Aria Amazon

Hotel Overview
Itineraries
Cabin types

Location

ex Iquitos (Iquitos, Peru)

Description

Designed by Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, the Aria was built to offer luxurious cruises on the Amazon river for up to 32 passengers. Spread over 3 decks and air-conditioned throughout, this 147 foot ship has a large observation deck, indoor and outdoor bars, a comfortable lounge, outdoor Jacuzzi and exercise room.

Departures

Fridays (3N, 7N) and Mondays (4N)

Capacity

32 passengers

Activities

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, which can only be reached by water, is an incredible preserved haven for Amazon wildlife, plants and birds. Daily excursions on one of the 8 person skiffs take you exploring to view the Amazon and its wildlife close up. They are led by English speaking guides who are extremely knowledgeable and informative. Trips take place both in the early morning and early evening and include some land excursions to the local communities.

Accommodation

16 suites, each measuring 23 square metres, which all face out with wonderful panoramic views. Each has twin beds that can be converted into a king size bed, and ensuite bathrooms with rain shower. 4 of the suites have interconnecting rooms for families and each suite can accomodate an extra child.

Our comments

Modern and luxurious but not a traditional river boat.

The Aria offers 3, 4 and 7 night cruises. The 3 night itinerary focuses on the Marañon river, the Amazon river’s largest tributary, and its neighbouring waterways - the Yarapa and Yanayacu-Pucate. The 4 night itinerary heads along the Ucayali tributary into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in an action-packed itinerary. The 7 night Amazon Expedition Cruise is a more complete Amazon journey combining the two shorter itineraries to explore both the Marañon and Ucayali Amazon tributaries.

Amazon Expedition: 7 night itinerary (low water season)

Day 1: Iquitos; driven to Nauta; Marañon River (skiff excursion)
Day 2: Ucayali River; Clavero Lake (skiff excursion and kayak, canoe or swim); Yarapa River and village visit
Day 3: Tahuayo River (skiff excursion); jungle canopy walk
Day 4: Nauta Town (visit the local fresh market); village visit; in the afternoon witness the birthplace of the Amazon River. Departure for those on the 3 night itinerary and arrival for those on the 4 night itinerary.
Day 5: Marañon River (skiff excursion); Yanayacu Pucate River; village visit; piranha fishing; nocturnal wildlife excursion
Day 6: Samiria River (early morning skiff excursion including fishing and breakfast picnic); Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (jungle walk, canoe, kayak or swim); Ucayali River
Day 7: Morning skiff excursion on Marañon River; Puerto Prado (village visit and an opportunity to see unforgettable giant water lillies)
Day 8: Nauta; visit the Manatee Rescue Center; San Juan craft market; Iquitos

Amazon Expedition: 7 night itinerary (high water season)

Day 1: Iquitos (city tour); Nauta Port
Day 2: Amazon River (early morning bird watching); Yanayacu Yacapana River (skiff exploration); Nauta Caño (night excursion and stargazing)
Day 3: Yanayacu Pucate River (skiff excursion and village visit); Jungle Walk in the Causal’s forest; Marañon River (swim, canoe or kayak)
Day 4: Nauta Town (visit the local fresh market); village visit; in the afternoon witness the birthplace of the Amazon River. Departure for those on the 3 night itinerary and arrival for those on the 4 night itinerary.
Day 5: Ucayali River (skiff exploration in search of pink river dolphins); Dorado River (nocturnal excursion)
Day 6: Zapote River (skiff safari excursion with picnic lunch); Ucayali River
Day 7: Clavero Lake (canoe, kayak or swim), or jungle walk and village visit; Yarapa River (skiff excursion)
Day 8: Early morning visit to the Bellavista Nanay market (sample exotic snacks such as caterpillars); visit the Manatee Rescue Center; Iquitos

The low water season is from June to November and the high water season from December to May. All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions.