Aqua Amazon Cruise

The 130-foot-long, M/V Aqua is the first true luxury cruise ship on the northern Amazon River in Peru and was custom built to cruise the Amazon, offering an extraordinary level of comfort for its guests.

The M/V Aqua can accommodate a maximum of 24 cruise ship guests plus crew. This luxury Amazon cruise ship is the perfect size to sail along the Amazon River, providing extremely comfortable lounge, dining and sleeping accommodations and modern navigation technologies and standards for cruise ship travel and safety on the water.

4-Day Amazon Riverboat Itinerary

A luxury cruise down the Amazon River in Peru gives you a feeling of being completely transported to a new natural world. Beginning in the bustling city of Iquitos, this four-day Amazon luxury cruise experience will be packed with new discoveries as you explore remote places along the Amazon by water and on foot, spot unusual wildlife, and meet local native people. This is the ideal way to experience Peru’s Amazon - by water, traveling in comfort, and going deep into the Amazon rainforest and jungle.

Day 1: Sat: Iquitos - Amazon River
(Dinner)

3:00 p.m. Flight from Lima: LA 2382

A two hour flight to the heart of the Peruvian Amazon region.

5:15 p.m. Arrival

Upon arrival at Iquitos Airport, the guides welcome you and whisk you to the air-conditioned bus for your journey to the Amazon River.

6:00 p.m. Iquitos Port: Embarkation

The luxurious M/V Aqua - home for the next three nights - is moored at the main wharf and from the moment you step aboard, the M/V Aqua’s atmosphere of low-key luxury is apparent. While settling into the handsomely-appointed, spacious suite, the vessel begins to move: it is the start of one of life's great adventures, to a place visited by only a few of even the most experienced travelers.

Stand on the Upper Deck to take in the view, as the M/V Aqua leaves Iquitos behind. Over the next three days, we sail the largest tributaries of the Amazon, as well as the mighty Amazon itself.

7:30 p.m. Safety Drill & Briefing on the Top Deck

Before dinner we perform a routine safety drill. Then it’s into the air-conditioned lounge, to learn about life onboard, and for the first of the nightly briefings about your adventure to follow. The naturalist guides and cruise director introduce themselves and use video, photos, and maps to explain the details of your upcoming adventure. 

8:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner

This is the first chance to enjoy the boat's world-class cuisine, created by Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is one of the best in Lima. Schiaffino’s recipes, with their imaginative use of local products – fruit, fish, spices – make every meal a delightful adventure. (The menu always offers choices, including a vegetarian option.) Toast the beginning of your journey, with a glass of South American wine, perhaps.

After dinner, there is a chance to enjoy a nightcap on the Upper Deck, under the stars, before retiring.

Day 2: Sun: Amazon - Tahuayo River - Charo Lake
(All meals)

6:30 a.m. Early Morning Skiff Expedition on the Amazon River

An early start to catch your first glimpse of sunrise over the majestic Amazon River aboard our comfortable excursion skiffs. NB.Life jackets, ponchos, rubber boots, and plenty of cold drinking water are always available on board the skiffs.

This initial contact with Amazonia is a taster of what the rest of the journey holds.

8:00 a.m. Breakfast

Our sumptuous daily breakfast buffet features a wide choice of traditional breakfast egg dishes, plus Peruvian specialties, and fresh-squeezed fruit juices.

9:15 a.m Tahuayo River Exploration & Charo Lake Fishing Trip

This morning's excursion is to go by skiff from the Amazon River, through the Huaysi Canal, to explore the black water River Tahuayo.

Floating down the Tahuayo, we are greeted by fishermen paddling in their dug-out canoes. Have your binoculars at the ready to spot a vast variety of wildlife: terns, orioles, blackbirds, black collared hawks, monkeys, and sloth.

Upon arrival at Charo Lake, we try our hand at fishing ... for Amazonia’s notorious piranhas, among others! As you fish, naturalist guides tell the story of the lake and its inhabitants.

