Plan Your Trip
Traveling on board the Aria riverboat, this 4-day/3-night adventure takes you deep into the Peruvian Amazon. As this tour is during the high-water season — when the rivers and estuaries grow — skiffs can venture deeper into the flooded rainforest. During this time, you can go on river expeditions to sight the elusive Pink river dolphin, fish for piranhas and go kayaking, canoeing and swimming. However, you can also head out on guided wildlife safaris in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, visit a local market and the Manatee Rescue Center, as well as experience much more on this unforgettable Amazonian adventure.
“We loved the time at the lodge in Cuyabeno. It was so genuine and natural there and the crew was so knowledgable and helpful. Thank you so much for the recommendation of the real Amazonia-experience.”
10:00 am: Flight from Lima to Iquitos, Peru – In the Peruvian capital city of Lima, Surtrek representatives will assist you in checking in for your two-hour flight to the country’s northeastern city of Iquitos, a rustic outpost that offers explorers the most direct and accessible path to the heart of the Amazon.
12:00 pm: Arrival in Iquitos – At the Iquitos airport, representatives of the Aria Amazon riverboat operation will be waiting to welcome you and assist you with your luggage.
1:00 pm: Transfer to the Nauta Lounge – From the airport, you will be driven in an air-conditioned vehicle through the scenic Peruvian countryside for your first glimpse at Amazonian wildlife, ecosystems, and local villages, as well as riverside and jungle landscapes. Enjoy the 1-1/2-hour drive to the small village of Nauta. You will be traveling along the only road out of town, which only goes as far as Nauta.
1:30 pm: Lunch – You will most likely be served a box lunch en route to the Aria Amazon’s Nauta Lounge; however, if you arrive on an early morning flight, you’ll be able to have your lunch at the lounge itself, which is a designer facility possessing its own refreshment area, relaxing cushioned chairs and bathroom facilities.
3:00 pm: Marañon River Excursion – After reaching the lounge, we will set off on your first skiff excursion along the Marañon River. During this ride, you can listen to the many species of Peruvian birds as they call their mates through the leafy canopy. You’ll also learn about the habitats essential to the livelihoods of the endangered Amazon river dolphins, taricaya turtles and manatee.
6:00 pm: Boarding the Aria Amazon – We will then board the Aria Amazon, a river cruise ship that was custom-built to explore the Peruvian Amazon and the famed Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in absolute comfort and luxury. You’ll note, however, that the riverboat makes a minimal impact on the delicate Amazon river and the rainforest environment.
Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures.
6:30 pm: Routine safety drill and introduction to the ship’s naturalist guides – 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 you’ll have the first nightly briefing about your next day’s Amazon adventure. You will meet your 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.
7:30 pm: Welcome Dinner – Sit down, relax, sip fine South American wine, toast the beginning of a beautiful journey and enjoy the innovative Amazonian cuisine, created by the Aria’s 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.).
8:30 pm: Free time to enjoy the ships ample number of amenities, which include a Jacuzzi, an indoor lounge and bar, an outdoor observation deck and a massage room. Perhaps sip a nightcap on the Upper Deck, under the stars, before retiring. Alternatively, you head directly to your cabin to relax and dream about the day ahead.
7:00 am: Breakfast – Wake up early to watch the sunrise for the first time on the Amazon River. Get your first, dramatic glimpse of your upcoming adventures and then sit down to a sumptuous buffet breakfast; this will feature a wide variety of dishes, plus Peruvian specialties and fresh fruit juices.
8:00 am: Sailing and Birdwatching – Aboard the Aria’s comfortable skiffs, we will ride from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. To reap the most rewards out of this river journey, experienced naturalist guides will be on board to help guests spot wildlife in an environment designed by Mother Nature to conceal them. These small-group excursions result in less of a human presence, and typically lead to more up-close wildlife sightings. Keep your binoculars ready to spot tropical songbirds, black collared hawks and sloths.
11:00 am: Return to Aria Amazon – Cold towels will be awaiting you back on board the Aria Amazon. As the ship continues down the Amazon River, you will have free time to rest or take a nap before lunch.
12:00 pm: Lunch – Enjoy a light lunch in the air-conditioned dining room.
