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*Please Note: This itinerary is operated during high-water season (November-May) and is for reference only. The itinerary may vary due to weather and other conditions. The low water season (June-October) runs with a slightly different route.
The Aria Amazon is a custom-built river cruise ship made to explore the wonders of the Peruvian Amazon whilst experiencing absolute comfort and luxury. With minimal environmental impact as part of the design, the Aria Amazon is an eco-friendly way to explore this special part of the world. The ship features 16 spacious suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing you to have a full view of the Amazon’s majestic rivers and rainforests. With common areas that include a jacuzzi, indoor lounge and bar and an outdoor conservation deck, this floating boutique accommodation option is a must. Peruvian cuisine is well represented on board with one of Peru’s most accomplished chefs- Pedro Miguel Schiaffino creating the comprehensive dining menu.
Meet at Iquitos International Airport then journey together by air-conditioned vehicle through the Peruvian countryside to arrive at Aqua Expeditions Nauta Lounge in time for lunch, or you will be served a box lunch en route, depending on your flight arrival time. In the afternoon, set off on your first skiff excursion along the Marañon River. At 6:00pm, you 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 the naturalist guides, gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by the Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.
By skiff, explore the black waters of the Yanallpa River, disembarking to walk deep into the Amazonian rain forest. Later, 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.
The rewards of your 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, 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 the hi-tech telescope on the night sky to identify the planets and constellations.
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, you will gather to be introduced 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.
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, make one last truly memorable stop at the Manatee Rescue Centre, a very special kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees. You will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport.