Cruising the Amazon River

The Experience

This sample itinerary takes you on a spectacular adventure cruise to a place visited by only a few of even the most experienced world travelers: the tributaries and main branch of the Amazon. It concludes with a spectacular luxury visit to Machu Picchu and the Inca capital, Cusco.

 

The Travel

Welcome to Peru
Upon arrival in Lima, you will be escorted to the Costa Ramada el Sol Hotel in the Lima airport by your Kuoda host. Most international flights arrive late in the evening and your morning flight to Iquitos will leave early, so we recommend a good night´s sleep.

 

Begin Your Cruise in Nauta / Marañon River
In the morning, your host will take you to the airport for you flight to Iquitos. Upon arrival in Iquitos, a guide will bring you to an air-conditioned bus for a scenic ninety minute drive to the small village of Nauta where the M/V Aqua is anchored, waiting for your arrival.

As soon as you are on board, you will settle into your suite, have a safety drill and briefing from your cruise directors and guides, and will then enjoy a welcome dinner. Discover why Peruvian cuisine is considered among the world’s finest and raise a glass of South American wine to toast the beginning of your voyage.

 

Ucayali River / Yanallpa Area
Day three takes you on a guided jungle walk to Yanallpa Lake where you will search for the hoatzin, an unusual bird with a primeval appearance. Your guides will provide instruction in deep jungle orientation before you return to the M/V Aqua for a refreshing lunch in the air-conditioned dining room.

The afternoon will be spent cruising the majestic Ucayali River and getting to know the native “balseros,” or fisherman, who will demonstrate their skill in catching a type of catfish with an armored skin.

In the evening, guides will take you along the Sapote river to spot caiman – a member of the crocodilian family – and enjoy other night-dwelling river creatures before returning to the boat for the night.

 

Puinahua River / Hatun Posa Lake / Pacaya River
Meet native peoples who are experts in subsistence farming and the cultivation of wild plants as guides lead you on a jungle walk through Hatum Posa village. Your trek will take you deep into the primary forest where you will learn about the wealth of fruit trees and medicinal plants hidden in plain sight.

After lunch on the M/V Aqua, you will take skiffs along the Pacaya River toward Yanayacu Lake, which teems with rainforest life. Saki monkeys, capuchin monkeys and howler monkeys will follow your progress, the howler monkeys growing progressively louder as the daylight ebbs.

You will return to M/V Aqua, docked at the No. 1 Ranger Station in Pacaya Samiria National Park, for a sumptuous supper.

 

Puinahua and Pacaya Rivers / Carocurahuayte Lake
The day begins with breakfast and fresh juice on skiffs while your guides show you parrots, macaws, toucans, various species of monkey, and dolphins. As you finish breakfast, you will arrive at dolphin feeding spots along the Yanayacu Lake, where you’ll find the skiffs surrounded by the playful creatures.

When you return for lunch, the M/V Aqua will begin its homeward journey to Iquitos.
You will spend the afternoon fishing for some of the more than 3,000 species of tropical fish living in the Amazon Basin, including the carnivorous piranha.

The evening will be spent having a final gourmet feast in the ship’s dining room and enjoying a final nightcap under the stars on the top deck.

 

Disembark in Iquitos / City Tour / Flight to Lima
A final short skiff trip on the Amazon will give you a final opportunity to see jungle wildlife before you return to the M/V Aqua to pack.

After disembarking, you will spend the afternoon in the remote but bustling city of Iquitos. A city tour will show you everything from a house built by Gustave Eiffel to the San Juan Amazonian Indian’s Market, where you can browse and purchase local crafts.

Your guides will then bring you to the Iquitos airport for your return flight to Lima. There, you will be met by your Kuoda Lima host, who will check you into your hotel and prepare you for your morning flight to Cusco.

 

Private Walking Tour of Cusco

When you arrive in Cusco, you will be met by your Kuoda Cusco host, who will check you in the Monasterio, a 16th Century monastery voted the “Best Hotel” in South America. After resting, you will take a private walking tour of one of Peru´s most attractive, fascinating cities: Cusco.

Your guide will illuminate past and present, from the Inca walls and sun temple to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum to the ancient churches and cathedrals to the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas to the bustling modern market in San Pedro.

The afternoon will be devoted to exploring the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo and Puca Pucara.

 

Private Tour of Macu Picchu
After breakfast, you will have an early morning departure to the train station for the ride to Aguas Calientes, and then a private guided tour of the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu.

After a complete overview of the site with your guide, you will enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge and then have the remainder of the day to further explore the site alone or with your guide.

 

Free Morning at Machu Picchu / Return to Cusco

After breakfast at your hotel, you have a free morning to explore Machu Picchu on your own. Enjoy the scenery, take photographs and bask in what many call the mystical energy of this truly amazing place.

In the afternoon, you will board the train for your return to Cusco. An onboard supper and Peruvian dancers and musicians will make your journey unforgettable.

When you arrive in Poroy, your Cusco host will escort you to the Monasterio for a final evening in the Inca capital.

 

Return Home

Today you will be transferred to the airport to board your direct flight from Cusco to Lima. You will be met at the Lima airport and transferred to Miraflores, the principal shopping district of Lima. You will have a car at your disposal in case you would like to explore more of Peru’s capital.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred back to Jorge Chavez Airport for your international flight home.

 

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