Aqua Expeditions – 8 Day Cruise

Note: This itinerary starts at Iquitos airport, please speak to your consultant for further arrival information.

Cruising the Amazon river and rainforest ecosystem is like seeing a giant living and breathing creature. The significant ebbing and flooding of the Amazon River and its tributaries between seasons replenish the waters with vital nutrient. 

There are two key seasons in the Peruvian Amazon: a low water season that lasts from June to October and a high water season from November to May. Cruising in either season presents explorers with a unique experiences of the Amazon and no matter what season you choose, the Amazon will most definitely leave an impression!

Overview: The ultimate Amazon odyssey aboard a best-in-class river cruise ship

Our acclaimed 7-night Amazon Expedition Cruise lets guests experience the most luxurious and complete of Amazon journeys among the two tributaries, Marañon and Ucayali, that give the Amazon river its life. This all-encompassing itinerary lets explorers discover the best that Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve has to offer, including its hidden lakes and lagoons, as well as amazing jungle trails.

Kayak, canoe and swim in the most pristine Amazon upriver waters, with several opportunities to spot the Amazon’s famous pink river dolphins. Learn about life in an Amazon village, and then fish for piranhas like a local. Become a bona fide naturalist by the end of your 7-night trip, absorbing the in-depth knowledge our experienced guides impart on every excursion and jungle walk.

No two days of adventure is ever the same, except for the luxurious yet understated presence of the Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera. Return to your five-star home on the Amazon every day to the inspiring Peruvian Amazon cuisine of chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and the luxurious comforts of your suite and many amenities. You won’t want this trip to be over.

Ships that operate this itinerary:
- Aqua Nera
- Aria Amazon

Inclusions: 

• Accommodation onboard either the Aqua Nera or Aria Amazon in twin share suite
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Excursions as described in the itinerary
• Bilingual naturalist guide
• Transfers in/out from Coca airport
• Private & personalized airport assistance in Quito and Coca
• Use of VIP port lounge before and after cruise
• Use of expedition gear

Exclusions:

• Tips and gratuities
• Internet Wi-Fi
• Personal expenses 
• Travel Insurance 

Day 1 June to October Itinerary: Iquitos – Nauta – Embarkation – Marañon River

We will meet at Iquitos International Airport then journey together by air-conditioned vehicle through the Peruvian countryside to arrive at our Nauta Lounge in time for lunch, or we will serve a box lunch en route depending on the flight arrival time. 

In the afternoon, we will set off on your first skiff excursion along the Marañon River. At 6:00pm, we will board the Aria or Nera. Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to our naturalist guides, we gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.

Day 1 November to May Itinerary: Iquitos – Amazon River

We will meet at Iquitos International Airport then enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant or we will serve a box lunch en route, depending on the flight arrival time. 

The afternoon continues with an introduction to this historic city and the opportunity to meet an indigenous Amazon community. At 6:00pm we will board the Aria or Nera. Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to our naturalist guides, we gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top-ranked dining experiences.

*All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.

June to October Itinerary: Yanayacu Pucate River – Marañon River

We commence today’s adventures near the main entrance of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, cruising along Yanayacu Pucate in the comfort of our state-of-the-art skiffs. Kayak, canoe and swim in these unspoiled black waters, keeping eyes peeled for the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins. 

In the afternoon, we will visit a remote village along the Marañon River to learn about traditional customs. Focus our hi-tech telescope on the night sky to identify the planets and constellations.

November to May Itinerary: Amazon River – Yarapa River – Nauta Caño

Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we set sail from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. Keep your binoculars ready to spot tropical songbirds, black collared hawks and sloths. We’ll go fishing for Amazonia’s notoriously ferocious piranhas while our naturalist guides share stories of Lake Moringo. As the sun sets, we head off on an evening’s wildlife excursion with extraordinary stargazing on the black waters of Nauta Caño.

June to October Itinerary: Samiria River – Nauta Caño Or Pna (Amazonian Natural Park)

We set off by skiffs for an excursion along the Samiria River with optional fishing. Listen carefully to our after lunch flora and fauna lecture, then venture out for a singularly thrilling jungle walk across the high Amazon rainforest. On our return in the evening, enjoy the jungle symphony and extraordinary stargazing on local boats along the “Enchanted Lake”.

