Aria Amazon Cruise

The 147-foot-long, M/V Aria is the sister ship of the M/V Aqua, and was custom-built by renowned Peruvian architect Jordi Puig to cruise the Amazon as another true luxury cruise ship operating on the northern Amazon River in Peru, offering an extraordinary level of comfort for its guests.

The M/V Aria can accommodate a maximum of 32 cruise ship guests plus crew. This luxury cruise ship is the perfect size to sail along the Amazon River, providing extremely comfortable lounge, outdoor jacuzzi, exercise room, 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: Fri: 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 Aria - home for the next three nights - is moored at the main wharf and from the moment you step aboard, the M/V Aria’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 Aria 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 repair to 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 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: Sat: Amazon - Yanayacu - Yacapana - Yarapa
(All meals)

6:30 a.m. See the Sun Rise Over the River

Be up early to catch your first glimpse of the majestic Amazon River, as you watch the sun rise over this green world filled with wonderful wildlife. This initial contact with Amazonia is only a brief sampling of what the rest of your journey will hold.

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 juices, made from tropical fruits you’ve never tasted before.

9:15 a.m. Explore the Yacapana Isles

Locals call the Yacapana Isles the 'Iguana Islands' on account of the number of these reptiles found there. Amazonian beliefs state that if you touch an iguana, you develop some of its characteristics and, as no one wants to look like one of them, these animals are well protected!

We get as close as possible to the islands aboard the launches, giving you an opportunity to take good photos of the flora and fauna that we are able to observe along our route. We also have the opportunity to fish for the notorious piranha with our guides.

11:45 a.m. Return to the M/V Aria

While the boat continues its journey along the Amazon River, you have time to rest before lunch.

12:30 p.m. Lunch

Enjoy a light lunch in the air conditioned dining room.

4:00 p.m. Expedition to the Yarapa River

As the sun sets, you have a 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.

Once the sun sets and the jungle is dark, we begin our search for caiman, frogs, and different kinds of nightlife.

7:30 p.m. Return to the boat

Before dinner, we recommend drinking a Pisco sour aperitif on the top deck, while watching the sunset.

8:00 p.m. Dinner

Day 3: Sun: Yanallpa - Magdalena Village - Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
(All meals) 

7:30 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Jungle Walk to Magdalena (Low Water, Jun - Nov) or Yanallpa Flooded Forest (High Water, Dec - May)

Low Water

After breakfast we stroll through the village of Madgalena, a small community of just ten families. After you meet the people, including lots of lively and curious children, your naturalist guides will lead you through the jungle to to see the world’s largest aquatic plant, the Victoria Regias giant water lilies. Only a small number of people who have ever seen these plants bloom.

High Water

This morning we will explore the Yanallpa Stream looking for wildlife such as the bald uakari monkey, squirrel monkeys, saddleback tamarin monkeys, sloths and many other species. Our guides will explain the natural mechanisms through which the vegetation withstands the water during the seasonal flooding.

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

12:30 p.m. Lunch, followed by relaxation

4:00 p.m. Monkey and Dolphin Watching Excursion

On this trip, we can appreciate the different types of freshwater dolphin, including the rare pink dolphins found along the Ucayali River. We recommend that you bring your binoculars as there will also be opportunities to observe many bird species, including beautiful macaws, as well as a spectacular sunset.

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

8:30 p.m. Dinner

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

7:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 a.m. Birthplace of the Amazon & Cocama Indian Village

This morning, the M/V Aria 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 sun rising over 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.

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

12:00 p.m. Lunch

Share a final lunch on board 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: Mon: Iquitos - Nauta - M/V Aria - 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 scenic one-and-a-half hour drive to Nauta, on the banks of the Amazon River, where the M/V Aria is moored..

7:00 p.m Embarkation

From the moment of boarding the luxurious M/V Aria - 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 Aria 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 Aria

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 Aria. 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 Aria

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 Aria

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 Aria

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 Aria

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 Aria

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 Aria

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: Aria

4 Day Amazon River Cruise:

~ Design Suite Lower Deck:                         $2,649

~ Design Suite: Upper Deck:                        $2,799

5 Day Amazon River Cruise:

~ Design Suite Lower Deck:                         $3,599

~ Design Suite Upper Deck:                         $3,799

8 Day Amazon River Cruise:

~ Design Suite Lower Deck:                         $6,199

~ Design Suite Upper Deck:                         $6,599

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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M/V Aria Boat Specifications

Suites:

The M/V Aria’s sixteen oversized cruiseship design suites, feature en suite sitting areas and generous outward-facing picture-windows with panoramic Amazon river views. Each of these handsomely-decorated, air-conditioned suites measure around 240 square feet. All have twin beds that can be converted to a California king-sized bed.

Four of these suites can be interconnected, to cater to families.

