Explorer’s Journal: Cruising the Amazon with Destination Expert Matt
In this edition of Explorer’s Journal, Destination Expert Matt Greenberg sets sail on a luxury Amazon cruise aboard the Aqua Nera. Plunge into the Peruvian jungle as he takes you on a virtual journey filled with fascinating, diverse wildlife and premium comfort.
Hi there, it’s Destination Expert Matt here!
I’ve lived in South America for most of the last two decades and have been lucky to travel to some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Of all destinations I’ve been to, I feel the most powerful connection to the Peruvian Amazon.
I enjoy all ways of experiencing the Amazon, but nothing compares to exploring on an Amazon cruise. I recently went on a journey aboard the Luxury Aqua Nera from Iquitos, and it was magical in ways I didn’t know was possible.
From coast to jungle
Within the last 10 minutes of the short flight from Lima to Iquitos, I caught my first glimpse of the greenery, flora, and fauna as I watched the environment change from above. Hopping off the plane, I was immediately greeted by the wave of heat and humidity – the elements of the Amazon might make some uncomfortable, but I had a sense of comfort and excitement knowing the adventure ahead.
After an amazing lunch at a local restaurant, we arrived at the Aqua Nera during the prime time of sunset. When you approach the cruise vessel during golden hour, you’ll feel a sense of warmth. Any other thoughts and worries begin to wash away and get lost in the floating paradise that’s about to become your home for the next few days.
Aboard the Aqua Nera
The boat is pristine in every way – the rooms are large and spacious, and the bathrooms are immaculate with the amenities of a 5-star hotel. Though the kicker is the view! I opened my curtains to a gorgeous, private view of the Amazon River. Sleeping in a top-quality room with air conditioning and no concern about the possibility of bugs in the room is a huge plus for those who may need that extra piece of mind.
The Aqua Nera is carefully curated to enhance both the comfort and “wow” factor to all. The ship has incredible views from every common area and an intimate yet casual restaurant where all the staff know your name from the moment you arrive. They served me dishes with amazing tastes that felt as if my soul (and belly) was filled with a newfound joy! My expectations were exceeded, and never have I felt more cared for by a crew.
The amenities onboard also warrant special recognition. There’s a billiard room where you can play pool, a private TV room where couples can have a movie night or romantic dinner, and a small exercise room for those in need of extra daily aerobic activity. My personal favorites were the small pool and incredible spa – perfect for unwinding and relaxing no matter the time of day to make sure your body remains rejuvenated throughout your entire adventure.
Wildlife that left me in awe
The wildlife in the Amazon never disappoints! The perk of an Amazon cruise is that it has unique excursions that allow you to see and do more than you would when staying on land. Not only are there always morning and afternoon excursions, but there are also late-night and early-morning activities to see other unique wildlife, like the pink dolphin.
Whether it’s showing your piranha fishing skills or enjoying the sloths, monkeys, and diverse array of birds and other living creatures, you will always have a unique experience in what you see. I was lucky enough to have a beautiful big snake follow me on a low hanging tree on one of our jungle hikes! The moments that left me in awe were plentiful and never-ending – even the giant lily pads were enough to take my breath away.
The power of the Amazon
I often find it’s the little things that end up leaving me with the moments engrained in my heart more than anything else, like watching a flock of birds take over the world in an unexpected moment of aerial tapestry and being served a delicious cocktail at night in a quiet part of the river, surrounded by peace and the sounds of the jungle. It’s that moment at the end of the trip where you can take in one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world without anything else on your mind other than gratitude for all the experiences and moments like this you’ve been gifted.
No matter how many times I’ve been to the Amazon, each time I leave there is always this sound inside of me that vibrates, and it won’t be silenced until I’ve returned again. So, I’ll never stop coming back to this beautiful rainforest.
The experience on the Aqua Nera Cruise will live atop the mountain of Amazonian dreams which I’ve been lucky enough to have lived through, and it touched my heart in ways I didn’t think possible. When you make your own visit to the beautiful Amazon, you’ll be in awe, and without a doubt, you will Be Moved.
Hear that sound? The Amazon is calling you too! Immerse yourself in the vibrant, biodiverse jungle while cruising the luxurious Aqua Nera. Not a boat person? We offer land-based itineraries too, which you can find on our Amazon Tours page. Talk to one of our Destination Experts to plan your adventure!
About the Author: Raised in Chicago, Matt spent a transformative 15 years living in Lima. It wasn’t long that he was allured by the world of travel and tourism. For over a decade, Matt has crafted trips for travelers, led a team of salespeople, and embraced his passion in supporting others, whether that be his colleagues’ success or his travelers’ dreams.