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Amazon In-Depth: 7-Night Expedition Cruise - Aqua Nera
The ultimate Peruvian Amazon odyssey aboard a best-in-class river cruise ship.
SPECIAL OFFER
8.8*
ECO SCORE
40
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
The Amazon: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Aqua Nera
Experience the most luxurious and complete of Amazon journeys among the two tributaries that give the Amazon river its life. Discover the best that Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve has to offer, including its hidden lakes and lagoons, as well as amazing jungle trails. Kayak, canoe, and swim in the most pristine Amazon upriver waters, with several opportunities to spot the Amazon’s famous pink river dolphins. Return after your jungle walks to your five-star home on the Amazon featuring the inspiring cuisine of chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. You won’t want this trip to be over!
- • Canoe, birdwatch, swim, kayak, stargaze--explore the Amazon in a myriad of ways on this fantastic adventure.
• Travel deep into the Pacaya Samiria Reserve and view parrots, macaws, herons, storks, many species of primates and even pink dolphins.
• Travel on a stunning, brand new river cruiser with fabulous styling and expert guiding and cuisine with this eco-passionate operator.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Save up to 20%, $1,974 per person on select dates!
Rates:
From $8,960 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Year-round Departures. Contact us with your date range.
Year-round Departures. Contact us with your date range.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Waste
Innovative closed-loop distribution system & waste separation implementation
Conservation
Rehabilitation of threatened paiche fish & taricaya turtle populations
Local Community
Local residents make up over 80% of employed staff
Itinerary
Day 1- Nauta / Embarkation / Marañon River
Arriving on a morning flight*, receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by our crew. Board our private transfer to our exclusive Nauta Lounge for a welcome lunch before embarkation.
Settle into your generously-sized suite aboard the Aqua Nera 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.
*Separate arrangements can be made for afternoon arrivals.
Day 2 - Yanayacu-Pucate River / Lisboa Town
Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River. Later, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River and look out for Amazon’s legendary pink river dolphins. In the afternoon, visit an Amazonian village, where you can interact with native riberenos (people of the river) and visit local schoolchildren.
Day 3 - Samiria River / Nauta Caño River
Awake to a lush jungle sunrise and birdwatching along the Samiria River, enjoying breakfast in the middle of the lush jungle. Swimming and kayaking are some of the recommended activities at this part of the Reserve. In the evening, embark on a wildlife excursion on the blackwaters of Nauta Caño, and end the night with extraordinary stargazing.
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 we start our journey together along the Marañon River.
Day 5 - Ucayali River / Yanallpa River / Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Boarding our skiffs, we start the day like Amazon River dwellers, cruising along the Ucayali and Yanallpa River. As farmers and fishermen go about their business, we search for pink river dolphins in these pristine waters. In the afternoon, explore a fascinating blackwater stream aboard skiffs, part of the vast Amazon flooded forest within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guides will regale you with tales and insights about the jungle as we explore what scientists call a "gallery forest" because of dense vegetation that creates a tunnel of leaves. As we explore this type of riparian vegetation, keep your eyes peeled for parrots, macaws, and fluffy monk saki monkeys.
Day 6 - Puinahua River / Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
This morning we will embark on a full-day excursion along the Pacaya tributary within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, observing and exploring the flooded forest of this vast region of the Peruvian Amazon. Sail among a wide variety of wildlife, birds including large parrots, macaws, herons and storks, and many species of primates like the capuchin, howler and squirrel monkeys. After a picnic lunch, visit some of the most beautiful lakes in Pacaya Samiria and meet local guardians of the Reserve’s natural resources. On our return, behold the famous Ceiba tree, the tallest of its kind in the Amazon.
Day 7 - Ucayali River / Village Visit / Clavero Lake
Choose among jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming excursions on the blackwaters Yarapa or Clavero River. In the 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 a memorable experience aboard the Aqua Nera.
Day 8: San Jose Paranapura Town/ Arrive in Natua & Depart
Visit the quaint riverside town of San Jose de Paranapura en route to Nauta. Before saying goodbye, we will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a sanctuary for orphaned Amazonian manatees to rehabilitate before their release back into the wild.
Water Levels & Itineraries: Itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions and time of year. River and tributary levels may vary, and thus navigation times and excursions may need to be modified at the captain’s discretion. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change. At times embarkation and disembarkation points for guests may need to be modified. We will make every possible attempt to minimize disruption to travel plans. Aqua Expeditions will make every reasonable attempt to cover the cost of transferring guests to and from the original port of embarkation.
Activity Level: Guests should be in good physical health in order to be able to make the most of their cruise. Exploring the area involves the use of small, motorized skiffs and at times may include some wet landings. Daily excursions may include walking on irregular terrain and getting in and out of the skiffs occasionally requires some physical effort. Walking excursions may last up to one hour. Malaria and yellow fever vaccinations are not required for Peru bound travelers coming into the Amazon region, but are recommended.
Disclaimer: Entry requirements from the local governments in the destinations where we operate are continually changing and are impacting our ability to operate. In confirming your booking, you accept that Aqua Expeditions may be forced to change your departure date if operating is not possible due to restrictions imposed by the governing travel authorities in Peru, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia or as a result of too few bookings per departure to enable us to cover our operational costs. In this instance, refunds will not be provided, and the flexible booking conditions outlined will apply.
Aqua Nera
Setting a new standard for luxury river cruising on the Amazon, Aqua Nera draws design inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical black water lagoons and bears the hallmarks of contemporary style and generous interiors that Aqua Expeditions cruise ships are known for. Aboard the Aqua Nera, award-winning architects Noor Design crafts every space to perfection. The vessel’s 20 spacious Design Suites convey a sense of Amazon tranquility, while the social spaces showcase refined elegance with a touch of drama. Tastefully woven into the design are accents and details from the rubber boom era and the colorful cultures of Portugal, Spain and Peru. The cruise features cuisine by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s finest chefs who is celebrated for creating refined cuisine from native Amazonian produce. Every day, expert naturalist guides conduct small-group excursions that reward guests with up-close wildlife encounters in the world’s most biodiverse rainforest.
• Capacity: 40 guests
• Cabins: 20 Design Suites, each 30 square meters / 322 square feet
• Crew & Specialists: 40 members, including a cruise director, paramedic and 4 English-speaking guides.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Travel & Leisure's "World's Best River Cruise Line" 2023
3rd Place for Travel & Leisure's "World's Best Cruise Line" 2023
#5 River Ship in the 2020 Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards
"This passionate operator manages to offer a super luxe Amazon experience while being extremely dedicated to sustainable travel practices. If you've always wanted to see the Amazon yet are concerned about heat, insects, dining or any other potential hazards, the stunning, brand new Aqua Nera is an excellent choice for you."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
Questions?
I had the pleasure of traveling with the owner of this company and his passion for excellence is evident in everything they do. Highly recommended!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• All meals while on board
• Premium selected wines and beer, non-alcoholic drink
• Twice-daily excursions with knowlegable local guides
• Group transfers to and from the airport when arriving/departing on recommended flights
• Pacaya Samiria entrance fee
• Laundry
• Luxurious 320 square feet design suite or 640 square feet interconnecting suite
• Comfortable California King-size bed or twin beds
• All suites have panoramic windows and air conditioned
• Pampering organic natural hair and bath amenities
• En suite bathroom with walk-in shower and rain forest shower head
• Professional hairdryer
