M/V ARIA

4 Days / 3 Nights

(High Water: November-May)

Day 1 - Friday: IQUITOS - AMAZON RIVER

We will meet at Iquitos International Airport then enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant or we will serve a box lunch en route, depending on the flight arrival time. The afternoon continues with an introduction to this historic city and the opportunity to meet an indigenous Amazon community. At 6:00pm we will board the ARIA AMAZON.1 Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to our naturalist guides, we gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.

Day 2 - Saturday: AMAZON RIVER - YARAPA RIVER - NAUTA CAÑO

Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we set sail from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. Keep your binoculars ready to spot tropical songbirds, black collared hawks and sloths. We’ll go fishing for Amazonia’s notoriously ferocious piranhas while our naturalist guides share stories of Lake Moringo. As the sun sets, we head off on an evening’s wildlife excursion with extraordinary stargazing on the black waters of Nauta Caño.

Day 3 - Sunday: MARAÑON CREEK - CASUAL JUNGLE WALK - YANAYACU-PUCATE

Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River. After breakfast, we will take a jungle walk on the firm soil forest “Casual,” while looking for flora and fauna which include medicinal trees, insects, and poison dart frogs, and learning more about the different rainforest stratas. Later, swim, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River as we look for legendary pink river dolphins. Focus our hi-tech telescope on the night sky to identify the planets and constellations. This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crewmembers whom you may not have met, working "behind the scenes" to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the ARIA AMAZON.

Day 4 - Monday: NAUTA TOWN - MANATEE RESCUE CENTER - TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

This morning, we will visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the fishermen of Amazonia and the region’s exotic fruits. Return to the ARIA for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. We will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport.

Departures:
Feb 21, 28; Mar 06, 13, 20, 27; Apr 03, 10, 17, 24; May 01, 08, 15, 22, 29;

Included:

  • All meals while onboard
  • All excursions off the Aria Amazon
  • Beverages (non-alcoholic, select premium wines, sparkling wine and national beer)
  • Transfers to/from vessel when arriving or departing on recommended flights
  • Pacaya Samiria National Reserve entrance fee

Not Included:

  • Air tickets to and from Iquitos
  • Guide and crew gratuities
  • Boutique purchases

2020 Prices per person in US$:

Design Suite (1st deck): $4050 double occupancy. Single supplement: $1013
Design Suite (2nd deck): $4200 double occupancy. Single supplement: $1050

4 Days / 3 Nights

(Low Water: June-October)

Day 1 - Friday: IQUITOS - NAUTA - EMBARKATION - MARAÑON RIVER

We will meet at Iquitos International Airport then journey together by air-conditioned vehicle through the Peruvian countryside to arrive at our Nauta Lounge in time for lunch, or we will serve a box lunch en route depending on the flight arrival time. In the afternoon, we will set off on your first skiff excursion to visit the birthplace of the Amazon. At 6:00pm, we will board the ARIA AMAZON.1 Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to our naturalist guides, we gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.

Day 2 - Saturday: YANAYACU PUCATE RIVER - MARAÑON RIVER

We commence today’s adventures near the main entrance of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, cruising along Yanayacu Pucate in the comfort of our state-of-the-art skiffs. Kayak, canoe and swim in these unspoiled black waters, keeping eyes peeled for the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins. In the afternoon, we will visit a remote village along the Marañon River to learn about traditional customs. Focus our hi-tech telescope on the night sky to identify the planets and constellations.

Day 3 - Sunday: SAMIRIA RIVER - NAUTA CAÑO OR PNA (AMAZONIAN NATURAL PARK)

We set off by skiffs for an excursion along the Samiria River with optional fishing. Listen carefully to our after-lunch flora and fauna lecture, then venture out for a singularly thrilling jungle walk across the high Amazon rainforest. On our return in the evening, enjoy the jungle symphony and extraordinary stargazing on local boats along the “Enchanted Lake”. This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crewmembers whom you may not have met, working "behind the scenes" to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the ARIA AMAZON.

Day 4 - Monday: NAUTA TOWN - MANATEE RESCUE CENTER - TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

This morning, we will visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the fishermen of Amazonia and the region’s exotic fruits. Return to the ARIA for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. We will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport.

