At a Glance
Experience the best of the Amazon with 5-days on board the 5-star Aqua Nera (or Aria Amazon) cruise ship. This comprehensive itinerary fits in the major highlights of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve including hidden lakes, lagoons and jungle trails, brimming with exotic wildlife.
Departing during high water season (November to May) from Iquitos, Peru, enjoy a private transfer to Nauta Town. It is here where you will begin to set sail on the luxurious Aqua Nera (or Aria Amazon) cruise ship to explore the magnificent Amazon River and rainforest. Known as Mother Nature’s Cradle of Life, the Amazon River and rainforest is largest and most biodiverse in the world, covering 40% of South America and hosting at least 40,000 plant species, 427 mammals and a whooping 1,300 birds, 20% of all ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals while on board
- Premium selected wines and beer, non-alcoholic drink
- Twice-daily excursions with knowledgeable local guides
- 4 nights’ on board the luxury Aria Amazon cruise ship in a luxurious 320 square feet design suite on a twin share basis (upgrade to a 640 square feet interconnecting suite at an extra cost)
- Group transfers to and from the airport when arriving/departing on recommended flights
- Pacaya Samiria entrance fee
Itinerary
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Arriving on a noon flight (note: separate arrangements can be made for morning arrivals), be welcomed by your crew with a pick up included from Iquitos International Airport. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before venturing into Iquitos where you will receive an introduction to this historic city and have the opportunity to meet an indigenous Amazon community. In the early evening, arrive in Nauta Town where the crew warmly welcome you aboard the Aqua Nera to discover the magic of the Amazon, the largest and most biodiverse rainforest and river system on Earth. Settle into your luxurious suite and take time to explore your home away from home. Rest and relax in the indoor and outdoor lounges. Mingle with other guests in the Alfresco dining area. Splash around in the jacuzzi or laze on the lounge chairs. Pamper yourself with a soothing massage in the onboard massage room. Or, simply look out over the rainforest and admire the way the trees reflect in the black water of the river. Once you are settled, gather in the dining room for an innovative Amazonian feast curtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua Nera (or Aria Amazon)
Lunch, Dinner |
Rise with the sun for an early morning cruise along the Marañon River. Running through deep, rugged canyon nestled between jaw dropping Andean peaks, the Marañon River has a growing reputation as the “Grand Canyon of South America”. Float past pristine beaches and keep an eye out for enigmatic birds such as the Marvellous Spatuletail, the Peruvian Plantcutter and, if you’re lucky, the mythical Long Whiskered Owlet. Later, swim, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River, home to legendary pink river dolphins. In the afternoon, visit Lisboa Town and interact with the native people and visit local school children. In the evening, head back to the boat and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua Nera (or Aria Amazon)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
The rewards for your early start today are plentiful: a full day excursion including a picnic lunch accompanied by the jungle symphony and fishing on the black water of the Samiria River. After lunch, head back to the Marañon River and cruise by skiff alongside banana boats heaped with jungle produce including enough bananas to feed King Kong. As usual, keep an eye out for pink river dolphins, whom love to play in the wakes of the boats. In the evening, head back to the ship and enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef. |
Aqua Nera (or Aria Amazon)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Start your day with a morning wildlife excursion on the narrow Nauta Caño River. Keep an eye out for monkeys and bird species including the capped heron, black-fronted nunbird, scarlet crowned barbet and more. In the afternoon, step onto dry land into Casual Forest, which is protected by members of the Casual community, a group of people whom live along the Marañon River. This Forest is full of surprises and it is not uncommon to see dart frogs, tarantulas, red-bellied boa and even anaconda! This evening, before dinner, gather in the dining room to meet crew members whom you may not have met, working “behind the scenes” to ensure your exceptional experience on board the Aqua Nera. As usual, enjoy relaxed communal style dining courtesy of the onboard chef before making use of the onboard high-tech telescopes to identify the stars, planets and Milky Way. |
Aqua Nera (or Aria Amazon)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Cap off your Amazon exploration with a visit to the local market where you can sample delicious local snacks. Return to the Aqua Nera for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, make one last memorable stop at the Manatee Rescue Centre, where you will have the opportunity to feed more than 40 orphaned baby manatees who have been affected by hunting and habitat destruction. Enjoy a transfer to the airport for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
N/ABreakfast, LunchAccommodation
Dates & Prices
The price is based on suites located on the First Deck. Upgrade to the suites located on the Second Deck is available at an additional cost. Please contact us for available suites and prices.
To book one of the four sets of interconnecting suites, please contact us.
