Compare Expedition Cruise by Aqua Expeditions vs Peru in 12 days - Sacred Inca & Ultimate Amazon Adventure - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1: Iquitos - Amazon River

Meals: Dinner

Embarkation and Check-In

From the moment you step on board, enjoy the ARIA AMAZON’s low-key luxury. As you settle into your handsomely appointed, generously proportioned suite, you will feel the vessel begin to move the beginning of one of your life’s great adventures. We suggest you stand on the Upper Deck to take in the view, as the ARIA AMAZON leaves Iquitos behind.

Over the next seven days, you will also sail along the two largest tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon, the Ucayali and the Marañon, as well as on the mighty Amazon itself. You are embarking on a spectacular journey to a place visited by only a very few of even the most experienced world travelers.

Safety Drill and Briefing on the Upper Deck

Before dinner we will perform a routine safety drill. Then it’s into the air-conditioned lounge, where you will learn about life on board, and will have the first nightly briefing about your next day’s Amazon adventure. You will meet our naturalist guides and your cruise director, who will use video, photos, and maps to introduce the details of your journey deep into the Peruvian Amazon.

Sit down, relax, sip fine South American wine, toast the beginning of a beautiful journey and enjoy the innovative Amazonian cuisine, created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences. Schiaffino’s imaginative use of local products – fruit, fish, spices – makes every meal a delightful adventure. (The menu always offers choices, including a vegetarian option.)

Perhaps sip a nightcap on the Upper Deck, under the stars, before retiring.

Day 2: Amazon - Yacapana - Yarapa - Clavero Lake

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Yacapana Islands Exploration and Dolphin watching.

The locals call Yacapana Islands "The Islands of the Iguana" because of the large number of these reptiles - like tiny dinosaurs - which inhabit them. Amazon folklore says that if you touch an iguana, you will develop some of its characteristics and, as no one wants to look like them, these animals are well protected. We will also see the famous Amazon River dolphins, pink or gray, along our route. Amazonian people believe that these dolphins possess the power to turn into men and women of great beauty.

We will pass close to lush islands, giving you the opportunity to take good pictures of the tropical flora and fauna.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Our sumptuous daily breakfast buffet features a wide variety of dishes, including Peruvian specialties and fresh fruit juices.

Yarapa River Exploration and Fishing in Moringo Lake

This morning you will board our comfortable skiff to sail from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. Life jackets, ponchos, rubber boots, and fresh water are always available in our private boats. As you float down the Yarapa, past the occasional fishermen paddling in their canoes, keep your binoculars ready to spot wildlife: terns, tropical songbirds, black collared hawks and sloth share this wonderful world with us. Upon our arrival at Lake Moringo, use your hooks to try to catch some of the ferocious piranhas and other fish species. As you fish, trained naturalist guides will tell the story of the lake and its inhabitants.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Cold towels await you back aboard the ARIA AMAZON. As the ship continues down the Amazon River, you have free time to rest or take a nap before lunch.

Enjoy lunch in the comfort of our air-conditioned dining room.

Lecture in the lounge by our naturalist guides.

Canoeing and swimming at Lake Clavero

We sail on to Lake Clavero where villagers paddle in their traditional dugout canoes. You may wish to swim in the lake’s calm waters and visit the community to interact with our Amazonia neighbors who will be pleased to welcome you.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Before dinner, sip a classic Peruvian pisco sour on the Upper Deck while watching the sunset.

Day 3: Ucayali - Yanallpa - Dorado River - Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Ucayali River Expedition / Yanallpa

This morning, board the skiffs to explore a fascinating black water stream, part of the vast Amazon flooded forest within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guides will tell you about the jungle as we explore what scientists call a "gallery forest," because of its dense vegetation that creates a tunnel of leaves. As we explore this type of riparian vegetation, watch above for parrots, macaws, and fluffy monk saki monkeys.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Optional Peruvian cooking lessons

Lunch, followed by an optional siesta

Lecture in the lounge by our naturalist guides.

