Itinerary

Fly to Iquitos, situated on the banks of the Amazon River in the heart of the northern Peruvian Amazon region.

Transfer to Iquitos’ Main Wharf where the M/V Aqua Nera awaits you. Once onboard, you will appreciate the low-key luxury atmosphere of the M/V Aqua Nera. Enjoy the view from the Upper Deck as we leave Iquitos behind.

Over the next three days, you will sail along some of the largest tributaries of the Amazon, as well as the mighty Amazon itself. You are embarking on a magnificent adventure to places visited by only a very few.

Amazon River Cruise

The 130-foot-long M/V Aqua Nera is the ultimate luxury cruise ship on the northern Amazon River in Peru. Built in 2020 to the highest standards of modern small ship cruise lines, it is fully air conditioned throughout and all the suites on the Aqua Nera are comparable to a 5-star hotel with private baths, luxury toiletries and fine linen bedding to lull you to sleep under the stars of the Amazon. From the gourmet Peruvian cuisine to the crystal and china service at dinner, the amenities onboard the Aqua Nera will treat you to an intimate but luxurious Amazon River cruise.

Three highly trained interpreter Amazon River guides will take you on as many as three expeditions a day, aboard comfortable motorized skiffs. They will give you both the big picture of life on the Amazon, and will point out the multitude of small details that make the region special - a howler monkey hidden in a tree, a vivid butterfly resting on a leaf, a bird, such as the endangered harpy eagle, enjoying the tranquility of the Amazon basin.

Includes all meals while onboard, all excursions and all beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic except premium brands).
 

This morning board the skiffs to explore a fascinating black water stream, part of the vast Amazon flooded forest within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
 
Your guides will tell you about the jungle as you explore what scientists call a "gallery forest," because of its dense vegetation that creates a tunnel of leaves. As you explore this type of riparian vegetation, watch above for parrots, macaws and fluffy monk saki monkeys.
 
In the late afternoon you will take a magical journey through the "Jungle of the Mirrors," where towering trees are reflected in the dark river. Move on to Dorado River where you may observe enchanting parrots, macaws and a variety of primates unperturbed by our presence. As you make your way back to the Aqua Nera, you may see alligators, frogs and fishing bats.

After breakfast, transfer back to the Iquitos airport. Fly to Cusco where we will stay at the Monasterio hotel - one

of the most unique hotels in Cusco and a protected national monument.

Enjoy a morning city tour including the Santo Domingo Convent Monastery – the legendary Koricancha “Site of gold,” the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. This afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Dinner tonight at the MAP Café - situated in the courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

We will spend the day exploring the beautiful Salar de Uyuni (white desert) - the world's largest salt flat at 4,085 square miles. It’s estimated to contain 10 billion tons of salt (less than 25,000 tons are extracted annually).

On our tour this morning we will discover the highlights of Chile’s capital. Visit landmarks such as Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Cerro Santa Lucia and La Moneda palace. Absorb the bohemian charm of Bellavista neighborhood.
 
The afternoon is free for shopping or to relax at the hotel.

Today a choice of selected tours will be available to either explore the lakes and glaciers, enjoy several waterfalls, or hike on one of the many tranquil trails. Excursion options include walks, treks, horseback rides, bicycle rides and scenic tours.
 

Fly to San Carlos de Bariloche, a city  that stands out for its architectural features and for being located in a privileged region due to the beauty of its landscapes made up of mountains, woods, lakes, glaciers and an exuberant flora.

An ecologic paradise, the Llao Llao Hotel and Resort is situated on a small hill within the National Park Nahuel Huapi.

Enjoy exquisite panoramic views of the wonderful Patagonia landscape – limpid lakes, majestic Andean peaks, and colorful larch and cypress forests.

Fly to Mendoza – the center of Argentina’s wine country. Nestled in a 35-acre vineyard, Cavas Wine Lodge offers stunning views of the Mendoza vineyards and the majestic Andes mountain range.

Fly to the beautiful city of Buenos Aires - capital of Argentina. Transfer to the Four Seasons hotel for our three nights stay. This is an ideal location to relax and enjoy great shopping.

Today is free to explore this beautiful city on your own. The hotel is located in the distinguished neighborhood of Recoletta, just minutes from the thriving city center and home to some of Buenos Aires' most beautiful European-style architecture.

We will depart for a half day city tour of Punta del Este. Today we will visit Casapueblo, The Museum-Studio is in the middle of the large building and exhibits works by the man who built it, Uruguayan genius Carlos Páez Vilaró, a multifaceted artist and muralist par excellence. The rooms are replete with paintings, pottery, and sculptures from different stages in the artist’s life. Casapueblo is, without a doubt, Uruguay’s cultural and architectural pride and joy.
 
We will then continue our tour to Punta del Este town and see the most important places and beaches.

Fly to Puerto Iguazu. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Awasi, located just 20 minutes from the world’s largest waterfalls.

Awasi is situated on the banks of the River Iguazu, surrounded by the Atlantic Rainforest.
Enjoy your next two days of stay with a private guide and 4WD, exploring the beauty of the Iguazu National Park and the waterfalls at your own pace and at your own time. You can chose one full-day excursion or a two-half day excursions.

Fly to Calama, located 60 miles northwest of San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the desert, Valley of the Moon. Upon arrival, we will transfer to Tierra Atacama, a deluxe hotel near San Pedro de Atacama, to enjoy excursions which will capture profound landscapes, natural events and inhabited places that bare the ingredients and surprises that make the experience unforgettable.
 
Enjoy the casual and friendly ambiance at the hotel such as a seat in a private corner by one of the terrace fire pits, lounge next to the pool or relax on one of the shady outdoor decks. When night falls, take in the brilliant stars, bask in the peace and wonder that is the Atacama Desert.

Your tour guide will be available to help you select from numerous tours available including hiking, trekking or biking.

Over the Quitor hill, a short distance from San Pedro are the ruins of the Pukará (fortress), constructed by the atacameños to defend themselves from other inhabitants of South America.
 
Built on the summit of a hill overlooking the San Pedro River, Pukara de Quitor is an ancient Indian fortress whose construction dates back to the XII century. It was declared a national monument in 1982.

With our local guide we’ll explore the ancient world of the pre-Incan Moche and Chimu civilizations. We’ll visit the Temple of the Moon (Huaca de la Luna) to learn the history and significance of the terraced temple, built by the Moche out of adobe brick. Then we’ll visit Huaco el Dragon, the Temple of the Dragon, built for religious and ceremonial purposes by the Chimú people who lived in northern Peru from about 900 to the 1400s. We’ll continue to Chan Chan, the former Chimú capital. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest pre-Columbian city in South America and was the center of Chimú political and cultural life from approximately 900 to 1470, when the Incas arrived and conquered the city.

Today we will board our private catamaran and explore the beauty that surrounds this part of Costa Rica. There will be opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. After lunch, we will head back to our hillside-nestled paradise. The remainder of the day is on your own.