Aqua Expeditions: Luxury Wildlife Experiences on Peru's Amazon River

The Aqua Expeditions experience is not unlike an African safari or a visit to the Galapagos. You'll enjoy air-conditioned comfort and excellent cuisine and service, while exploring a very remote wilderness area rich in natual highlights with a small group of travelers and naturalist guides.

Aqua Expeditions is entirely unique to the Peruvian Amazon and its tributaries, exploring the more remote and pristine areas of the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. This protected wilderness of over five million acres, about twice the size of Yellowstone, is teeming with rare flora and fauna. Each itinerary includes a visit to the freshwater manatee rescue center, as well as to one of 14 local communities Aqua Expeditions supports with medical, sanitation and educational supplies.

Each day there's a morning and afternoon excursion by motorized skiffs, exploring the jungle from the water's edge. You'll encounter some of the 500 species of birds: macaw, kingfisher and riotously colored parrots - plus black alligators, three-toed sloths, red howler monkeys, tamarin and capuchin monkeys, and the unique freshwater pink dolphin.

The boutique M/V Aqua and M/V Aria offer just 12 to 17 spacious and well appointed and air-conditioned guest suites. All suites are 230-240 square feet with large outward-facing panoramic picture windows and en-suite sitting areas. Each suite has a California king bed or twin beds, plus a sofa which can accommodate a third guest. Children 7 years or older are welcome onboard.

Breakfasts and lunches are buffets, while dinners are a la carte culinary feasts under the direction of one of Lima's well-known restauranteurs. Beer and the best South American wines are included. A bar, boutique, observation deck and outdoor and indoor lounge lift this experience far above other Amazon River tours. Ready for your Pisco Sour? A crew of 21 include a cruise director; a paramedic and 3 naturalist guides.

Temperatures average between a low of 70 degrees F. and a high of 88 degrees F. The low water season (June - November) and high water season (December - May) feature differences in the plant and animal life as well as in the climate and excursions offered.

To add Aqua Expeditions to your South American adventure, contact one of our South America travel experts for arrangements, or call us at 1-888-779-7447.