This is an 8-day Amazon Expedition Cruise aboard Aqua Nera. Allow the mighty Amazon River time to slowly unveil her majesty and wonders in nature. Kayak, canoe or swim in these unspoiled black waters, keeping eyes peeled for the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins. Be witness to one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere, the birth of the Amazon River and see the unforgettable giant water lilies. Search for three-toed sloths, toucans, and macaws, fish for piranhas, and meet taricaya turtles in their natural habitat. Enjoy a breakfast picnic accompanied by the jungle symphony and fish along the black waters of the Pacaya River. As the vessel journeys towards the union of the Ucayali and the Marañon Rivers, considered the birthplace of the Amazon, learn from the experienced, expert naturalist guides about the diverse Amazon wildlife and birds of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
Highlights
Enjoy Amazonian cuisine by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arriving on a noon flight*, receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by the crew and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on the Aqua Nera.
Settle into your generously sized suite as you begin one of life's greatest adventures. Following an introduction to the naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera's renowned consulting chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.
*Separate arrangements can be made for morning arrivals.
Day 2: Yanayacu Yacapana | Yarapa River | Ucayali River
Aboard the comfortable skiffs, set sail from the Amazon River to the Yanayacu Yacapana River. Ready your binoculars to spot tropical songbirds, black-collared hawks, and sloths. Line-fish for Amazon’s notoriously ferocious piranhas while naturalist guides share their knowledge of the Amazonia.
In the afternoon, we sail to Yarapa River, a black water tributary of the Ucayali River. Here we’ll embark on a stargazing session and an excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Get an early start to the day to explore Clavero Lake aboard the comfortable skiffs. Here, villagers rely on traditional dugout canoes to get around. You’ll have the opportunity to swim in the lake’s calm waters or visit native residents of Amazonia who will welcome you to their community with open arms.
In the afternoon, we will explore the majestic Marañon River in search of different kinds of wildlife.
Day 4: Nauta Town | Village Visit | Birthplace Of The Amazon
In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market and marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon, and sample exotic snacks if you wish. For those interested, there’ll also be the opportunity to visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco.
In the afternoon, witness one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere, the birthplace of the Amazon River. By nightfall, you will meet the new passengers who signed on for the four-night trip, as you start the journey together along the Marañon River.
Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching session along the Marañon River and enjoy breakfast in the middle of the jungle. Next, visit an Amazonian village where you’ll be able to interact with native riberenos and witness an Aguaje palm harvesting demonstration.
Later, go swimming, kayaking, or canoeing in the Yanayacu Pucate River and keep an eye out for the legendary pink river dolphins. Finally, board the skiffs again to cruise along the Yanaquillo River for a dusk excursion in search of nocturnal animals.
The rewards for your early start today are plentiful: a full-day excursion including a picnic lunch orchestrated to the tune of the jungle symphony, fishing along the black waters of the Samiria River, and an option to go canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or on a jungle walk inside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. On the way back to the Marañon River after lunch, venture out by skiff keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the extraordinary black water Nauta Caño River. If you wish, embark on a bike ride from Puerto Prado Village to Santa Cruz Village along the riverbank.
In the afternoon, take a jungle walk while looking for flora and fauna which may include medicinal trees, insects, and poison dart frogs. Learn more about the different rainforest strata and ecosystems. Before dinner, meet the incredible crew who’ve been working behind the scenes to ensure your exceptional experience aboard Aqua Nera.
Day 8: Arrival In Iquitos | Manatee Rescue Center | Disembark
1 Breakfast
In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market and marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon, and sample exotic snacks if you wish.
Return to the Aqua Nera for breakfast before disembarkation. En route to the airport, visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where orphaned Amazonian manatees are rehabilitated before they are released back into the wild.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$10,9202-3 travelers
First Deck Design Suite
Measuring 322 square feet (30 sqm). Each suite has floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, California King beds that can convert into two twin beds, a interior sofa, large double closets, professional hairdryer, music docking station, air conditioning, and sleek en-suite bathrooms.
Second Deck Design Suite
Measuring 322 square feet (30 sqm). Each suite has floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, California King beds that can convert into two twin beds, a interior sofa, large double closets, professional hairdryer, music docking station, air conditioning, and sleek en-suite bathrooms.
Notes
Single Supplement: 25% in addition to the double rate as posted.
Third Person Rates: 20% discount for a third passenger sleeping on the sofa bed.
Children Discounts: Children under age 12 will receive a 20% discount. A child sleeping on the sofa bed as a third passenger in the room will pay $500 per night.
Initial deposit is $1000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Having done a trip in the past with Adventure Life, I found picking a trip and customizing it was a breeze and fit everything I wanted
Scott Drayer
1 month ago
Arvin has been very responsive and professional.
Carlotta Diaz
1 month ago
very easy to deal with kassandra. she listened to what our interests were and planned a great trip for us. nothing to worry about!
carole therisod
1 month ago
Jess is very explicit, professional and always there when i have a question
Carlotta Diaz
2 months ago
i have now booked five trips through Adventure Life, and each experience has been perfect from start to finish. The agents are outstanding at truly listening to what the client is searching for and making it happen impeccably. From the initial planning to the final trip execution, Adventure Life handled every aspect flawlessly. They are an amazing company, and I have recommended them to friends and family with always stellar results!