1:00 pm: Piranha Fishing Excursion – To start the afternoon, we’ll go fishing for Amazonia’s notoriously ferocious piranhas. While casting your line out to hook one of these predators, the Aria’s naturalist guides will share stories with you about Lake Moringo and its legends. In this area, we will also observe toucans, macaws, and iguanas, among many other bird and wildlife species.
3:00 pm: Free time – Returning to the boat, you will have time to relax on board the Aria and enjoy its Jacuzzi, the indoor lounge & bar, and the outdoor observation deck.
4:30 pm: Wildlife-Watching Excursion – As the sun sets, we will head off on an evening wildlife excursion with extraordinary early stargazing on the black waters of the Nauta Caño. Before dinner, sip a Pisco sour on the upper deck at dusk.
6:30: Return to the ship to freshen up
7:00 pm: Dinner – We will gather to dine on innovative Amazonian cuisine created by the Aria’s Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top-ranked dining experiences.
9:30 pm: Free time until turning in for the night.
5:30 am: Birdwatching Excursion – Rise with the sun for early morning birdwatching along the Marañon River.
7:00 am: Breakfast – Enjoy a light breakfast on board, consisting of homemade baked goods, hot coffee, and fresh juice. We will stop near a quiet place where you will see and hear quite a show put on by Mother Nature as you enjoy your meal.
8:00 am: Jungle Walk Excursion: After breakfast, we will explore the Marañon River until reaching the Casual community. Here, we will begin hiking a trail through the firm-soil forest, observing the different species of flora and fauna. Keep your binoculars ready to observe tanagers and Orioles, as well as various reptiles and amphibians such as colorful and eye-catching poisonous frogs. You’ll also learn about medicinal trees and plants, as well as find out more about the different rainforest canopies.
11:00 am: Free time to relax and freshen up for lunch
12:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 pm: Free Time to relax and enjoy the ship’s Jacuzzi, the indoor lounge and bar, and the outdoor observation deck.
2:30: Water Sports Excursion & Pink Dolphin Search – Swim, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River as we look for the legendary Pink river dolphin.
5:00 pm: Free Time to freshen up, relax and take in the sights of the Amazon as we sail downriver.
6:30 pm: Crew Introductions – This evening, before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crew members who you may not have already met. These are the ones who work “behind the scenes” to ensure you countless exceptional experiences on board the Aria Amazon.
7:00 pm: Dinner – We will again gather for sumptuous Amazonian and international cuisine created by the Aria’s executive chef.
8:00 pm: Star-gazing Activity – This evening’s focus is on the Aria’s hi-tech telescope, which you can use to peer into the night sky to identify planets and constellations in the clear Amazonian heavens.
9:00 pm: Free time and socializing until turning in for the night.
6:00 am: Fish Market Excursion – This morning, we will visit the local fresh market with your guides, who can identify the fishermen’s catch and the region’s exotic fruits.
7:00 am: Breakfast & Packing Up – Return to the Aria Amazon for breakfast and to pack up.
9:00 am – Manatee Rescue Center Excursion – Before saying goodbye, we will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a kind of animal orphanage for injured or abandoned Amazonian manatees. After being treated, they are then released back into the wild.
10:30 am: Handicraft Market Excursion – We will also visit San Juan craft market en route to the airport.
12:00 pm: Lunch or Box Lunch – A tasty sit-down lunch or a box lunch will be provided, depending on the exact time of your flight’s departure.
1:30 pm: Airport Departure – You will be driven to the Iquitos airport, where you will have plenty of time to check in and relax before your departing flight to Lima, home or onward. Guides will help with check in at the airport and stay with you until you board your flight back to Lima. At this time, local Aria and Surtrek representatives will undoubtedly wish you a fond farewell …until the next time you visit South America.
NOTE: Other local activities may be included as well, depending on the Aria’s recommended flight schedule.
| Room | First Deck | Second Deck |
| 4 Days | US$ 4,050 PP | US$ 4,200 PP |
Included in these all-inclusive cruise rates are:
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“The trip was excellent from beginning to end. The Isabella II was a fine ship and the crew and guides were all of the highest quality. I would recommend them to others. For us, the ship was the perfect size – not too small and not too large.”
