Discover the distinctive Peruvian Amazon, and immerse yourself in the most biodiverse rainforest and river system on Earth.
Aqua Expeditions has created a new standard for luxury river cruising on the Amazon with it's new family addition Aqua Nera, an inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical blackwater lagoons that bears the hallmarks of contemporary style and generous interiors that Aqua Expeditions cruise ships are known for. 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.
Aqua Nera operates alongside the Aria Amazon, taking guests into the depths of the Peruvian Amazon in the comfort of luxury. 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.
With itineraries that ranges from 3 to 7 nights, the Aqua Nera will set sail starting this October 2020. Guests will cruise direct to the heart of the Amazon, Iquitos, located in Northeastern Peru - a region comprising the head of the Amazon River and the Pacayan-Samiria National Reserve. Here the upriver Amazon waters are low in sediments and rich in aquatic life, with an astonishing concentration of wildlife on land.
All-Inclusive Highlights:
- All meals while onboard
- Beverages: non-alcoholic, premium wines and national beer
- All excursions
- Group transfers to/from vessels on recommended flights
- Pacaya Samiria entrance fee
- Laundry
On Board Living and Social Areas:
- Sun Decks
- Indoor and outdoor bars
- Indoor dining room and outdoor private dining
- Screening room with theater-style seating
- Outdoor cinema under the stars
- Games room with pool table
- Outside shaded lounge with single and double day beds
- Antique and artisanal boutique
- Lobby lounge
- Observation deck with outdoor sunbeds
- Top deck gym overlooking the river
- Infirmary with onboard medical staff
- Outdoor top deck plunge pool with private cabanas
- Two spa treatment rooms, one single and one double.
Sample Itinerary:
One Way Route: NAUTA - IQUITOS | 4 NIGHTS
Day 1: Tuesday 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 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, ámaZ, is one of Peru’s most renowned dining establishments.
Inclusions: Dinner
Day 2: Wednesday YANAYACU-PUCATE RIVER / LISBOA TOWN
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.
Inclusions Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Thursday 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.
Inclusions Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Friday 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, 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.
Inclusions Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Saturday 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 Aqua Nera 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.
Contact one of our Cruise Specialists for more information or to discuss booking your next Aqua Expeditions cruise! Contact us above or call us at 604-736-7447