20 de December de 2024

Expan Experience: Luxury Cruise through the Peruvian Amazon

A green and infinite universe , a paradise of biodiversity that beats to the imposing rhythm of the Amazon River , the liquid giant that nourishes its heart. The vast territory of the Peruvian Amazon , which unfolds like a tapestry of dense and mysterious jungles , is home to exuberant flora , astonishing fauna , where monkeys, macaws, and pink river dolphins find refuge, and inhabitants who live life at a pace distinct from the everyday .

Expan Experience presents this new edition with Alfonso Hartard , Partner and General Manager of Expan Tours , who tells us the details of his journey sailing through the Amazon aboard the Aqua Nera , a luxury cruise in which he traveled the river and discovered the fauna, the jungle and the villages that live in this environment that, from his perspective, "you have to know once in a lifetime" .

A journey into the depths of the jungle

This journey, organized by Lima Tours in collaboration with Aqua Expeditions , invites us to discover one of the most impressive destinations in the world aboard a cruise that combines expedition , comfort , luxury and excellence in service.

" From the moment you step aboard the Aqua Nera , you are enveloped by a sense of luxury and attention to detail. With its elegant and minimalist design, it features spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering uninterrupted views of the majestic Amazonian landscape ."

This cruise is part of a luxury cruise line called Aqua , which offers cruises in various parts of the world, from the Amazon River in Peru and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador . Aqua Expeditions has pioneered unique expeditions on ships designed to explore remote destinations worldwide, setting a new standard of adventure and luxury for expedition cruises in the waters they sail.

Designed for a select group of travelers, the Aqua Nera features 20 suites for 40 guests , guaranteeing an intimate, personalized experience and the attentive service of a 40-member crew . While there are various cruises that travel the Amazon , this one represents the pinnacle of the industry , a truly high-standard product.

" The common areas include a gourmet restaurant , a bar , a lounge with television, an outdoor pool and a gym . There is even space to enjoy a game on the pool table , surrounded by exquisitely selected furniture ."

On board, the routine is designed to combine rest and discovery : after an exciting morning excursion, guests can relax in their room , enjoy a cocktail on the upper deck or take a dip in the pool while gazing at the green horizon.

The ride is smooth and almost imperceptible thanks to the hull design, adapted to the calm waters of the Amazon River , the widest and most voluminous river in the world. This stability ensures a comfortable journey even for those sensitive to movement.

How to get to Iquitos to explore the Amazon

The journey begins in Lima , from where you take a two-hour flight to Iquitos , a city surrounded by jungle and accessible only by air. This isolation makes Iquitos a fascinating place, protected by the exuberance of the Amazon . From there, a transfer takes passengers to the port of the town of Nauta , where the Aqua Nera awaits to begin the adventure.

Upon boarding, the experience begins with a warm welcome from the crew, including an introduction to the itinerary , local music, and an exquisite dinner, all with a view of the sunset . From the very first moment, the atmosphere is warm and personalized: each crew member addresses guests by name, creating a close connection that lasts throughout the journey.

Everything that Aqua Nera has to offer

The crew's service is simply exceptional. Their dedication to creating unforgettable moments is evident in the smallest details, such as offering you a cold drink or a beer from a cooler on the Zodiac as you serenely sail through the majestic jungle landscapes . Every interaction is designed to ensure that every moment on board is as enjoyable as the surrounding environment.

" On this cruise , the guides are a fundamental pillar of the experience. Always available and attentive, they are prepared to resolve any doubts and answer travelers' questions, ensuring a deeper connection with the environment. Before each excursion, they organize informative talks in which they explain the next day's itinerary , the necessary safety measures, and the cultural and natural aspects that will be explored ."

This cruise isn't a party experience, but an adventure designed for those seeking to explore the Amazon in a tranquil and sophisticated setting. The experience involves immersing yourself in nature , participating in excursions , or simply relaxing in your cabin .

After returning from an excursion , the typical routine includes a short rest in the room , followed by a fine dinner and, to end the night, a drink at the bar , perhaps accompanied by a moment in the outside cabin, enjoying the fresh air and the sound of the jungle .

