Peru’s jungle is divided into two distinct regions located in the east of the country. To the north lies the Jesuit-founded city of Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest.
Amazon River
Unreachable by road and situated on the Amazon River, Iquitos functions as both a main port as well an access point for exploring the surrounding rainforest.
Proving the premier destination from which to explore the largest remaining tropical rainforest on Earth, Peru’s Peruvian Amazon boasts one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, widely believed to house the world’s largest number of bird species as well as the third-largest number of mammals among a multitude of other animals, plants, and insects.
Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Comunal Reserve
Iquitos itself affords access to three very significant, naturally protected areas, some of the richest and last remaining ecological zones here on Earth, and each one notable for its own unique diversity: the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Comunal Reserve (796,915 acres), boasting the most primate species in any protected area of the world at an impressive 14; the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve (143,492 acres), which protects the largest concentration of “varillales,” or white-sand forests, known to the Peruvian Amazon and is considered a top bird-watching destination; and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve (5,139,792 acres), the Amazon’s largest protected flooded forest, which can be explored by boat or from one of the forest’s jungle lodges.
From there, a rich world of flora and fauna awaits, including many endangered species like the charapa turtle, the giant river otter, the black caiman, and the river dolphin, which can be better appreciated from a higher perspective via the world’s longest system of canopy walkways.
Climb the banks of the meandering Madre de Dios River and enter into another world. Wake to a symphony of tropical birdsong; end your days by lantern light, falling asleep to the gentle night noise of the Amazon rainforest. Exotic, yet accessible, Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica Lodge is situated in a private reserve, surrounded by a vast Peruvian Rainforest. As Peru’s pioneer in nature travel and research, Inkaterra provides an unforgettable introduction to this amazing realm of incomparable biodiversity.
The two-story Amazon Pavilion is the heart of the property. Its oversized windows frame vistas of green. Here, the spacious dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, its menus designed around inventive use of local, fresh ingredients. Guests gather for cocktails at the first floor bar or relax on the comfortable sofas in the upstairs lounge.
Thirty-five wooden cabanas inspired in the Ese’Eja culture combine natural materials with contemporary amenities. Four cabaña options are offered, creating luxurious lodging in the Peruvian Amazon, with screened porch and hammocks as well as tropical ceiling fans.
The property offers a varied selection of à-la-carte excursions, including a visit to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, a bridge system at 30 meters above the ground, allowing adventurers to enjoy a privileged view of the Amazon. An explorer guide is available to shape an ideal itinerary based on interests, desired activity levels, weather conditions and length of stay. Activity options include challenging jungle treks through rainforest trails, vigorous paddling along the river, crossing the thrilling treetop canopy bridge, bird watching, plant studying and visiting native communities.
Amazon Villa
Treat yourself to exclusive lodging and activities in the middle of the Peruvian jungle with a premium stay at our Amazon Villa. The Amazon Villa is a private bungalow designed to provide guests with a comfortable blend of privacy, amenities, and activities that enhance an already unforgettable Amazon jungle experience. Essentially, guests of the Amazon Villa enjoy their own 180m2, exclusive bungalow in the heart of the rainforest where they can relax among some of the most biodiverse surroundings on the planet, enjoy views of a beautiful garden backed by majestic primary rainforest, watch for monkeys and hundreds of exotic birds from the comfort of their bungalow, and enjoy private romantic dinners featuring delicious Peruvian cuisine. The exclusive treatment begins upon arrival to the airport with private transport to the bungalow, continues throughout your stay, and doesn’t end until we bring you back to the airport for your departure flight.
The villa is a beautiful house made of tropical hardwood floors, with authentic Amazonian décor crafted by local Ese-Eja artisans. It features a luxurious king-sized bed; a ceiling fan; a large closet; 2 hammocks for relaxation; extra thick towels, extra soft sheets and 3 hypoallergenic pillows per person; a spacious bathroom equipped with hot water and a tub for soaking in comfort at the end of a long, incredible day in the Peruvian rainforest; a dining room where you can enjoy fresh meals delivered to the bungalow on a fully-serviced 6-person dining table with our signature panoramic rainforest view; a refrigerator and a microwave; a desk and a 40-inch flat screen television to watch nature videos and documentaries; electricity in the middle of the rainforest at all times of the day; and a private porch and barbecue in our small garden. Each person has access to a personal safe, an umbrella for the rain, a special set of eco-friendly amenities, a rechargeable flashlight and a courtesy bottle of white wine.