Departures:
Jul 03, 10, 17, 24, 31; Aug 07, 14, 21, 28; Sep 04, 11, 18, 25; Oct 02, 09, 16, 23, 30;

Included:

  • All meals while onboard
  • All excursions off the Aria Amazon
  • Beverages (non-alcoholic, select premium wines, sparkling wine and national beer)
  • Transfers to/from vessel when arriving or departing on recommended flights
  • Pacaya Samiria National Reserve entrance fee

Not Included:

  • Air tickets to and from Iquitos
  • Guide and crew gratuities
  • Boutique purchases

2020 Prices per person in US$:

Design Suite (1st deck): $4050 double occupancy. Single supplement: $1013
Design Suite (2nd deck): $4200 double occupancy. Single supplement: $1050

5 Days / 4 Nights

(High Water: November-May)

Day 1 - Monday: IQUITOS - NAUTA - EMBARKATION - AMAZON RIVER

We will meet at Iquitos International Airport then journey together by air-conditioned vehicle through the Peruvian countryside to arrive at our Nauta Lounge in time for lunch, or we will serve a box lunch en route depending on the flight arrival time. In the afternoon, we will set off on your first skiff excursion to visit the birthplace of the Amazon. At 6:00pm, we will board the ARIA AMAZON.1 Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to our naturalist guides, we gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.

Day 2 - Tuesday: YANALLPA RIVER - DORADO RIVER

By skiff, we explore the black waters of the Yanallpa River, disembarking to walk deep into the Amazonian rain forest. Later, we board the skiffs again to cruise along the El Dorado River for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal wildlife and with extraordinary stargazing.

Day 3 - Wednesday: PACAYA RIVER - UCAYALI RIVER - TAPICHE RIVER

The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including a full day excursion by skiff along the Pacaya River, going deeper into pristine landscape shared with great egret, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles. After lunch, we will have a paiche fishing demonstration, the second largest river fish in the world. Later, we venture out by skiffs on the Ucayali River alongside the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Day 4 - Thursday: CLAVERO OR YARAPA RIVER - AMAZON RIVER

Choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa or Clavero River in the morning. Visit a remote Amazonia village in the afternoon. This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crewmembers whom you may not have met, working "behind the scenes" to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the ARIA AMAZON.

Day 5 - Friday: ARRIVAL IN IQUITOS - MANATEE RESCUE CENTER - TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

At the Bellavista Nanay morning market along the Nanay River, sample exotic snacks from the Peruvian Amazon like ‘Suri’, Amazon caterpillars that are considered especially appetizing. Return to the ARIA for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we will make one last truly memorable stop at the Manatee Rescue Center, a very special kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees. We will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport.

Departures:
Feb 17, 24; Mar 02, 09, 16, 23, 30; Apr 06, 13, 20, 27; May 04, 11, 18, 25;

Included:

  • All meals while onboard
  • Bike use
  • All excursions off the Aria Amazon
  • Beverages (non-alcoholic, select premium wines, sparkling wine and national beer)
  • Transfers to/from vessel when arriving or departing on recommended flights
  • Pacaya Samiria National Reserve entrance fee

Not Included:

  • Air tickets to and from Iquitos
  • Guide and crew gratuities
  • Boutique purchases

2020 Prices per person in US$:

Design Suite (1st deck): $5400 double occupancy. Single supplement: $1350
Design Suite (2nd deck): $5600 double occupancy. Single supplement: $1400

5 Days / 4 Nights

(Low Water: June-October)

Day 1 - Monday: IQUITOS - NAUTA - EMBARKATION - MARAÑON RIVER

We will meet at Iquitos International Airport then journey together by air-conditioned vehicle through the Peruvian countryside to arrive at our Nauta Lounge in time for lunch, or we will serve a box lunch en route depending on the flight arrival time. In the afternoon, we will set off on your first skiff excursion to visit the birthplace of the Amazon. At 6:00pm, we will board the ARIA AMAZON.1 Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to our naturalist guides, we gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.

Day 2 - Tuesday: UCAYALI RIVER - PACAYA RIVER

Boarding our skiffs, we start the day like Amazon River dwellers, cruising along the Ucayali River. As these farmers and fishermen go about their business, we search for pink river dolphins in these pristine waters. Later in the day, we return to the skiffs, to ride along the black waters of the Pacaya River at dusk, searching for the mysterious wildlife that come out after dark and with extraordinary stargazing.

