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 Aria awaits you. Once onboard, you will appreciate the low-key luxury atmosphere of the M/V Aria. Enjoy the view from the Upper Deck as we leave Iquitos behind.

Over the next three days, you will also 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, Peru
The 130-foot, M/V Aria is the ultimate luxury cruise ship on the northern Amazon River in Peru. Built in 2011 to the highest standards of modern small ship cruise lines, it is fully air conditioned throughout and all the suites on the Aria Amazon 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 Aria Amazon 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 Payaya-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 Aria Amazon, you may see alligators, frogs and fishing bats.

Today we will enjoy half-day city tour of Cusco including the Santo Domingo Convent Monastery - the legendary Coricancha 'The Golden Temple,' the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral.

Fly to Uyuni.
 
The Luna Salada Hotel is extraordinary because it is entirely made out of salt in Bolivia offering guests the essence of the Andes, on the edge of the world’s largest salt flats. Step out onto the white salt pans to a vast expanse of white as far as the eye can see. The hotel offers sweeping panoramic views of Salar de Uyuni!

Fly to Calama, located 60-miles northwest of San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the desert. We have selected our hotel 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. Select your tours with the hotel (included).
 
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, Pukará de Quitor is an ancient Indian fortress whose construction dates back to the XII century. It was declared a national monument in 1982.

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 we will explore Easter Island, one of the most isolated islands in the world but 1,200 years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a distant culture landed upon its shores.
 
Over the centuries that followed a remarkable society developed in isolation on the island. For reasons still unknown they began carving giant statues out of volcanic rock. These monuments, known as ‘moai’, are some of the most incredible ancient relics ever discovered. The people of Easter Island called themselves the Rapa Nui. Where did they come from and why did they disappear? Science has learned much about the enigma of Easter Island but questions and controversies remain.

Today we will take a commercial flight back to Santiago (cost of round trip ticket not included).

Fly to Puerto Natales. There will be a technical stop in Puerto Montt.  Enjoy beautiful sightseeing along the way while we transfer to the Tierra Patagonia. Located in the furthermost south of Chile, the hotel is surrounded by nature, in splendid isolation, overlooking Lake Sarmiento and the towering peaks of Torres del Paine National Park which was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. You will consult with the head guide at the beginning of your stay to select the best excursions for you, taking into account individual interests and fitness levels.

Enjoy the day hiking or sign up with the hotel for a full-day tour.

Enjoy magnificent scenery on a half-day city scenic overview tour in the morning. Along the way we will pause at several scenic lookout points including López Bay and ‘Punto Panorámico’ (panoramic lookout). At Cerro Campanario, enjoy a chairlift ride offering a panorama of green and white mountain peaks permeated by clusters of blue lakes. We will arrive back at the hotel in time for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure.

We will take a morning tour to discover the elegant and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires including the Recoleta Cemetery (where Eva Peron rests), Plaza de Mayo and the large Parisian type avenues that testify the city’s incredible past wealth.
 
Afterwards, we will stop for lunch at one of the charming bistros around the Recoleta area.
 
The remainder of the day will be free to explore on your own and if you wish, indulge in some great shopping.
 
This evening we will enjoy dinner and a Tango performance - a delight not to be missed!

Fly to one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls: the Iguazú Falls. Situated within Brazil’s Iguazú National Park, the Hotel das Cataratas offers spectacular views of the Iguazú Falls.
 
A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and voted one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the Iguazú Falls and Iguazú National Park's natural splendor and lush vegetation are a must-see. The falls extend over 8,858’, with over 260 waterfalls reaching 230’ high.
 
The forests host hundreds of wildlife species, however, wildlife sightings are limited for most because many of the creatures are nocturnal - and those that are not are easily hidden by the dense rainforest growth. Still, you will spot a number of interesting wildlife species including colorful birds (such as toucans and parrots) and striking butterflies.

Fly to the exciting coastal city of Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, transfer to the Copacabana Palace – situated in the heart of captivating Rio de Janeiro, an incomparable city in an equally unforgettable setting.

Fly to Salvador da Bahia, a beautiful historic town with a lot of character. This charming city will give you a great understanding of the Brazilian culture. Your hotel in the middle of the old city is a perfect setting to enjoy your stay.

Fly to Belém. Founded in 1616 on the spot where the Amazon River reaches the sea, the city of 1.5 million now survives as an export point for Amazon products. The Old Town (Cidade Velha) is characterized by colorful and gentile façades decorated with ceramic tile, true historical relics imported long ago from Europe, and narrow streets that give the impression that time has stopped there. With a mix of Amazon and seafood ingredients found nowhere else in Brazil, Belém's cuisine is remarkable.

Canouan is part of the Grenadines archipelago, which is made up of 32 islands and cays.
 
Today we will explore this fascinating area, spot sea turtles or see where scenes of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ were filmed on a half-day catamaran boat excursion.
 
Optional activities include snorkeling in Tobago Cays, visit Mustique, walk the beaches of Mayreau or a deep-sea fishing trip.