Description
The first luxury vessel to sail the Amazon, the M/V Aqua caters to the most discriminating and adventurous of travellers, providing an unforgettable journey into areas penetrated by only a privileged few. Knowledgeable and experienced naturalist guides will take you along remote estuaries in the Peruvian rainforest and Pacaya Samiria Reserve. As you explore these pristine wilderness areas teeming with wildlife, you will also encounter people living in villages as they have for centuries. When the day’s sightseeing is over the comforts of your luxury floating hotel will await you.
The M/V Aqua is a 130ft vessel with 12 luxury air-conditioned suites measuring a generous 230-240 square feet and feature large panoramic windows. Four suites can be interconnected to cater for families. The boat also has a dining room, bar, observation deck and lounge.
Guests may choose from regular 3, 4 and 7 night itineraries on board the M/V Aqua. Alternatively for something extra special the boat may be exclusively chartered, perhaps for a family celebration or for a group of friends wishing to travel together.
Each day you will journey through the small inlets and various winding river systems that make up the flooded forest. Pacaya Samiria Reserve spans more than 5 million acres, teeming with wildlife, including monkeys, the endangered pink Amazon river dolphin, black alligators and giant river otters.
Accommodation
The accommodation on board the M/V Aqua comprises 4 Suites measuring 230 square feet, with a small sitting area and 4 Master Suites measuring 240 square feet, with a completely separate sitting area. The the suites have twin beds which can be converted to a Californa king-size bed, are fully conditioned and have private en suite bathrooms with hot water and luxury amenities. All suites are outward facing and feature large panoramic windows, affording fantastic views over the river.
Childcare
Children from the age of 7 are welcome on board the M/V Aqua. Four of the suites are interconnecting and an additional bed can be provided for one child or an additional adult, on request. The naturalist guides are great with children and each day in the Amazon will be packed with new discoveries. A journey on board the M/V Aqua will be both an educational and fun filled experience for all youngsters.
Facilities
The M/V Aqua has an upper Observation Deck with a indoor bar and lounge and an outside sitting area, with comfortable loungers and an overhead canopy, great for chilling out with a book and watching the wildlife. Gourmet meals, featuring a blend of Peruvian and European cuisine, are served in the elegant dining area. There is also a small on-board boutique. Additionally the M/V Aqua has 3 skifts to support the daily excursions.
Activities
The M/V Aqua cruises offer up to 3 optional expeditions each day, which usually take between 2-3 hours and are accompanied by the ship's bilingual naturalist guides who will show you the very best of the local wildlife. Expeditions include journeys through the waterways on skifts, visits to local villages and jungle hikes.
Services
The M/V Aqua has a cruise ship staff of 17, for up to 24 passengers. The staff includes a Cruise Director, paramedic and three expert naturalist guides.
When to travel
The M/V Aqua operates year-round, and every voyage is uniquely appealing, based on the changing seasons. During the wetter season from December to May, the river and estuaries grow, allowing launch boats to venture deeper into the flooded forest. During the 'drier' season from June to November, the river recedes and beautiful sandy river beaches form. In a typical year, the Amazon experiences 200 rainy days, which means that there will be days of heavy rain even in the Amazon’s low water season.
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Location and directions
Iquitos, Peru
Cruises down Peru’s Amazon River begin in Iquitos, Peru and transport you by luxury cruise ship deep into the Amazon rainforest and jungle and the Pacaya Samiria Reserve.
How to get there
Voyages depart from the port city of Iquitos, 1-hour 25-minute domestic flight from Lima.
