Aqua expedition’s 3 night Amazon River luxury cruise on 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 yarapaand 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.
ITINERARY HIGH WATER
November – May
DAY 1 – FRIDAY: 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 6:00 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.
DAY 2 – SATURDAY: 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.
DAY 3 – SUNDAY: MARAÑON CREEK – SUSPENDED BRIDGES – YANAYACU-PUCATE
Rise with the sun to explore a ‘lost river’ along the Marañon River. After breakfast, we will take a jungle walk across suspended bridges deep into the high amazon rainforest. 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. 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.
DAY 4 – MONDAY: NAUTA TOWN – 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 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 the flight schedule.
ITINERARY LOW WATER
June – October
DAY 1 – FRIDAY: 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 to visit the birthplace of the amazon. 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.
DAY 2 – SATURDAY: 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.
DAY 3 – SUNDAY: 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 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.
DAY 4 – MONDAY: NAUTA TOWN – 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 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 the flight schedule.
Itinerary addendum
All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change.
Weather
The weather in Iquitos is warm and humid and the temperature varies between 33 °c (90 °f) and 21 °c (70 °f). The rainy (high water) season is from november to may. The dry (low water) season is from juneto october. Each season boasts dramatic difference in plants, animals, and weather.
Clothing
Light and fresh pieces, blouses, long-sleeved shirts, swimwear, shoes with a soft rubber sole for the boat (rubber boots and rain ponchos are provided by us), cardigan or long-sleeved shirts, wind resistant jackets. The days are hot and humid while the night breeze is fresh.
Insects & mosquitoes
We recommend taking vitamin b or b-15 a few days before arrival to the jungle. These vitamins are the best natural repellent against insect bites. As well, do not forget to bring conventional repellent and cream for bites. Note: please note that changes and adjustments in the itinerary may occur due to weather conditions, river conditions, and/or airline issues. We suggest that you coordinate with anticipation with the airline or travel agency through which you have organized your journey with us.