Cruise the Amazon

How do you define an ecosystem so rich, so diverse and so breathtaking that no description could do it justice? A world where thick canopies of green shade the homes of thousands of species; where monkeys small enough to sit on your finger share terrain with otters larger than man; where the earth’s natural riches proliferate in the protection of the largest remaining ecosystem of its kind.

This is the Amazon, a wonder unto its own where mystery abounds and curiosity dominates, and where the elements dictate the destiny of man regardless of class, prestige, or clout. So large is this great natural wonder that Phoenix Lifestyle offers two spectacular options for venturing deep within this lush landscape of bio-diversity.

The Peruvian Amazon aboard the MV Aqua:

With nearly two thirds of its land dedicated to the Amazon Rainforest, Peru proves the premier destination from which to explore the largest remaining tropical rainforest on Earth. Just below the steep descent of the Andean slopes, find rushing, volatile and ever-changing waters, surrounded by lush forest ecosystems boasting a vibrant bio-natural diversity found nowhere else in the world.

And what better way to experience Peru’s lush treasure than aboard the new M/V Aqua, the first true luxury vessel ever to cruise the northern Amazon. The ship boasts 12 oversized guest suites, including four 180° panoramic master suites, and features en suite sitting areas and generous outward-facing panoramic windows. Each of the handsomely decorated, air-conditioned suites measures between 230 to 240 square feet and is designed by noted Peruvian architect Jordi Puig.

You will start your journey through the wild Amazon region in Iquitos, so remote that it can be reached only by air or water (yet it is just a one hour and 40 minute flight from Lima). Once a booming rubber town, Iquitos boasts a building designed by Gustave Eiffel. Today it is a quiet, sleepy river town.

What you see along the river depends on the length of your stay. The heart of every visit, however, will be Pacaya Samiria Reserve. And the highlight of each day’s journey will be the pristine wilderness areas teeming with wildlife and amazing plant life, such as the colossal Victoria Regia water lilies. You will also encounter—and have the chance to interact with—local people living in villages as they have for centuries. When the day’s sightseeing is over, the comforts of your luxurious floating hotel await you.

Email us at travel [at] phoenix-lifestyle [dot] com for a detailed itinerary and description of the many sights and sounds you will experience while aboard the MV Aqua.

Day 1 -  Iquitos / Amazon River
Arrival to Iquitos, transfer to Dock and Check in

Day 2 - Amazon River / Amazon River Headwaters
River Exploration and Fishing
Explore the Source of the Amazon River

Day 3 - Marañón River / Pacaya Samiria Reserve
Monkey and Dolphin Expedition
Full-Day Excursion and Picnic Lunch

Day 4 - Marañon River / Amazon River / Ucayali River
Puerto Miguel Village Visit / 3 Nighters Depart
Excursion to Spot Victoria Regias / 4 Nighters Arrive

Day 5 - Pacaya Samiria Reserve / Yanallpa River
Ucayali River Exploration
Night Trip to see Caimans

Day 6 - Puinahua River / Pacaya Samiria Reserve / Pacaya River
Jungle Walk and Hatum Posa Village Visit
Pacaya River Exploration Plus Night Trip

Day 7 - Ucayali River / Amazon River / Iquitos 
Pacaya Exploration and Breakfast on Skiffs
Fishing Trip

The Brazilian Amazon aboard the Iberostar Grand Amazon:

Stand enveloped by the dense greenery of this tropical anomaly, and feel as though you are the only human in this land where nature reigns supreme and the wildlife dictate their own course of action. Yet deep within this green globe of wonder there exists proud vestiges of civilization; Manaus, the elegant remains of city built on the riches of rubber, and Belem, a city reminiscent of its colonial days as seen in its churches, museums and homes. The capitals of Amazonas and Para respectively, both cities serve as welcoming hubs from which to penetrate the deep mysteries of the one and only Brazilian Amazon.

Venture deep into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, where isolated tribes follow traditional ways of life, bright toucans splash the sky with color, and the great river flows through the most luxuriant jungle on earth. Farther south, explore the wetlands of the Pantanal, home to more than 600 species of birds, sinuous anacondas, and the fabled jaguar. End your journey in lively Rio de Janeiro, whose samba rhythms will keep you dancing long after you’ve returned home.

Email us at travel [at] phoenix-lifestyle [dot] com to learn more about your Brazilian Amazon experience.

BRAZIL'S AMAZON & PANTANAL ITINERARY:
 
Days 1 & 2, Wednesday & Thursday - Depart for Manaus, Brazil
Depart from home on Wednesday.  Fly to Manaus where your Amazon adventure begins. You will board the first luxury cruise ship on the Amazon, the Iberostar Grand Amazon, for your four-day ecological cruise.

Days 3 & 4, Friday & Saturday - Amazon Cruise, Rio Manacapuru & Lago do Rei
Stop at several points in the fantastic Amazon forest as you explore the myriad species of wildlife by boating excursions and trekking on jungle trails. Adventures include bird-watching at Lago do Rei, piranha fishing, a photo safari at Lago Janauacá and nighttime alligator spotting at Manacapuru Lake. Admire tropical forest and streams and observe remote villages along the banks of the Amazon.Witness an incredible display of nature’s majesty, the “meeting of the waters.”

Days 5 & 6, Sunday & Monday - Manaus & Brasilia
Explore Manaus, whose highlights include the Cathedral, Indian Museum and Teatro Amazonas, the famous Opera House filled with spectacular imported Italian marble, European chandeliers and unique tapestries. Continue on to Brasilia, the capital since 1960, for a full day of exploring this architectural marvel of a modern city.

Days 7 - 9, Tuesday - Thursday - The Pantanal
Naturalists, birdwatchers and wildlife photographers acknowledge the Pantanal as a haven for the most abundant wildlife to be found in South America. You can find more than 600 species of birds, anacondas, deer, ocelots and the elusive jaguar here. The Caiman Ecological Refuge is a 145,000-acre private cattle ranch and wildlife reserve. Accompanied by naturalists and native guides, your activities include night outings, trekking, boat cruises along the river and optional horseback riding through savannah lowlands, seasonal wetlands and rich forested areas.
 
Days 10 - 13, Friday - Monday - Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro pulsates to a samba beat, alive by day and by night. You’ll take a cogwheel train to the top of Corcovado for a closer look at the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer and a breathtaking view of Rio. Discover colonial Rio with its centuries-old landmarks. Drive along the famed beaches of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana and enjoy a lively samba show.