Aria Amazon

Sail on the Aria Amazon along the northern part of the Amazon in Peru, departing from Iquitos for a three, four or seven-night cruise into the depths of the Amazon rainforest. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife such as Taricaya turtles, caimans, piranhas, capybaras and manatees, as well as colourful macaws, sloths dangling from branches and spider monkeys swooping through the trees.

The Aria Amazon has 16 spacious Design Suites, which are, as their name suggests, a showcase of design, thanks to innovative Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. Four of the suites can be interconnected, making them ideal for families.

The interiors are inspired by traditional Peruvian style, and have comfortable king-sized beds, polished timber flooring and soft lighting, alongside air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms with rainshowers and organic toiletries. The extra-large windows are ideal for optimum wildlife viewing.

The executive chefs serve up gourmet Peruvian cuisine inspired by the setting - many of the ingredients come from the local waters and rainforest. Enjoy delicious meals in the dining room, whose walls feature contemporary Peruvian art, and whose tables are laid with fine china and crystal glassware. Dishes include ceviche, scallops with wild almonds, hearts of palm soufflé and chocolate fondant, alongside snacks such as homemade plantain chips.

To drink, there are top South American wines on offer, while in the morning you can wake up to a cup of Peruvian coffee.

The observation deck, the outdoor river-facing Jacuzzi and the indoor lounge are perfect for sitting back with a pisco punch cocktail while trying to spot the pink Amazon dolphin - thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, you're guaranteed fantastic views wherever you are on the boat.

There's also a spa for onboard indulgence, whose massages feature essential oils made with indigenous ingredients such as coconut and vanilla, and a workout space if you prefer to be more active. In the evening, relax on deck under the star-filled sky. 

There are daily excursions, which you'll undertake with experienced, English-speaking guides, travelling on custom-designed speedboats, or skiffs, which take up to eight passengers each. Whether kayaking the waterways, biking through tropical landscapes, walking through the remote Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for the elusive black jaguar, visiting locals on village expeditions or fishing for piranha, your experiences are sure to be once-in-a-lifetime.

Back onboard, learn more about the Amazon and its wildlife with educational discussions, courtesy of the naturalist guides. There are also cooking demonstrations, giving you the opportunity to find out how to make Amazon-inspired dishes and discover the secrets of mixing a perfect pisco sour.