You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight to Iquitos. Upon your arrival at Iquitos International Airport, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the Aria Amazon.
Your day starts at the headstream of the Amazon River, the Ucayali. Kayak, canoe, and swim in the black waters of Clavero Lake, or learn about traditional customs of the area at a remote village along the Ucayali River. Once the sun sets, we’ll explore the Yarapa River in search of the nocturnal wildlife of the Amazon.
Today we’re exploring the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery thriving in the Amazon.
One of the oldest inhabited areas in the Peruvian Amazon, Nauta is nestled between the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers. You’ll explore the town’s market, which is full of fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables. From there, it’s a short journey to the birthplace of the Amazon River.
Experience life as an Amazon River dweller as you cruise along the Marañón River. Search for Taricaya turtles and other wildlife lurking just beyond the river. Once the sun sets, we’ll take to the Amazon River, on the lookout for nocturnal beasts.
The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including a picnic lunch under the Amazonian shade, orchestrated to the sound of the jungle symphony. Go fishing along the black waters of Samiria River and choose to go on a jungle walk, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming inside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Later, cruise along the Ucayali River and enjoy the sunset.
Spend the morning jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming before a visit to Puerto Prado Forest.
Take a morning walk through the town of Nauta before disembarking the Aria Amazon. Your guide will take you on a few excursions on your way to the Iquitos airport. Once you’ve arrived in Lima, you’ll be transferred to the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport for your last night.
Soft lighting, natural fibers and neutral hues create a relaxing and luxuriously comfortable enclave where one’s only challenge may be to decide whether to gaze upon the Amazon from atop the California king size bed (which can be separated into two twin beds) made with 100% Peruvian cotton high thread count sheets or while lounging on the cozy window-side day bed, binoculars in hand.
For the ultimate luxury, passengers may select a pair of interconnecting suites, either for families or with one suite configured as a private living room, the other a master bedroom, plus his-and-hers bathrooms.
Soft lighting, natural fibers and neutral hues create a relaxing and luxuriously comfortable enclave where one’s only challenge may be to decide whether to gaze upon the Amazon from atop the California king size bed (which can be separated into two twin beds) made with 100% Peruvian cotton high thread count sheets or while lounging on the cozy window-side day bed, binoculars in hand.
For the ultimate luxury, passengers may select a pair of interconnecting suites, either for families or with one suite configured as a private living room, the other a master bedroom, plus his-and-hers bathrooms.
The Dining Room can be found on the Second Deck.
Outside of the multiple daily excursions, guests can relax on the ship’s observation deck for leisurely wildlife watching under the vast open Amazon sky.
At dusk and dawn, Amazon sunsets and sunrises in the ‘mirrored forest’ of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve have double the visual impact as they are reflected off the ‘blackwater’ of the Amazon river, and this the observation deck is the ideal place to snap that winning photograph!
Nature takes care of the lighting on our generous outdoor deck on the Aria Amazon, with plenty of sunshine for those who wish to soak it up on cushioned loungers during the day to cooler evenings under the star filled sky. Guests seeking fresh Amazon air without being exposed to the sun will find plenty of space and comfortable∘ seating under the expansive awning of the outdoor lounge. While all our Amazon luxury cruises offer a full day of activities and excursions, we also invite our guests to opt out as they wish. Relax in our outdoor lounge while examining all yesterday’s photos of Amazon wildlife living in their natural habitats, deep in the rainforest.
Air-conditioned with plenty of natural light, plush deep sofas, soothing hardwood decor and a well-stocked bar as a centerpiece, this is arguably one of the best spots in Peru to sip on a pisco sour.
The Aria Amazon’s onboard boutique offers guests the convenience of shopping at their leisure for high quality, thoughtfully selected Peruvian handicrafts, and jewelry and souvenirs. Artisanal items featured here include original pieces we source directly from the artisans of Amazonia, who live and work in the communities we visit and actively support.
The Aria Amazon’s signature walls of glass come in especially helpful here in the ship’s dedicated workout space, offering engrossing distraction for guests on the treadmill and stationary bicycle.
On the waters of the Peruvian Amazon, we launched new spa menus in 2015 featuring an expanded array of massage and spa services. The Aria Amazon offers an exclusive∘ top-deck massage room with internationally-trained∘ therapists offering a range of massages using 100% pure, natural essential oils. Each specially-crafted spa oil is developed from indigenous ingredients such as coconut and vanilla and harvested from either the highlands of Peru or Amazonia before being carefully distilled and conserved, using no additives.
Please note: We do not have Internet connection on board the Aria Amazon, though guests report periodically connecting via roaming on their iPhone or other handheld devices, depending on our proximity to more developed areas. For cellular phone contact you may need a special telephone that can operate on a foreign signal although, keep in mind that most areas outside Iquitos are so remote that you will be unable to get a signal. If you need to contact your home or office for any emergency, the Aria Amazon is equipped with a satellite phone. We will inform you, prior to calling, of the current price of an international call and you may pay for these directly on board.
The minimum age to travel on the Aria Amazon is seven.
Passengers must be at least 21 years of age to travel without their parents or guardians. If any occupant in the cabin is under 21, then a passenger at least 25 years old must be booked in the cabin with them. The only exception is that children under age 21 may be allowed to have their own cabin if they are in a connected suite shared by their parents or guardians.
The food is world class. Travellers aboard the Aria Amazon will enjoy a menu of fresh, delicious Peruvian fare (with a bit of continental influence), whether served on board or out on an adventure. Dinner each evening promises to be a culinary feast for the senses, paired with select South American wines. Noted Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s top ten chefs, has created our menus. If you have special dietary requests, you need to inform Aqua Expeditions at the time of booking, or at least by 30 days prior to embarkation. Every effort will be made to cater to special dietary needs, and to accommodate special requests, subject to a given products’ availability in Peru.
Once all the passengers have boarded, the crew will conduct a mandatory safety drill. Please be sure to check exactly where the life vests are located in your cabin. Memorize your way to the deck in case an emergency should arise. Consult your Cruise Director or Guide regarding any questions you may have. Life vests are provided for use while onboard the skiffs and you are required to wear them. Always hold the guide or crew member’s hand while embarking or disembarking, since the boat ladder and deck may be wet and slippery. It is important for us to verify that all our passengers are on board prior to departure. There is a check list in the reception area that you must sign upon returning from every visit.
Smoking is forbidden inside the Aria Amazon including ecigarettes. It is allowed only in the outside lounge and on the observation deck. If you want to smoke in the outside lounge, please ask the bartender for an ashtray. Do not throw your cigarette stubs or ash into the water.