Amazon River Cruise Departure #2 - February 2026
Dates: February 6-14, 2026
Leaders: Doris Valencia, Rafael Galvez, Alejandro Nagy & Angel Cardenas
E-bird
Total Species: 279 birds
Click Here to view list.
Overall Summary
Our journey to one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth, the Amazon, began in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, where the group gathered before continuing on to the rainforest.
Before heading to the Amazon, we spent an enjoyable day exploring the coastal wetlands south of Lima. At the marshes of Chilca, we began our birding with impressive numbers of American Oystercatchers, over a hundred Black-necked Stilts, White-cheeked Pintails, and hundreds of Franklin’s Gulls. We were also fortunate to see the uncommon Peruvian Martin and the striking Peruvian Thick-knee with a chick.
From Lima, we flew to Iquitos, the gateway to the northern Peruvian Amazon and one of the largest cities in the world inaccessible by road. Upon arrival, we boarded the elegant Zafiro, which would be our home for the next week as we explored one of the most fascinating river systems on the planet.
Over the following days, we navigated the Amazon River and the basins of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers using small skiffs, allowing us to explore narrow tributaries and flooded forests. Among the many waterways we visited were the Yarapa, Tahuayo, Dorado, and Zapote rivers, as well as oxbow lakes such as Luceropata and Yuraccocha. These diverse environments often revealed flooded forest on one side and terra firme forest on the other, offering excellent opportunities to observe a wide range of bird species.
Wildlife encounters were constant and memorable. In addition to an impressive diversity of birds, we observed Squirrel Monkeys, Monk Saki Monkeys, Saddle-backed Tamarins, Three-toed Sloths, iguanas, and the unforgettable pink and gray river dolphins that surfaced alongside our skiffs.
A particularly special visit took us to a local community, where we encountered the extraordinary Giant Water Lily and learned about its intricate pollination system involving beetles—one of many fascinating ecological interactions that make the Amazon so unique.
Much of our exploration took place within the vast Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected area in Peru and a vital stronghold for biodiversity, where local communities play an important role in conservation.
Life aboard the Zafiro was equally memorable. Meals were consistently delicious, well balanced, and plentiful—an impressive accomplishment given the remoteness of the region. When rain interrupted our activities, we spent part of the day learning about local cuisine, sampling delicious Amazonian tropical fruits, and enjoying a series of engaging talks on the region’s traditions, stories, and fascinating natural history. Evenings often ended with live music performed by the crew, accompanied by spectacular sunsets over the river.
After an unforgettable week immersed in the Amazon’s immense biodiversity, we returned to Lima for a farewell dinner, reflecting on a truly remarkable journey through one of the most diverse and captivating ecosystems on Earth.
Day-by-Day Summary
February 5 - Arrive in Lima.
February 6 - Morning birding along the Lima coast at Chilca Marshes and the bay of Pucusana.
February 7 - Flight to Iquitos (348 ft), followed by embarkation to the Zafiro vessel.
February 8 - Tahuayo River, morning birding along this black-water tributary in the Ucayali River basin. Afternoon outing to the Luceropata Oxbow Lake.
February 9 - Yarapa River, black-water tributary. Birding at community reserve. Afternoon exploration of the Sapuenilla oxbow-lake.
February 10 - Yanallpa Creek at the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve morning birding. Mid-morning Pisco Sour Demo & Cooking class of Peru’s signature dishes. Yuracocha Oxbow Lake in the afternoon.
February 11 - Zapote Creek, morning birding. Mid-morning map session. Afternoon birding at Dorado River, both tributaries in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Night outing at Dorado River.
February 12 - Morning birding at Yarapa follow by San Juan de Paranapura community visit. Afternoon birding at Lucerna creek.
February 13 - Morning birding at Iquitos Creek, a tributary of the Marañón River basin. Mid-morning session featuring a hands-on experience with Amazonian fruits. Afternoon birding along Luceropata Oxbow Lake and last map session.
February 14 - Morning outing cancelled due heavy rain. 08.30 am breakfast follows by 10.30 am disembarkation and transfer to airport for afternoon flight back to Lima. Arrival to Lima and check-in at airport hotel. Farewell dinner.
February 15 - Departures for home.
Wildlife Seen:
MAMMALS:
Three-toed Sloth
Saddle-back Tamarin
Capybara
Isabel's Saki Monkey
Kinkajou
Pink Dolphin
Gray Dolphin
REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS:
Olive Whiptail
Polka-dot Tree-frog
Moos-backed Frog
Freshwater Stingray
Spectacled Caiman