Tailor-made adventures.
Days: 12-15 | From: $9,050/person
Our Most Popular Trip: Two of South America’s most spectacular destinations in one itinerary
Days: 13 | From: $10,590/per person with 4 passengers
The best of Patagonia on both sides of the border
Days: 8 | From: $5,050/per person
Explore this fascinating country's most iconic sites
Days: 9 | From: $4,690/per person
Explore Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio de Janeiro all in one trip
Days: 9 | From: $7,550/per person
Visit Costa Rica's highlights and the beautiful, remote Osa Peninsula
Days: 8 | From: $7,450/per person
Explore the pristine jungles of Belize, Mayan ruins, and idyllic Caribbean islands
Days: 9 | From: $6,390/per person
Experience the highlights of this fascinating and culturally rich country
Days: 8 | From: $7,690/per person
Combine the pristine rainforest and barrier reef of Belize with striking Guatemalan ruins
Days: 10 | From: $9,790/per person
The best of South Africa: a world class safari, spectacular Cape Town, plus magnificent Victoria [...]
Days: 10 | From: $7,750/per person
Track the Great Migration through the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania
Days: 8 | From: $7,250/per person
Experience Rwanda's gentle mountain gorillas in the wild, and discover its varied wildlife and lush [...]
Days: 11 | From: $12,950/per person
From the renowned Okavango Delta to extraordinary Hwange National Park via Victoria Falls
Days: 11 | From: $3,025/per person
Get to know the classic parts of Vietnam
Days: 10 | From: $5,900/per person
Temples, Taj, and Tigers: see quintessential India on this immersive journey
Days: 10 | From: $5,560/per person
The highlights of Bangkok, northern Thailand, and the southern beaches
Days: 16 | From: $19,200/per person
An immersive exploration of the art, culture, and history of Japan
Days: 10 | From: $9,625/per person
The Best of Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome
Days: 11 | From: $8,495/per person
An Extraordinary Private Journey from Barcelona to Andalucía via Madrid
Days: 11 | From: $10,680/per person
France: An Extraordinary Private Journey from Paris to the castles of the Loire Valley and [...]
Days: 11 | From: $13,380 per person
An extraordinary alpine journey from Zurich to Zermatt
Days: 16-23 | From: $9,395/person
One of the most classic of Arctic programs, with polar bears and magnificent scenery.
Days: 10-23 | From: $8,590/person
The most popular and classic Antarctica cruise option
Days: 6-23 | From: $6,950/person
Choose from our list of the top vessels in each category
Days: 6-23 | From: $4,795/person
Choose from our list of the top vessels in each category.
Days: 10| From: $12,450/per person
Follow the herds of the Great Migration through some of Africa's most iconic safari destinations [...]
Days 4, 5 & 8 | From: $4,920/per person
The Aqua Nera was designed for Aqua Expeditions by award-winning architect Noor Design who drew inspiration from the peaceful blackwater lagoons and tributaries of the Mirrored Forest in the Peruvian Amazon. The Aqua Nera offers luxury cruise expeditions on the Amazon River. This river cruise ship has 20 spacious, air-conditioned suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, accommodating a maximum of 40 passengers. Amenities include an indoor lounge, outdoor lounge with pool, fitness center, observation deck, and a dining area featuring gourmet Peruvian cuisine. There are four launch boats for shore excursions, plus kayaks and all-terrain bikes on some itineraries.
Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist
We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.
Aqua Nera has 20 spacious and luxuriously-appointed, 322 square feet (30 sq m) Design Suites, plus two 644 sq ft (60 sq m) interconnecting suites.
All suites have California King size beds with twin-bed configurations available. They also all have private bathrooms, air conditioning, river-facing panoramic windows, and en suite sitting area.
