Amazon River Cruise
With Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
June 2028
Much more detail to be posted next week regarding this cruise including pricing and itinerary for the post-cruise Machu Picchu excursion, flight suggestions, etc.
Amazon River Cruise 2028
I spent a great deal of time researching cruise tour companies in the Peruvian Amazon Basin. In the end, I believe that the Amazon Aria is an ideal ship size at 32 guests. Cabins are nicely appointed and the public areas on board are plentiful. What I ended up with is a 16-stateroom luxury cruise experience beginning and ending in Iquitos after 7 nights on the main Amazon River and its major Peruvian tributaries and headwater rivers, including the Marañón, Ucayali, and Puinahua rivers, alongside smaller blackwater streams like the Yanayacu-Pucate, Yarapa, and Nauta Caño.
The heart of this tour program is a 7-night cruise on the Upper Amazon and it’s Peruvian tributaries. As an option, guests are invited to visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on a 6-night post-cruise deluxe tour.
A 7-night luxury cruise aboard the Aria Amazon includes 7 nights of design suite accommodations, all gourmet onboard meals featuring Peruvian cuisine, non-alcoholic beverages, daily guided wildlife excursions, park entrance fees, group airport transfers on recommended flights, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
What’s not included:
· Premium alcoholic spirits, cocktails, and select specialty wines.
· Crew and guide gratuities.
· International or domestic airfare to/from Iquitos, Peru. (see flight section)
· Spa treatments and boutique purchases
After the seven night tour program, you can extend your time in the south on a 6-night Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco tour. This tour program will take you to the Sacred Valley, a day at Machu Picchu, and a final tour of Cusco.
The Cost: By chartering this vessel for the week, savings are passed on to you, the guest.
Second Deck Stateroom $9,358 per person (5% savings)
First Deck Stateroom $8,900 per person (5% savings)
There is an additional $300 (per person) in early booking discounts for the first 10 bookings under deposit.
Our schedule on the Aria Amazon Cruise portion is Friday June 9th to Friday June 16th, 2028.
Daily High Water Schedule Highlights*
Day 1: Friday (Embarkation) — Board the ship in Iquitos at 6:00 p.m. and sail down the Amazon River while watching the sunset from the Upper Deck.
Day 2: Saturday — Morning birdwatching along the Amazon River, followed by skiff explorations around the Yacapana Islands and Nauta Caño River to spot sloths and hawks.
Day 3: Sunday — Rise early for birdwatching on the Marañón River, take a jungle walk, and visit an Amazonian village along the Yanayacu-Pucate River.
Day 4: Monday — Explore local life at the Nauta town fresh market with chef-guided fruit and catch identification, continuing toward the birthplace of the Amazon.
Day 5: Tuesday — Navigate the black waters of the Yanallpa River by skiff, walk deep into the flooded rain forest, and enjoy an evening safari to spot caimans.
Day 6: Wednesday — Full-day excursion along the Pacaya and Ucayali rivers into pristine landscapes housing egrets, monkeys, and river turtles.
Day 7: Thursday — Morning options for canoeing, kayaking, or swimming in the black waters of Clavero or Yarapa lakes, followed by a farewell crew introduction.
Day 8: Friday (Disembarkation) — Disembark in Iquitos, visit the Manatee Rescue Center en route, and transfer to the airport.
*June is officially a shoulder month, not quite high water and not quite low water.
Staterooms:
Aria Amazon staterooms are 250-square-foot luxury design suites featuring polished timber floors, air conditioning, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic river views. Each of the 16 identical suites accommodates up to three guests with convertible twin-to-king beds and a sofa bed, plus an en suite bathroom with a rain shower.
Suite Features and Layout
- Size: 250 sq. ft. of air-conditioned living space.
- Views: Outward-facing, wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.
- Bedding: Two twin beds or one California king-size bed with fine Peruvian cotton linens.
- Sitting Area: Includes a sofa bed, round coffee table, and closet space.
- Interconnecting Options: Four pairs of suites can connect to accommodate families.
Bathroom and Amenities
- Bathroom: Private en suite with a glass-enclosed walk-in rain shower.
- Comforts: Premium organic bath toiletries, plush robes, and a professional hairdryer.
- Tech & Security: Electronic safety deposit box, internal intercom, and 220-volt electrical outlets.
The cabins are identical on both decks. Deck Two cabins are a bit more expensive due to the slightly increased elevation above the river.
The public areas on the 147-foot luxury river ship Aria Amazon combine chic boutique-hotel comfort with open-air views, featuring an indoor lounge and bar, a formal dining room, an outdoor observation deck with a jacuzzi or cold plunge pool, an exercise room, and a massage treatment room.
Indoor Lounge & Bar
- Styled like a cozy, elegant living room with soft couches, armchairs, and coffee tables.
- Stocked with reading books and oversized board games like Scrabble or backgammon.
- Includes a fully equipped bar serving custom specialty cocktails (such as Camu Camu Pisco Sours), beer, and wine.
Dining Room
- Features a refined, intimate layout with flexible two-, four-, or six-top seating.
- Outfitted with large windows so passengers can watch the rainforest glide by during meals.
- Serves gourmet, Amazonian-influenced cuisine designed by a top consulting chef.
Outdoor Observation Deck & Jacuzzi
- Located toward the bow of the boat, offering panoramic views of the river and jungle.
- Equipped with a shaded outdoor seating area and a refreshing outdoor jacuzzi or cold plunge pool.
Wellness & Exercise
- Includes a compact exercise room with basic fitness equipment.
- Features a dedicated massage room offering spa treatments after active daily excursions.
Post-cruise details are coming the week of August 24th.