Dorado River Exploration and Night Excursion

This afternoon we take a magical journey through the "Jungle of the Mirrors," where towering trees are reflected in the dark river. We move on to Dorado River where you may observe enchanting parrots, macaws and a variety of primates, unperturbed by our presence. As we make our way back to the ARIA AMAZON, you may see alligators, frogs and fishing bats.

Return to ARIA AMAZON

Crew presentation

Towards the Birth of the Amazon River and Dinner

While you dine, we continue our journey upstream, toward the headwaters of the Amazon River, where the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers merge.

Day 4: Birthplace Of The Amazon  - Village Visit - Nauta City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Travel briefing for the day

Birthplace of the Amazon

This morning, the ARIA AMAZON skirts the edge of the vast Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a flooded forest covering five million acres at the headwaters of the Amazon basin. Get up early to see one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere: the sun rising over the origin of the Amazon River. Here, the junction of two major tributaries, the Ucayali and the Marañon, form one of the greatest waterfalls in the world – certainly this is nature at its most captivating. Your morning excursion will be accompanied by abundant bird song, as you glide in our small boats past large-billed terns, laughing falcons, exotic short-tailed parrot, and dozens of other vibrantly hued birds.

Village visit

We will travel by boat to a community located along the Marañon River, where you will meet and interact with local villagers in this remote part of the world and learn about their traditions and folklore. Walk around with our naturalist guides to see how Aqua Expeditions works with these communities to improve their natural resource management. You will also have the opportunity to shop for local handicrafts directly from the artisans.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Visit to the City of Nauta

This afternoon, we will visit the town of Nauta, founded in 1930. Nauta is the main point where villagers from around Amazonia come to sell the products they harvest in their rural communities. We'll walk around Nauta to gain insights into the life of these coastal peoples. We will also visit the local fresh market, with your guides on hand to point out the different fish caught by the fishermen of Amazonia, and all types of indigenous fruits.

Later, you may explore the Lupunillo or Marayali Creek, a tributary of the Marañon River.

Return to ARIA AMAZON

Meet new passengers who have signed on for the four-night trip, and enjoy your gourmet meal as we start our journey along the Marañon River.

Day 5: Marañon River -Yanayacu - Pucate River -  Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Expedition on board our boats to Yanayacu - Pucate River

This morning, visit the Yanayacu - Pucate River within Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Here on this black water river you can observe many species of flora and fauna, especially macaws and several species of primates like squirrels monkeys, capuchins monkeys and the famous river dolphins, either pink or gray. You will also have the opportunity here to fish for the ferocious piranha.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Lecture in the lounge by our naturalist guides who will tell you about sustainable development projects carried out in this part of the Peruvian Amazon

Village Visit

On this visit to a community located along the great river Marañon, our expert guides will introduce you to the native people of Amazonia. You will be invited to visit the lands where they practice subsistence farming and see how they cultivate wild plants and trees to earn income. In the primary forest, your guides will also teach you about the fruit trees and medicinal plants hidden in the jungle.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Day 6: Samiria River - Village Visit - Nauta Caño - Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Exploration, breakfast on board and walk along the Samiria River

This morning your naturalist guide will talk about sustainable development projects in Amazonia. You will visit one of the projects, where villagers are planting palms to obtain oil. Your guide will also show you the artificial nests created in the sand to protect turtle eggs. Then we will go into the jungle to encounter wildlife and learn first-hand about the value of medicinal plants found here. Keep an eye out for the famous Ceiba tree, the highest in the Amazon. We will have the opportunity to make brief trips in traditional Amazonian canoes and to swim in the waters of the Samiria River.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Cooking lessons

Lecture in the lounge by our naturalist guides.

Excursion to Nauta Caño

Nauta Caño is part of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, also known as the Forest of Mirrors due to its dark lagoons, which reflect the scenery. In this area we will observe toucans, macaws, and iguanas, among many other species. As we make our way back to the ARIA AMAZON, you may also see alligators, frogs and fishing bats.

Return to ARIA AMAZON

Day 7: Marañon River / “Casual” Terra Firme Forest Walk / Yanayacu Yacapana

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Marañon exploration and trail walk.

