Jenny Sky Is The Limit

Journey Begins

After landing in Iquitos, my adventure continued aboard the luxury Amazon cruise ship Aqua Nera, an experience that was nothing short of astonishing. Whether or not you’re familiar with this type of product, it is a luxury all-inclusive boutique experience aimed at those unafraid to pay for comfort and expert sustainable nature tourism. I’m excited to share my unique perspective on this particular vessel and its distinct charm.

Aqua Nera offers three types of departures:

• 3 nights from Iquitos to Nauta
• 4 nights from Nauta to Iquitos
• 7 nights from Iquitos back to Iquitos

I booked the 4-night option, called “Explorer.”

Setting Sail: Arrival and First Impressions

On the first day, upon arriving at Iquitos Airport via LATAM, the Aqua Expeditions crew greeted me with refreshing cold towels and a warm Latin welcome. Accompanied by two other travellers from Australia, we were then transported in a comfy, air-conditioned van.

The experience began with a delightful lunch at Casa Fierro, an interesting local restaurant housed in a historic iron building with a bit of controversial history surrounding its design. It is said that La Casa de Fierro was designed by the French architect Gustave Eiffel, although there is not much evidence to support this claim.

While the façade is not particularly impressive to my eyes, the interior is elegant, spotless, and inviting throughout. It also has a balcony with small tables offering a charming view of the Plaza de Armas. My lunch, in particular, was delicious and included lovely Amazonian dishes served with plantains, of course!

After lunch, the adventure truly began with a two-hour, 100 km transfer to Nauta village, followed by a five-minute ride on a skiff that brought us to the striking sight of the Aqua Nera at sunset.

All of us travellers were greeted with music and a delightful local welcome drink. My cabin, 103 on the first deck, was spacious and included thoughtful touches like a local sweet treat and a complimentary Aqua Expeditions bottle. With WiFi included, staying connected was a breeze!

After settling in, I enjoyed my first amazing Peruvian gourmet dinner. The chef was aware of my vegan dietary requirements and prepared a special meal for me, a rare attention to detail that I deeply appreciated!!! yummy.

Exploring the Pacaya Samiria Reserve

On day two, the day began early at 6:00 a.m. with a short 90-minute outing serving as an introduction to the stunning Pacaya Samiria Reserve.

The lush green carpets of river plants and the tranquility of the morning were sights to behold, instantly capturing my heart and evoking a deep sense of gratitude for the wondrous nature still thriving in our world.

We then returned to the vessel there was a lovely breakfast waiting for us on the sunny deck.

In between tours and meals some guests opted to visit the on-board gym, however I took advantage to indulged in self-tours around the vessel’s facilities, which include a library, TV room, and reading room, lounge area, boutique and chat away for some of the crew to get the insightful view of their life onboard the Aqua Nera.

Around 08:30 am our expert local guide, Juan, led us on a second excursion through the mesmerising “Jungle of Mirrors,” as the Pacaya Samiria Reserve is often called.

This outing was a visual feast, and I was thrilled to spot tamarin monkeys, or pichicos, as well as other monkey’s species endemic to Peru.

Our journey then continued with a visit to the vibrant village of 20 de Enero, a small but colourful community supported by Aqua Expeditions.

The village was well-maintained and even had a primary school, clearly benefiting from the support of local tourist companies. Though the visit was brief, only about 45 minutes, I couldn’t help but think about how fortunate this village was compared to other less privileged communities along the Amazon.

The murals surrounding the school were particularly striking, prompting me to capture their beauty through several photos. I have a deep appreciation for street art as it encapsulates the true essence of places and their local culture.

After the visit to village 20 de Enero we returned to the vessel, spent some time for lunch and some local coctelitos!

and in the afternoon brought more exploration and wildlife spotting, including birds, monkeys, dragonflies, dolphins and even a baby anaconda!

We returned to the Aqua Nera at 6:30 pm, just in time for another exquisite dinner.

Rainforest Explorations and Culinary Delights

On day three, the day was supposed to kick off bright and early at 7:00 a.m. with an exciting kayaking and morning picnic outing scheduled!

However, as luck would have it, Mother Nature had different plans, and a sudden rain shower forced us to postpone this outing until the afternoon. While some of us took advantage of this unexpected break to catch up on work, others seized the opportunity to unwind and explore the various on-board amenities. After catching up with some work, I decided to soak in the cosy ambiance of the bar and indulge in some cacao reading in the library.

