South America

Explorer Cruise – High Water Season

5 Days aboard Aria Amazon. From AUD $8,000pp.
Details

Overview

Peruvian Amazon: The MV Aria 5 days luxury cruise begins in the remote colonial city of Iquitos(IQT), Peru and transport guests in exceptional comfort deep into the Amazon rainforest, along the Ucayali River, the Amazon’s largest tributary, as well as the four other rivers, each one rich in vibrant wildlife with thriving rainforests. Go piranha fishing, trek into the dense jungle in search of Amazon monkeys, three-toed sloths, crown headed hoatzin birds, toucans, macaws and giant water lilies.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Sit down, relax, sip fine South American wine, toast the beginning of a beautiful journey and enjoy the innovative Amazonian cuisine.
  • Take a magical journey through the "Jungle of the Mirrors," where towering trees are reflected in the dark river.
  • Trips in traditional Amazonian canoes and to swim in the waters of the Samiria River.
  • Meet and interact with local villagers in this remote part of the world and learn about their traditions and folklore.

Itinerary in Brief

High Water Itinerary (November- May)
  • Day 1: Arrival - Nauta - Embarkation - Amazon River
  • Day 2: Yanallpa River - Dorado River
  • Day 3: Pacaya River - Ucayali River - Tapiche River
  • Day 4: Clavero OR Yarapa River - Amazon River 
  • Day 5: Arrive in Iquitos - Manatee Rescue Center - Airport Transfer 

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Iquitos - Nauta - Embarkation - Amazon River

We will meet at Iquitos International Airport then journey together by air-conditioned vehicle through the Peruvian countryside to arrive at our Nauta Lounge in time for lunch, or we will serve a box lunch en route depending on the flight arrival time. In the afternoon, we will set off on your first skiff excursion to visit the birthplace of the Amazon. At 6:00pm, we will board the Aria Amazon.

Settle into your generously proportioned suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to our naturalist guides, we gather for innovative Amazonian cuisine created by our Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences.

Day 2: Yanallpa River - Dorodo River

By skiff, we explore the black waters of the Yanallpa River, disembarking to walk deep into the Amazonian rain forest. Later, we board the skiffs again to cruise along the El Dorado River for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal wildlife and with extraordinary stargazing.

Day 3: Pacaya River - Ucayali River - Tapiche River

The rewards of our early start today are plentiful, including a full day excursion by skiff along the Pacaya River, going deeper into pristine landscape shared with great egret, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles. After lunch, we will have a paiche fishing demonstration, the second largest river fish in the world. Later, we venture out by skiffs on the Ucayali River alongside the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.

Day 4: Clavero River or Yarapa River - Amazon River

Choose to go jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black water Yarapa or Clavero River in the morning. Visit a remote Amazonia village in the afternoon. This evening before dinner, we will gather to introduce you to some of the crew members whom you may not have met, working "behind the scenes" to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the Aria Amazon.

Day 5: Arrival in Iquitos - Manatee Rescue Centre - Transfer to the Airport

At the Bellavista Nanay morning market along the Nanay River, sample exotic snacks from the Peruvian Amazon like ‘Suri’, Amazon caterpillars that are considered especially appetizing. Return to the ARIA for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, we will make one last truly memorable stop at the Manatee Rescue Center, a very special kind of animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees. We will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport.

Next Departure Date: 20 Jan 2025
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
20 Jan 2025 - 24 Jan 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
First Deck Suite AUD$8000ppContact us
Second Deck Suite AUD$8333ppContact us
27 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
03 Feb 2025 - 07 Feb 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
10 Feb 2025 - 14 Feb 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
17 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
24 Feb 2025 - 28 Feb 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
03 Mar 2025 - 07 Mar 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
10 Mar 2025 - 14 Mar 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
17 Mar 2025 - 21 Mar 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
24 Mar 2025 - 28 Mar 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
31 Mar 2025 - 04 Apr 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
07 Apr 2025 - 11 Apr 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
14 Apr 2025 - 18 Apr 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
21 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
28 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
05 May 2025 - 09 May 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
12 May 2025 - 16 May 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
19 May 2025 - 23 May 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
26 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
03 Nov 2025 - 07 Nov 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
10 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
15 Dec 2025 - 19 Dec 2025 AUD$8000ppExpand to view offers
22 Dec 2025 - 26 Dec 2025 AUD$8800ppExpand to view offers
29 Dec 2025 - 02 Jan 2026 AUD$8800ppExpand to view offers

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

First Deck Suite

250sqft / 23.2sqm, king bed or 2 single beds, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, polished timber flooring, air conditioning, en-suite sitting area, bathroom (with rain shower, toilet, sink, cabinet, hot water around the clock and basket of organic amenities), hair-dryer and internal communications system.

First Deck Suite
First Deck Suite
Second Deck Suite

250sqft / 23.2sqm, California king-size bed or 2 single beds, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, polished timber flooring, air conditioning, en-suite sitting area, bathroom (with rain shower, toilet, sink, cabinet, hot water around the clock and basket of organic amenities), hair-dryer and internal communications system.

Second Deck Suite
Second Deck Suite

Aria Amazon Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Year Built: 2010
  • Port of Embarkation: Iquitos, Peru
  • Vessel’s Registry: Peru
  • Capacity: 32 passengers
  • Type of Vessel: River Expedition Vessel
  • Length: 147 feet / 45 meters
  • Beam: 29.5 feet / 9 meters
  • Draft: 5 feet / 1.5 meters
  • Gross Tonnage: 500 tons
  • Cruising Speed: 12 knots
  • Electricity: 220 volts
  • Engines: 2 Cummins 400 HP Marine Engines
  • Generators: 2 x 135 KVA Cummins (encapsulated for noise reduction)
  • Water: 9,000-liter water treatment plant

Whats included?

  • On-board accommodation
  • All meals during the cruise
  • Activities/shore excursions as specified
  • Selected alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages 
  • Transfers 

What’s not included?

  • International and internal airfares 
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
  • Travel insurance 
  • Gratuities 
  • Any items not mentioned as included 

Notes

  • Changes and adjustments for both seasons may also occur due to weather conditions, river conditions, and/or airline issues
  • Recommended clothing - light and fresh pieces, blouses, long-sleeved shirts, swimwear, shoes with soft rubber sole for the boat (rubber boots and rain ponchos are provided by us), cardigan or long-sleeved shirts, wind resistant jackets. The days are hot and humid while the night breeze is fresh.
  • Insects & Mosquitoes - we recommend taking Vitamin B or B-15 a few days before arrival to the jungle. These vitamins are the best natural repellent against insect bites. As well, do not forget to bring conventional repellent and cream for bites.
  • Other items - we suggest bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars (very important for enjoying the fauna and flora. Preferably 1 per person), camera, and extra batteries
  • Schedule of activities is subject to change due to weather and river conditions. Please consult with your naturalist guide to discuss any last minute changes or questions. 

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: South America

The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Explorer Cruise – High Water Season

5 Days aboard Aria Amazon. From AUD $8,000pp.