11:30 a.m. Return to M/V Aqua

Icy cold towels await you, as you transfer from your skiffs into the M/V Aqua.

As the vessel continues up the Amazon River, you have some time to relax, or perhaps even take a nap, before lunch.

12:30 p.m. Lunch

Enjoy lighter mid-day fare in our air-conditioned dining room.

4:00 p.m. Yacapana Islands Exploration and Dolphin Sighting

Locals call the Yacapana Islands the “Iguana Islands,” because of the huge population of these reptiles—like tiny dinosaurs—crawling over the ground and resting in the tree tops. We will pass by in the skiff, giving you a chance to snap good photos.

As the sun sets, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and photograph both gray and pink freshwater dolphins. The people of the Amazon believe that these dolphins turn into humans to steal handsome men or pretty women from their villages during celebrations. If there is time, we may also have the chance to search for caiman, frogs and different kinds of nightlife before returning to the boat.

7:00 p.m. To the Headwaters

We will return to the M/V Aqua vessel and continue our journey upstream, toward the headwaters of the Amazon River, where the Ucayali, Marañon, and the Amazon Rivers merge. Perhaps sip a pre-dinner pisco sour on the Upper Deck, while you watch the sun set.

8:00 p.m. Dinner

Day 3: Mon: Marañon River - Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (Yanayacu - Pucate)
(All meals)

6:30 a.m. Breakfast

7:30 a.m. Guided Jungle Walk in the Primary Forest

This morning your Naturalist Guide will tell you all about sustainable resource management projects in Amazonia. You will visit one of these projects, where villagers are planting palms to obtain oil. Your Guide may also show you the artificial nests created on the sand to protect turtle eggs.

Then we will take you deep into the jungle, where you will encounter wildlife and learn first-hand about the important medicinal value of jungle plants. And we will show you famous Kapok Trees (ceiba pentandra), the tallest trees in the Amazon Basin.

12:00 p.m. Return to the M/V Aqua

12:30 p.m. Lunch, followed by a siesta

3:30 p.m. Monkey, Dolphin and Caiman Expedition

In this late afternoon skiff excursion, you are likely to see howler and capuchin monkeys, the squirrel-sized monkeys called tamarins, and a vast variety of birds. You are also likely to see the two different kinds of freshwater dolphins—including the unusual pink ones—found in the Amazon.

Later, keep your eyes directed toward the jungle canopy, where you can spot at least several kinds of primates — among the 13 species of monkeys resident in the National Park. Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of tamarins and dusky titi monkeys and pigmy marmoset monkeys. Watch for alligators, and keep your binoculars at the ready, as you are likely to see more than 200 species of birds.

As the sun sets and our searchlight comes on, keep alert for caimans, tree boas, tarantulas, and frogs.

After this night adventure, the M/V Aqua will start sailing downstream on the Marañon River, back toward the headwaters of the Amazon.

7:30 p.m. Arrive at the M/V Aqua.

8:30 p.m. Dinner

Day 4: Tues: Birthplace of the Amazon - Cocama Indian Village - Iquitos
(Breakfast & Lunch)

7:30 a.m. Breakfast

9:15 a.m. Birthplace of the Amazon & Cocama Indian Village

This morning, the M/V Aqua skirts the edge of the vast Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, a flooded forest covering five million acres at the headwaters of the Amazon basin. We board the skiffs to view one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere: the birthplace of the Amazon River. Here two major tributaries, the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers merge to form the world’s greatest waterway, with nature is at its most dramatic: abundant birdsong coming from river banks populated by large-billed terns, laughing falcons, gray tanagers, sandpipers, five kinds of parakeets, the exotic short-tailed parrot, and dozens of other birds.

We continue to a local Indian village such as Puerto Prado, where you can interact with the hospitable native Cocama Indians. They are happy to share their culture, traditions, folklore and handicrafts.

