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Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery

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Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery

From £5,399 pp

Explore the colors and wonders of Peru over 11 days.

Peru is a land of mysteries, legends and ancient cultures. You’ll experience the diverse landscapes from Lima to the Amazon Rainforest.

Your journey starts in the country’s capital, Lima. Known as the “City of Kings”, this melting pot of culture will captivate you from the first moment. Admire the colorful colonial architecture, visit the San Francisco Monastery and wander through the bohemian district of Barranco. From there, head to Iquitos, the largest city in the Amazon rainforest.

Delight in the exotic fruits and flavorful cuisine. Once you take to the waters of the Amazon rainforest, you’ll explore the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery alongside your naturalist guide. Stargaze on the “Enchanted Lake” with nothing but a clear sky above you.

Journey to the merging point of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers where the Amazon River begins. A mesmerizing exploration of land and sea, this adventure will delight all of your senses.

What’s Included:

  • International flights from the UK and all overseas flights and transfers
  • 2 nights in Lima at the Country Club Lima Hotel (or similar)
  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the luxurious Aria Amazon
  • Lavishly appointed riverview suites with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • 1 night in Lima at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel at the Lima International Airport (or similar)
  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients. Five-star cuisine with menu by top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino
  • 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 8 dinners
  • Complimentary house wine and beer, spirits, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served on the Aria Amazon, between 6am and 11pm throughout the cruise. Onboard lunches and dinner include complimentary house wine and beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Onshore lunches and dinners include complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea
  • 9 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts and naturalist guides
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
Cacius Yellow Bird, Pacaya, Samiria National Reserve
Itinerary Variations

The cruise itinerary will vary depending on water levels. The Aria Amazon sails year-round, and every voyage is uniquely appealing, based on the changing seasons. During the high-water season (approximately November through April), the river and estuaries grow, allowing launch boats to venture deeper into the flooded forest. During the low water season (approximately May through October), the river recedes and beautiful sandy river beaches form. Of course, water levels do not always follow a calendar; day-by-day programs might require adjustments due to these water level fluctuations.

Day 1 - Lima

Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the beautiful Country Club Lima Hotel.

Its charm and comfort will offer you the perfect home for your exploration of the city.

Day 2 - Lima

Known as the “City of Kings,” Lima was founded in 1535. A melting pot of cultures, flavors and history, this bustling metropolis has something for everyone, and today you get to discover it all.

Lima City Tour

This panoramic drive will take you around the coastline of Lima in Miraflores. You’ll stroll around the “Plaza San Martín” and “Plaza de Armas,” the main square. Afterward, your guide will take you to the San Francisco Monastery. A maze of tunnels and catacombs await you here.

Later, you’ll visit Casa Aliaga. Built in 1535, the “Plaza de Armas” is one of Lima’s oldest buildings. A colonial mansion of the Aliaga family, it has been passed down the family for 17 generations. You will meet a family member who will give you a tour and show you items from centuries past. Lunch will be served at the mansion.

Day 2 - Lima

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Lima, Fly to Iquitos (Nauta), Embark

You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight to Iquitos.

Upon your arrival at Iquitos International Airport, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the Aria Amazon.

In the evening, you will be welcomed with a reception dinner by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Famous for his innovative take on Amazonian cuisine, this dinner will be bursting in flavors unique to the Peruvian Amazon.

Marañón River skiff ride

Today, you’ll be exploring the Amazon rainforest by skiff, a small river boat. One of the most important water sources in Peru, and a main Amazon tributary, the Marañón River is abundant in animal and plant life. Be on the lookout for one of the 64 rare bird species or pink dolphins.

Day 3 - Lima, Fly to Iquitos (Nauta), Embark

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Yanayacu-Pucate River, Maranon River

Your day starts at the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the second largest protected natural area in Peru. Kayak, canoe and swim in the black waters of the Yanayacu-Pucate River.

In the afternoon, learn about traditional customs of the area at a remote village along the Marañón River.

Once the sun sets, we’ll gaze at the night sky, where you’ll have a crystal-clear view of planets and constellations.

Yanayacu-Pucate River Excursion

Enjoy a state-of-the-art skiff ride on the Yanayacu-Pucate River, and marvel at the river’s legendary black water.

If luck is on your side, you might see a pink dolphin, native to the Amazon River and surrounded in legend.

Village tour

Over 400 tribes, some of which have yet to have contact with outside humans, call the Amazon home. Today, you’ll get the unique opportunity to meet some of them. We’ll set off on the Marañón River where you’ll meet the locals of a remote village and learn about their culture, which goes back centuries.

Day 4 - Yanayacu-Pucate River, Maranon River

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Samiria River, Nauta Cano (Amazonian Natural Park)

Today we’re exploring the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery thriving in the Amazon. Your naturalist guide will teach you all about the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region before setting off on a guided jungle walk.  You’ll finish the day stargazing on the “Enchanted Lake.”

