MV Aqua Cruise

Explore the magic and beauty of the Peruvian Amazon, home to the most species of birds in the world and rich in animal and plant life. Meet locals as they go about their daily life on the tributaries and waterways of the world's second longest river.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
•   Explore Peru's capital city, Lima.
•   Enjoy the luxury on board the 5 star boat MV Aqua
•   Welcome dinner with top class Peruvian cuisine
•   Drift down the Ucayali, the Amazon's largest tributary
•   Spot birdlife and wild life in the jungle
•   Take part in jungle walks with the boats naturalist
•   Try your hand at piranha fishing
•   Discover life on the river meeting fishermen, families and indigenous communities
•   Tour the city of Iquitos
•   Visit a manatee rescue centre
•   Browse the wares at the San Juan Amazonian Indian Market

Guide

The MV Aqua has a small team of naturalist guides onboard who will accompany you on shore excursions. Assistance is provided by local representatives in other destinations.

MEAL PLAN
Prices include:
•   Breakfast daily
•   Lunch and dinner on Days 4-7

ACCOMMODATION
•   The hotel in Lima is of a 4 star standard
•   MV Aqua cruise is of a 5 star standard

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

•   Please note that during the low season (Dec-May) high water levels necessitate a change to the itinerary above. During this period the itinerary will include more jungle treks and visits to some different rivers.
•   Children under the age of 7 are not allowed on this cruise.

•   We recommend tipping at the end of your cruise.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO LIMA
Fly from London Heathrow to Madrid with British Airways, then onwards with LAN Airlines to Lima, arriving the following day. Spend two nights at the Casa Andina Private Collection Lima.

DAY 3 - LIMA
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the cosmopolitan capital independently.

DAY 4 - LIMA TO IQUITOS - AMAZON CRUISE
Fly to Iquitos and enjoy a scenic drive towards the village of Nauta before boarding the luxurious MV Aqua to embark on a four night cruise around the Peruvian Amazon. Learn about life on board followed by sampling Peruvian cuisine and South American wine at the welcome dinner.

DAY 5 - AMAZON CRUISE
This morning, explore the Ucayali River, looking out for three-toed sloths, iguanas and tropical birds. Enjoy a jungle walk to the village of Magdalena, meet the local families and wander through the jungle with the ship's naturalist. After lunch observe fishermen at work and life on the river while possibly spotting colourful toucans and macaws. Return to the MV Aqua for dinner.

DAY 6 - AMAZON CRUISE
Hike through the jungle to meet local subsistence farmers and learn about the cultivation of the wild plants and trees that hide deep in the forest. Following lunch board a skiff to explore the Pacaya River and its abundant wildlife including capuchin and howler monkeys, which you will hear in the evening as they mark their territory. Set off on a night safari along Pacaya River in search of caimans and other nocturnal wildlife.

DAY 7 - AMAZON CRUISE
Early this morning you can enjoy breakfast at one of the river’s dolphin feeding spots and spotting various bird and wild life in the bright morning sun. Following breakfast try your hand at piranha fishing, armed with just a pole and some bait before sailing towards Iquitos. This evening enjoy your final dinner on board before meeting the ship's behind-the-scenes crew members.

DAY 8 - IQUITOS TO LIMA
This morning’s excursions are subject to water levels. Visit the riverside community of Belen and a bustling food market before returning to Iquitos to disembark. Enjoy a brief city tour and visit the Manatee Rescue Centre and the San Juan Amazonian Indian Market en route to the airport. Fly to Lima for one more night at the Casa Andina Private Collection Lima.

DAY 9 - LIMA TO LONDON
Fly overnight with LAN Airlines to Madrid and onwards with British Airways to Heathrow, arriving home the next day.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSIONS

EASTER ISLAND
Situated in the Pacific Ocean, over 2,000 miles off the coast of Chile, lies the mystical Easter Island, or Rapa Nui as it is known natively. Wonder at the iconic moai statues scattered throughout the island.

DAY 9 - LIMA TO EASTER ISLAND

Fly to Easter Island and spend three nights the the Altiplanico Easter Island. You time is at leisure to explore the island independently and enjoy the glorious setting of this intimate hotel.

DAY 12 - EASTER ISLAND TO SANTIAGO
Fly LAN Airlines to Santiago for an overnight stay at the Atton El Bosque hotel.

DAY 13 - SANTIAGO TO LONDON
Fly LAN Airlines to Madrid and onwards to London Heathrow with British Airways arriving the following day.


IGUAZU AND RIO
Visit the mighty falls that straddle the border of Brazil and Argentina before hitting the beaches of the ultimate carnival city, Rio de Janeiro.

DAY 9 - LIMA TO IGUAZU
Fly LAN Airlines to Iguazu and transfer to the Panoramic Hotel for a two night stay. Spend your time at leisure discovering this majestic natural landmark from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the border.

DAY 11 - IGUAZU TO RIO DE JANEIRO
This morning travel to the airport for your TAM Airlines flight to Rio. Upon arrival transfer to the Porto Bay Rio International Hotel for a three night stay. Explore this vibrant city independently or perhaps enjoy one of our fantastic optional experiences.

DAY 14 - RIO DE JANEIRO TO LONDON
Transfer to the airport for your Iberia flight to London Heathrow via Madrid.