Day 3 - Wednesday: PACAYA RIVER - UCAYALI RIVER - TAPICHE RIVER

The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including a full day excursion by skiff along the Pacaya River, going deeper into pristine landscape shared with great egret, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles. After lunch, we will have a paiche fishing demonstration, the second largest river fish in the world. Later, we venture out by skiffs on the Ucayali River alongside the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Day 4 - Thursday: CLAVERO LAKE - SAN JOSE DE SARAPANGA FOREST

Choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa or Clavero River in the morning. Come afternoon, take a short jungle walk in the San Jose de Sarapanga forest and see the unforgettable giant water lilies. This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crewmembers whom you may not have met, working "behind the scenes" to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the ARIA AMAZON.

Day 5 - Friday: ARRIVAL IN NAUTA - MANATEE RESCUE CENTER - TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

This morning, we will visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the fishermen of Amazonia and the region’s exotic fruits. Return to the ARIA for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. We will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport.

Departures:
Jul 06, 13, 20, 27; Aug 03, 10, 17, 24, 31; Sep 07, 14, 21, 28; Oct 05, 12, 19, 26;

Included:

  • All meals while onboard
  • Bike use
  • All excursions off the Aria Amazon
  • Beverages (non-alcoholic, select premium wines, sparkling wine and national beer)
  • Transfers to/from vessel when arriving or departing on recommended flights
  • Pacaya Samiria National Reserve entrance fee

Not Included:

  • Air tickets to and from Iquitos
  • Guide and crew gratuities
  • Boutique purchases

2020 Prices per person in US$:

Design Suite (1st deck): $5400 double occupancy. Single supplement: $1350
Design Suite (2nd deck): $5600 double occupancy. Single supplement: $1400

8 Days / 7 Nights

(High Water: November-May)

Day 1 - Friday: IQUITOS - AMAZON RIVER

We will meet at Iquitos International Airport then enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant or we will serve a box lunch en route, depending on the flight arrival time. The afternoon continues with an introduction to this historic city and the opportunity to meet an indigenous Amazon community. At 6:00pm we will board the ARIA AMAZON.1 Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to our naturalist guides, we gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.

Day 2 - AMAZON RIVER - YARAPA RIVER - NAUTA CAÑO

Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we set sail from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. Keep your binoculars ready to spot tropical songbirds, black collared hawks and sloths. We’ll go fishing for Amazonia’s notoriously ferocious piranhas while our naturalist guides share stories of Lake Moringo. As the sun sets, we head off on an evening’s wildlife excursion with extraordinary stargazing on the black waters of Nauta Caño.

Day 3 - Sunday: MARAÑON CREEK - CASUAL JUNGLE WALK - YANAYACU-PUCATE RIVER

Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River. After breakfast, we will take a jungle walk on the firm soil forest “Casual,” while looking for flora and fauna which include medicinal trees, insects, and poison dart frogs, and learning more about the different rainforest stratas. Later, swim, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River as we look for legendary pink river dolphins. Focus our hi-tech telescope on the night sky to identify the planets and constellations.

Day 4 - Monday: NAUTA TOWN - VILLAGE VISIT - BIRTHPLACE OF THE AMAZON

This morning, we will visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the fishermen of Amazonia and the region’s exotic fruits. In the afternoon, we witness one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere, the birthplace of the Amazon River. Tonight you will meet the new passengers who have signed on for the four-night trip, as we start our journey together along the Marañon River.

Day 5 - Tuesday: YANALLPA RIVER - DORADO RIVER

By skiff, we explore the black waters of the Yanallpa River, disembarking to walk deep into the Amazonian rain forest. Later, we board the skiffs again to cruise along the El Dorado River for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal wildlife.

Day 6 - Wednesday: PACAYA RIVER - UCAYALI RIVER - TAPICHE RIVER

The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including a full day excursion by skiff along the Pacaya River, going deeper into pristine landscape shared with great egret, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles. After lunch, we will have a paiche fishing demonstration, the second largest river fish in the world. Later, we venture out by skiffs on the Ucayali River alongside the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Day 7 - Thursday: CLAVERO OR YARAPA RIVER - AMAZON RIVER

Choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa or Clavero River in the morning. Visit a remote Amazonia village in the afternoon. This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crewmembers whom you may not have met, working "behind the scenes" to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the ARIA AMAZON.

Day 8 - Friday: ARRIVAL IN IQUITOS - MANATEE RESCUE CENTER - TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

At the Bellavista Nanay morning market along the Nanay River, sample exotic snacks from the Peruvian Amazon like ‘Suri’, Amazon caterpillars that are considered especially appetizing. Return to the ARIA for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we will make one last truly memorable stop at the Manatee Rescue Center, a very special kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees. We will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport.