On the way back to the M/V Aqua we will, depending on water level, either navigate on a small connector canal or walk a little way into the jungle between the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers to see the world’s largest aquatic plant, the Victoria Regias giant water lilies. Only a small number of people have ever seen these plants bloom.

11:00 a.m. Return to the M/V Aqua

11:40 a.m. Lunch

Share a final lunch onboard with the friends you have made on your Amazon journey.

1:15 p.m. Disembarkation - Manatee Rescue Center - Iquitos Airport

We visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have seized from local people and fishermen. Biologists give a presentation about the project's efforts to help these vulnerable mammals. You also see how the manatees are cared for and are prepared for re-introduction into their natural habitat.

4:30 p.m. Check-in at Iquitos Airport

Your guides help you with check-in, and stay with you until you have boarded your flight back to Lima.

5:30 p.m. Your Flight Departs for Lima LA 2383

Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change.

5-Day Amazon Riverboat Itinerary

A luxury cruise down the Amazon River in Peru gives you a feeling of being completely transported to a new natural world. Beginning in the bustling city of Iquitos, this five-day Amazon luxury cruise experience will be packed with new discoveries as you explore remote places along the Amazon by water and on foot, spot unusual wildlife, and meet local native people. This is the ideal way to experience Peru’s Amazon - by water, traveling in comfort, and going deep into the Amazon rainforest and jungle.

Day 1: Tues: Iquitos - Nauta - M/V Aqua - Marañon River
(Dinner)

3:00 p.m. Flight from Lima: LA 2382

A two hour flight to the heart of the Peruvian Amazon region.

5:15 p.m. Arrival

Upon arrival at Iquitos Airport, the guides welcome you and whisk you to the air-conditioned bus for the one-and-a-half hour drive to Nauta, on the banks of the Amazon River, where the M/V Aqua is moored..

7:00 p.m Embarkation

From the moment of boarding the luxurious M/V Aqua - home for the next four nights - the atmosphere of low-key luxury is apparent. While settling into the handsomely-appointed, spacious suite, the vessel begins to move: it is the start of one of life's great adventures, to a place visited by only a few of even the most experienced travelers.

Stand on the Upper Deck to take in the view, as the M/V Aqua leaves Nauta behind. Over the next four days, we sail the largest tributaries of the Amazon, as well as the mighty Amazon itself.

8:00 p.m. Safety Drill & Briefing on the Top Deck

Before dinner we perform a routine safety drill. Then it’s into the air-conditioned lounge, to learn about life onboard, and for the first of the nightly briefings about your adventure to follow. The naturalist guides and cruise director introduce themselves and use video, photos, and maps to explain the details of your upcoming adventure. 

8:30 p.m. Welcome Dinner

This is the first chance to enjoy the boat's world-class cuisine, created by Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is one of the best in all of Lima. Schiaffino’s recipes, with their imaginative use of local products – fruit, fish, spices – make every meal a delightful adventure. (The menu always offers choices, including a vegetarian option.) Toast the beginning of your journey, with a glass of South American wine, perhaps.

After dinner, there is a chance to enjoy a nightcap on the Upper Deck, under the stars, before retiring.

Day 2: Weds: Magdalena Village/Yanallpa River - Ucayali/Dorado River

(All meals)

7:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 a.m. Jungle Walk to Magdalena (Low Water, Jun - Nov) or Yanallpa River Expedition (High Water, Dec - May)

Low Water

After breakfast we will walk through the village of Madgalena, a small community of ten families. After meeting the people, including lots of lively and curious children, your naturalist guides will lead you through the jungle to a beautiful lake that is home to the world famous Victoria Regia giant water lily.

High Water

This morning we will board the skiffs to explore this amazing black water stream, part of the vast Amazon flooded forest. Your guides will tell you about the dynamic life of the rainforest as we explore a gallery forest, so called due to its narrow vegetation creating a tunnel of leaves. As we float through this tunnel it is easy to spot parrots, macaws and fluffy monk saki monkeys up close.

