Aqua Expeditions – 4 Day Cruise

Note: This itinerary starts at Iquitos airport, please speak to your consultant for further arrival information.

Cruising the Amazon river and rainforest ecosystem is like seeing a giant living and breathing creature. The significant ebbing and flooding of the Amazon River and its tributaries between seasons replenish the waters with vital nutrient. 

There are two key seasons in the Peruvian Amazon: a low water season that lasts from June to October and a high water season from November to May. Cruising in either season presents explorers with a unique experiences of the Amazon and no matter what season you choose, the Amazon will most definitely leave an impression!

Overview: A brief yet unforgettable Amazon experience

Get a taste of the most biodiverse rainforest in the world aboard the Aria Amazon or Aqua Nera. Begin your journey in Iquitos, a rustic city which is the beating commercial heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Our 3-night itineraries focus on the Marañon, the Amazon River’s largest tributary, as well as other neighboring waterways, the Yarapa and Yanayacu-Pucate. Discover the habitats of these nutrient-rich waterbodies and how they — and the jungle around them — support a vast array of wildlife.

Regardless of the low water or high water season, our local born-and-bred naturalist guides know the characteristics of Amazonian birds and animals. With their keen senses, they guide Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera’s ergonomic, low-emission skiffs to the jungle trails or tributaries where up-close wildlife encounters are likeliest. Knowing the Peruvian Amazon and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve like the back of their hand helps our guides make the most of your whirlwind trip to the Amazon.

Ships that operate this itinerary:
- Aqua Nera
- Aria Amazon

Inclusions: 

• Accommodation onboard either the Aqua Nera or Aria Amazon in twin share suite
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Excursions as described in the itinerary
• Bilingual naturalist guide
• Transfers in/out from Coca airport
• Private & personalized airport assistance in Quito and Coca
• Use of VIP port lounge before and after cruise
• Use of expedition gear

Exclusions:

• Tips and gratuities
• Internet Wi-Fi
• Personal expenses 
• Travel Insurance 

Day 1 June to October Itinerary: Arrival into Iquitos and embark cruise

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 either the Aria Amazon or Aqua Nera. 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 1 November to May Itinerary: Arrival into Iquitos and embark cruise

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  either the Aria Amazon or Aqua Nera. 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.

*All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.

June to October Itinerary: 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.

November to May Itinerary: 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.

June to October Itinerary: 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 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.

November to May Itinerary: Marañon River – Casual Jungle Walk – Yanayacu-Pucate

Rise with the sun for early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River. After breakfast, we will take a jungle walk on the firm soil forest “Casual,” while looking for flora and fauna which include medicinal trees, insects, and poison dart frogs, and learning more about the different rainforest stratas.

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 crew members whom you may not have met, working “behind the scenes” to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard.

June to October Itinerary: 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 boat 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.

November to May Itinerary: 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 boat 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.