Samiria River & Jungle Walk

Start your day on a skiff as we cruise along the Samiria River, where you’ll have the option to spend some time fishing.  Afterward, we’ll take to the land as we venture out for a jungle walk across the high Amazon.

Stargazing on the “Enchanted Lake”

There are few sights as breathtaking as a sky illuminated by thousands of stars.  Deep in the Amazon, look up to the darkest and clearest sky you’ve ever seen. We’ll spend the evening floating on the “Enchanted Lake,” gazing at constellations and planets.

Day 5 - Samiria River, Nauta Cano (Amazonian Natural Park)

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Nauta

Today we’re exploring the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery thriving in the Amazon. Your naturalist guide will teach you all about the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region before setting off on a guided jungle walk.  You’ll finish the day stargazing on the “Enchanted Lake.”

Samiria River & Jungle Walk

Start your day on a skiff as we cruise along the Samiria River, where you’ll have the option to spend some time fishing.  Afterward, we’ll take to the land as we venture out for a jungle walk across the high Amazon.

Stargazing on the “Enchanted Lake”

There are few sights as breathtaking as a sky illuminated by thousands of stars.  Deep in the Amazon, look up to the darkest and clearest sky you’ve ever seen. We’ll spend the evening floating on the “Enchanted Lake,” gazing at constellations and planets.

Day 6 - Nauta

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Ucayali River, Pacaya River

Today we’re exploring the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery thriving in the Amazon. Your naturalist guide will teach you all about the diverse flora and fauna unique to the region before setting off on a guided jungle walk.  You’ll finish the day stargazing on the “Enchanted Lake.”

Samiria River & Jungle Walk

Start your day on a skiff as we cruise along the Samiria River, where you’ll have the option to spend some time fishing.  Afterward, we’ll take to the land as we venture out for a jungle walk across the high Amazon.

Stargazing on the “Enchanted Lake”

There are few sights as breathtaking as a sky illuminated by thousands of stars.  Deep in the Amazon, look up to the darkest and clearest sky you’ve ever seen. We’ll spend the evening floating on the “Enchanted Lake,” gazing at constellations and planets.

Day 7 -   Ucayali River, Pacaya River

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Pacaya River, Ucayali River, Tapiche River

Your day starts early today with a skiff excursion along the Pacaya River, where you’ll venture into the rainforest to see some wildlife.  Following lunch, you’ll participate in a paiche fishing demonstration. The paiche is the second largest fish in the world. We’ll end the day watching for the pink river dolphins on the Ucayali River.

Paiche fishing demonstration

One of the largest freshwater fish in the world, the paiche can grow up to 400 pounds. Adored for its large size and tasty meat, the paiche has been feeding Amazonian tribes for thousands of years. Today, you’ll meet up with some Amazonian fishermen for a demonstration. They might even get lucky and catch a paiche fish in front of you.

Skiff tour on the Pacaya River

Egrets, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles, oh my! This skiff excursion will take you deep into the Amazon rainforest, where, if you keep your eyes on alert, you’ll have the chance to see plenty of wildlife up close.

Skiff tour on the Ucayali River

In the afternoon, we’ll take a skiff tour on the Ucayali River. We’ll follow the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, while keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Day 8 -  Pacaya River, Ucayali River, Tapiche River

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Clavero Lake, San Jose de Sarapanga Forest

Your day starts early today with a skiff excursion along the Pacaya River, where you’ll venture into the rainforest to see some wildlife.  Following lunch, you’ll participate in a paiche fishing demonstration. The paiche is the second largest fish in the world. We’ll end the day watching for the pink river dolphins on the Ucayali River.

Paiche fishing demonstration

One of the largest freshwater fish in the world, the paiche can grow up to 400 pounds. Adored for its large size and tasty meat, the paiche has been feeding Amazonian tribes for thousands of years. Today, you’ll meet up with some Amazonian fishermen for a demonstration. They might even get lucky and catch a paiche fish in front of you.

Skiff tour on the Pacaya River

Egrets, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles, oh my! This skiff excursion will take you deep into the Amazon rainforest, where, if you keep your eyes on alert, you’ll have the chance to see plenty of wildlife up close.

Skiff tour on the Ucayali River

In the afternoon, we’ll take a skiff tour on the Ucayali River. We’ll follow the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, while keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Day 9 - Clavero Lake, San Jose de Sarapanga Forest

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Nauta (Iquitos), Disembark, Fly to Lima

Take a morning walk through the town of Nauta before disembarking the Aria Amazon. Your guide will take you on a few excursions on your way to the Iquitos airport for your flight to Lima.

Once you’ve arrived in Lima, you’ll be transferred to the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport for your last night.