12:00 p.m. Return to the M/V Aqua

12:30 p.m. Lunch

4:00 p.m. Ucayali (Low Water, Jun - Nov) or Dorado (High Water, Dec - May) River Exploration

Low Water

This afternoon we cruise the majestic Ucayali River, giving you a chance to see and meet native balseros (fishermen), who demonstrate their skill and let you see their catch, including a type of “armored” catfish with a shell-like skin. You will have at least one chance to sample this delicious local fish at dinner aboard the M/V Aqua. We are also likely to spot, and have an opportunity to photograph, the “banana balsero” rafts, loaded with hundreds of clusters of bananas, drifting down the river to market. Other highlights include the viewing of woodpeckers, parrots, macaws, and toucans.

High Water

This afternoon we will take a magical journey through the mirrored forest, seeing towering trees reflected in the black water river, while spotting dozens of enchanting parrots, blue-yellow macaws and a great variety of primates and sloths enjoying nature, unpeturbed by our presence. On our way back to the vessel you will also have the chance to see caimans, frogs and fishing bats.

7:30 p.m. Return to the M/V Aqua

8:00 p.m. Dinner

Day 3: Thurs: Puinahua River - Hatum Posa Lake - Pacaya River
(All meals)

6:30 a.m. Hatum Posa Lake Expedition

This morning we will rise early to cruise this beautiful and intricate ox-bow lake. As we follow its shore, we will almost certainly surprise several kinds of monkeys and many types of birds including terns, neo-tropic cormorants, egrets, herons, hawks, and our favorite, horned screamers.

8:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Jungle Walk near Hatum Posa Village.

On this walk, your guides introduce you to native people involved in subsistence farming, and will tell you how they learned to cultivate wild plants and trees to earn farm income. Deep in the primary forest, your guides will also show you the wealth of fruit trees and medicinal plants hidden in the jungle—the source of many of the world’s pharmaceutical products.

11:30 a.m. Return to the M/V Aqua

12:30 p.m. Lunch

3:30 p.m. Pacaya River Exploration, Plus Night Trip from Ranger Station No. 1 to Yanayacu Lake

In the late afternoon, we will take our skiffs along the Pacaya River, journeying from Ranger Station No. 1 toward Yanayacu Lake, where you can view the abundant life that is hidden in the deep rainforest. You may see saki monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and the easy-to-spot heavy howler monkeys, leaping long distances from tree to tree.

As the sun sets, we hear the loud, ferocious-sounding warning signals made by the howler monkeys as they mark their territories.

When night falls, we enjoy the second movement of the Amazon rainforest symphony, as other nocturnal animals send their shrill calls across the tree tops. We will use our special spotlight torches to locate night creatures, including, perhaps, huge caimans.

7:30 p.m. Return to the M/V Aqua

Tonight the vessel will be docked by the No. 1 Ranger Station in Pacaya Samiria National Park.

8:30 p.m. Dinner

Day 4: Fri: Pacaya River - Carocurahuayte Lake 
(All meals)

6:30 a.m. Pacaya Exploration; Breakfast on the Skiffs

In the bright morning light, your Guides will show you parrots, macaws, toucans, and many different types of monkeys. We also go to the dolphin feeding spots along the Pacaya River, where you will be delightfully surrounded by these creatures while enjoying a light breakfast and fresh juice.

After breakfast, armed with poles and bait, we will take you to a special place on this fish-rich river, where you will catch some of the more than 3,000 species of tropical fish that live in the Amazon Basin. The key target will be piranhas, the small carnivorous fish with a fearsome reputation—considered a good food source by the locals.

11:00 a.m. Return to the M/V Aqua

We will begin our homeward journey, sailing downstream toward Iquitos.

12:30 p.m. Lunch

3:30 p.m. Carocurahuayte Lake; Fishing Trip

This afternoon, we will travel to this splendid "hot spot" lake where you will be certain to catch some of the more than 3,000 species of tropical fish that live in the Amazon basin. Our key focus will be on piranhas.

