South & Central America, Amazon
Amazon Explorer Cruise (Aqua Nera)
This 4-night Amazon Explorer Cruise manages to fit major highlights of the Peruvian Amazon and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in an action-packed itinerary. Go piranha fishing, trek into the dense jungle with our experienced guides in search of wildlife such as Amazon monkeys, three-toed sloths, hoatzins, toucans, macaws and unravel the mystery of giant water lilies. Journeys focus on the Ucayali tributary, where wildlife feeding and nesting grounds are aplenty.
You’ll have the opportunity to view taricaya turtles and spectacled caimans in their natural habitat, along with Amazon’s famous pink river dolphins whose love of frolicking in the river will delight the young and old. You’ll also have enough time to find your favorite spot on the spacious five-star Aqua Nera, where you’ll sample a wide range of Amazonian produce from chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s inventive and delicious onboard menu.
• Low Water Season (June through October) vs. High Water Season (November Through May)
If seeing glorious Amazon rainforest at its lushest and getting up close to lots of birds and mammals (and enjoying slightly cooler temperatures) sounds most attractive, then December to May might be your best choice.
If jungle hikes and spotting exotic migratory birds perched on trees between flights across Amazonia appeals most to you, while still having the chance to see capuchin monkeys, kinkajou, and other mammals, and going on great fishing expeditions, you might be happier choosing the warmer, low water season.
You’ll have the opportunity to view taricaya turtles and spectacled caimans in their natural habitat, along with Amazon’s famous pink river dolphins whose love of frolicking in the river will delight the young and old. You’ll also have enough time to find your favorite spot on the spacious five-star Aqua Nera, where you’ll sample a wide range of Amazonian produce from chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s inventive and delicious onboard menu.
• Low Water Season (June through October) vs. High Water Season (November Through May)
If seeing glorious Amazon rainforest at its lushest and getting up close to lots of birds and mammals (and enjoying slightly cooler temperatures) sounds most attractive, then December to May might be your best choice.
If jungle hikes and spotting exotic migratory birds perched on trees between flights across Amazonia appeals most to you, while still having the chance to see capuchin monkeys, kinkajou, and other mammals, and going on great fishing expeditions, you might be happier choosing the warmer, low water season.
Arriving on a morning flight*, receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by our crew and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon continues with an introduction to the historic city of Iquitos and the opportunity to visit an indigenous Amazon community.
In the early evening, embark the Aqua Nera and settle into your generously-sized suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to our naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Amaz, is one of Peru’s most renowned dining establishments.
*Separate arrangements can be made for afternoon arrivals.
Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River and enjoy breakfast in the middle of the jungle. Later, swim, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River as we look for the legendary pink river dolphins. In the afternoon, come with us to an Amazonian village, to interact with the native people and visit local schoolchildren.
The rewards for our early start today are plentiful: a full day excursion including a picnic lunch that is accompanied by the jungle symphony, and fishing along the black waters of the Samiria River. On the way back to the Marañon River after lunch, we venture out by skiffs alongside the banana boats transporting jungle products, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the extraordinary blackwater Nauta Caño River. In the afternoon, we will take a jungle walk on the firm soil forest of Casual while looking for flora and fauna which may include medicinal trees, insects and poison dart frogs. Learn more about the different rainforest strata and ecosystems. At night, focus our hi-tech telescope on the sky to identify the stars, planets and the milky way.
In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market and marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon, and sample exotic snacks if you wish.
Return to the Aqua Nera for breakfast before disembarkation. En route to the airport, visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where orphaned Amazonian manatees rehabilitate before they are released back into the wild.
Note: Our itineraries may be subject to changtan e according to local weather and water conditions.
This itinerary is based on the High Water Season (November-May), it varies slightly for the Low Water Season (June–October). All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change.
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Cabin
$ 5500 USD pp
Passengers are accommodated in 20 Design Suites across two decks. Each measuring 30 square meters / 322 square feet
Aqua Nera
Vessel Type: Luxury River Expedition
Length: 62.4 meters / 205 feet
Passenger Capacity: 40
Built: 2019/2020
Setting a new standard for luxury river cruising on the Amazon, Aqua Nera draws design inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical blackwater lagoons and bears the hallmarks of contemporary style and generous interiors that Aqua Expeditions cruise ships are known for.
Aboard the Aqua Nera, award-winning architects Noor Design crafts every space to perfection. The vessel’s 20 spacious Design Suites convey a sense of Amazon tranquility, while the social spaces showcase refined elegance with a touch of drama. Tastefully woven into the design are accents and details from the rubber boom era and the colorful cultures of Portugal, Spain and Peru.
Aqua Nera operates alongside the Aria Amazon, taking guests into the depths of the Peruvian Amazon in the comfort of luxury. The cruise features cuisine by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s finest chefs who is celebrated for creating refined cuisine from native Amazonian produce. Every day, expert naturalist guides conduct small group excursions that reward guests with up-close wildlife encounters in the world’s most biodiverse rainforest.
On Board Living and Social Areas
Sun Decks
Indoor and outdoor bars
Indoor dining room and outdoor private dining
Screening room with theater-style seating
Outdoor cinema under the stars
Games room with pool table
Outside shaded lounge with single and double day beds
Antique and artisanal boutique
Lobby lounge
Observation deck with outdoor sunbeds
Top deck gym overlooking the river
Infirmary with onboard medical staff
Outdoor top deck plunge pool with private cabanas
Two spa treatment rooms, one single and one double.
River Boat
5 Days from
$ 5500 USD pp
Highlights
• Experience the world’s most biodiverse land ecosystem in the most intriguing and rewarding way alongside top naturalist guides. An intimate experience with wildlife, nature and culture is made possible by our small-group excursions of no larger than 8, which limit our footprint on the environment and transforms an Amazon cruise adventure into a deeply personal experience.• Led by our naturalist guides, venture into the world’s richest land ecosystem with a wealth of knowledge.
• Closest to its source, the mighty Andes mountains, the Amazon river is as pristine as Amazon’s waters get. This makes it perfect for a wide range of water activities and excursions.
• The Peruvian Amazon is home to about 200 communities, each offering a fascinating glimpse into a way of life in harmony with the river and rainforest.
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