Manatee Rescue Center

Manatees in the Amazon face multiple threats, from habitat destruction to hunting. The Amazon Rescue Center, funded by the Dallas World Aquarium Zoo, takes in orphaned calves, rehabilitates them and releases them back into the wild. Since their founding, they’ve rescued over 40 orphaned baby manatees. During this visit, you’ll have a chance to get up close to these majestic creatures.

Nauta town visit

Founded in 1930, Nauta is a central gathering place for Amazonian villagers to buy and trade their local harvest. Your guide will show you the town and give you insight into the daily life of these remote people.

San Juan craft market

Before heading to the airport, we’ll stop at a local craft market. Meet local artists and pick up any last-minute souvenirs from your unforgettable adventure.

Day 10 - Nauta (Iquitos), Disembark, Fly to Lima

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - Lima

Your majestic Peru adventure ends this morning. Your guide will walk you from the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel to the Lima airport check in.

Breakfast

Aria Amazon extetior 3

Designed to explore the Peruvian Amazon in luxury and comfort, the Aria Amazon is an all-suite ship with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you a full view of the majestic rivers and rainforest.

The top deck features a jacuzzi, indoor lounge & bar and an outdoor observation deck.

With all-inclusive amenities and five-star cuisine by top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, this luxurious ship is guaranteed to give you an intimate and immersive experience.

Onboard Facilities & Features

  • All Suite accommodation
  • Top deck with Jacuzzi
  • Indoor Lounge & Bar
  • Outdoor observation deck
  • Five star cuisine by top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino
  • Exercise & Massage rooms
  • Air conditioning

Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship.

Due to the remoteness and unspoilt nature of the Peruvian Amazon, there is no mobile or wireless network coverage outside of the city of Iquitos. There is no Wi-Fi or Internet connection on the Aria Amazon. Internet is available at the hotels of the included land package.

All Suites Feature

  • Large twin or California King Beds
  • Large panoramic windows, Amazon Views
  • Individual climate control
  • iPod/mp3 deck
  • Internal communications system
  • Sitting area with chair & Sofa
  • Safety Deposit box
  • Full size wardrobe
  • Bathroom with shower, hairdryer, Toiletries
  • Bathrobes and Slippers
  • Interconnecting cabins available

Suite

250 ft² – First & Second Deck

  • Individually decorated suite size: 250 sq. ft.
  • Sitting area
  • Large Wardrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Safe
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Toiletries
  • Bathrobes and Slippers
  • iPod/MP3 deck
Aria Amazon Suite Double
Aria Amazon - Deck Plan
DepartShipEmbarkFrom  
May 15Aria AmazonPlease CallCabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glassSold  
Jun 19Aria Amazon£11199SAVE £1300Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£11199 Was £12499  
Jul 10Aria Amazon£11199SAVE £1300Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£11199 Was £12499  
Aug 14Aria Amazon£11199SAVE £1300Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£11199 Was £12499  
Sep 11Aria Amazon£5399SAVE 50%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£5399 Was £11099  
Oct 16Aria Amazon£8499SAVE £4000Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£8499 Was £12499  
Nov 6Aria Amazon£9499SAVE £3000Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£9499 Was £12499  
DepartShipEmbarkFrom  
Jan 22Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  
Feb 19Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  
Mar 19Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  
Apr 23Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  
Feb 14Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  
Jun 11Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  
Jul 16Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  
Aug 13Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  
Sep 10Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  
Oct 8Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  
Nov 5Aria Amazon£10439SAVE 10%Cabin Upgrades
Suite1st & 2nd Decks250 ft², wall-to-wall glass£10439 Was £11899  


The Perfect Holiday In Peru – A Luxury Amazon River Cruise

Peru is one of the most exciting, wondrous, unique and breath-taking countries you’ll ever come across. You might think that this can be said about many holiday destinations. Having had the unique opportunity to live in Peru for six months, I can promise you that it’s not exaggerated in the slightest…

Read More

When to Go

Peru is one of the most exciting, wondrous, unique and breath-taking countries you’ll ever come across. You might think that this can be said about many holiday destinations. Having had the unique opportunity to live in Peru for six months, I can promise you that it’s not exaggerated in the slightest…

<a class=”btn” href=”https://www.globalrivercruising.co.uk/the-perfect-holiday-in-peru-a-luxury-amazon-river-cruise/”>Read More</a>

The high-water season runs from around November through to April with the wettest months being January and February.  During this time the river and estuaries swell which so launches may venture deeper into the flooded forest.   February can bring quite heavy rain and fog around Cusco & Machu Picchu.

The low-water season runs from May through to October and sees the waters recede to reveal sandy beaches along the river.  Lower water levels tend to draw animals out of the forests and onto the river banks.  With lower rainfall and sunny days this is a popular time to travel and tourist sites such as Machu Pichu will be at their busiest.

Late April and May can be a great time to visit as one approaches the end of the rainy season.  The country is still lush and green but tourist sites are still relatively quiet outside of the peak season.

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