Every morning, your personal valet will ask for your preference of meals and serve them at the time you appoint. You will be able to choose from any of our Rainforest Recipes. We provide unlimited amounts of boiled, filtered, cooled drinking water (which comes from underground spring water and is purified with an ozone treatment), coffee or tea and fruit juices.
(Please Note: If you have special dietary requirements, we are happy to make individual arrangements, but please notify us.)
Highlighted among Amazon Villa’s varied list of private guided, à la carte excursions are our 30-meter scaffolding canopy tower with spectacular views of the vast expanses of standing forest; visits to a working jungle farm and a real Brazil nut concession to learn about the way of life in the rainforest; exploring Lake Condenado by catamaran in search of wildlife such a hoatzin, caiman or horned screamers; kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding on the Tambopata River and rappelling to a canopy platform; and a boat trip to the Chuncho Clay Lick inside the Tambopata National Reserve to see macaws descend to eat clay lick on clear mornings.
Delfin I
Our new and refurbished Delfin I takes you one step beyond luxury, where comfort and grace combine effortlessly with the wilderness of the Amazon to create the most unique and personalize vessel to ever sail in the Peruvian Amazon region. In a setting of understated elegance and world-class hospitality, this classic river vessel features 4 oversized suites, all with private panoramic terraces; 2 offer a private whirlpool for the ultimate treat. Travelers will be spoiled by the floor-to-ceiling windows that allow nature to be part of the natural suite décor. Cabin service 3 times a day will ensure you the most optimal personalized service possible.
On the top deck, guests will find a lounge area, bar and entertainment center which are perfect places to relax in while the jungle unfolds before their eyes.
As for service, intimacy and personal attention is the key success.
This vessel features artwork by the women of the Puerto Miguel community, and with your help buying their beautiful work you will help provide the children of this community with enough school supplies to be used in the entire school year.
Delfin II
Delfin II has 14 large guest suites include 4 Master Suites with 180° panoramic windows, and 10 Suites, 4 of which can be interconnected to accommodate families. Each with movie screen sized windows and natural elements, they offer all the comforts provided by world class lodging yet with the spirit of casual and refined elegance while sailing in the Peruvian Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The dining room, observation deck and lounge, bar, entertainment centre, and library are the ideal gathering places for all guests. New to the Delfin II are the additions of an exercise space, spa, and lecture/presentation room.
Delfin III
Few things have the power to put us in our place like a total immersion in nature. And few places have the staggering breadth of natural diversity that exists along the Amazon. An expedition into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon jungle aboard the Delfin III is a unique opportunity to explore and gain a deep understanding of one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth. Showcasing finely appointed interiors with hardwoods sustainably harvested from the rainforest, colorful, handcrafted Peruvian fabrics and local artwork, onboard the Delfin III, the rainforest is never far away yet five-star comforts and conveniences abound. At 170 feet long, the intimate yet spacious river-ship is uniquely capable of providing an unforgettable Amazon River experience. Comfortably accommodating a maximum of 44 guests, the ship features indoor and outdoor lounge areas, an outdoor plunge pool, an exercise room, a spa offering signature treatments, and a dining room where guests can enjoy hands-on Peruvian cooking demonstrations. Accommodation is in 22 spacious, well-appointed and air-conditioned suites (including 1 single), offering your choice of 4 different styles, each with floor-to-ceiling panoramic picture-windows. You will enjoy daily excursions into the forests and up black water tributaries to hidden lagoons, magical lakes, and native villages, being guided by local, English-speaking naturalists every step of the way who will entertain you with the history of the region, enlighten you with facts about the flora and fauna, and point out wildlife hiding in the jungle canopy, lazing on the riverbanks, or swimming in the water below.
Aria
Custom built for Aqua Expeditions by leading Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, the Aria Amazon allows her guests to explore the Peruvian Amazon in utmost comfort. The 45 meter Aria Amazon set sail in 2011 following the success of its sister ship, the Aqua Amazon. Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the 16-cabin Aria Amazon incorporates extremely generous dining and lounging areas including an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Amazon’s river views. The striking matte black hulled ship can accommodate a maximum of 32 guests plus 24 crew including the paramedic and four English speaking naturalist guides. Aqua Expeditions highly experienced cruise ship captain and crew and the Aqua Expedition’s rigorous cruise ship standards ensure smooth travel and safety on the waters of the Amazon. Floor to ceiling windows face the Amazon River in each of the Aria Amazon’s 16 design suites, four of which can interconnect for families. Handsomely decorated with natural fibers and neutral hues these air-conditioned accommodations with sitting areas and bathrooms each measure 23 square meters.