Year operational: 2021 Type of Vessel: River Expedition Vessel Length: 205 feet (62.4 meters) Maximum Width: 38 feet (11.5 meters) Draft: 5 feet (1.5 meters) Passenger Capacity: 40 Crew: 40 members, including cruise director, paramedic, and 4 English-speaking guides Cruising Speed: Average 12 knots Engines: 2 x Caterpillars, Tier 3 Emission compliant
Day 1 Tuesday Arrive to Iquitos / Begin the Cruise
Upon arrival to Iquitos you will be met at the airport and then be taken to lunch at a local restaurant or will have 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 6:00 p.m. you will board the Aria. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to the naturalist guides, you will 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 Wednesday Marañon River / Yanayacu Pucate River
Rise early for a morning bird watching 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 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 3 Thursday Samiria River
The rewards for the 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, venture out by skiff to search for pink river dolphins.
Day 4 Friday Nauta Caño River / Jungle Walk
As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the extraordinary blackwater Nauta Caño River. If you wish, embark on a bike ride from Puerto Prado Village to Santa Cruz Village along the riverbank.
Day 5 Saturday Manatee Rescue Center / Return to Lima
At the Bellavista Nanay you will visit a morning market along the Nanay River. Here you can sample exotic snacks from the Peruvian Amazon, like suri (Amazon caterpillars). After returning to the Aria for breakfast, you will have time to pack up. Before saying goodbye, you will make one last stop at the Manatee Rescue Center, a very special animal orphanage for Amazonian manatees. You will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport. Lunch or box lunch will be provided, depending on the exact departure flight time, which may vary. Other local activities may be included as well, according to the flight schedule.
Day 1 Saturday Arrive to Iquitos / Begin the Cruise
Upon arrival to Iquitos you will be met at the airport and then be taken to lunch at a local restaurant or will have a box lunch on route (depending on the flight arrival time). The afternoon continues with an introduction to this historic city and the opportunity to meet an indigenous Amazon community. At 6:00 p.m. you will board the Aria. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to the naturalist guides, you will 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 Sunday Yanayacu Yacapana / Yarapa River / Ucayali River
Aboard comfortable skiffs, set sail from the Amazon River to the Yanayacu Yacapana River. Ready your binoculars as you look for tropical songbirds, black collared hawks, and sloths. Line-fish for Amazon’s notoriously ferocious piranhas while the naturalist guides share their knowledge of the Amazonia. In the afternoon, set sail to Yarapa River, a black water tributary of the Ucayali River. Here you’ll embark on a stargazing session and an excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife
Day 3 Monday Clavero Lake / Marañon Creek
Get an early start to the day to explore Clavero Lake aboard 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 an Amazonian village.
In the afternoon, explore the majestic Marañon River in search of different kinds of wildlife.
Day 4 Tuesday Nauta / Manatee Rescue Center / Airport
This morning, you will visit the local market with your guides, who will help you identify the daily Amazonian catch and the variety of fruits and vegetables. Later, return to the Aria for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, you will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, an orphanage and rehabilitation center for Amazonian manatees. You will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport. Lunch or a boxed lunch will be provided, depending on the exact departure flight time, which may vary. Other local activities may be included as well, according to the flight schedule.
Rise for an early morning birdwatching session along the Marañon River. After breakfast, head out for a morning wildlife excursion with a possibility to see sloths, great egrets, parrots, and Taricaya turtles. Later, explore the Yanayacu Pucate River and go fishing for Amazonia’s notorious piranhas. End the day with a dusk excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3 Thursday Samiria River / Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
The rewards for today’s early start 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. After lunch, venture out by skiff to look for pink river dolphins.
Day 4 Friday Puerto Prado / Amazon River
As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the Pahuachiro River. After breakfast, visit Puerto Prado Village where there’ll be an opportunity to ride a bike all the way to Santa Cruz Village along the riverbank. You could also visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco.
In the afternoon, head out for a boat ride to the Amazon River.
Day 2 Sunday Yanayacu Pucate River / Marañon River
Today’s adventure begins near the main entrance of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, cruising along the Yanayacu Pucate River in the comfort of a state-of-the-art skiff. Here you can kayak, canoe or swim in these unspoiled black waters, keeping eyes peeled for the Amazon’s legendary pink dolphins. In the afternoon, you will visit a remote village along the Marañon River to learn about traditional customs. In the night you can focus the hi-tech telescope on the night sky to identify the planets and constellations.
