There are few places on earth as wild, beautiful, and untouched as the Peruvian Amazon. Exploring it aboard the Zafiro brings a rare sense of comfort to such a remote and extraordinary setting. Elegant yet unpretentious, this boutique river ship offers the chance to venture deep into the rainforest without losing the pleasures of fine service, spacious surroundings, and thoughtful design.
Carrying just 38 guests in 19 suites, the Zafiro feels calm, personal, and never crowded. Large windows keep the landscape close at all times, whether drifting past jungle-lined riverbanks or waking to morning mist over the water. Sailing from Iquitos on journeys of four, five, or eight days, the ship opens the door to the remarkable Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve and the life that thrives within it.
Highlights
- Just 19 suites for an intimate onboard atmosphere
- Floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite
- Signature Zafiro Suite with private balcony and panoramic front-facing views
- Expert naturalist guides leading daily excursions
- Small-group skiff outings into narrow waterways and hidden lagoons
- Fine cuisine inspired by Peru and the Amazon region
- Open-air lounge, bar, and Jacuzzi on deck
- Massage room and fitness area onboard
- Interconnecting suites for families
- Children’s activities designed around nature and discovery
- Onboard paramedic available at all times
Life On Board
The Zafiro is contemporary in style, but warm in character. Interiors are bright and comfortable, with polished wood, soft tones, and welcoming spaces to gather or unwind. Suites are generously sized, giving guests room to settle in properly after each day’s excursions.
The most impressive accommodation is the Zafiro Suite at the bow of the ship, where sweeping windows and a private balcony create uninterrupted views of the river ahead. It is a wonderful place to watch the Amazon slowly unfold.
Elsewhere, life on board is pleasantly relaxed. Guests might spend the afternoon with a book in the lounge, enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets, or take in the scenery from the Jacuzzi on the upper deck. Service is attentive without being formal, and the atmosphere remains easy throughout the voyage.
Dining
Meals are one of the pleasures of life aboard the Zafiro. Menus draw on Peru’s celebrated culinary traditions while making the most of regional Amazon ingredients. Fresh fish, tropical fruits, fragrant herbs, and local flavours appear alongside international favourites, all prepared with care and presented elegantly.
Wines, cocktails, and Peru’s famous pisco are always close at hand, whether before dinner or after a day exploring the river.
Into the Rainforest
The real heart of the journey lies beyond the ship. Each day, guests head out with experienced guides aboard skiffs designed to reach the Amazon’s smaller waterways, where larger vessels cannot go.
No two outings feel quite the same. One morning may bring sightings of pink river dolphins or sloths in the trees, while another could mean fishing for piranha, walking through rainforest trails, or visiting a riverside community to learn about local traditions. Some itineraries also include canopy walks, meetings with a traditional shaman, tree-planting projects, and visits to the Amazon Rescue Center.
For Families
The Zafiro works especially well for families traveling together. Interconnecting suites offer practical comfort, while children are encouraged to engage with the natural world through dedicated activities and small surprises along the way. Grandparents, parents, and younger travelers can all enjoy the journey in their own way.
An accessible suite also allows more guests to experience this remarkable region comfortably.
Why Choose Zafiro
The Zafiro suits travelers who want more than a standard cruise. It offers genuine access to one of the world’s great wilderness areas, paired with comfort, privacy, and thoughtful hospitality. For many guests, it becomes not only a journey through the Amazon, but one of the most memorable trips they have ever taken.