Departures:
Feb 21, 28; Mar 06, 13, 20, 27; Apr 03, 10, 17, 24; May 01, 08, 15, 22, 29;

Included:

  • All meals while onboard
  • Bike use
  • All excursions off the Aria Amazon
  • Beverages (non-alcoholic, select premium wines, sparkling wine and national beer)
  • Transfers to/from vessel when arriving or departing on recommended flights
  • Pacaya Samiria National Reserve entrance fee

Not Included:

  • Air tickets to and from Iquitos
  • Guide and crew gratuities
  • Boutique purchases

2020 Prices per person in US$:

Design Suite (1st deck): $9450 double occupancy. Single supplement: $2363
Design Suite (2nd deck): $9800 double occupancy. Single supplement: $2450

8 Days / 7 Nights

(Low Water: June-October)

Day 1 - Friday: IQUITOS - NAUTA - EMBARKATION - MARAÑON RIVER

We will meet at Iquitos International Airport then journey together by air-conditioned vehicle through the Peruvian countryside to arrive at our Nauta Lounge in time for lunch, or we will serve a box lunch en route depending on the flight arrival time. In the afternoon, we will set off on your first skiff excursion along the Marañon River. At 6:00pm, we will board the ARIA AMAZON.1 Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to our naturalist guides, we gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.

Day 2 - Saturday: YANAYACU PUCATE RIVER - MARAÑON RIVER

We commence today’s adventures near the main entrance of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, cruising along Yanayacu Pucate in the comfort of our state-of-the-art skiffs. Kayak, canoe and swim in these unspoiled black waters, keeping eyes peeled for the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins. In the afternoon, we will visit a remote village along the Marañon River to learn about traditional customs. Focus our hi-tech telescope on the night sky to identify the planets and constellations.

Day 3 - Sunday: SAMIRIA RIVER - NAUTA CAÑO OR PNA (AMAZONIAN NATURAL PARK)

We set off by skiffs for an excursion along the Samiria River with optional fishing. Listen carefully to our after lunch flora and fauna lecture, then venture out for a singularly thrilling jungle walk across the high Amazon rainforest. On our return in the evening, enjoy the jungle symphony and extraordinary stargazing on local boats along the “Enchanted Lake”.

Day 4 - Monday: NAUTA TOWN - VILLAGE VISIT - BIRTHPLACE OF THE AMAZON

This morning, we will visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the fishermen of Amazonia and the region’s exotic fruits. In the afternoon, together we will witness one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere, the birthplace of the Amazon River. Tonight you will meet the new passengers who have signed on for the four-night trip, as we start our journey together along the Marañon River.

Day 5 - Tuesday: UCAYALI RIVER - PACAYA RIVER

Boarding our skiffs, we start the day like Amazon River dwellers, cruising along the Ucayali River. As these farmers and fishermen go about their business, we search for pink river dolphins in these pristine waters. Later in the day, we return to the skiffs, to ride along the black waters of the Pacaya River at dusk, searching for the mysterious wildlife that come out after dark.

Day 6 - Wednesday: PACAYA RIVER - UCAYALI RIVER - TAPICHE RIVER

The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including a full day excursion by skiff along the Pacaya River, going deeper into pristine landscape shared with great egret, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles. After lunch, we will have a paiche fishing demonstration, the second largest river fish in the world. Later, we venture out by skiffs on the Ucayali River alongside the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Day 7 - Thursday: CLAVERO LAKE - SAN JOSE DE SARAPANGA FOREST

Choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa or Clavero River in the morning. Come afternoon, take a short jungle walk in the San Jose de Sarapanga forest and see the unforgettable giant water lilies. This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crewmembers whom you may not have met, working "behind the scenes" to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the ARIA AMAZON.

Day 8 - Friday: ARRIVAL IN NAUTA - MANATEE RESCUE CENTER - TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

We will visit the town of Nauta, founded in 1930. Today, villagers from around Amazonia gather here to sell the products they harvest in their rural communities. Together we will walk around Nauta to gain insights into the daily life of these remotes people. Return to the ARIA for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. We will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport.

