Day 1: Iquitos / Amazon River
After arriving on a noon flight*, receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by our crew and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before boarding Aqua Nera.
Settle into your generously sized suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction from our naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aqua Nera's renowned consulting chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.
Day 2: Yanayacu Yacapana / Yarapa River / Ucayali River
Aboard our comfortable skiffs, we set sail from the Amazon River to the Yanayacu Yacapana River. Ready your binoculars to spot tropical songbirds, black collared hawks and sloths. Line-fish for Amazon’s notoriously ferocious piranhas while our naturalist guides share their knowledge of the Amazonia.
In the afternoon, we sail to Yarapa River, a black water tributary of the Ucayali River. Here we’ll embark on a stargazing session and an excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3: Clavero Lake / Marañon River
We get an early start to the day to explore Clavero Lake aboard our comfortable skiffs. Here, villagers rely on traditional dugout canoes to get around. You’ll have the opportunity to swim in the lake’s calm waters or visit native residents of Amazonia who will welcome you to their community with open arms.
In the afternoon, we will explore the majestic Marañon River in search of different kinds of wildlife.
Day 4: Nauta Town / Village Visit / Birthplace Of The Amazon
In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market and marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon, and sample exotic snacks if you wish. For those interested, there’ll also be the opportunity to visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco.
In the afternoon, witness one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere, the birthplace of the Amazon River. By nightfall, you will meet the new passengers who signed on for the four-night trip, as we start our journey together along the Marañon River.
Day 5: Marañon River / Yanayacu Pucate River
Rise with the sun for an early morning birdwatching session along the Marañon River and enjoy breakfast in the middle of the jungle. Next, visit an Amazonian village where you’ll be able to interact with native riberenos and witness an Aguaje palm harvesting demonstration.
Later, go swimming, kayaking, or canoeing in the Yanayacu-Pucate River and keep an eye out for the legendary pink river dolphins. Finally, board the skiffs again to cruise along Yanaquillo River for a dusk excursion in search of nocturnal animals.
Day 6: Samiria River
The rewards for our early start today are plentiful: a full day excursion including a picnic lunch orchestrated to the tune of the jungle symphony, fishing along the black waters of the Samiria River, and an option to go canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or on a jungle walk inside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. On the way back to the Marañon River after lunch, we venture out by skiff keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
Day 7: Nauta Caño River / Jungle Walk
As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the extraordinary black water Nauta Caño River. If you wish, embark on a bike ride from Puerto Prado Village to Santa Cruz Village along the riverbank.
In the afternoon, take a jungle walk while looking for flora and fauna which may include medicinal trees, insects, and poison dart frogs. Learn more about the different rainforest strata and ecosystems. Before dinner, meet the incredible crew who’ve been working behind the scenes to ensure your exceptional experience aboard Aqua Nera.
Day 8: Arrival In Iquitos / Manatee Rescue Center / Transfer To The Airport
In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market and marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon, and sample exotic snacks if you wish.
Return to the Aqua Nera for breakfast before disembarkation. En route to the airport, visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where orphaned Amazonian manatees rehabilitate before they are released back into the wild.
