Venture into the heart of the Amazon aboard a luxury cruise, and experience the beauty of one of the world’s most dense rainforests. On this itinerary you’ll spend a week marvelling at the flora and fauna, and explore Peru’s capital city, Lima.
Upon arrival at Lima, you’ll be escorted by car to your accommodation in the city.
The remainder of your day will be spent at leisure.
Today, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Lima, where you’ll visit Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral and San Francisco Convent, with its eerie catacombs filled with human skulls and bones.
Continue your tour at the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, a privately owned collection of pre-Columbian art and artefacts, before heading along the coast to explore the neighbourhoods of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar.
This morning you’ll fly to Iquitos, where your guide will meet you for a welcome lunch before boarding your boat, the Aria Amazon, for your luxury Amazon adventure. Settle into your cabin and watch a safety briefing before heading off.
Please note the route varies according to season. This is the high water itinerary, which runs from November to May; the route varies for the low water season.
Today’s skiff excursion takes you from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. You’ll hunt for piranhas on Lake Moringo, and may spot tropical songbirds, hawks, sloths, and kingfishers.
In the evening, enjoy a wildlife excursion on the Nauta Cano where you can witness uninterrupted views of the night sky.
Back on board, sip a pisco sour before dinner.
It’s an early start today for a sunrise birdwatching trip along the Maranon River. After breakfast, your adventure continues with a jungle walk, where you’ll learn about the flora and fauna of the Amazon, and their medicinal properties.
In the afternoon, swim, canoe or kayak along the Yanayacu-Pucate River while keeping your eyes peeled for rare pink river dolphins. Then spend the evening learning about the night sky.
Your morning excursion takes you to Nauta Town, where your guide will explain the food of the Amazon – including the day’s catch and fruits – at the local market.
In the afternoon you’ll visit the birthplace of the Amazon, where its two main tributaries – the Ucayali and the Maranon – converge to become the world’s mightiest river.
Today, you’ll wave goodbye to those enjoying the three-day cruise, with more passengers arriving for the final four days.
This morning’s skiff excursion takes you to the black waters of the Yanallpa River, where your guide will take you on a walking excursion deep into the forest.
After lunch on board, it’s back to the skiff for an afternoon excursion to El Dorado River. You’ll see tall trees mirrored in the dark waters, and have the opportunity to observe exotic nocturnal wildlife.
It’s an early start today for a full day excursion along the Pacaya River. You’ll head into the pristine landscape in search of wildlife before enjoying lunch and a fishing demonstration of the world’s second-largest river fish.
The adventure continues along the Ucayali River, where you have another chance to spot pink river dolphins.
This morning you can choose to participate in a range of activities on the Yarapa or Clavero Rivers, including jungle walks, swimming, canoeing or kayaking. Then you’ll visit a remote Amazonia village.
As your luxury boat heads back towards Iquitos, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and thank some of the amazing crew that work so hard behind the scenes to ensure a smooth, relaxing journey.
Start your day with a visit to the Bellavista Nanay market along the Nanay River, where you can sample local snacks, before returning to the Aria Amazon to pack up and disembark.
You have time for one final visit: a trip to the Manatee Rescue Centre to learn more about this successful project and see how the manatees are cared for before their return to the wild.
Then catch your return flight to Lima.
Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour holiday will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
