served evening meal were of excellent standard and very yummy. Congratulations to the chef and his team.
Robinson and Daniel were amazing naturalists. Their incredible ability to be able to see the smallest of insects or birds from a distance amazed us all. Their wealth of knowledge and great sense of humor helped to make my trip unforgettable.
Marcos, the medic, was always on hand. When we went out on excursions , when humidity was high he was, there just in case. Continuously helping and checking that everyone was ok.
Emily, the cruise coordinator, who made a difficult job look easy. Always with a smile, ready to help, and provide the best experience for every passenger.
Karen who is the masseuse, her hands are magical.
The room attendants who keep the rooms spotlessly clean and the beautiful flowers and animals that they surprise you with when you come back from an excursion are incredible talented.
The two skip drivers who instantly fill you with a sense of security on the skip and their eagle eyes at helping to spot wildlife.
The guys in the engine room and those who help to steer the Zafiro who never seem to tire.
The Zafiro band, what can I say, GREAT entertainment.
Finally, the most important member of staff, the Captain. Thank you for keeping us safe.
Congratulations to all the staff on board and a big thank you to each and everyone of you. You all did a great job. You made my dream a reality and surpassed all expectations.
What an amazing experience! I cannot overstate how much we enjoyed this cruise. The boat is beautiful and the staff are all amazing. Everyone went above and beyond to make the trip great. The nature guides were both extremely knowledgeable and fun. They want you to see and experience everything the Amazon has to offer. Every day has 3 excursions starting bright and early at 6am. Obviously you don't have to go on them all but we didn't want to miss anything. We saw pink river dolphins, monkeys, sloths, cayman, tons of birds. Even an anaconda! We went on the 8 day 7 night and I'm glad we did the full tour. The food was excellent. Breakfast and lunch are both delicious buffets and dinner is a 5 course meal. I think lunch was my favorite but they were all great. Again, the staff was super lovely and amazing. If you are on the fence about this trip, trust me...book it and you will not be disappointed.