Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery (2022)


Explore the colors and wonders of Peru over 11 days.
Peru is a land of mysteries, legends and ancient cultures. You’ll experience the diverse landscapes from Lima to the Amazon Rainforest.
Your journey starts in the country’s capital, Lima. Known as the “City of Kings”, this melting pot of culture will captivate you from the first moment. Admire the colorful colonial architecture, visit the San Francisco Monastery and wander through the bohemian district of Barranco. From there, head to Iquitos, the largest city in the Amazon rainforest. Delight in the exotic fruits and flavorful cuisine.
Once you take to the waters of the Amazon rainforest, you’ll explore the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery alongside your naturalist guide. Stargaze on the “Enchanted Lake” with nothing but a clear sky above you. Journey to the merging point of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers where the Amazon River begins.
A mesmerizing exploration of land and sea, this adventure will delight all of your senses.
Note: The cruise itinerary will vary depending on water levels.
Seasons: The Aria Amazon sails year-round, and every voyage is uniquely appealing, based on the changing seasons. During the high-water season (approximately November through April), the river and estuaries grow, allowing launch boats to venture deeper into the flooded forest. During the low water season (approximately May through October), the river recedes and beautiful sandy river beaches form. Of course, water levels do not always follow a calendar; day-by-day programs might require adjustments due to these water level fluctuations.
Featured Excursion:
- Lima City Tour
This panoramic drive will take you around the coastline of Lima in Miraflores. Admire the colorful colonial architecture that fills the city. You’ll stroll around the “Plaza San Martín” and “Plaza de Armas,” the main square. Afterward, your guide will take you to the San Francisco Monastery. A maze of tunnels and catacombs await you here.
Later, you'll visit Casa Aliaga. Built in 1535, the “Plaza de Armas” is one of Lima’s oldest buildings. A colonial mansion of the Aliaga family, it has been passed down the family for 17 generations. You will meet a family member who will give you a tour and show you items from centuries past. Lunch will be served at the mansion.
Featured Excursion:
- Marañón River skiff ride
Today, you’ll be exploring the Amazon rainforest by skiff, a small river boat. One of the most important water sources in Peru, and a main Amazon tributary, the Marañón River is abundant in animal and plant life. Be on the lookout for one of the 64 rare bird species or pink dolphins.
In the evening, you will be welcomed with a reception dinner by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Famous for his innovative take on Amazonian cuisine, this dinner will be bursting in flavors unique to the Peruvian Amazon.
Featured Excursions:
- Village Tour
Over 400 tribes, some of which have yet to have contact with outside humans, call the Amazon home. Today, you’ll get the unique opportunity to meet some of them. We’ll set off on the Marañón River where you’ll meet the locals of a remote village and learn about their culture, which goes back centuries.
- Yanayacu-Pucate River Excursion
Enjoy a state-of-the-art skiff ride on the Yanayacu-Pucate River, and marvel at the river's legendary black water.
If luck is on your side, you might see a pink dolphin, native to the Amazon River and surrounded in legend.
Featured Excursions:
- Samiria River & jungle walk
Start your day on a skiff as we cruise along the Samiria River, where you’ll have the option to spend some time fishing. Afterward, we’ll take to the land as we venture out for a jungle walk across the high Amazon.
- Stargazing on the “Enchanted Lake”
There are few sights as breathtaking as a sky illuminated by thousands of stars. Deep in the Amazon, look up to the darkest and clearest sky you’ve ever seen. We’ll spend the evening floating on the “Enchanted Lake,” gazing at constellations and planets.
Featured Excursions:
- Nauta market visit
Discover some of the exotic fruits unique to the area, such as Camu Camu or Maracuya. Meet local fishermen and see what the catch of the day is. Maybe even indulge your taste buds in an unfamiliar treat.
- Birthplace of the Amazon
Despite centuries of exploration, the Amazon River remains a fascinating destination, shrouded in mystery. Journey to where this mighty river is born, where the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers join. While all the lush greenery is breathtaking, you’ll especially be amazed at the giant water lilies growing in the river basin.
