The Best Luxury Amazon Cruise Based on Your Travel Style

February 06, 2023 | by: Kuoda Authors

Delve deep into the pristine rainforest of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve on an incredible voyage to the most biodiverse region in the world. If you’re looking to get up close and personal with the over 3 million species of plants and animals found in the most biodiverse region on the planet – the world’s largest rainforest offers an abundance of adventures to travelers on one of the world’s most rewarding wildlife expeditions. Journey deep into the heart of the largest rainforest on Earth on a boat trip down the Amazon, an untouched realm of boundless biodiversity. With most of Peru covered in jungle, a luxury Amazon cruise is one of the best, and sometimes only, ways to explore the region—particularly in the dense Amazon Rainforest.

If you’re trying to decide which Amazon cruise is right for you – let us help! Based on what type of travel you’re trying to experience – culinary and culture, family or couples, and more, there’s a type of luxury Amazon cruise for everybody. Read more to find out what cruise is right for you and reach out to us today to start planning your luxury Amazon cruise.

Aria Amazon – For adventure lovers

Observing wildlife on the boat of the Aria Amazon Cruise

The Aria Amazon features 16 oversized suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and California-King-sized beds and welcomes 32 passengers into its upscale interiors. Picture yourself sipping a pisco sour on the shaded outdoor lounge or gazing up at the stars from the observation deck. Watch the river from the outdoor Jacuzzi with a local craft beer, treat yourself to a soothing treatment in the onboard massage room, or work up a sweat in the exercise room.

This is the ideal cruise for adventure lovers as the Aria has a wealth of unique activities that are exclusive to the ship, including wildlife encounters with the Amazon’s most beloved inhabitants like the pink river dolphins and poison dart frogs, biking through Amazonian wetlands, kayaking on the river, piranha fishing, ziplining, canopy walks and more. The activities are all-inclusive, as are all of the meals, premium wines, and beers – so you’ll be able to relax in style after a long day of exploring the Amazon Rainforest.

Aqua Nera – For food and culture enthusiasts

Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino from Aqua Nera

The Aqua Nera is an unexpected oasis of comfort amid the Peruvian Amazon. Twenty suites, including four sets of interconnecting rooms, boast generous interiors and a contemporary style with accents reminiscent of Peru, Spain, and Portugal’s colorful cultures. The riverboat is also home to a range of social spaces, including outdoor lounges at the bow and stern. Sip your favorite cocktails at two bars, one outdoors and the other at the indoor lounge. There is also a private screening room with a selection of classic films set in the Amazon and a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows. When it’s time to unwind, hop into the outdoor infinity plunge pool, or book an appointment at the spa for a relaxing massage.

One of the highlights of your Aqua Nera cruise will be the menu of 5-star cuisine designed by Consulting Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. As one of Peru’s most celebrated chefs, Schiaffino is passionate about the food and cooking traditions of the Amazon and turns local ingredients into multi-sensory experiences. Standouts on the menu include chicken stewed in fermented palm fruit and brownie and pecan ice cream sandwiches. For those looking to dive deeper into the culture of the Amazon, the Aqua Nera also includes excursions to visit local indigenous communities, where you’ll get a chance to experience the culture of the people of the Amazon Rainforest.

Zafiro – For families

Walk inside the jungle of the Zafiro cruise

Aboard Zafiro, rooms include the  Zafiro Suite with its 180-degree, floor-to-ceiling, front-facing window, and balcony. Away from your suite, there is a wealth of social areas, both indoors and out. Make your way to the outdoor bar to grab a local beer before setting into a sunchair on the outdoor lounge, or take a soak in the Jacuzzi tub.

Parents can rest at ease as Zafiro has a dedicated kids program, full of activities to inspire their curiosity for the Amazon Rainforest, plus, special souvenirs for children. Family suites come with two pairs of connecting suites available, so the entire family can stay together. All guides on board are trained to work with children, with daily excursions catering to every member of the family, and only 10 travelers per tour guide. Families can also be at ease knowing that a 24/7 paramedic is on board, offering complimentary medical checks in case anyone in the family gets sick or injured on board.