We sail along the Marañon River, watching the different species of flora and fauna as we approach the Casual community where we will hike on land. Here you will see a plethora of wildlife, so keep your binoculars ready to observe tanagers and orioles as well as various reptiles and amphibians. Keep an eye out for the beautiful and eye-catching but poisonous frogs along this fascinating trail, as well as trees and medicinal plants.

Canoeing at Sapira Creek - Marañon river (Optional)

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Yanayacu Islands Exploration Yacapana and fishing.

The locals call Yacapana Islands “Islands of the Iguana" for the large number of these reptiles - like tiny dinosaurs - that inhabit them. We pass by in the skiff, giving you the opportunity to take plenty of pictures. After our arrival at one particular spot, you may use your hooks to try to catch some of the ferocious piranhas and other fish. Your naturalist guides will tell the story of the lake and its wildlife while you watch the sunset. En route, we will also go in search of the world's largest aquatic plant called “Victoria Regia." As the sun goes down, photograph the freshwater Amazon dolphins both gray and pink.

Back to ARIA AMAZON

Once back on board, the ship will continue its journey down stream, sailing toward Iquitos through the night.

Meet in the lounge with our naturalist guides for the Crew Presentation

The guides will introduce some of the crew members whom you may not have met, who worked "behind the scenes" to ensure your memorable trip has been filled with countless exceptional experiences.

Day 8: Check Out - Disembark At The Main Wharf - City Tour - Transfer To The Airport

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Travel summary

Morning Excursion

Depending on the weather, we will tour the flood zone that borders the city of Iquitos and observe the houses and shops that actually float on the Itaya River for several months of the year. Then we will visit the traditional market of Bellavista Nanay, bordering the Nanay River, to see products from the Peruvian Amazon including exotic snacks like the Amazon Caterpillar. Called "Suri," these caterpillars live in the palm trees and are considered a very appetizing snack for Amazonia people, even in the city.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Sadly, it’s time to finish packing. Please leave your packed suitcases in your suite for pickup before going to lunch.

Disembarkation / City Tour / Manatee Rescue Center / Transfer to the Airport

This afternoon, we will take you on a tour of Iquitos, glorious city in the days of the rubber boom. Visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. Later, we stop at the Amazonian Indian Market San Juan, where, you may wish to shop for local crafts before leaving.

Guides will help with check in at the airport and stay with you until you have boarded your flight back to Lima.

Day 1: US - Lima

Arrive at your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight* to Lima. Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting half-day city tour of Lima, including its historic centre and the beautiful Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 3: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cuzco. Arrive in Cuzco, the former Inca capital, and transfer to the Sacred Valley. Along the way, stop at Awanakancha and savour the opportunity to explore this living museum, where ancient customs and traditions have been preserved across the centuries. Watch local communities creating beautiful handmade textiles and soak up the beautiful views, unchanged by time. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the lively immaculate scenery of this iconic region. Overnight stay in Sacred Valley.

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day at Machu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for Ollantaytambo train station to board the Voyager Train to Aguas Calientes, admiring the landscape along the way. Arrive and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu*, a bucket-list favourite and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Spend some time discovering the ruins and terraces and enjoying a tour of the different sections of the site. After capturing the beauty of these ancient ruins, return to Aguas Calientes train station to catch the evening train back to the Sacred Valley. Arrive and overnight stay in Sacred Valley. Note: The baggage policy onboard the Expedition train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb. * Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.

Day 5: Sacred Valley - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Cuzco, with the opportunity to enjoy optional Sacred Valley excursions along the way, to experience the best of the region.* Arrive in Cuzco and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cuzco. * Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Visit Chinchero and the PARWA Centre, to appreciate the colourful traditional textiles. Next, visit the church of Chinchero before heading to the Racchi panoramic viewpoint for a fantastic view across the valley. Explore Ollantaytambo and its Inca fortress. Lunch and 'Boleto Turisitco' included, granting entrance to the Sacred Valley and surrounding sights.

