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During this luxurious Amazon River cruise aboard the M/V Aria you will explore winding jungle creeks by motorized skiff and stop at remote villages to search for local crafts. Your journey through the region will take you along three powerful Amazon tributaries: the Marañón, the Ucayali, and the Puinahua as well as several hidden black water lakes in both high water and Low water season. On the river, you will experience the world as it was at the very beginning of time, when wildlife was rich and abundant, when trees grew tall and flowers bloomed everywhere. In this glorious environment, parrots and macaws perch in trees, fuzzy howler monkeys leap from branch to branch, and per-historic looking caiman swim by. You will see the rare pink dolphin arc through the water and have a chance to photograph the giant Victoria Regia water lilies.

There are two main seasons to be aware of when visiting the Peruvian Amazon River: a high water season (December through May) and a low water season (June through November). Traveling to Peru in either season offers rich rewards, fabulous sites, and amazing opportunities to view plant and animal life. The M/V Aria sails year-round, and every voyage is uniquely appealing, based on the changing seasons. During the flooded season the river and estuaries grow, allowing launch boats to venture deeper into the flooded forest. During the dry season the river recedes and beautiful sandy river beaches form.

The Aria Amazon River cruise is offered as either an 8 day, 5 day or 4 day cruise departing Fridays and Mondays to provide an Amazon experience that is best for you. The 8 day itinerary is detailed below. Note the itineraries are subject to change slightly to accommodate the changes in water levels for the different seasons.

Day 1 - FRI - Iquitos to Amazon River

The Aria Amazon River cruise begins in Iquitos, Peru. Upon Arrival to Iquitos, board an air-conditioned bus for your journey to the river and board the M/V Aria. Participate in a short safety drill and briefing on the Upper Deck before dinner. Afterwards, perhaps enjoy a nightcap on the Upper Deck, under the stars, before retiring.

Accommodations: M/V Aria
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - SAT - Amazon River & Yarapa River

Catch your first glimpse of the majestic Amazon River and a tasty breakfast as you watch the sun rise over this green world filled with wonderful wildlife. Explore the Yacapana Isles “the Isle of the Iguana”. Pass very close 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. Enjoy the unique opportunity to go fishing for the infamous piranhas with our naturalists before returning to the M/V Aria for lunch.

Next we head to the Yarapa River. 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. Once the sun sets and the jungle is dark, begin our search for caiman, frogs, and different kinds of nightlife. Return to the boat and before dining, we recommend drinking a pisco sour as an aperitif on the top deck, while watching the sunset.

Accommodations: M/V Aria
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - SUN - Yanallpa River & Ucayali River

Start with an early breakfast to prepare for our Jungle Walk to Magdalena - 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 a beautiful lake that is home to the world famous Victoria Regia giant water lily. Have your cameras ready to capture this once-in-a-lifetime sight. Return to Aria for lunch and a siesta.

Later this afternoon, search for Monkeys and Dolphins; you will be able to 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 some species of birds, among which the macaws stand out, as well as a spectacular sundown.

Accommodations: M/V Aria
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - MON - Amazon, Pacaya Samiria & Nauta Caño

This morning, the M/V Aria cruises the edges of the vast Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, a flooded forest covering five million acres at the headwaters of the Amazon basin. Rise early and be on your skiffs to view one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere: the sun rising over the birthplace of the Amazon River. Next travel by skiff to Puerto Prado native village, to get to know the hospitable Cocama Indians. They will share their culture, traditions, and folklore with you, and you will have the opportunity to purchase some of their delightful folk art and crafts.

After lunch our afternoon Excursion is to Nauta Caño known as the mirrored forest, due to its glistening black water lagoons. Here you will enjoy observing different species, such as: toucans, parrots, macaws, iguanas, and more. On the way back to the M/V Aria you will see a glorious sunset reflected in the waters of the mirrored forest.

Accommodations: M/V Aria
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - TUE - Marañon River & Choroyacu River

This morning board the skiffs to explore part of the vast Amazon flooded forest. Your guides will tell you about the rainforest and its dynamic life, as we explore what scientists call a “gallery forest,” because of 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, very close to the skiff. Return to the M/V Aria for lunch.

This afternoon take a Jungle Walk and Village Visit. On this walk, your guides will introduce you to native people doing subsistence farming, and will tell you how they learned to cultivate wild plants and trees to earn farm income. As your adventure takes you deep into the primary forest, your guides will also show you the wealth of fruit trees and medicinal plants hidden in the jungle – and will reveal some of the plants’ secrets.

Accommodations: M/V Aria
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - WED - Tacsha River, Pacaya Samiria & San Martin de Tipishca

Today you can choose between two options: 1. A full-day excursion to Primary forest with a Picnic Lunch or 2. A guided Jungle Walk, Siesta, Monkey and Dolphin Expedition.

