Aqua Expeditions – 5 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: Afford yourself more time to explore the Amazon and be richly rewarded

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 Aria Amazon or Aqua Nera, where you’ll sample a wide range of Amazonian produce from chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s inventive and delicious onboard menu.

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: 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 along the Marañon River. At 6:00pm, we will board 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: Iquitos – Nauta – Embarkation

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 or Aria Amazon 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.

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

June to October Itinerary: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 come out after dark and with extraordinary stargazing.

November to May Itinerary: Yanayacu-Pucate River – Lisboa River

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.

June to October Itineray: 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.

November to May Itinerary: Samiria River

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.

June to October Itinerary: Clavero Lake – San Jose De Sarapanga 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 de Sarapanga 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 boat. 

November to May Itinerary: Nauta Caño River – Jungle Walk In Casual

As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the extraordinary black water 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.

June to October Itinerary: Arrival In Iquitos – 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 or Nera 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 our recommended flight schedule.

November to May Itineraries: Arrival In Iquitos – Manatee Rescue Center – Transfer To The Airport

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 Nera or Aria 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.