Plan Your Trip
During the Amazon’s low-water season, the rivers recede and beautiful sandy river beaches form to open up fabulous sites and amazing opportunities for viewing exotic plant and animal life. On this 4-day/3-night introduction to the Amazon on board the Aria riverboat, you will discover this dramatic scenery as you go on guided wildlife safaris through the megadiverse Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, visit a local indigenous Amazonian village and the Manatee Rescue Center, as well as sail the Marañon River, search for Pink river dolphins, and go kayaking, canoeing and swimming. Discover the Amazon for yourself on this unforgettable getaway designed for true adventurers.
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10:00 am: Flight from Lima to Iquitos, Peru – In the Peruvian capital city of Lima, Surtrek representatives with assist you with 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, and note that you’ll be traveling along the only road out of town …one that 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 will 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 the Aria’s 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, and an outdoor observation deck. Perhaps sip a nightcap on the Upper Deck, under the stars, before retiring. Alternatively, you can head directly to your cabin to relax and dream about the day ahead.
7:00 am: Breakfast – Enjoy a light breakfast on board, consisting of homemade baked goods, hot coffee, and fresh juice.
8:00 am: Skiff Riding Excursion – We commence today’s adventures near the main entrance of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, cruising along Yanayacu-Pucate River in the comfort of the Aria’s state-of-the-art skiffs. On the black water river, you can observe the vibrant flora and fauna while looking for macaws and several species of primates like capuchin and squirrel monkeys, as well as the famous Amazon River dolphins, either pink or gray. Amazonian people hold the belief that these dolphins possess the magical power to turn into men and women of great beauty.
10:00 am: Water Excursions – Kayak, canoe and swim in these unspoiled black waters, keeping eyes peeled for the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins.
12:00 pm: Return to the ship for lunch
2:00 pm: Village Visit – In the afternoon, we will visit a remote village along the Marañon River to learn about traditions, customs and folklore. You will meet and interact with local villagers in this remote part of the world and learn about real way of life. Walk around with the Aria’s naturalist guides to see how Aria expeditions work with these communities to improve their natural resources management. We will learn about traditional uses of medicinal plants from a shaman whose knowledge of spiritual healing has been down from generation to generation since time immemorial. You will also have the opportunity to shop for local handicrafts directly from the community’s artisans.
5:00 pm: Return to the Aria / free time to relax, freshen up and enjoy the ship’s Jacuzzi, the indoor lounge and bar, and the outdoor observation deck.
7:00 pm: Dinner – We will gather for 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.
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.
9:30 pm: Free time to socialize and enjoy the ship’s facilities before turning in for the night.
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: Samiria River Skiff Excursion with optional fishing – After breakfast, we will set off in skiffs for an excursion along the Samiria River with optional fishing. On the black water river, you can observe the vibrant flora and fauna while looking for macaws and several species of primates like the capuchin and squirrel monkeys.
12:00 pm: Lunch
1:30 pm: Rainforest Presentation – Listen carefully to the after-lunch flora and fauna lecture presented by the Aria’s naturalist guides.
3:00 pm: Jungle Hiking – Later this afternoon, we will venture out for a singularly thrilling jungle walk through the high Amazon rainforest. 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.
5:30 pm – Return to the ship / Free Time
6:30 pm: Staff Introductions – You will be introduced to the crew members who you may not have already met. These are the people who work “behind the scenes” to ensure you countless exceptional experiences aboard the Aria Amazon.
7:00 pm: Dinner – We will gather for more innovative Amazonian cuisine created by the Aria’s executive chef.
While you dine, we will continue our journey upriver toward the headwaters of the Amazon River, where the Ucayali and Marañon rivers merge.
8:00 pm: Free time and socializing until turning in for the night.
5:00 am: Wake-up call – For those wishing to go on this morning’s early morning excursion.
6:00 am: Fish Market Excursion – 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.
7:00 am: Breakfast & Packing Up – Return to the Aria 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, a last chance to pick up that special Amazonian souvenir.
12:00 pm: Lunch or box lunch – Lunch or a box lunch will be provided, depending on the exact departure flight time, which may vary.
1:30 pm: 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 back 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, 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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