Aqua expedition’s 4 night luxury cruise on the aria amazon begins in the remote colonial city of Iquitos, (IQT), 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. Go piranha fishing, trek into the dense jungle in search of amazonmonkeys, three-toed sloths, crown headed hoatzin birds, toucans, macaws and giant water lilies.
Come back to the comfort of our skiffs to cruise up close to view taricaya turtles and spectacled caimans in their natural habitat while pink dolphins, at play, challenge your photography skills. As the aria amazon journeys towards the confluence 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 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
ITINERARY HIGH WATER
November- May
DAY 1 – MONDAY: IQUITOS – NAUTA – EMBARKATION – AMAZON 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 – TUESDAY: YANALLPA RIVER – DORADO RIVER
By skiff, we explore the black waters of the Yanallpa River, disembarking to walk deep into the the amazonian rain forest. Later, we board the skiffs again to cruise along the El Dorado River for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal wildlife and with extraordinary stargazing.
DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY: 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 their jungle products to the port of Requena, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins. Focus our hi-tech telescope on the night sky to identify the planets and constellations.
DAY 4 – THURSDAY: CLAVERO OR YARAPA RIVER – AMAZON RIVER
Choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water yarapa or Clavero River in the morning. Visit a remote Amazonia village in the afternoon.
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 5 – FRIDAY: ARRIVAL IN IQUITOS – MANATEE RESCUE CENTER – TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
At the Bellavista Nanay morning market along the Nanay River, sample exotic snacks from the Peruvian amazon like ‘suri’, amazon caterpillars that are considered especially appetizing. Return to the aria for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we will make one last truly memorable stop at the manatee rescue center, a very special kind of animal orphanage for amazonian manatees. 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 – MONDAY: 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 – TUESDAY: 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 comes out after dark and with extraordinary stargazing.
DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY: 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.
DAY 4 – THURSDAY: 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 crewmembers whom you may not have met, working «behind the scenes» to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the aria amazon.
DAY 5 – FRIDAY: 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 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 is included, depending on the exact departure flight time, which can vary. Other 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.
