Amazon Cruise - Aria - 4 Days Itinerary

OVERVIEW:

Low Water Season Itinerary: June to October

Aqua Expedition’s 4 days Amazon River luxury cruise begins in the remote colonial city of Iquitos, Peru and transports guests in exceptional comfort deep into the Amazon rainforest, along the Marañon River, the Amazon’s largest tributary, as well as other neighboring rivers (the Yarapa and Yanayacu-Pucate), each one rich in vibrant wildlife and thriving rainforests.

Go fishing for the many species of Amazon fish, searching for three-toed sloths, toucans, macaws then come back to the comfort of our skiffs to meet taricaya turtles in their natural habitat and look for endangered pink dolphins, unique to the Amazon, at play. Enjoy a glimpse of what your journey will be like as you travel deep into the jungles and waterways of northern Peru.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF:

Day 1: Iquitos - Nauta - Embarkation - Maranon River
Day 2: Yanayacu Pucate River - Maranon River
Day 3: Samiria River - Nauta Cano or Amazonian Natural Park
Day 4: Nauta Town - Manatee Rescue Center - Airport Transfer

NOTE: Schedule of activities is subject to change due to weather and river conditions. Please consult with your naturalist guide to discuss any last minute changes or questions.

JUN / OCT: 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 M/V Aria Amazon. Settle into your 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.
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.
Samiria River - Nauta Caño or 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 suspended bridges deep into the high Amazon rainforest.

On our return in the evening, enjoy the jungle symphony and extraordinary stargazing on local boats along the “Enchanted Lake”. 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 Amazon.
Arrival In Nauta - Manatee Rescue Center - Transfer To The Airport

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. Return to the ship for breakfast and to pack up.

Before saying goodbye, we visit the Manatee Rescue Centre, 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.

SPECIFICATION:

Year Built: 2007
Cruise port of embarkation: Iquitos, Peru
Vessel’s Registry: Peru
Type of Vessel: River Expedition Vessel
Length: 130 feet / 39.8 meters
Beam: 24 feet / 7.3 meters
Draft: 5 feet / 1.5 meters
Gross Tonnage: 400 tons
Cruising Speed: 10 knots
Electricity: 220 volts
Engines: 2 Cummins 380 HP Marine Engines
Generators: 1 x 95 KVA Cummins and 1 x 65 KVA Cummins (encapsulated for noise reduction)
Water: 7,000-liter water treatment plant

Safety onboard the Aqua Amazon: Radio communication with separate battery pack; satellite phone; life jackets, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in each cabin; flares and signals; automatic defibrillator on board.

Launch Boats used for shore excursions from the Aqua Amazon: Three auxiliary aluminum launch boats equipped with four-stroke low emission engines; constant radio communication with the main vessel. Each boat has a capacity of 8 passengers.

Aqua Amazon Crew: 24, including a cruise director, paramedic and 3 English speaking naturalist guides.

Aqua Amazon Capacity: Up to 24 passengers with private facilities (Additional accommodation for one child in each cabin)

CABINS DETAILS:

The M/V Aria Amazon’s 16 oversized suites are 250 square feet with polished timber flooring and generous outward-facing picture-windows. All suites have twin beds that convert to a California king-size bed, en suite sitting area, private bath with hot/cold showers, hairdryer, luxury toiletries, fine Peruvian linen, internal communication system and safety deposit box. Four suites can be interconnected to cater to families.

First Deck Suite

Design Suites 101-108 are located on the First Deck. Four can be interconnected for families: 103 can connect to 105; 104 can connect to 106.

Second Deck Suite

Design Suites 201-208 are located on the Second Deck, with no option for interconnectivity.

DECKPLAN

WHAT’S INCLUDED

All meals while on board
Premium selected wines and beer, non-alcoholic drink
Twice-daily excursions with knowlegable local guides
Group transfers to and from the airport when arriving/departing on recommended flights
Pacaya Samiria entrance fee

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED