AMAZON RIVER CRUISE

Walk deep into the rich Amazonian rainforest for a rendezvous with exotic wildlife. The forest is home to three-toed sloths, macaws, hoatzins, capuchin monkeys and anacondas, and that’s just the beginning. Aqua’s expert guides are well-versed in spotting animals through the camouflage and helping you get a close-up look at the variety of species which inhabit the region.

As you make your way over to the rainforest on a tender ride, you might find yourself accompanied by the elusive pink river dolphins which can be found in these waters. There are also caiman which rest along the riverbanks and are best spotted once it’s dark outside. You’ll have the opportunity to go looking for these incredible predators on a night excursion aboard Aqua Nera.

Throughout the expedition, you’ll be exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, which is nicknamed the ‘Jungle of Mirrors’ thanks to the glassy reflections in its peaceful waters. Well-protected and conserved, this is the ideal place to explore the region’s abundant biodiversity.

The calm black water lagoons and tributaries of the Amazon river are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming excursions. Lakes such as Lake Clavero offer a remote location for a refreshing swim accompanied by magnificent natural landscapes in the backdrop. Experience the local way of fishing and transportation by jumping into dugout canoes carved by hand from Amazonian trees or grab your paddles and kayak as villagers in their traditional canoes pass you by.

Beyond nature and the wildlife, the Amazon also has a lot to offer in terms of culture and heritage. Introduce yourself to a brand new way of life and find out all there is to know about jungle living. This provides an eye-opening insight into how people can live in harmony with the rainforest, depending only on their surroundings for sustenance.

Our expert naturalist guides are natives from the region, who’ll share first-hand accounts of life in the Amazon during your expedition. There’ll also be an opportunity to embark on a bike ride and explore the riverside community of Nauta, one of the main hubs of the Amazon.

Although the truly remote indigenous tribes are protected and inaccessible to visitors, there are stilted villages and riverside settlements to visit where you’ll get a glimpse of the Amazonian way of life, and the native customs and traditions.

Birdwatching adventures with Aqua Expeditions start early in the morning, as we rise with the sun and board our skiffs to glide along the Marañon river. This is the time of day when we have a better chance of spotting our feathered friends as they forage for food. The rainforest is also the quietest at this time, enabling us to listen attentively and, with the help of Aqua’s knowledgeable guides, recognize each bird species via their distinctive call. We can say this is almost a meditative experience as with patience, tranquility, and observation we enter a state of peacefulness and appreciation for our surroundings. Followed by a hearty breakfast on our skiffs, this is truly a perfect way to start our day.

Each Aqua Expeditions bicycle excursion is personally curated and led by expert English-speaking guides in ease and comfort. Daily activities are highly customized according to each guest’s fitness and taste for adventure, as well as adapted to individual interests and pace. Bike tours are a great way to get around at each port of call to explore the lay of the land. Maintaining a maximum of 10 guests per excursion allows for strong interaction with our passionate local guides, providing a highly educational and engaging touring experience.

It may not be the biking vacation hardcore cyclists may expect, but guests should be prepared for a certain element of action involved. Because we travel into remote destinations, far removed from crowded areas and tourist attractions, we can dive deeper into places which focus on nature, wildlife and even lesser-known or forgotten cultures.

A perfectly balanced rainforest ecosystem has both sunshine and rainfall, and the Amazon is no exception. The Peruvian Amazon receives a healthy 12 feet (3.6 meters) of rainfall a year on average and experiences 250 rainy days.

The good news: It rarely rains for more than an hour or two. Rain most often falls in passing cloudbursts, in line with the microclimate weather behavior of the Amazon ecosystem

Aqua Expeditions taps on the collective experience of our crew and guides in the Amazon to create an itinerary that ‘works with the weather’, for instance conducting excursions at times when rain is less probable.

Our local naturalist guides are also adept at sensing the weather before it changes. Guests receive sturdy ponchos in the event of inclement weather, so they can stay comfortable and focus on the Amazon jungle scenery and wildlife.

There are two key seasons in the Peruvian Amazon: a low water season that lasts from June to November and a high water season from December through to May. Cruising in either season presents explorers with a unique experience of the Amazon as water levels differ as much as 23 feet (7 meters)!

Wildlife excursions often differ depending on the time of the year. During the high water season, river ships sail closer to the canopies, making it easier to spot birds and other species which live in the trees. On the other hand, the low water season allows better access to jungle trails, making it possible to discover wildlife in the undergrowth. 

Low-water months are also an ideal time for fishing as aquatic populations are confined to a few key areas. It’s far easier to land a piranha during this time. For birdwatchers, dozens of species of migratory birds are in flight during this time as well.

In contrast, the high-water season concentrates the population of land animals and amphibians, making it easier to spot turtles and caimans.

All things considered, most species can be seen throughout the year – the only difference is in the manner they’re seen, from the ground of the lush forest or aboard a skiff.

Changing seasons play a role in determining the excursions which can be offered as part of our Amazon itineraries. In the low water season, many of the trails and jungle paths that are usually submerged become easily accessible, allowing opportunities to experience the Amazon rainforest on foot.On the other hand, the high-water season allows skiffs to access hidden creeks and lakes which are out of reach when the water levels are low. 

Our itineraries take advantage of the conditions in each season. When cruising the Amazon during low-water, guests will see exposed mud banks which tend to attract large numbers of colorful macaws. During high-water, we can head out for a swim in the mystical black water lagoons which are dotted across the region. There are unique and novel experiences to be had no matter when you decide to visit the Peruvian Amazon.