Zafiro

The Zafiro luxury riverboat, named after the Spanish word for “Sapphire,” lives up to its reputation as a jewel of the Amazon. Since 2015, the 19-suite ship has sailed four, five, and eight-day itineraries from Iquitos, Peru.

Life Aboard The Zafiro Amazon Cruise Ship

The Zafiro is 164 feet of refined style. Everywhere you look, modern amenities blend with stylish design for an upscale take on Amazon River cruising. Thirty-eight guests settle into four different room categories, with one lucky group making their home in the exclusive Zafiro Suite with its 180-degree, floor-to-ceiling, front-facing window, and balcony. Away from your suite, there is a wealth of social areas, both indoors and out. Make your way to the outdoor bar to grab a local beer before settling into a sunchair on the outdoor lounge, or take a soak in the Jacuzzi tub.

When you are ready for a break from the action, curl up with a book in the indoor reading lounge, or sip a cocktail at the indoor bar. In the dining room on the second deck, there is a celebration of gastronomy. The ship’s chef uses native ingredients to create unique recipes to let you savor new flavors for a true culinary experience. Work off the calories from a decadent meal in the ship’s gym, or schedule a treatment in the massage room for a little extra pampering. And, in keeping with the spirit of luxury, you can expect to receive attentive service from the 24-member crew.

Excursions From Your Zafiro Amazon River Cruise

Get to know the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve by selecting either a four- or five-day itinerary, or complete your Amazon experience by opting for the eight-day version, which combines the two shorter cruises. During all three schedules, a range of activities is aimed at providing hands-on, authentic, yet comfortable ways to discover the rainforest’s waters and land. A highly-trained naturalist guide leads each excursion.

The Zafiro travels with three auxiliary boats, two of which hold up to 25 passengers and the other of which has a capacity of 15. These support crafts take small groups on river explorations and ashore for land-based activities. During the four-day cruise, learn to catch piranha using local techniques on the Dorado River and visit the Huaysi community to learn about local traditions. During the five-day route, take a walk through the rainforest overhanging bridges, visit a local Shaman and help plant a tree in the rainforest.

Then, visit the Amazon Rescue Center, where endangered manatees are prepared to return to their natural environment.

An Amazon Cruise For The Whole Family

Mom, Dad, children, and grandparents can all fall in love with the rainforest on a Zafiro Amazon River Cruise. While parents will treasure the luxury retreat that the Zafiro provides, the wildlife-focused activities and dedicated kids program will delight the younger crowd, and everyone is sure to have plenty of space. The lower deck cabins in particular are great for families as you have the option of two sets of interconnecting rooms. There is also a fully-accessible suite, a rarity on riverboats, which opens up the Amazon’s beauty to those with mobility concerns.

From exotic cocktail-making lessons and revitalizing spa treatments, to relaxing in the Jacuzzi, there is something for everyone aboard the Zafiro. What stories will you tell after your Zafiro Amazon River cruise?