Featured Excursions:
- Evening skiff tour on the Pacaya River
Home to plenty of nocturnal animals, the Pacaya River comes alive at night. We’ll take a skiff along the river and keep our eyes peeled for some of the wildlife.
- Skiff tour along the Ucayali River
Running 907 miles through Peru, the Ucayali River is the longest in the country. Boarding our state-of-the-art skiffs, we’ll spend the afternoon admiring the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
- Skiff tour on the Pacaya River
Egrets, capuchin monkeys and taricaya turtles, oh my! This skiff excursion will take you deep into the Amazon rainforest, where, if you keep your eyes on alert, you’ll have the chance to see plenty of wildlife up close.
- Paiche fishing demonstration
One of the largest freshwater fish in the world, the paiche can grow up to 400 pounds. Adored for its large size and tasty meat, the paiche has been feeding Amazonian tribes for thousands of years. Today, you’ll meet up with some Amazonian fishermen for a demonstration. They might even get lucky and catch a paiche fish in front of you.
- Skiff tour on the Ucayali River
In the afternoon, we’ll take a skiff tour on the Ucayali River. We’ll follow the banana boats transporting their jungle products to the port of Requena, while keeping an eye out for pink river dolphins.
Featured Excursions:
- Yarapa River & Clavero Lake
Choose between jungle walking, canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the black waters of the Yarapa River. Afterward, we’ll sail to Clavero Lake, where you’ll see villagers paddle in their traditional dugout canoes.
- Jungle walk in the San Jose de Sarapanga forest
Spend the afternoon surrounded by the dense San Jose de Sarapanga forest. Near the basin of the river, you’ll see giant water lilies, a true Amazon beauty. The lily leaves can grow up to 18 inches and hold close to 300 pounds.
- San Juan craft market
Before heading to the airport, we’ll stop at a local craft market. Meet local artists and pick up any last-minute souvenirs from your unforgettable adventure.
- Nauta town visit
Founded in 1930, Nauta is a central gathering place for Amazonian villagers to buy and trade their local harvest. Your guide will show you the town and give you insight into the daily life of these remote people.
- Manatee Rescue Center
Manatees in the Amazon face multiple threats, from habitat destruction to hunting. The Amazon Rescue Center, funded by the Dallas World Aquarium Zoo, takes in orphaned calves, rehabilitates them and releases them back into the wild. Since their founding, they’ve rescued over 40 orphaned baby manatees. During this visit, you’ll have a chance to get up close to these majestic creatures.
Cruise Departure | Double Occupancy Pricing | Ship | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Wed, 05 Oct 2022
(Lima to Lima) |
$14,199.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
Wed, 19 Oct 2022
(Lima to Lima) |
$15,999.00 |
Aria Amazon |
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Wed, 02 Nov 2022
(Lima to Lima) |
$16,199.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date | |
Wed, 30 Nov 2022
(Lima to Lima) |
$10,999.00 |
Aria Amazon |
Select this date |
- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
- Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
- The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.
Dining
- Meals onboard prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- Five-star cuisine with menu by top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino
- 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
- Complimentary house wine and beer, spirits, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served on the Aria Amazon, between 6am and 11pm throughout the cruise. Onboard lunches and dinner include complimentary house wine and beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Onshore lunches and dinners include complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea

Excursions
- 9 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts and naturalist guides

Accommodations
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the luxurious Aria Amazon
- Lavishly appointed riverview suites with floor-to-ceiling windows
- 2 nights in Lima at the Country Club Lima Hotel (or similar)
- 1 night in Lima at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel at the Lima International Airport (or similar)

Experiences
- 1 country: Peru
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Cultural enrichment
- Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
- Flights included between Lima and Iquitos
- Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
