Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Max 28

8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners

Meals and unlimited bottled water are included on board the Amatista, drinks extra. Continental Breakfast included in Lima hotel.

Amazon riverboat, plane, private bus.

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Aboard the Amatista Amazon riverboat (6 nts), upgraded hotels (2 nts).

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

Cabins on board the Amatista all have exterior view windows with air conditioning and private bathrooms. Also please note that they are set up as twins but can be converted into a double bed if requested.



Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.



An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.



Our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures sign, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.





Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.



Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!



If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.



AIRPORT TRANSFER 

If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:



Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 



EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

G Adventures Office Lima, Peru.

During office hours (Weekdays, 9-6pm Local Time): +51 1 241 1650 or 01 241 1650 (from mobile within Peru) or 241 1650 (from payphone within Peru)

After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712, (WhatsApp Available)



If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.



Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100

Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000

Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000

Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618

Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307

Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

Most airlines allow two checked bags and one carry-on per person. To avoid any problems upon check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions.



We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Amazon:
• Knee-length socks
• Loose-fitting, light coloured hiking pants
• Loose-fitting, light coloured long-sleeved shirts
• Pack liners to waterproof bags

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. On board, you will have an opportunity to do one laundry drop off free of charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.



Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here

AMAZON RIVER



Iquitos is a city with a population of over 400,000 inhabitants. It is the largest jungle city of Peru and the capital of the massive Department of Loreto, the largest of all Peru’s Departments. Iquitos was originally founded in the 1750s as a Jesuit mission. It grew steadily and there was a virtual population explosion in the 1880s during the rubber boom. The rubber industry has left an amazing legacy in Iquitos with its fabulous mansions, which in its heyday was the centre of cultural life for the rich of this port city. The city experienced a second boom, with the discovery of oil in the area, which has transformed Iquitos into a prosperous modern city. In recent years tourism has also begun to play an increasingly important role in the local economy.



A unique feature of the rainforest surrounding Iquitos is that it has neither a rainy nor dry season. It does have a high water period from December through May, which is caused by the melting of snow during the Andean summer and from the rainy season in the upper jungle. The low water period begins in June and ends with the rising waters in November.

The warm and humid climate remains relatively constant throughout the year, giving this area its botanical category of "Everwet Tropical Forest". Normal daytime highs are 32º C (90 ºF) and nighttime lows are 23º C (74 ºF).



The Amazon Region contains the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the world’s longest river, and perhaps the greatest diversity of wildlife to be found anywhere. More than 4000 species of birds, 2000 species of fish (more species than are found in the Atlantic Ocean), 60 species of reptiles, including the caiman and the anaconda, the world's largest non-venomous snake, and a great variety of mammals such as the jaguar, pecary, anteater, tapir, capybara and pink dolphin.



In addition to our rainforest explorations, another important feature of the program will be our visits to the homes of deep forest settlers. We will visit and learn what their lives are like, living on the edge of this vast trackless forest. A walk through their gardens is always interesting and we marvel at their survival skills, which permit them to continue living in the complex tropical forest environment. All deep forest settlers collect plants for medicines and we will talk with them about which plants they collect and their uses.





Experience Counts

Accompanying the voyage is a dedicated and experienced staff of naturalists who share with us their knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to the environment. Officers and crew, all highly experienced in varying types of navigation, man our ship.



Environmental Policy

We are dedicated to minimizing the impact of our expedition on wildlife and sensitive natural habitats. We operate environmentally responsible cruises and expeditions and follow all internationally agreed regulations of conduct. We are all privileged visitors – and committed to the future of these extraordinary realms.



Safety First

Although expedition cruising is adventurous by nature, the safety of our passengers and staff is paramount. Our ships are equipped and maintained to cope with the most challenging conditions and are manned by experienced and conscientious officers, crew and staff. The skiff landing crafts used for daily shore landings are rugged and are operated by experienced drivers in a responsible manner. Onboard you will be fully briefed on safety issues and our environmental policy and you will receive appropriate and detailed briefings before every landing.



Naturalist Staff

A carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. They are chosen not only for their local knowledge and wealth of experience but also for their great love of the Amazon. With formal lectures, as well as informal briefings and discussions, your naturalists will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, rainforest biology, geography, history and the environment.





A DAY ON BOARD



Our day’s skiff and land excursions will be in the morning and late afternoon, when the wildlife is at its liveliest. During the hotter hours of midday, our expedition staff will entertain and captivate us with enthralling lectures on everything from the history and culture of the region, to the Amazon’s prolific bird, animal and plant life. There will be plenty of time to relax in the comfort of Amatista observation deck.



Late evenings are for relaxing. Well, not necessarily. By all means, curl up with a good book, spend a few hours chatting in the bar or enjoying the local band onboard during Happy Hour and before dinner. But there are some rather more exhilarating alternatives. There may be another shore landing or skiff cruise, or you could always spend a few more hours on the deck, looking at the myriad of stars in the Amazon night sky.



Your Home away from Home: The Vessel

The ship was built with a unique combination of Amazonian hard wood and steel, with a design typical to the region. It is beautifully furnished with polished wooden floors. This air conditioned ship has one dining area, an open bar area and one observation deck. All cabins are air conditioned, mainly twin beds, able to be reconfigured into double beds upon request. they are comfortable and spacious, private shower with toilet and hot/cold water 24 hours a day. The Amazon Riverboat is also equipped with a fleet of skiff launch boats. Skiffs provide practically unlimited mobility and allow exploration of even the most remote and inaccessible shores.



AMATISTA AT A GLANCE



Registry: Peru

Built: 1994

Renovated: 2011

Overhaul year: 2012

Cruising Speed: 8 knots

Capacity: 30 pax

Auxiliary Craft: Three auxiliary aluminum boats fully equipped with four stroke low emission engines. Radio communication with the ship . Two boats with a 20 person capacity an a third with a max of 6

Electricity: 110V in cabins and public areas

Capacity: 30 passengers

Cabins as per deck plan 7 upper Deck cabins, 8 lower deck cabins

Crew: 15 crew and 2 naturalist guides

Boat Layout: Interior bar lounge, Reading lounge, dining Room, 2 Observation decks including one covered, 1 Observation platform Lateral passageways

Special Amenities: Best-in-field naturalist guides

Equipped with an open skiff to explore smaller tributaries and remote arteries

Complimentary tea and coffee served all day

Juice and snacks available for purchase

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN).



Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.



You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.



Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.



We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.



CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).



As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

We recommend tipping $15 per day or $90 in total for time spent on the boat. There will be two envelopes left by the staff one, for guides and one for crew. The recommended breakdown is 50% for the naturalist staff and 50% for the crew. This is only a suggestion as we understand that tipping is a personal choice.



Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Lima
- Lima Cooking Class (4hrs)
- Lima City Tour (40USD per person)
- Bike Miraflores and Barranco (35USD per person)
- Huacas and Larco Museum by Night (90USD per person)

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.



You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medication required. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.



For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise us of any medical condition that may affect you while traveling.



If you are carrying any prescribed medication, or if you have any particular health needs, please bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician stating any such health problems and dosage requirements for any medication to be provided to any medical authorities in case of an emergency.



Also, please note that if you are particularly sensitive to heat, this may not be the trip for you.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.



Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.



Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).



Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.



We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:





www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

Care should be taken when wandering around on your own in central Lima, as some areas can be dangerous and pickpockets are daring.

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.



G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.



Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.



Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Check-in times and baggage allowances
estrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Two Certified Amazon Reserve naturalist guides and support staff aboard the Amatista. G Adventures Representative in Lima.

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G Adventures was established in 1990

Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.

It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.

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