South & Central America, Amazon
Aria Amazon Discovery Cruise
Aqua Expedition’s luxury 3 night cruise on the Amazon River aboard the Aria Amazon begins in the remote colonial city of Iquitos(IQT), 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, explore into the dense jungle on foot in search of three-toed sloths, toucans, macaws then come back to the comfort of our skiffs to meet taricaya turtles in their natural habitat and hunt for endangered pink dolphins, unique to the Amazon, at play. As the Aria Amazon journeys towards the union of the Ucayali and the Marañon Rivers, considered the birthplace of the Amazon, learn from our experienced, English speaking naturalist guides about the diverse Amazon wildlife and birds of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. The path the river cruise takes changes depending on the water level as shown below.
• 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.
Go fishing for the many species of Amazon fish, explore into the dense jungle on foot in search of three-toed sloths, toucans, macaws then come back to the comfort of our skiffs to meet taricaya turtles in their natural habitat and hunt for endangered pink dolphins, unique to the Amazon, at play. As the Aria Amazon journeys towards the union of the Ucayali and the Marañon Rivers, considered the birthplace of the Amazon, learn from our experienced, English speaking naturalist guides about the diverse Amazon wildlife and birds of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. The path the river cruise takes changes depending on the water level as shown below.
• 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.
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 6:00 pm, we will board the ARIA AMAZON. 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.
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.
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”. 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.
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 ARIA for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we 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 our recommended flight schedule.
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.
| 02 December, 2022 to 05 December, 2022 | Book now |
Suite. From
$3,615 USD pp
Luxurious 250 square feet design suite or 500 square feet interconnecting suite
Comfortable California King-size bed or twin beds
All suites have panoramic windows and air conditioned
Pampering organic natural hair and bath amenities
En suite bathroom with walk-in shower and rain forest shower head
Professional hairdryer
| 09 December, 2022 to 12 December, 2022 | Book now |
Suite. From
$3,615 USD pp
Luxurious 250 square feet design suite or 500 square feet interconnecting suite
Comfortable California King-size bed or twin beds
All suites have panoramic windows and air conditioned
Pampering organic natural hair and bath amenities
En suite bathroom with walk-in shower and rain forest shower head
Professional hairdryer
| 16 December, 2022 to 19 December, 2022 | Book now |
Suite. From
$3,615 USD pp
Luxurious 250 square feet design suite or 500 square feet interconnecting suite
Comfortable California King-size bed or twin beds
All suites have panoramic windows and air conditioned
Pampering organic natural hair and bath amenities
En suite bathroom with walk-in shower and rain forest shower head
Professional hairdryer
| 23 December, 2022 to 26 December, 2022 | Book now |
Suite. From
$3,615 USD pp
Luxurious 250 square feet design suite or 500 square feet interconnecting suite
Comfortable California King-size bed or twin beds
All suites have panoramic windows and air conditioned
Pampering organic natural hair and bath amenities
En suite bathroom with walk-in shower and rain forest shower head
Professional hairdryer
| 30 December, 2022 to 02 January, 2023 | Book now |
Suite. From
$3,615 USD pp
Luxurious 250 square feet design suite or 500 square feet interconnecting suite
Comfortable California King-size bed or twin beds
All suites have panoramic windows and air conditioned
Pampering organic natural hair and bath amenities
En suite bathroom with walk-in shower and rain forest shower head
Professional hairdryer
Aria Amazon
Vessel Type: Luxury River Expedition
Length: 147 feet / 45 metres
Passenger Capacity: 32
Built/refurbished: 2011/2015
In 2015, the Aria Amazon, which first set sail in 2011, was completely refreshed with new upgrades from bed linens to state of the art lighting. The 45 meter (147 foot) long Aria was designed by the innovative Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. Extremely generous dining and lounging areas include an outdoor river facing Jacuzzi. Floor to ceiling windows face the Amazon River in the ship’s 16 Design Suites, each measuring 23 square meters (250 square feet). Four suites can interconnect for families. Upgrades to the spa include new decor for enhanced relaxation. This striking black hulled ship accommodates a maximum of 32 guests plus 26 crew including a paramedic and four English-speaking naturalist guides. Aqua Expeditions highly experienced river pilots and the most rigorous cruise ship standards ensure smooth travel and safety on the waters of the Peruvian Amazon.
Accommodations and Cabins: 16 suites (8 Design Suites measuring 23.2 square meters /250 square feet on the first deck and 8 Design Suites measuring 23.2 square meters / 250 square feet on the second deck). All outside-facing with floor to ceiling panoramic windows. All air conditioned with en suite sitting areas. Four interconnecting suites for families.
Unique Cabin Features and Amenities: Amazon river facing panoramic windows; air conditioning; twin beds that convert to a California king-sized bed; en suite sitting area, bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, cabinet, hairdryer, hot water around the clock and a basket of toiletries; internal communications system.
Common Living and Social Areas: Indoor Bar; Lounge; Dining Room; Outside Lounge; Outdoor Jacuzzi; Exercise Room; Observation Deck; Boutique
Please note: We do not have Internet connection on board the Aria Amazon, though guests report periodically connecting via roaming on their Blackberry, iPhone and other handheld devices, depending on our proximity to more developed areas. For cellular phone contact you may need a special telephone that can operate on a foreign signal although, keep in mind that most areas outside Iquitos are so remote that you will be unable to get a signal. If you need to contact your home or office for any emergency, the Aria Amazon is equipped with a satellite phone.
Inclusions
All meals while on board
Beverages on board - Selected wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks
All excursions
• Group transfers to/from the ship in conjunction with recommended flights
• Pacaya Samiria entrance fee
Exclusions
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Passport and visa costs if applicable
Private transfers
Spa costs
Gratuities (Recommended USD20-30 per persom per day for crew. Guide gratuities additional)
River Boat
4 Days from
$3,615 USD pp
Highlights
• See the Amazon River’s rare pink dolphins• Venture deep into the Amazon rainforest among its extraordinary array of mammals and birds
• Explore within the five million pristine acres of Pacaya Samiria Reserve, a protected wildlife area teeming with lifelong mating pairs of blue-and-yellow macaw, flocks of snowy egrets, laughing falcons and Amazon kingfishers in the air, squirrel monkeys frolicking in the trees and pink dolphins poking their dorsal fins above the river water while colossal Victoria Regia water lilies float along the surface
• Interact with local people in their villages, living largely as they have for centuries
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