As much as there are activities for kids, there is plenty for parents too. When you are ready for a break from the action, curl up with a book in the indoor reading lounge, or sip a cocktail at the indoor bar. In the dining room on the second deck, there is a celebration of gastronomy. The ship’s chef uses native ingredients to create unique recipes to let you savor new flavors for a true culinary experience. Work off the calories from a decadent meal in the ship’s gym, or schedule a treatment in the massage room for a little extra pampering. And, in keeping with the spirit of luxury, you can expect to receive attentive service from the 24-member crew.

Delfin I – For couples

An afternoon on the Amazon River from the suite on the cruise

A luxurious cruise that’s perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, The Delfin I takes your holiday in the Amazon a step beyond what you have imagined is possible. This Relais & Châteaux boutique ship has just four cabins for eight fortunate guests, yet at 67 feet, this is no small boat. With oversized suites and decadent amenities, you will experience the utmost luxury and comfort. The Delfin I brings the outdoors in with panoramic windows throughout the ship and private terraces in every suite. By day, the covered observation deck is the perfect place to watch for wildlife while also escaping the sun. At night, return with a glass of wine and listen to the nocturnal sounds of the jungle. Couples can opt for a deluxe master suite that features a private plunge pool.

Excursions and activities like wildlife photography, yoga on the terrace, couples massages, farm-to-table dining, and intimate floating breakfasts make the trip even more romantic. In the evening, use the ship’s intercom to request a romantic candlelight dinner for two on your terrace. Generously-sized suites, five-star cuisine, and a well-stocked bar make the Delfin I an ideal choice for honeymooners and couples celebrating a lifetime of love.

Delfin II – For traveling with friends

Boating with friends

The 14-cabin luxury riverboat, Delfin II, seduces travelers with its comfortable, contemporary style and 5-star Relais Chateaux service – indeed it and its sister ships are the only vessels in the Amazon with this accreditation of excellence. Departing from the port of Nauta, deep in the Peruvian Amazon, immerse yourself in the vessel’s casual sophistication and embark on a truly exemplary expedition cruise along the Amazon River.

You and your friends can enjoy sipping wine by the fireplace or playing board games in the lecture room. Quench your thirst with a local beer or craft cocktail in the third deck’s open-air lounge. There, the bartender is always ready to serve, and the room encourages refreshing breezes to flow through. In the spa, massages, and therapies highlight the wellness philosophies of the local cultures. If your friend group is looking for a more active pastime, use the onboard kayaks and paddle boards, or head to the exercise room for some yoga or cardio. While traveling through the wilderness, optional activities led by naturalist guides will encourage you to explore the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

In the Amazon Natural Park, take a nature walk to learn about the area’s medicinal plants. Then, visit the tiny and seldom-visited village of Yachay. Spend time with local healers learning about the ways of life in the Amazon and enjoy engaging in healing practices with your friend group – a bonding experience that you will remember for a lifetime.

Delfin III – For wellness enthusiasts

A moment of relaxation in the spa on board

Self-care, Amazon cruise style. For a luxury cruise, complete with plenty of pampering, soft adventure, and wellness, look no further than the Delfin III.  The Delfin III brings together five-star luxury and the ecological paradise of the Amazon. Every morning, enjoy yoga on the sun deck and cool off in the plunge pool afterward. Make sure to take a visit to the spa for a massage, soothing avocado wrap, or coffee-cacao scrub is sure to delight. The onboard massage room, wellness room, and gym will ensure your mind and body stay healthy while on board, and the on-site restaurant which features local ingredients and healthy on-board meals with roasted meats, tropical fruits, and fresh fish will keep you feeling refreshed and replenished throughout your stay.

Enjoy activities like a Peruvian cooking class or cultural performance. The natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest are perfectly complemented by the sustainable hardwoods and comfortable luxury of the Delfin III. Appealing to a wide range of travelers, the Delfin III is waiting to welcome you aboard.