Day 3 Monday Samira River / Nauta Caño or Amazonian Natural Park
You will set off on the skiffs for an excursion along the Samiria River with optional fishing. Listen carefully to the after-lunch flora and fauna lecture, then venture out for a thrilling jungle walk across suspended bridges deep in the high Amazon rainforest. On your return in the evening, enjoy the jungle symphony and extraordinary stargazing on local boats along the “Enchanted Lake”. This evening before dinner, you will be introduced to some of the crewmembers whom you may not have met, working “behind the scenes” to ensure your countless exceptional experiences aboard the Aria.
Day 1 Saturday Iquitos / Amazon River
Upon arrival to Iquitos, you will be met at the airport and then be taken to lunch at a local restaurant or will have a box lunch on 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 6:00 p.m. you will board the Aria. Following a routine safety drill and introduction to the naturalist guides, you will 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.
Aboard comfortable skiffs, 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 naturalist guides share their knowledge of the Amazonia. In the afternoon, sail to Yarapa River, a black water tributary of the Ucayali River. Here you’ll embark on a stargazing session and an excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3 Monday Clavero Lake / Marañon River
Get an early start today to explore Clavero Lake. 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 an Amazonian community. In the afternoon, explore the majestic Marañon River in search of different kinds of wildlife.
Day 4 Tuesday 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, sampling local snacks. For those interested, there’ll also be the opportunity to visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco.
Day 5 Wednesday Marañon River / Yanayuca Pucate River
Rise for an early morning bird watching 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 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 Thursday Samiria River
The rewards for today’s early start 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, venture out by skiff keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
Day 7 Friday Nauta Caño River / Jungle River
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.
Day 8 Saturday Nauta / Manatee Rescue Center / Airport
Day 2 Sunday Amazonas River / Tahuayo River
Head out at sunrise for a bird watching session along the Amazonas River. After breakfast, embark on a skiff excursion from the Amazon River to one of its tributaries, Tahuayo. Learn about the region from your expert naturalist guides and go fishing for Amazonia’s notorious piranhas. As the sun sets, head out for an evening excursion in search of wildlife, capped off by a stargazing session.
Day 3 Monday Clavero Lake / Ucayali River
Discover the magnificent black waters of Clavero Lake and pay a visit to the communities which live on its banks. Go kayaking, canoeing, or swimming before returning onboard for lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a short jungle walk in San Josede Paranapura forest, where you’ll be able to see the famous giant water lilies.
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.
Day 6 Thursday Samiria River / Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
The rewards for today’s early start 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, venture out by skiff to search for pink river dolphins.
Day 7 Friday Puerto Prado / Amazon River
As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the Pahuachiro River. After breakfast, visit Puerto Prado Village where there’ll be an opportunity to ride a bike all the way to Santa Cruz Village along the riverbank. You could also visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco. In the afternoon, head out for a boat ride to the majestic Amazon River.
This morning, visit the local market with your guides, who will help you identify the daily Amazonian catch and the variety of fruits and vegetables. Later, return to the Aria for breakfast and to pack up. Before saying goodbye, you will visit the Manatee Rescue Center, an orphanage and rehabilitation center for Amazonian manatees. You will also visit San Juan craft market on route to the airport. Lunch or a boxed lunch will be provided, depending on the exact departure flight time, which may vary. Other local activities may be included as well, according to the flight schedule.
3 Night Trip Departures: Saturday to Tuesday
4 Night Trip Departures: Tuesday to Saturday
7 Night (4 Night + 3 Night Itinerary) Trip Departures: Saturday to Saturday
2025 Cruise Rates:
Children 5-11 years old receive a 20% discount.
Single supplement is +25%.
Charters: from $183,000 (3 night), $244,000 (4 night), $406,000 (7 night)
Additional holiday charges apply. Please contact us for more details.
Included: All meals, beverages (house wines, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks), all excursions, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve entrance fee, group transfers to and from the vessel, laundry, and WiFi.