Day 6: Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Cuzco, exploring the lively plazas of the historic city or perhaps visiting some of the numerous museums and cultural institutions.* Overnight stay in Cuzco * Optional Half-Day Cuzco City Tour: Begin your tour in the Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops.

Day 7: Cuzco - Iquitos

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Iquitos, a port city and gateway to the Northern Amazon. Transfer to the hotel and get settled. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing before your Amazon adventure begins in the morning! Overnight stay in Iquitos.

Day 8: Iquitos - Amazon

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off into the Amazon, headed for the lodge, your base for further Amazon exploration over the next four days. Along the way, you will be able to observe the wonderful landscapes of the Peruvian jungle accompanied by the small houses located on the banks of the rivers. After 30 minutes of boat ride we will arrive to Irapay, where our staff will welcome you and receive you with a refreshing fruit juice from the region. At the appropriate time we will check-in and location in your respective cabin. We will enjoy our first Amazonian lunch at Maloca Restaurant with a wonderful view of the Momom River. Pilpintuwasi is also an animal rescue center, one of the most striking animals being a beautiful Jaguar. On our return to the lodge we will have time to appreciate our first Amazonian sunset. Delicious dinner at Maloca Restaurant. Overnight stay in the Amazon. Please note: The activities and restaurant options offered in the Amazon vary depending on the lodge. Whilst the overall experience will be very similar to what is detailed in the itinerary, there may be some variation in terms of activities and the order in which they take place. *Please consider this relevant information about your stay which can be found below in the important notes section.

Day 9: Amazon

Rise before the sun this morning to seize the day and catch the first rays of light on the Amazon. Set off on a guided bird watching excursion , appreciating how diverse birds gather in search of their morning foods, this excursion will begin very early, transferring us by boat along the Momom River. You can see various species such as Oropendolas, Paucares, Hawks, taangers as well as the Tuki (Jacana Jacana), Ringed Kingfisher (Ceryle-Torquata), Black-Collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis), among others. Then we will return to Irapay to enjoy an energizing breakfast, after breakfast we take a break to enjoy Irapay facilities. Lunch in Maloca overlooking the Momom River. At nightfall, especially in the growing season of the rivers, we will enjoy a magical tour in an open boat through the Momom River, without any lighting, accompanied only by some glimpses of the flora and fauna of the jungle. If we find a clear sky, we can appreciate the splendid brightness of the moon, as well as the stars and constellations. Dinner at maloca Restaurant. Overnight stay in the Amazon. Please note: The activities and restaurant options offered in the Amazon vary depending on the lodge. Whilst the overall experience will be very similar to what is detailed in the itinerary, there may be some variation in terms of activities and the order in which they take place. *Please consider this relevant information about your stay which can be found below in the important notes section.

Day 10: Amazon

Breakfast at the village this morning before enjoying our first botanical walk through the jungle where we will observe medicinal plants, giant trees, the Irapay palm, and we will enjoy lianas to hang ourselves. We will return to the lodge to enjoy our lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit a native community, where they will show us their customs and native language; we will also share their dances and songs, at the end of the tour we will be able to observe the crafts they make. Free time to rest in our facilities and enjoy our last Amazonian sunset. Dinner at Maloca Restaurant. Overnight stay in the Amazon. Please note: The activities and restaurant options offered in the Amazon vary depending on the lodge. Whilst the overall experience will be very similar to what is detailed in the itinerary, there may be some variation in terms of activities and the order in which they take place. *Please consider this relevant information about your stay which can be found below in the important notes section.

Day 11: Amazon - Iquitos - Lima

Breakfast at the lodge. Today, enjoy a wonderful tour of the Amazon River, where we will observe the convergence of the waters of the Amazon and Nanay Rivers. We will make a brief stop in the seventh natural wonder for the observation of pink dolphins, if we are lucky and patience we can observe them. Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Lima. Overnight stay in Lima. Please note: The activities and restaurant options offered in the Amazon vary depending on the lodge. Whilst the overall experience will be very similar to what is detailed in the itinerary, there may be some variation in terms of activities and the order in which they take place.

Day 12: Lima - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US.

Day 13: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.