8 Day Aqua Nera Amazon Cruise

Squirrel Monkeys, Peru

8 Days/7 Nights

From $10,500 per person

(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)

Saturday Departures Throughout the Year

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Overview

Beginning in Iquitos, and then Nauta, embark on an eight-day cruise aboard the luxurious Aqua Nera to explore the tributaries of the Amazon, including the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers, in the world’s most biodiverse rainforest. You will enjoy early morning birdwatching, kayaking to search for the legendary pink river dolphins and other fauna, and visit an Amazonian village to interact with the native people. You will also experience the Amazon flooded forest within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and observe other wildlife. On your final day, you will stop at the Manatee Rescue Center.

Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 7 nights (aboard the M/V Aqua Nera) and 21 meals (7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners).

Best Time to Go: June-November.

Destinations: South America and Peru.

Interests: Adventure, Culture & History, Expedition Cruising, Luxury, and Wildlife Viewing.

Places Visited: Iquitos & the Northern Amazon.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Note: All itineraries are subject to change due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate and are also subject to change.

Day 1 (Sat): Nauta-Embarkation-Marañon River.

Arriving on a morning flight*, receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by our crew. Board our private transfer to our exclusive Nauta Lounge for a welcome lunch before embarkation.

Settle into your generously sized suite aboard the Aqua Nera as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to our naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera consulting chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, ámaZ, is one of Peru’s most renowned dining establishments. Overnight aboard the ship. (L,D)

Day 2 (Sun): Yanayacu-Pucate River-Lisboa Town.

Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River. Later, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River and look out for Amazon’s legendary pink river dolphins. In the afternoon, visit an Amazonian village, where you can interact with native riberenos (people of the river) and visit local schoolchildren. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 3 (Mon): Samiria River-Nauta- Nauta Caño River.

Awake to a lush jungle sunrise and birdwatching along the Samiria River, enjoying breakfast in the middle of the lush jungle. Swimming and kayaking are some of the recommended activities at this part of the Reserve. In the evening, embark on a wildlife excursion on the black waters of Nauta Caño, and end the night with extraordinary stargazing. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 4 (Tue): 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.

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 we start our journey together along the Marañon River. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 5 (Wed): Ucayali River-Yanallpa River-Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

Boarding our skiffs, we start the day like Amazon River dwellers, cruising along the Ucayali and Yanallpa River. As farmers and fishermen go about their business, we search for pink river dolphins in these pristine waters.

In the afternoon, explore a fascinating black water stream aboard skiffs, part of the vast Amazon flooded forest within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guides will regale you with tales and insights about the jungle as we explore what scientists call a “gallery forest” because of dense vegetation that creates a tunnel of leaves. As we explore this type of riparian vegetation, keep your eyes peeled for parrots, macaws, and fluffy monk saki monkeys. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 6 (Thu): Puinahua River-Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

This morning we will embark on a full-day excursion along the Pacaya tributary within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, observing and exploring the flooded forest of this vast region of the Peruvian Amazon. Sail among a wide variety of wildlife, birds including large parrots, macaws, herons and storks, and many species of primates like the capuchin, howler and squirrel monkeys.

After a picnic lunch, visit some of the most beautiful lakes in Pacaya Samiria and meet local guardians of the Reserve’s natural resources. On our return, behold the famous Ceiba tree, the tallest of its kind in the Amazon. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 7 (Fri): Ucayali River-Village Visit-Clavero Lake.

Choose among jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming excursions on the black waters Yarapa or Clavero River. In the evening, before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crew members whom you may not have met, working behind the scenes to ensure a memorable experience aboard the Aqua Nera. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 8 (Sat): San Jose Paranapura Town-Arrive in Nauta.

Visit the quaint riverside town of San Jose de Paranapura en route to Nauta. Before saying goodbye, we will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a sanctuary for orphaned Amazonian manatees to rehabilitate before their release back into the wild. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Itinerary Map

Aqua Nera - 7N Low Water Season

Prices & Dates

Price per Person

Category Single Double Triple
Design Suite – First Deck
$12,600 $10,500 $9,800
Design Suite – Second Deck
$13,440 $11,200 $10,453
** The prices shown above are in U.S. Dollars. See the cost of this tour in your currency at xe.com.

Notes:

  1. The above prices are valid until December 31, 2023.
  2. There is a minimum age of five for all departures.
  3. A limited number of triples can be accommodated as long as the maximum capacity of the ship is not exceeded.
  4. Third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount.
  5. Third person under 12 years old sleeping on sofa bed pays $500 per night

Departure Dates

Saturday departures throughout the year. This itinerary is offered during the low water season, which runs from June to November. A slightly different itinerary is offered during the high water season, which runs from December to May.

What's Included

Price Includes

  • South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
  • Group transfers to/from the vessel when arriving in Iquitos on recommended flights.
  • Accommodations on board the M/V Aqua Nera.
  • All meals scheduled on board.
  • Beverages (select premium wines and beer, non-alcoholic beverages).
  • Pacaya Samiria entrance fee.
  • Use of bicycles and kayaks.
  • Laundry.
  • Local, English-speaking tour guides.

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare.
  • Domestic airfare.
  • Hotel nights before/after the cruise.
  • Gratuities to ship crew and guides (recommended $490-$665).
  • Boutique purchases, gifts, and personal items.
  • Travel insurance.

We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare, land services, and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.

Accommodations

Iquitos

Additional Details

Group/Private: All services included in this tour are operated on a group basis.

Elevations: N/a.

Passport/Visa: U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens require a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Peruvian embassy in their country before traveling.

Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.

To Book This Trip: Call or email us to confirm the availability of the ship and airfare for your desired dates of travel. Once we have confirmed availability, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $1,500 per person. The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days prior to departure.

Have Questions? Call 1-888-268-9753 to Speak to An Expert.