Please contact us for group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request and additional charges apply. Promo prices are only applicable to certain selected cabins and subject to availability at time of booking. Normal price shall apply if the promo cabins are sold out. The price is based on cabins located on the First Deck.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Iquitos, Peru.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Iquitos. The closest major airport to Iquitos, Peru is Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport and is 10 km from the center of Iquitos. Fly direct from Cusco to Iquitos where direct flights sync up with all Aqua Nera itineraries.
A perfectly balanced rainforest ecosystem has both sunshine and rainfall, and the Amazon is no exception. The Peruvian Amazon receives a healthy 12 feet (3.6 meters) a year on average and experiences 250 rainy days.
The good news: It rarely rains for more than an hour or two. Rain most often falls in passing cloudbursts, in line with the microclimate weather behaviour of the Amazon ecosystem.
Aqua Expeditions taps on the collective experience of our crew and guides in the Amazon to create an itinerary that ‘works with the weather’, for instance conducting excursions at times when rain is less probable.
Our local naturalist guides are also adept at sensing the weather before it changes. Guests receive sturdy ponchos in the event of inclement weather, so they can stay extremely comfortable and focus on the astonishing Amazon jungle scenery and wildlife.
This itinerary runs in during the high-water season from November to May. At this time the average temperature is 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), 12 degrees F (6-7 deg C) cooler than in the dry season. Although the water levels swell significantly, the increase in rainfall is relatively less drastic: 20-25% higher than that of the low water season. For example, an hour’s rain may last about 15 minutes longer.
- 20 luxurious 322 sq. ft (30 sq. m) Design Suites, two 644 sq. ft (60 sq. m) interconnecting suites, inclusive of ensuite bathrooms
- Deluxe ensuite bathrooms with spacious walk-in shower and overhead rain-shower
- Equipped with pampering organic natural hair and bath amenities
- Premium California-King-sized beds, twin bed configuration available
- Floor-to-ceiling panoramic view for all suites
- Interior sofa for all suites
- Large double closets with chest of drawers and electronic safe
- All suites are fully air-conditioned
- Music docking station
- Professional hairdryer
- Suites can each accommodate a maximum of 3 guests (interior sofas can be combined to form a bed), with a maximum cap of 43 guests on board the vessel.
- All individual suites measure 322 square feet (30 sq m), inclusive of ensuite bathroom and closet space.
- 8 out of 20 individual Design Suites on board the Aqua Nera can be combined into 4 interconnecting suites via a sliding door. Each interconnecting suite can accommodate up to 6 guests.
- For the ultimate romantic cruise, interconnecting suites offer the luxury of having 1 suite configured as a living room, while the other as the master bedroom with sumptuous California King bed. Enjoy his-and-hers baths and the magnificent grandeur of a 640 square foot (60 sq m) residence on the Amazon.
Indoor Lounge & Bar: is the focal point for social activities on the top deck. Complete with luxurious lounge sofas and air-conditioning.
Lobby Bar: serves as a social space for pre- and post-meals for a refreshing drink from the hidden bar or after an excursion to exchange your wildlife encounters of the day. Admire framed views of the lush landscape from the seven-meter slot window as well as the dramatic sculptural staircase that forms a central focus, guiding you across the vessel on an experiential journey of dark and light spaces.
Restaurant: Pair the Amazon’s stunning scenery with chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s show-stopping cuisine at the stylish restaurant on Aqua Nera’s second deck. Choose to make dinner date night, or dine family-style as we deliver a five-star dining experience from start to finish.
Alfresco Breakfast Area: Opening up to the vast Amazon sky, this al fresco breakfast area set on both ends of the Aqua Nera is the highest vantage point aboard the cruise ship and the ideal place to observe life on the river and riverbanks while enjoying your morning meal. This is also a perfect spot for photography and birdwatching when the ship sails closer to shore.
Outdoor Lounge & Bar: located at both the bow and the stern of the cruise ship and outfitted with comfortable loungers, admire expansive views of the Amazon with a cocktail or two. Plenty of shade is offered at the bow lounge area with a sun canopy that also provides shelter to the ship’s river-facing plunge pool.
Private Screening Room: organize a private screening for up to ten guests here or on the Observation Deck. Also functions for private lecture, videos and documentaries to learn about the fascinating cultures on your Amazon River journey.
Outdoor Pool: located at the bow of the vessel, it is well shielded from the elements with a canopy and is a commanding position to soak in majestic panoramic vista of the Peruvian Amazon.
Gym: faces out to the Amazon River with full-height windows. The gym is also comprehensively equipped with the essential machines and free weights.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