6:30 p.m. Return to the M/V Aqua

We will sail downstream all night, as we make our way to Iquitos, and your onward flight.

8:00 p.m. Farewell Dinner

Just minutes after being in the wilderness, surrounded by monkeys and birds and the other wildlife of the rainforest, you will find yourself sitting down to a final gourmet feast in the ship’s dining room

9:00 p.m. Crew Presentation

Tonight, the Cruise Director will introduce some of the crew members you haven’t yet met on the trip, but who have worked behind the scenes to give you an unforgettable experience. There may even be a bit of musical entertainment!

Day 5: Sat: Iquitos - Disembark - Airport 
(All meals)

7:30 a.m. Breakfast

9:30 a.m. Morning Excursion – The excursions today depend on the level of the river. Weather and time permitting, this will be the last opportunity to see how people live along the Amazon—by visiting the lively riverside community of Belen by skiff, in Iquitos. Here, where the houses and shops actually float on the river during some months, you will see the bustling food market of the entire Peruvian Amazon. All local inhabitants throughout the region sell and purchase goods here.

Some groups may instead take a short skiff ride to visit the Boras indigenous community, on the Momon River. The Bora tribe has made every effort to maintain its traditional culture since arriving from deep inside the rainforest more than 30 years ago. Today they will perform some of their most colorful dances for you.

11:00 a.m. Return to M/V Aqua

Time to pack and prepare for the next stage of your journey.

12:00 p.m. Light Lunch

1:15 p.m. Disembarkation - City Tour - Manatee Rescue Center - Indigenous Market

Your afternoon in the remote city of Iquitos, accessible only by river or air, will not disappoint. This bustling town, complete with a house built by Gustave Eiffel, was once a rich center of the rubber industry.

En route, we will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have seized from local people and fishermen. Biologists will give a presentation about the project and its efforts to help these helpless mammals. You will also see how the manatees are cared for and are prepared for re-introduction into their natural habitat.

Finally, we will stop at the San Juan Amazonian Indian Market, for a last chance to shop for local crafts.

4:30 p.m. Iquitos Airport

Your guides help you with check-in, and stay with you until you have boarded your flight back to Lima.

17:30 p.m. Your Flight Departs for Lima LA 2383

Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change.

Peru Amazon Tour Prices: Aqua

4 Day Amazon River Cruise:

~ Suite:                                     $2,499

~ Master Suite:                          $2,699*

5 Day Amazon River Cruise:

~ Suite:                                     $3,399

~ Master Suite:                          $3,599*

8 Day Amazon River Cruise:

~ Suite:                                     $5,899

~ Master Suite:                          $6,299*

* Master Suites are 10 square feet larger with wider panoramic windows.

Price Policy:
 - All prices listed are PER PERSON in DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Cabins
 - Published Prices for 2013 Amazon Cruises only
 - Single Supplement 25% in addition to adult rate
 - 7 year minimum age on all departures
 - Children under 12 years of age receive a 20% discount
 - Third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount
 - Third person being a child under 12 years old sleeping on sofa $400 per night

Included:
 - All meals and beverages (non-alcoholic, beer, and wine)
 - Expert, bilingual guides and excursions
 - Transfer to / from Iquitos airport (only for recommended flights)
 - Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Entrance Ticket

Not Included:
 - International or Domestic Airfares
 - Airport Taxes
 - Cost of medical emergencies including evacuation
 - Gratuities
 - Souvenirs or additional services
 - Travel Insurance
 - Cost of relevant visas
 - Anything else not listed as included

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12 Cabins: all cabins have twin beds that are convertible to a California king-sized bed

- 4 Master Suites measuring 240 sq ft. 
- 8 Suites measuring 230 sq ft. 
- All suites face outside: large panoramic windows
- All air-conditioned with ensuite sitting areas
- 4 interconnecting suites for families

Social Areas:

- Indoor Bar-Lounge
- Dining Room
- Outside Lounge
- Boutique
- Observation Deck

Technical Specifications:

