MARAÑON RIVER / YANAYACU – PUCATE RIVER / PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE

Breakfast

Expedition on board our boats to Yanayacu – Pucate River

This morning, visit the Yanayacu – Pucate River within Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Here on this black water river you can observe many species of flora and fauna, especially macaws and several species of primates like squirrels monkeys, capuchins monkeys and the famous river dolphins, either pink or gray. You will also have the opportunity here to fish for the ferocious piranha.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Lunch

Lecture in the lounge by our naturalist guides who will tell you about sustainable development projects carried out in this part of the Peruvian Amazon

Village Visit

On this visit to a community located along the great river Marañon, our expert guides will introduce you to the native people of Amazonia. You will be invited to visit the lands where they practice subsistence farming and see how they cultivate wild plants and trees to earn income. In the primary forest, your guides will also teach you about the fruit trees and medicinal plants hidden in the jungle.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Dinner

SAMIRIA RIVER / VILLAGE VISIT / NAUTA CAÑO / PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE

Exploration, breakfast on board and walk along the Samiria River

This morning your naturalist guide will talk about sustainable development projects in Amazonia. You will visit one of the projects, where villagers are planting palms to obtain oil. Your guide will also show you the artificial nests created in the sand to protect turtle eggs. Then we will go into the jungle to encounter wildlife and learn first-hand about the value of medicinal plants found here. Keep an eye out for the famous Ceiba tree, the highest in the Amazon. We will have the opportunity to make brief trips in traditional Amazonian canoes and to swim in the waters of the Samiria River.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Cooking lessons Lunch

Lecture in the lounge by our naturalist guides

Excursion to Nauta Caño

Nauta Caño is part of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, also known as the Forest of Mirrors due to its dark lagoons, which reflect the scenery. 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.

Return to ARIA AMAZON

Dinner

MARAÑON RIVER / “CASUAL” TERRA FIRME FOREST WALK / YANAYACU YACAPANA

Breakfast

Marañon exploration and trail walk.

We sail along the Marañon River, watching the different species of flora and fauna as we approach the Casual community where we will hike on land. Here you will see a plethora of wildlife, so keep your binoculars ready to observe tanagers and orioles as well as various reptiles and amphibians. Keep an eye out for the beautiful and eye-catching but poisonous frogs along this fascinating trail, as well as trees and medicinal plants.

Canoeing at Sapira Creek – Marañon river (Optional)

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Lunch

Yanayacu Islands Exploration Yacapana and fishing

The locals call Yacapana Islands “Islands of the Iguana” for the large number of these reptiles – like tiny dinosaurs – that inhabit them. We pass by in the skiff, giving you the opportunity to take plenty of pictures. After our arrival at one particular spot, you may use your hooks to try to catch some of the ferocious piranhas and other fish. Your naturalist guides will tell the story of the lake and its wildlife while you watch the sunset. En route, we will also go in search of the world’s largest aquatic plant called “Victoria Regia.” As the sun goes down, photograph the freshwater Amazon dolphins both gray and pink.

Back to ARIA AMAZON

Once back on board, the ship will continue its journey down stream, sailing toward Iquitos through the night.

Meet in the lounge with our naturalist guides for the Crew Presentation

The guides will introduce some of the crew members whom you may not have met, who worked “behind the scenes” to ensure your memorable trip has been filled with countless exceptional experiences.

Dinner

ARRIVAL IN IQUITOS/CHECK OUT AND DISEMBARK AT THE MAIN WHARF/CITY TOUR/TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

Breakfast

Travel summary

Morning Excursion

Depending on the weather, we will tour the flood zone that borders the city of Iquitos and observe the houses and shops that actually float on the Itaya River for several months of the year. Then we will visit the traditional market of Bellavista Nanay, bordering the Nanay River, to see products from the Peruvian Amazon including exotic snacks like the Amazon Caterpillar. Called “Suri,” these caterpillars live in the palm trees and are considered a very appetizing snack for Amazonia people, even in the city.

Return to the ARIA AMAZON

Sadly, it’s time to finish packing. Please leave your packed suitcases in your suite for pickup before going to lunch.

Light Lunch

Disembarkation / City Tour / Manatee Rescue Center / Transfer to the Airport

This afternoon, we will take you on a tour of Iquitos, glorious city in the days of the rubber boom. Visit the Manatee Rescue Center, a kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees to rescue, rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. Later, we stop at the Amazonian Indian Market San Juan, where, you may wish to shop for local crafts before leaving.

Guides will help with check in at the airport and stay with you until you have boarded your flight back to Lima.

Note: All itineraries are subject to change, due to weather and other conditions. All times indicated are approximate, and are also subject to change.

RATES

• 16 Design Suites measuring 23 sqm / 250 sq. ft, with king or twin bed.
• Interconnecting suites and family suites available.
• All Design Suites feature panoramic, river facing floor to ceiling windows.
• Capacity: 32 Passengers.

Discount Policy:

• 7 year old minimun on all departure – Child aged 11 or under : 20% discount
• Third person sleeping on sofa bed: 20% discount
• Third person being a child under 12 years old sleeping on sofa bed: $ 500 per night.

Included:

• All meals while onboard – All excursions off the Aria Amazon
• Beverages (non-alcoholic, select wines and beer)
• Group transfers to/from vessel when arriving and departing on recommended flights
• Pacaya Samiria National Reserve entrance fee.

Not Included:

• Air tickets to and from Iquitos
• Guide and crew gratuities
• Boutique purchases – Private transfers to/from vessel

FIT RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS:

• For reservations made 101 days or more before departure,: A deposit of US$450.00 per person is required to confirm the booking. The final balance is required 100 days prior to departure. If the payment is not received on time, the space will be automatically released.
• For reservations made 100 days or less prior to departure: A full non-refundable payment is required to confirm the booking.

FIT CANCELLATION POLICY *

• Cancellations made 131 days or more before departure: The deposit will be refunded, less a US$ 250.00 service charge per person.
• Cancellations made 130 to 101 days prior to departure: All deposits are non refundable.
• Cancellations made 100 days or less prior to departure: Full payment will be applied as the cancellation penalty.

DEPARTURE DATE CHANGE POLICY: Aqua Expeditions permits guests to change the departure date of their cruise within 181 days prior to their original date without penalty. Date changes made between 180 and 121 days prior departure, please note a fee of US$ 450.00 per person applies. No date changes are permitted within 120 days from departure

(*) In the event of cancellations, wire fees and credit card commissions will be deducted when calculating refunds