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Aqua Nera

The Aqua Nera, currently under construction, is set to create a new level of luxury in the Amazon, perfectly combining contemporary design with affluent finishes. The design of the boat is inspired by the blackwater lagoon of the Amazon River, where the name Aqua Nera comes from. With this in mind, the interiors of the vessel consists of rich, dark-hued wooden elements complimented by Peruvian decor. The 1:1 guest to staff ratio guarantees a personalised service for all aspects of your Peruvian Amazon experience. With a maximum occupancy of 44 passengers, in 20 design suites, each and every guest will feel that they are on an exclusive and immersive adventure. Experience an unparalleled culinary experience with a menu designed by world-renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino complimented by first-class mixology. There are plenty of social areas to relax and unwind in, some of which include; both indoor and outdoor dining areas, lounges and bars along with an observation deck, outdoor plunge pool, a library, on board spa to only name a few.

Day 1 Iquitos / Amazon River

Overview:

Receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport upon your arrival by the Aqua Expeditions crew and before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Your afternoon will continue with an introduction to the historic city of Iquitos and the opportunity to visit an indigenous Amazon community. In the early evening, you will embark on the Aqua Nera and settle into your generously-sized suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to your naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera’s consulted chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, ámaZ, is one of Peru’s most renowned dining establishments.

Day 2 Yarapa River, Clavero Lake

Aboard the comfortable skiffs, set sail from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. Ready your binoculars for the surrounding tropical songbirds, black collared hawks and sloths. Line-fish for Amazon’s notoriously ferocious piranhas as the naturalist guides share stories of Lake Moringo. In the afternoon, sail on to Lake Clavero where villagers rely on traditional dugout canoes to get around. Swim in the lake’s calm waters or visit native residents of Amazonia who welcome you to their community with open arms.

Day 3 Yanallpa River, Dorado River

Explore the blackwater tributaries of the Yanallpa River by skiff, disembarking to walk deep into the wildlife-rich Amazonian rainforest. Later, board the skiffs again to cruise along the El Dorado River for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal creatures.

Day 4 Nauta Town, Village Visit, Birthplace of the Amazon

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. In the afternoon, witness one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere, the birthplace of the Amazon River. By nightfall, you will meet the new passengers who signed on for the four-night trip, as you start your journey together along the Marañon River.

Day 5 Yanayacu-Pucante River, Lisboa Town

Rise with the sun for 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 you seek the legendary pink river dolphins. In the afternoon, visit a local village and interact with the native people and visit local school children.

Day 6 Samiria River

The rewards of your early start today are plentiful: a full day excursion including a picnic lunch accompanied by the jungle symphony, and fishing on the blackwater of the Samiria River. On the way back to the Marañon River after lunch, venture out by skiffs alongside the banana boats transporting jungle products, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Day 7 Nauta Caño River, Jungle Walk in Casual

As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the extraordinary blackwater Nauta Caño River. In the afternoon, 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 the hi-tech telescope on the sky to identify the stars, planets and the milky way.

Day 8 Arrival in Iquitos, Manatee Rescue Centre, 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 Aqua Nera for breakfast before disembarkation. En route to the airport, you will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where orphaned Amazonian manatees rehabilitate before they are released back into the wild.