- Capacity: 24 passengers (additional accommodation for 1 child in each cabin)
- Length: 130 feet / 40 meters
- Beam: 24 feet / 7.30 meters
- Draft: 5 feet / 1.5 meters
- Lifejackets: in all cabins
- Crew: 18
- Guides: 3
- Launch boats: 3, each with a capacity of 8-10 passengers, guide, and launch pilot
- Cruising Speed: 10 knots
- Cruise Director and Paramedic
- Two engines, generators, and hot water plants
- USCG-approved sanitation system with state-of-the-art toilets
- Automated defibrillator, and certified staff, onboard
- Ship Owners P&I Club Protection and Indemnity Certification

Amazon Cruiseship M/V Aqua: 4-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2013

~ Sat, 18th - Tues, 21st May

~ Sat, 25th - Tues, 28th May

~ Sat 15th - Tues, 18th June

~ Sat, 22nd - Tues, 25th June

~ Sat, 29th June - Tues, 2nd July

~ Sat, 6th - Tues, 9th July

~ Sat, 13th - Tues, 16th July

~ Sat, 20th - Tues, 23rd July

~ Sat, 27th - Tues, 30th July

~ Sat 3rd - Tues, 6th Aug

~ Sat, 10th - Tues, 13th Aug

~ Sat, 17th - Tues, 24th Aug

~ Sat, 24th - Tues, 27th Aug

~ Sat, 31st Aug - Tues, 3rd Sept

~ Sat, 14th - Tues, 17th Sept

~ Sat, 21st - Tues, 24th Sept

~ Sat, 28th - Tues, 1st Oct

~ Sat, 5th - Tues, 8th Oct

~ Sat, 19th - Tues, 22nd Oct

~ Sat, 26th - Tues, 29th Oct

~ Sat, 2nd - Tues, 5th Nov: SOLD OUT

~ Sat, 9th - Tues, 12th Nov

~ Sat 16th - Tues, 19th Nov

~ Sat, 23rd - Tues, 26th Nov

~ Sat, 30th Nov - Tues, 3rd Dec: SOLD OUT

~ Sat, 21st - Tues, 24th Dec: SOLD OUT

~ Sat, 28th - Tues, 31st Dec

Amazon Cruiseship M/V Aqua: 5-Day Itinerary Departure Dates:

2013

~ Tues, 21st - Sat, 25th May

~ Tues, 11th - Sat, 15th June

~ Tues, 18th - Sat, 22nd June

~ Tues, 25th - Sat, 29th June

~ Tues, 2nd - Sat, 6th July

~ Tues, 9th - Sat, 13th July

~ Tues, 16th - Sat 20th July

~ Tues, 23rd - Sat, 27th July

~ Tues, 30th July - Sat, 3rd Aug

~ Tues, 6th - Sat, 10th Aug

~ Tues, 13th - Sat, 17th Aug

~ Tues, 20th - Sat, 24th Aug

~ Tues, 27th - Sat, 31st Aug

~ Tues, 3rd - Sat, 7th Sept

~ Tues, 10th - Sat, 14th Sept

~ Tues, 17th - Sat, 21st Sept

~ Tues, 24th - Sat, 28th Sept

~ Tues, 1st - Sat, 5th Oct

~ Tues, 8th - Sat, 12th Oct

~ Tues, 29th - Sat, 2nd Nov

~ Tues, 5th - Sat, 9th Nov

~ Tues, 12th - Sat, 16th Nov

~ Tues, 19th - Sat, 23rd Nov

~ Tues, 26th - Sat, 30th Nov

~ Tues, 3rd - Sat, 7th Dec: SOLD OUT

~ Tues, 24th - Sat, 28th Dec: SOLD OUT

~ Tues, 31st - Sat, 4th Jan, 2014

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4-Day Amazon River Cruise on M/V Aqua

5-Day Amazon River Cruise on M/V Aqua