Meanwhile, some of my fellow travellers treated themselves to a rejuvenating massages. There was definitely something to suit every traveller!.

Adding to the day’s enrichment, the Aqua crew organised an enlightening talk in the main sitting area, focusing on the Amazon’s largest fish, known as “Paiche.”

I was surprised to learn that Peru had the largest fish, as I had always believed it was found in Colombia. During the talk, I discovered that it is actually the same species, known as ‘Pirarucu’ in Colombia and ‘Arapaima’ in Brazil. This fascinating insight highlighted the diverse names and perceptions surrounding this remarkable creature

After lunch we embarked on a stimulating outing, a short hike through the reserve jungle. Equipped with wellington boots and ample mosquito repellent, we explored deeper into the heart of the reserve.

Despite the boiling heat and humidity, the experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring for me. From towering medicinal trees to the majestic Ceiba tree, the flora and fauna of the rainforest captivated absolutely all my senses.

Along the way, I found myself completely immersed in the rich biodiversity of this remarkable ecosystem.

After a rewarding exploration, we returned to the Aqua Nera by 5:00 pm, filled with unforgettable memories and a trove of photos!

As the golden hour approached, we all crew and travellers gathered for a magical sunset barbecue and drinks session, with a breath-taking sunset casting a warm glow over the horizon, we all savoured delicious local snacks while the Aqua Nera Music crew serenaded us with enchanting melodies.

A little later on it was time for one of the highlights on-board: the dinner experience! I truly believe I have never tasted such delicious food in my life! truly!.

The culinary delights served on the Aqua Nera were nothing short of exquisite, tempting my taste buds with a fusion of flavours that truly showcased the rich culinary heritage of the region, also all made vegan for me, what else could I asked for!.

Embracing the Amazonian Lifestyle & Nauta River

On day four, as the sun rose, some of my fellow travelers eagerly embarked on a morning piranha fishing trip.

However, I decided to embrace a more leisurely pace, opting to unwind and explore the vessel.

Sipping on a refreshing cocktail by the pool, I found myself in awe of the tranquil beauty that surrounded me, with only the crew for company. It was a moment of serene indulgence, allowing me to truly immerse myself in the Amazonian ambiance.

Later in the day, our journey along the Nauta River took us past picturesque villages such as Puerto Prado and Santa Cruz, each offering glimpses into the local way of life along the riverbank.

In the afternoon, our adventure continued as we set out in search of the mysterious pink and grey dolphins that call these waters home.

As the day drew to a close, we gathered aboard the skiffs for a heartfelt farewell, enjoying drinks and snacks as we reflected on the unforgettable experiences shared during our time aboard the Aqua Nera.

And as evening arrived, we had the pleasure of meeting the entire Aqua Nera crew, a moment that provided the perfect opportunity to express our gratitude for their exceptional service and hospitality throughout our journey

Journey’s End: Reflections on the Amazon, Wildlife, and Community Resilience

The final day of my Amazonian adventure began at dawn, with a last boat ride outing to visit to Belen district.

Certainly, this district presents a more complex reality. While it does have its unique charm with bustling markets and stilted houses, it’s also known for its poverty and challenging living conditions. The whole area is characterised by poverty, limited access to basic services like clean water and sanitation, and significant social issues.

Additionally, Belen is susceptible to seasonal flooding, further exacerbating the challenges faced by its residents.

However, despite these difficulties, locals depend on the district’s markets and waterways for their livelihoods, showing the resilience of this community.

After our exploration, we returned to the Aqua Nera at 7 am for a hearty breakfast before disembarkation. It was a thoughtful touch from the crew to provide all guests with a snack bag filled with local treats, perfect for enjoying during the rest of the morning.

As we bid farewell to the Aqua Nera, our journey continued with a visit to the Manatee Rescue Center an animal rescue sanctuary which provides a safe haven for orphaned Amazonian manatees and other animals, allowing them to rehabilitate before being released back into the wild.

Reflecting on my journey, I couldn’t ignore the discomfort I felt post cruise, caused by the Amazonian heat and humidity, a stark contrast to the cool comfort of the Aqua Nera’s air-conditioned cabins, where every moment of the trip was a priceless gem that I will never forget, from the awe-inspiring landscapes to the impressive warmth of the crew.

As I indulged in a leisurely lunch and took a brief stroll around the main square, gratitude filled my heart for the indelible memories forged in the heart of the Amazon.

Lots of love

❤️

Jenny

Post-Cruise: Exploring Iquitos (NEXT!)