" This cruise ship merges the functionality of an expedition vessel with the comforts of a five-star hotel . You can choose between exploring the jungle , relaxing by the pool , admiring the scenery from the deck , enjoying a movie, socializing with other passengers, or surrendering to rest in a room that redefines the concept of luxury ."

The boat has three decks , each equipped for maximum comfort. There's a breakfast area, a restaurant, and a bar on the upper deck , complete with a cozy lounge . Outside, a swimming pool invites you to take a refreshing dip while admiring the Amazon River . Furthermore, the Zodiac boats ensure that every excursion is an immersive experience.

One of the highlights of the Aqua Nera is its culinary offering . Under the direction of chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino , the cruise's menu explores the unique flavors of the Amazon , using native ingredients such as exotic fruits and fresh fish . Each dish invites travelers to experience the gastronomic richness of the rainforest in a completely new way.

Expeditions during the Amazon cruise

Each day on the Aqua Nera is filled with carefully designed adventures to explore the natural and cultural richness of the Amazon . At dawn, a warm voice awakens passengers to prepare for the first excursion of the day . Equipped with life jackets and special boots , travelers board Zodiacs that take them to discover the hidden corners of the river and its surroundings.

The activities are diverse: from watching the sunrise in the middle of the jungle , to sightings of monkeys and pink dolphins , night walks to listen to the fascinating concert of the jungle and visits to local villages .

Among the most exciting excursions is piranha fishing , done using the catch and release method. It's also possible to explore the high and low rainforest , depending on the season , as the river's flow varies according to the Amazon rains. This will determine the sightings of birds , monkeys , and other species.

However, the most fascinating excursion is visiting the villages around the river and discovering their way of life : "Interacting with the local communities is one of the most memorable moments. Learning about their way of life , their traditions , and their ability to sustain themselves with natural resources is a profoundly enriching experience."

The shocking contact with human settlements

Visiting these communities , going into the local school , and talking to the children about their daily lives offers a unique perspective on the place. In one of these villages, for example, weekends become times for social connection , when residents from different communities come together.

"Life revolving around a large football pitch , where matches are organized and community ties are strengthened, is a testament to the warmth and unity that defines these populations."

The simplicity and sense of security in these villages is remarkable. Their houses lack doors and windows , a reflection of the mutual trust and protection they find in their environment.

"This way of life, so different from that of the Western world , is deeply inspiring : an ' ideal world ' where wealth is not measured in possessions , but in access to the natural resources that the jungle offers. Happiness is manifested in self-sufficiency , in the water , food , and medicinal plants that abound in their environment."

To reach a hospital , villagers must travel by boat for days, depending on their location. This isolation leads them to rely almost exclusively on the resources of the jungle for their health and sustenance , using medicinal plants and the food they hunt or grow.

"The experience of getting to know these villages through excursions is a window into a way of life deeply connected with nature , full of ancestral wisdom and community . It is an opportunity to reflect on cultural differences and the richness of a lifestyle that prioritizes self-sufficiency , collaboration , and harmony with the environment ."

Recommendations for exploring the Amazon on this cruise

To fully enjoy this experience, it is essential to plan your trip according to the season : during high water ( December to May ), water activities are more frequent, while during low water ( June to November ), access to land areas is easier.

In addition, it's essential to bring lightweight clothing , sunscreen , mosquito repellent , and comfortable shoes . On board, the cruise ship provides everything you need for excursions , such as life jackets and boots for wading in muddy areas, making every jungle adventure easier.

A stopover in Lima is highly recommended, both to explore the Peruvian capital and to enjoy its renowned gastronomy before embarking for the Amazon .

"The Amazon is a destination that everyone should explore at least once in their life. Its immensity , the endless green of the rainforest , and the grandeur of the natural environment leave anyone who ventures into it speechless. And beyond the landscapes , what is truly transformative is the opportunity to get to know the villages and communities that border this majestic ecosystem , who live a lifestyle completely different from our own, which awakens our consciousness and invites us to reflect ."