Trip Reports
The river cruising boom over the last decade means you are spoilt for choice across the many waterways of Europe as well as further afield, with popular exotic river cruise options available on the Nile and Mekong. But if you're looking for a river cruise well away from the main tourist trail, the hidden tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon are just waiting to be explored and Aqua Expeditions, experts in the region since 2007, can take you there in style. Read my review of my Amazon river cruise with Aqua Expeditions below...
Amazon river cruises on board the 40-guest Aqua Nera begin in Iquitos, a two-hour flight from Peru's capital, Lima. I spent a couple of nights in Lima to acclimatise a little and see the sights, including the magnificent architecture and charming streets in historic Lima Centro, as well as sampling some of the cuisine in this world-renowned culinary capital.
Arrival into Iquitos marked the beginning of the Aqua Expeditions experience and I was whisked away to enjoy lunch before a city tour. Iquitos is the largest city in the world only accessible by air or by river and it is the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. It is a bustling hub of comings and goings, from people selling their wares at the lively markets to the constant hum of the local 'motokars' (Peruvian tuktuks) as they whizz around the city.
Once on board I was greeted with a welcome drink before being shown to my suite. Beautifully spacious with an expansive window, this was to be my sanctuary for the next three nights, with a king-size bed, seating by the window to watch the world go by, and a heavenly rainfall shower. Each evening a special treat was left during turndown service, from a unique locally made bracelet to a tonic infused with local fruits and herbs, plus each guest was provided with a personalised metal water bottle to use throughout the trip and to take home.
In fact the crew worked hard to provide fantastic service and plenty of surprises during our adventure, including cocktails served on the skiffs in the middle of the river, a slideshow of photos taken by the team, a lively musical performance, and not to mention the speedy laundry turnaround - a complimentary service, no less!
A short presentation was given each evening to learn about the activities for the next day, which predominantly involved taking smaller boats, known as skiffs, onto the river to hunt for wildlife or visit nearby villages. Despite this short itinerary, I enjoyed six outings, plus activities on board including an informal lecture and a cooking and cocktail demonstration and not forgetting the option to simply relax on deck, take a dip in the plunge pool, or visit the spa for an indulgent treatment.
A perfect journey for those interested in wildlife and nature, each day myself and my fellow guests were treated to displays from native birdlife to playful dolphins, and the skiffs allowed us to venture into smaller channels and get right up to the riverbank. Typically we would enjoy two to three outings per day, each with a different focus or area to explore, so cameras and binoculars were always poised!
On each outing we were accompanied by an expert guide who would constantly be scouting for wildlife, identifying different species, and telling us all about life along the river. Aside from wildlife watching by skiff, I also enjoyed an evening jungle walk, a warm welcome into a riverside home and school, piranha fishing, and an early morning visit to a local market. On longer itineraries and water level dependent, guests may also enjoy kayaking, bike tours, visits to local artisans, and nighttime outings in search of nocturnal wildlife.
The enriching and varied days were punctuated by delicious meals enjoyed on board Aqua Nera. Breakfast was buffet style either served in the restaurant, up on deck, or on one morning we were treated to breakfast on the river in the comfort of our skiff which was really special. Lunch and dinner featured a fixed menu served family-style and which showcased local ingredients and traditional delights, as well as European-style dishes, served with a choice of complimentary house wines.
River cruising is all about getting into the heart of a destination and this experience was really all about the heart of the Amazon, from its people to its wildlife. To experience it on board Aqua Nera with its elevated yet casual ambiance and its team of knowledgeable and passionate crew who did everything possible to make the journey special, whilst accompanied by a group of like-minded and curious travellers, was truly an unforgettable adventure.
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