Departures:
Jul 03, 10, 17, 24, 31; Aug 07, 14, 21, 28; Sep 04, 11, 18, 25; Oct 02, 09, 16, 23, 30;

Included:

  • All meals while onboard
  • Bike use
  • All excursions off the Aria Amazon
  • Beverages (non-alcoholic, select premium wines, sparkling wine and national beer)
  • Transfers to/from vessel when arriving or departing on recommended flights
  • Pacaya Samiria National Reserve entrance fee

Not Included:

  • Air tickets to and from Iquitos
  • Guide and crew gratuities
  • Boutique purchases

2020 Prices per person in US$:

Design Suite (1st deck): $9450 double occupancy. Single supplement: $2363
Design Suite (2nd deck): $9800 double occupancy. Single supplement: $2450

MAP OF AQUA

M/V AQUA FEATURES

Specifications
Built:2007
Port of embarkation:Iquitos, Peru
Vessel´s Registry:Peru
Type of Vessel:River Expedition Vessel
Length:147 feet / 45 m
Beam:29.5 feet / 9 m
Draft:5 feet / 1.5 m
Gross Tonnage:500 tons
Cruising Speed:12 knots
Electricity:220 volts
Engines:2 new Cummins 4000 HP Marine Engines
Generators:2 x 135 KVA Cummins (encapsulated for noise reduction)
Water:9000-liter water treatment plant
Safety:Radio communication with separate battery pack, satellite phone, life jackets, flares and signals, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in each cabin, automatic defibrillator on board.
Launch Boats:Four auxiliary aluminum launch boats equipped with four-stroke low emission engines; constant radio communication with the main vessel. Each boat has a capacity of 8 passengers.
Crew:24, including a cruise director, paramedic and 4 English-speaking naturalist guides.
Accommodation:Up to 32 passengers with private facilities (Additional accommodation for one child in each cabin)
Cabins:12 suites:
16 suites:
8 Design Suites on first deck
8 Design Suites on second deck
- All outside-facing with large panoramic windows
- All air conditioned with en suite sitting areas
- 4 interconnecting suites for families
Cabin features:Twin beds that can be converted to a California Twin beds that can be converted to a California king-sized bed
En suite sitting area
Internal communications system, bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, cabinet, hairdryer, and a basket of toiletries.
Hot water around the clock.
Social Areas:Indoor Bar-Lounge
Dining Room
Outside Lounge
Outdoor Jacuzzi
Exercise Room
Observation Deck
Boutique

M/V Aria:

Experience the world as it was at the very beginning of time. Sail the waters of the mighty Amazon. Every week of the year, the award-winning Aqua Expeditions’ luxurious M/V Aria takes 32 passengers deep into Peru’s Amazon wilderness to places only ever visited by only a fortunate few. Daily water-based excursions on comfortable launch boats allow guests to experience such wonders as pink dolphins and six-foot-wide water lilies, to fish for sharp-toothed piranha, and to interact with the people who live out their days along the river.

M/V Aria’s expert guides, all under long-term contract to Aqua Expeditions, provide rich narrative detail about life along the Amazon. They enrich guest’s journeys to such little-visited areas as the remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve and the headwaters of the river, with stories about the life and folklore of the area. In fact, many of the guides grew up in Amazonia.

The 32 guests aboard the 147-foot-long M/V Aria enjoy fine wine and haute cuisine, in all-inclusive comfort equivalent to a five-star boutique hotel. The 16 over-sized staterooms all feature en-suite seating areas, generous beds, and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. The observation deck with outdoor jacuzzi and the lounge are also glorious places to sip a pisco sour and watch the world go by. Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s star chefs, created the MV Aria’s gourmet menu. Fine South American wines are included at every meal. Travelers can book three-, four-, or seven-night journeys, every Monday and Friday. All departures are guaranteed.

M/V Aria is Aqua Expedition's 147-foot flagship. Its 16 luxury guest suites, designed by an internationally renowned Peruvian interior designer, measure a generous 240 square feet, and feature large, outward facing panoramic windows and en suite sitting areas. All suites are air conditioned, and four are interconnected, to cater to families. Guests can socialize in the dining room, bar, on the observation deck with outdoor jacuzzi and at the lounge. There is also a small boutique and an exercise room. You'll be served by a crew of 24, including a cruise director, paramedic and four skilled naturalist guides.

Guests may choose three-, four-, or seven-night itineraries. Each day will bring amazing new wonders, as guests set out with guides in a fleet of four launches to float toward the source of the mighty Amazon. Each day, you will explore the small inlets and various winding river systems that make up the flooded forest. Pacaya Samiria Reserve, located on the headwaters of the Amazon basin, spans more than five million acres. Twice the size of Yellowstone Park, it teems with wildlife and aquatic life. Visitors will have the opportunity to see hundreds of species, including the endangered pink Amazon dolphin, black caiman, and three toed sloth.