The mighty Amazon River originates from the snow-capped peaks of the Andean Mountains and flows through Peru, Brazil, and Colombia before finally reaching the Atlantic Ocean, covering a distance of 6400 kilometres. The Peruvian section of the Amazon is more accessible, offering a rich diversity of wildlife and a range of vessels for exploration, from local ferries and cargo boats to luxurious small ships like the Aqua Nera.
Be amazed by the Amazon itself
As the world’s largest river by volume of water, the Amazon holds about 20 per cent of the Earth’s total freshwater supply. What makes it even more remarkable is that there isn’t a single bridge spanning its width. The Peruvian stretch of the river is unique, as it serves as the source of the Amazon. Its size changes dramatically with the seasons. During the dry season, it can be between one and five kilometres wide, but in the wet season, it can expand to as broad as 50 kilometres in some areas. Cruising along the river, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, gives a sense of its immense power and vitality, as it teems with wildlife and Indigenous communities living along its banks.
Wish on a pink dolphin
Pink dolphins are as mythical as unicorns, yet they do exist. Peru’s Amazon is home to one of the largest populations of these endangered mammals, estimated at several thousand. Spotting a pink dolphin, which has a brain larger than humans, is an unforgettable experience. They move gracefully through the water, their pink bodies occasionally visible as they roll near the surface. There are many legends surrounding them, such as the belief that they can transform into handsome men at night and seduce young women who venture too close. These stories may help protect them from harm.
Glide through a flooded forest
The Peruvian Amazon experiences significant seasonal changes, with water levels rising up to 30 metres during the rainy season. This fluctuation creates a fascinating landscape throughout the year. In the dry season, visitors can take long walks through the rainforest, discovering a variety of creatures—furry, slimy, or simply strange. During the wet season, the forest becomes almost ethereal, with treetops floating above the water, creating an aquatic wonderland. Some parts of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, known as “the jungle of mirrors,” are surrounded by water that reflects both greenery and sky, making it hard to distinguish where the land begins.
Join the big chill with a sloth
Amid the diverse wildlife of the Amazon, including macaws, hummingbirds, butterflies, caimans, piranhas, howler and spider monkeys, boas, anacondas, and tarantulas, the sloth stands out as a beloved creature. These slow-moving animals hang upside down from tree branches, moving at a minimal pace to conserve energy. They can sleep up to 15 hours a day and only descend to the ground once a week. To scientists, sloths remain a mystery, with their unique adaptations and slow lifestyle.
Visit an Indigenous village
There are over 50 different Indigenous groups living in the Peruvian Amazon, each maintaining a traditional way of life along the riverbanks. Their homes are often built from mud, and they rely on fish for food, using medicines derived from rainforest plants. The culture of these communities is deeply connected to the water. On board the Aqua Nera, passengers have the opportunity to visit villages like Lisboa, where they are welcomed by local children who are delighted with gifts such as books and pens. However, they are often puzzled by items like toy koalas. Experiencing these communities offers a rare glimpse into their rich traditions.
Be intrigued by Iquitos
Iquitos is the main gateway to the Amazon and a city unlike any other. It is the largest city in the world that is inaccessible by road, requiring travel by boat or plane. The city has a fascinating history, with Jesuit missions in the 1700s and rubber barons in the 1880s leaving behind impressive landmarks. During the wet season, stilted houses in the Belen district allow locals to move between homes by canoe. The city also features a bustling market filled with vibrant activity.
Be baffled by two rivers running side-by-side
One of the most intriguing natural phenomena occurs near Iquitos, where the River Nanay meets the Amazon. Here, the two rivers run side by side, with a clear boundary between them. The River Nanay appears black, while the Amazon looks light brown. This separation is due to differences in sediment content, flow speed, and temperature. This phenomenon is similar to the confluence of the Rio Negro and the Amazon in Manaus, Brazil, but it is more compact and striking.
Aqua Expeditions’ luxury ship, Aqua Nera, offers four- and eight-day itineraries starting at $US5130 per person (based on double occupancy). Early booking discounts are available. LATAM Airlines flies from Sydney to Santiago, with connections to Lima and then Iquitos.
For more information, visit aquaexpeditions.com, latamairlines.com, and peru.travel.