Social Areas:

- Indoor Bar-Lounge
- Dining Room
- Outside Lounge
- Boutique
- Observation Deck
- Exercise Room
- Outdoor Jacuzzi

Technical Specifications:

- Built: 2010
- Capacity: 32 passengers (additional accommodation for 1 child in each cabin)
- Length: 147 feet / 45 meters
- Beam: 29.5 feet / 9 meters
- Draft: 5 feet / 1.5 meters
- Lifejackets: in all cabins
- Crew: 24
- Guides: 4
- Cruise Director and Paramedic 

- Launch boats: 4, each with a capacity of 8-10 passengers, guide, and launch pilot

- Cruising Speed: 10 knots
- Two engines, generators, and hot water plants
- USCG-approved sanitation system with state-of-the-art toilets
- 9,000-liter water treatment plant
- Automated defibrillator, and certified staff, onboard
- Ship Owners P&I Club Protection and Indemnity Certification

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

2013

~ Fri, 4th - Mon, 7th Jan

~ Fri, 11th - Mon, 14th Jan

~ Fri, 18th - Mon, 21st Jan

~ Fri, 25th - Mon, 28th Jan

~ Fri, 1st - Mon, 4th Feb

~ Fri, 8th - Mon, 11th Feb

~ Fri, 15th - Mon, 18th Feb

~ Fri, 22nd - Mon, 25th Feb

~ Fri, 1st - Mon, 4th March

~ Fri, 8th - Mon, 11th March

~ Fri, 15th - Mon, 18th March

~ Fri, 29th March - Mon, 1st April

~ Fri, 12th - Mon, 15th April

~ Fri, 26th - Mon, 29th April: SOLD OUT

~ Fri, 3rd - Mon, 6th May: SOLD OUT

~ Fri, 10th - Mon, 13th May

~ Fri, 17th - Mon, 20th May

~ Fri, 24th - Mon, 27th May

~ Fri, 31st May - Mon, 3rd June

~ Fri, 7th - Mon, 10th June

~ Fri, 14th - Mon, 17th June

~ Fri, 5th - Mon, 8th July

~ Fri, 12th - Mon, 15th July

~ Fri, 19th - Mon, 23rd July

~ Fri, 2nd - Mon, 5th Aug

~ Fri, 9th - Mon, 13th Aug

~ Fri, 16th - Mon, 19th Aug

~ Fri, 23rd - Mon, 26th Aug

~ Fri, 30th Aug - Mon, 2nd Sept

~ Fri, 6th - Mon, 9th Sept

~ Fri, 13th - Mon, 16th Sept

~ Fri, 20th - Mon, 23rd Sept

~ Fri, 27th - Mon, 30th Sept

~ Fri, 4th - Mon, 7th Oct

~ Fri, 11th - Mon, 14th Oct

~ Fri, 25th - Mon, 28th Oct: SOLD OUT

~ Fri, 8th - Mon, 11th Nov

~ Fri, 15th - Mon, 18th Nov

~ Fri, 22nd - Mon, 25th Nov

~ Fri, 29th Nov - Mon, 2nd Dec: SOLD OUT

~ Fri, 13th - Mon, 16th Dec

~ Fri, 20th - Mon, 23rd Dec

~ Fri, 27th - Mon, 30th Dec

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

2013

~ Mon, 7th - Fri, 11th Jan

~ Mon, 14th - Fri, 18th Jan

~ Mon, 21st - Fri, 25th Jan

~ Mon, 28th Jan - Fri, 1st Feb

~ Mon, 4th - Fri 8th Feb

~ Mon, 11th - Fri 15th Feb

~ Mon, 18th - Fri, 22nd Feb

~ Mon, 25th - Fri, 1st March

~ Mon, 4th - Fri, 8th March

~ Mon, 11th - Fri, 15th March

~ Mon, 18th - Fri, 22nd March: SOLD OUT

~ Mon, 1st - Fri, 5th April

~ Mon, 8th - Fri, 12th April

~ Mon, 15th - Fri 19th April

~ Mon, 22nd - Fri, 26th April

~ Mon, 29th April - Fri, 3rd May

~ Mon, 6th - Fri, 10th May

~ Mon, 13th - Fri, 17th May

~ Mon, 20th - Fri, 24th May

~ Mon, 27th - Fri 31st May

~ Mon, 3rd - Fri, 7th June

~ Mon, 10th - Fri, 14th June

~ Mon, 1st - Fri, 5th July

~ Mon, 8th - Fri, 12th July

~ Mon, 15th - Fri, 19th July

~ Mon, 22nd - Fri, 26th July

~ Mon, 29th July - Fri, 2nd Aug

~ Mon, 5th - Fri, 9th Aug

~ Mon, 12th - Fri, 16th Aug

~ Mon, 19th - Fri, 23rd Aug

~ Mon, 26th - Fri, 30th Aug

~ Mon, 2nd - Fri, 6th Sept

~ Mon, 9th - Fri, 13th Sept

~ Mon, 16th - Fri, 20th Sept

~ Mon, 23rd - Fri, 27th Sept

~ Mon, 30th Sept - Fri, 4th Oct

~ Mon, 14th - Fri, 18th Oct

~ Mon, 21st - Fri, 25th Oct

~ Mon, 28th Oct - Fri, 1st Nov

~ Mon, 4th - Fri, 8th Nov

~ Mon, 11th - Fri, 15th Nov

~ Mon, 18th - Fri, 22nd Nov

~ Mon, 2nd - Fri, 6th Dec: SOLD OUT

~ Mon, 9th - Fri, 13th Dec

~ Mon, 23rd - Fri, 27th Dec

~ Mon, 30th Dec - Fri, 3rd Jan, 2014

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4-Day Amazon River Cruise on M/V Aria

5 Day Amazon River Cruise on M/V Aria