M/V Aqua — Amazon River — Peru
Embark on the voyage of a lifetime, sailing the earth’s mightiest river — the Amazon. The first true luxury vessel in the region, the M/V Aqua caters to the most discriminating and adventurous of world travelers, providing an unforgettable journey into areas penetrated by only a privileged few. As your ship docks along the river, knowledgeable and experienced naturalists will take you, via small launches, into remote estuaries in the Peruvian rain forest and the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. As you explore these pristine wilderness areas teeming with wildlife, you will also encounter local people living in villages as they have for centuries. And when the day’s sightseeing is over, the comforts of your luxurious floating hotel will await you.
Pacaya Samiria Reserve - As the M/V Aqua skirts the edges of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, located on the headwaters of the Amazon basin, you will become one of only a handful of seasoned world travelers ever to have reached this remote, remarkably beautiful destination. Pacaya Samiria spans more than five million acres, making it twice the size of Yellowstone Park—and it is rich with wildlife and aquatic life. In winter, when the river is high, visitors can explore the small inlets and various winding river systems that make up the Reserve’s flooded forest. In summer, the river recedes and beautiful sandy river beaches form. Only about 30,000 people live in this vast tract of land. You will have the chance to meet some of them. In addition, park rangers will show you some of the conservation and sustainability projects that are part of this vast reserve.
Wildlife - When you arrive at Pacaya Samiria Reserve, you will enter a world filled with birds in neon-brilliant colors, playful monkeys, graceful hawks and herons and millions of butterflies. You will have the opportunity to see hundreds of species, including the endangered pink Amazon dolphin, the rare giant river otter—and perhaps, if you are very lucky—a sleek, black jaguar. In this glorious environment, parrots and macaws perch in trees as though posing . . . fuzzy orange and chic black howler monkeys munch on the treetop leaves . . . pre-historic looking iguanas, like mini-dinosaurs, laze in the sun. You will have the chance to watch long-legged cormorants fish for their dinner, and will probably see alligators cooling themselves in the river, and possibly from a safe distance, the legendary boa constrictor.
Accommodation: M/V Aqua is Aqua Expedition’s 130-foot flagship. Its 12 luxury guest suites, designed by an internationally renowned Peruvian interior designer, measure a generous 230 to 240 square feet, and feature large, outward facing panoramic windows and en suite sitting areas. All suites are air conditioned, and four are interconnected, to cater to families. Guests can socialize in the dining room, bar, on the observation deck and in the outdoor lounge. There is also a small boutique. You’ll be served by a crew of 14, plus three skilled guides. Rates include all excursions, meals, and wine with meals.
Dining: Explorers aboard the Aqua will enjoy a menu of fresh, delicious world-renowned Peruvian fare, whether served on board or on an adventure. Dinner each evening promises to be a culinary feast for the senses, paired with select wines from South America. The menu has been created with the assistance of Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s top ten chefs.
Location: Amazon River voyages depart from the port city of Iquitos, Peru. Iquitos is served by numerous daily flights from Lima, Peru’s capital. The flights take one hour and twenty-five minutes.
Seasons: Aqua Expeditions operates year-round, and every voyage is uniquely appealing, based on the changing seasons. During the wet season (December to May) , the river and estuaries grow, allowing launch boats to venture deeper into the flooded forest. During the dry season (June to November), the river recedes and beautiful sandy river beaches form.
Voyages: Guests may choose three, four, or seven-night itineraries. Each day will bring amazing new wonders, as guests set out with guides in a fleet of three launches to float toward the source of the mighty Amazon. Each day, you will explore the small inlets and various winding river systems that make up the flooded forest. Pacaya Samiria Reserve, located on the headwaters of the Amazon basin, spans more than five million acres. Twice the size of Yellowstone Park, it teems with wildlife and aquatic life. Visitors will have the opportunity to see hundreds of species, including the endangered pink Amazon dolphin, black alligator, and giant river otter.
Departure Dates:
• 7 Night Sat-Sat • 3 Night Sat-Tues • 4 Night Tues-Sat
Here below are the individual cruise pages with more information on each itinerary:
