Amazon, Peru – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
AQUA Expeditions, the leading purveyor of Amazonian tours, has launched a brand new vessel. The M/V Aria is a 147-foot luxury river boat cruising the Amazon. There are 16, 240-square-feet state rooms with king-size beds, sitting areas, private bathrooms and wall-to-wall panoramic windows that look upon the mighty river, infested with six-foot-wide water lilies, and surrounding wilderness.
The highlight of the tour is the chance to spot rare wildlife including pink dolphins, sharp-toothed piranhas, black caiman and three-toed sloths. Amazonian-born naturalists are on-hand to guide guests through the flora and fauna of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve that spans more than five million acres and is located on the headwaters of the Amazon basin. During high water season, guests can board launch boats and venture deeper into the flooded forest. During low season, the receding river exposes sandy beaches.
A cookbook and watch were also recently unveiled to celebrate the new cruiser. Created in partnership with Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s top ten chefs, the book features delectable Peruvian dishes, many of which are paired with South American wines and served in the boat’s dining room. The watch, available exclusively on board M/V Aria and its sister ship M/V Aqua, was designed by Gianni Bulgari. The sleek black timepiece has been designed with the Amazonian environment in mind: it features LumiNova treated hands, optimal for reading during low-light wildlife treks and a waterproof steel case with anti-glare glass.
Launched in May 2011, the M/V Aria also boasts an outdoor lounge with Jacuzzi, exercise room, boutique and an observation deck. It accommodates up to 32 passengers and is available for three-, four-, or seven –night journeys that start at $2,550 per person.