I once heard a woman refer to the Amazon as the subconscious of the earth: a place so dense in spots that it is entirely unknowable.
Despite covering a staggering 60% of Peru (and 40% of Latin America), it’s surprising how little people know about the earth’s largest rainforest. Nor how to experience it. So where does one begin? There are multiple places from which to venture into the Amazon’s untamed corners — but for us, Peru remains the perennial favourite.
In comparison to Brazil — which, to be fair, is also epic — travel to the Amazonian jungle of Peru is quicker and more cost effective, with opportunities to experience wonders on land as you go. And it's easy to combine your visit with iconic Machu Picchu.
The Amazon is less about big ticket wildlife and more about a total sensory immersion into the forest. The jungle wraps you in a cacophony of sounds, smells, textures and colours. You’ll wander through thickset vines, clamber over giant roots, and walk through scooped out tunnels of trees where the sky is non-existent. Sometimes, you’ll row down tightly vegetated streams on flat-bottomed boats, your oars-men clasping lily pads and overhanging branches to pull you on.
The hum of the rainforest is ever-present. At times it is spookily silent; at other times you’ll hear the low guttural chatter of a howler monkey, the collapse of birds breaking through the trees, or fishermen paddling by on wooden canoes.
No one knows exactly how much of this 61 million sq km biosphere is unchartered. What we do know is that this radical, gargantuan rainforest is breathing for the planet. From pink dolphin to spider monkey and the giant South American turtle, this extraordinary destination is far more than just giant anacondas and piranhas; it’s one of the planet’s greatest evolutionary marvels.
One of the best ways to experience the Amazon is on board a river cruise in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. This vast area of Amazonian jungle and floodable forest, bordered by the Marañón and Ucayali rivers is steeped in biodiversity. We recommend either Aqua Expeditions or Delfin cruises, two of the most luxurious boats on the water.
Aqua Expeditions Amazon Cruise (Peru) Journey
Cruises from 4, 5 and 8 days are available.
Journey into earth's largest rainforest and be ushered into Mother Nature's cradle. Peru’s Amazon is an unmissable wilderness experience best enjoyed on board a river cruise. Two of our favourite vessels, designed and built to become the most state-of-the-art river boats to sail the Amazon, Aqua Nera and Aqua Aria Amazon will present guests with a luxuriously appointed interior inspired by the blackwater lagoons and tributaries of the Amazon river and Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
Delfin Amazon Cruise (Peru) Journey
Cruises from 4 to 5 days are available.
Delfin Amazon Cruises takes travellers on exclusive journeys into one of the world’s largest protected flooded forests, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Experienced guides reveal the immense biodiversity of the area on voyages which include kayaking in the calm creeks and lakes, fishing for piranhas at sunset, skirting the riverbanks in search of playful creatures, birdwatching, swimming near pink river dolphin, trail walks, night safaris and visits to local communities.
On board you’ll find an intimate setting with just the right amount of elegance and comfort. There are three vessels to choose from, Delfin I, II and III, accommodating between eight and 43 guests, with cruises carefully crafted to showcase the best of the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers.
To learn more about how you can experience your own Peruvian Amazon cruise, call our Journey Designers on +61 (0)3 9536 1800 or click here to craft the adventure of a lifetime.
