4-nights itinerary: Amazon Explorer Cruise
Afford yourself more time to explore the Amazon and be richly rewarded
This 4-night Amazon Explorer Cruise manages to fit major highlights of the Peruvian Amazon and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in an action-packed itinerary. Go piranha fishing, trek into the dense jungle with our experienced guides in search of wildlife such as Amazon monkeys, three-toed sloths, hoatzins, toucans, macaws and unravel the mystery of giant water lilies. Journeys focus on the Ucayali tributary, where wildlife feeding and nesting grounds are aplenty.
You’ll have the opportunity to view taricaya turtles and spectacled caimans in their natural habitat, along with Amazon’s famous pink river dolphins whose love of frolicking in the river will delight the young and old. You’ll also have enough time to find your favorite spot on the spacious five-star Aria Amazon or Aqua Nera, where you’ll sample a wide range of Amazonian produce from chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s inventive and delicious onboard menu.
Aria Amazon:
Aqua Nera:
Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.
Day 1
Peru
Iquitos – Nauta – Embarkation – Marañon River
We will meet at Iquitos International Airport then journey together by air-conditioned vehicle through the Peruvian countryside to arrive at our Nauta Lounge in time for lunch, or we will serve a box lunch en route depending on the flight arrival time. In the afternoon, we will set off on your first skiff excursion along the Marañon River. At 6:00pm, we will board the ARIA AMAZON. Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to our naturalist guides, we gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.
Day 2
Peru
Ucayali River – Pacaya River
Boarding our skiffs, we start the day like Amazon River dwellers, cruising along the Ucayali River. As these farmers and fishermen go about their business, we search for pink river dolphins in these pristine waters. Later in the day, we return to the skiffs, to ride along the black waters of the Pacaya River at dusk, searching for the mysterious wildlife that come out after dark and with extraordinary stargazing.
Day 3
Peru
Pacaya River – Ucayali River – Tapiche River
The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including a breakfast picnic accompanied by jungle symphony and fishing along the black waters of the Pacaya River. After lunch, we venture out by skiffs on the Ucayali River alongside the banana boats transporting jungle products to the port of Requena, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
Day 4
Peru
Clavero Lake – San Jose De Sarapanga Forest
Choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa or Clavero River in the morning. Come afternoon, take a short jungle walk in the San Jose de Sarapanga forest and see the unforgettable giant water lilies. This 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 your countless exceptional experiences aboard the ARIA AMAZON.
Day 5
Peru
Arrival In Iquitos – Manatee Rescue Center – Transfer To The Airport
This morning, we will visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the fishermen of Amazonia and the region’s exotic fruits. Return to the ARIA for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. We will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport. Lunch or box lunch is included, depending on the exact departure flight time, which can vary. Other activities may be included as well, according to our recommended flight schedule.
Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.