Option 1: In the morning board your skiff to go deep into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, along the Samiria River. Along the route, have the opportunity to see various species of monkey, such as howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, saddleback tamarin monkeys and many bird species such as blue, yellow and scarlet macaws as well as toucans and some species of river hawks. Arrive at the PV2 Tacsha watchpost, to follow a path deep into the rainforest. Enjoy a generous picnic lunch, before begining our journey back to our vessel.

Option 2: In the morning your Naturalist Guide will tell you all about sustainable resource management projects in Amazonia, and will take you to 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. Next, travel deep into the jungle, to encounter wildlife and learn first-hand about the important medicinal value of many jungle plants. See the famous Kapok Trees (ceiba pentandra), the tallest trees in the Amazon Basin. Return to Aria for lunch and a Siesta. The afternoon will be spent with a Caiman Expedition. Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of tamarins and dusky titi monkeys, as well as 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 your eyes out for caimans, tree boas, tarantulas, and frogs.

Accommodations: M/V Aria
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - THR - Tahuayo, Lake Charo

Back on the river as the sun rises, witness a treasure trove of wildlife, including parrots, macaws, toucans, and many kinds of monkeys—as well as some “surprise” species that you have never seen before. Enjoy a “bag breakfast” of light sandwiches and fresh juice near a popular dolphin feeding spot. Return to the M/V Aria and sail back down the river toward Iquitos while enjoying lunch.

This evening you will board our comfortable launch and navigate from the Amazon River through the Huaysi Canal to explore the dark waters of the Tahuayo River. Lifejackets, ponchos, rubber boots and freshwater will be available on our launches. As we navigate along the Tahuayo River, observe fishermen paddling in their canoes. Keep your binoculars handy to see the abundant wildlife: sparrows, hawks, monkeys and sloths will be sharing this marvellous location with us. After our arrival at Lake Charo, you will be using the fishing gear to fish for piranhas and other specious. While you fish, our nature guides will tell you the history of the lake and its residents. Return to the M/V Aria for briefing in the Top Lounge and a recap of itinerary and sightings before a delicious Farewell Dinner.

Accommodations: M/V Aria
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - FRI - Depart Amazon River, Iquitos

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 floating in skiffs through the lively riverside community of Belen, in Iquitos. Here, where the houses and shops actually float on the river during some months, see the bustling food market for the entire Peruvian Amazon. All local inhabitants throughout the region sell and purchase goods here. Return to the M/V Aria to finish packing and have a Light Lunch.

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. Before heading to the airport, visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have seized from local people, including 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, stop at the San Juan Amazonian Indian Market, for a last chance to shop for local crafts before check in at Iquitos International Airport.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

5 Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - MON – Nauta Caño
Day 2 - TUE - Marañon River & Choroyacu River
Day 3 - WED - Tacsha River / Pacaya Samiria & San Martin de Tipishca
Day 4 - THR - Tahuayo / Lake Charo
Day 5 - FRI - Amazon River / Iquitos

4-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - FRI - Iquitos/Amazon River
Day 2 - SAT - Amazon River & Yarapa River
Day 3 - SUN - Yanallpa River & Ucayali River
Day 4 - MON - Amazon / Pacaya Samiria Reserve

Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining this trip with our Peru: Machu Picchu extensions.

Itinerary Notes: The itinerary is subject to change slightly to accommodate changes in the water levels during the different seasons. We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Included: Transfer from Lima to Iquitos, overnight accommodations aboard the M/V Aqua, all meals while cruising, all excursions, all airport transfers, Park entrance fees, naturalist guides, beverages (nonalcoholic and wine and beer).

Exclusions: Airfare from US to Lima; excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Lima; domestic flights estimated at $350-$500 per person, tips to local staff and items of a personal nature such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Room Configurations: The M/V Aqua offer single occupancy at an additional 25% of the adult rate. Third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount.

Families & Children: 7 year old age minimum. Children under 12 years old will receive a 20% discount. Third person being a child under 12 years old sleeping on sofa bed pays $400 per night.

Arrival & Departure: The Aria Amazon Luxury cruise begins and ends in Iquitos, Peru. Embarkation aboard M/V Aria is at 6:00pm on day 1 of the outlined itinerary. Disembarkation is at 4:00pm on the last day. Please plan flights accordingly. For help scheduling flights and information on group charter flights from Lima to Iquitos please contact our adventure coordinators.

Payment & Cancellation: A special cancellation policy applies to all Galapagos trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 70 days from departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in a smaller skiff. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Most landings are dry but some may be "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.


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