November to May Itinerary: Marañon River – Casual Jungle Walk – Yanayacu-Pucate River

Rise with the sun for early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River. After breakfast, we will take a jungle walk on the firm soil forest “Casual,” while looking for flora and fauna which include medicinal trees, insects, and poison dart frogs, and learning more about the different rainforest stratas. 

Later, swim, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River as we look for legendary pink river dolphins. Focus our hi-tech telescope on the night sky to identify the planets and constellations.

June to October Itinerary: Nauta Town – Village Visit – Birthplace of the Amazon

This morning, we will visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the fishermen of Amazonia and the region’s exotic fruits. In the afternoon, together we will witness one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere, the birthplace of the Amazon River. Tonight you will meet the new passengers who have signed on for the four-night trip, as we start our journey together along the Marañon River.

November to May itinerary: Nauta Town – Village Visit – Birthplace Of The Amazon

This morning, we will visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the fishermen of Amazonia and the region’s exotic fruits. In the afternoon, we witness one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere, the birthplace of the Amazon River. Tonight you will meet the new passengers who have signed on for the four-night trip, as we start our journey together along the Marañon River.

June to October Itinerary: Ucayali River – Pacaya River

Boarding our skiffs, we start the day like Amazon River dwellers, cruising along the Ucayali River. As these farmers and fishermen go about their business, we search for pink river dolphins in these pristine waters. Later in the day, we return to the skiffs, to ride along the black waters of the Pacaya River at dusk, searching for the mysterious wildlife that come out after dark.

November to May Itinerary: Yanallpa River – Dorado River

By skiff, we explore the black waters of the Yanallpa River, disembarking to walk deep into the Amazonian rain forest. Later, we board the skiffs again to cruise along the El Dorado River for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal wildlife.

June to October Itinerary: Pacaya River – Ucayali River – Tapiche River

The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including a breakfast picnic accompanied by jungle symphony and fishing along the black waters of the Pacaya River. After lunch, we venture out by skiffs on the Ucayali River alongside the banana boats transporting jungle products to the port of Requena, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

November to May Itinerary: Pacaya River – Ucayali River – Tapiche River

The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including a breakfast picnic accompanied by jungle symphony and fishing along the black waters of the Pacaya River. After lunch, we venture out by skiffs on the Ucayali River alongside the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

June to October Itinerary: Clavero Lake – San Jose De Sarapanga Forest

Choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa or Clavero River in the morning. Come afternoon, take a short jungle walk in the San Jose de Sarapanga forest and see the unforgettable giant water lilies. This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crewmembers whom you may not have met, working “behind the scenes” to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the Aria or Nera.

November to May Itinerary: Clavero Or Yarapa River – Amazon River

Choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa or Clavero River in the morning. Visit a remote Amazonia village in the afternoon. This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crewmembers whom you may not have met, working “behind the scenes” to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the Aria or Nera.

June to October Itinerary: Arrival In Nauta – Manatee Rescue Center – Transfer To The Airport

We will visit the town of Nauta, founded in 1930. Today, villagers from around Amazonia gather here to sell the products they harvest in their rural communities. Together we will walk around Nauta to gain insights into the daily life of these remotes people. Return to the boat for breakfast and to pack up. 

Before saying goodbye, we will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. We will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport. Lunch or box lunch will be provided, depending on the exact departure flight time, which may vary. Other local activities may be included as well, according to the recommended flight schedule.

November to May Itinerary: Arrival In Iquitos – Manatee Rescue Center – Transfer To The Airport

At the Bellavista Nanay morning market along the Nanay River, sample exotic snacks from the Peruvian Amazon like ‘Suri’, Amazon caterpillars that are considered especially appetizing. Return to the boat for breakfast and to pack up. 

Before saying goodbye, we will make one last truly memorable stop at the Manatee Rescue Center, a very special kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees. We will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport. Lunch or box lunch will be provided, depending on the exact departure flight time, which may vary. Other local activities may be included as well, according to the recommended flight schedule.