OVERVIEW:
Low Water Season Itinerary: June to October
Aqua Expedition’s 5 days luxury cruise begins in the remote colonial city of Iquitos, Peru and transport guests in exceptional comfort deep into the Amazon rainforest, along the Ucayali River, the Amazon’s largest tributary, as well as the four other rivers, each one rich in vibrant wildlife with thriving rainforests.
Our 5 dyas Explorer Cruise is our most popular choice which makes the best of your time on the Amazon rainforest. A 5 day trip ensures you more opportunities to experience diverse Amazon wildlife, at the same time, relax and enjoy activities like canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water river. Go piranha fishing, dolphin watching, or search for Amazon monkeys, three-toed sloths, crown headed hoatzin birds, toucans, macaws and giant water lilies. Enjoy your journey as you travel deep into the jungles and waterways of northern Peru spotting wildlife and learning about the ecosystems within the Amazon’s rainforest from our experienced, English speaking naturalist guides about the diverse Amazon wildlife and birds of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
ITINERARY IN BRIEF:
Day 1: Arrival - Nauta - Embarkation - Maranon river
Day 2: Ucayali River - Pacaya River
Day 3: Pacaya River - Ucayali River - Tapiche River
Day 4: Clavero Lake - San Jose Flooded Forest
Day 5: Nauta - 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Clavero Lake - San Jose Flooded 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 flooded forest and see the unforgettable giant water lilies.
This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crew members whom you may not have met, working "behind the scenes" to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the Aria Amazon.
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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 ARIA 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.
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
- International and internal airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Changes and adjustments for both seasons may also occur due to weather conditions, river conditions, and/or airline issues
