Jhuliana Villa
Cruise Director
“Life is all about memories and through our unique experiences—from enjoying luxurious comfort to exploring the Amazonian wilderness we strive to create moments that you'll never forget.”
Peru & the Amazon Rainforest
This many-splendored country delights everyone lucky enough to visit. It houses a gorgeous stretch of the Amazon Rainforest, including the birthplace of the Amazon River, as well as the majestic Machu Picchu. While here, make sure to explore Peru’s lively cities, from the colorful capital city of Lima, also known as the “City of Kings” and the unofficial gastronomical capital of South America, to Cusco, the heartland of the Inka Empire.
HIGHLIGHTS
Nature
The Amazon Rainforest is a lush jungle environment that spans nine countries, but the most beautiful stretch of all is in Peru. This is thanks to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a protected zone that has kept development and deforestation out of the Peruvian Amazon, leaving flourishing flora and fauna, as well as several Amazonian communities, intact. This area is also known as the “forest of mirrors” for the crystal-clear reflections of the trees and sky cast by its waters.
Wildlife
The Amazon is home to over 30% of all the known animal species in the world. With the floor-to-floor, wall-to-wall ceilings featured in every suite aboard the Aria Amazon, you’ll be able to spot rare Amazonian species right outside your window. Keep your eyes out for Amazonian manatees, three-toed sloths, capybara, pink river dolphins, scarlet macaw, and spider monkeys.
Cuisine
Peruvian gastronomy is respected across the world, with delicious dishes at both the authentic local level and in the world of fine dining. Fish, meats, legumes, corn, quinoa, and rice feature heavily in richly flavorful dishes, along with numerous exotic fruits that are difficult to find outside of the country. Our menus, crafted by Peru’s own celebrity chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, blend various regional cuisines, highlighting popular Peruvian dishes and drawing on ingredients and techniques from the Amazon.
Landmarks
Bucket-list sites are everywhere you look in Peru. Besides the Amazon Rainforest, the “lost city” of Machu Picchu is the biggest must-see destination, as well as the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Our tours in Peru also pepper in some unique landmarks, ones that many tourists don’t think to visit, while those who do leave fond memories. In Lima, visit Casa Aliaga, one of the city’s oldest buildings and a home that has been passed down through 17 generations of the same family, for lunch with a member of the Aliaga family.
TRAVEL TIPS
When to go: Weather in the Peruvian Amazon can be divided into two main seasons. Visit in the High Water season (December through May) to find yourself closer to the treetops, where you can spot the many species that make their homes there. Alternatively, the Low Water season (June through November) gives access to jungle paths that are inaccessible at other times of the year.
How to pack: Whether you’re visiting during high or low water season, expect warm and balmy weather. We suggest that you bring comfortable walking shoes, quick-drying and lightweight clothing, lightweight long pants and rain gear, long-sleeved tops for jungle excursions, a wide-brimmed hat, extra socks, and a bathing suit.
High Water
DEC–MAY
Avg. Temp. 86º F / 30º C
Low Water
JUN–NOV
Avg. Temp. 81º F / 27º C
Electricity
Standard 220V
Plug types A and C
Time Zone
Peru Time (PET)
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN, S/)
Official Language
Spanish
Onboard Team
Get to know this destination from the people who travel it every day, our incredible onboard crew.
Juan Diego Matute
Head Chef
“Traditional Amazonian gastronomy is the living heritage of our communities, reflecting the culture, history, and passion of people who prepare it. We invite you to taste the power of our rich, fresh, and local ingredients to elevate your culinary experience on board”
Julio Mozombite
Naturalist Guide
“The Amazon rainforest waits for you! Be prepared to be captivated by the untouched beauty and rich biodiversity of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. We invite you on board our vessels for the journey of a lifetime, where lush greenery, exotic wildlife, and Amazonian culture will all exceed your expectations.”
FEATURED CRUISES
Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery
Lima to Lima | 11 days
Peru is a land of mysteries, legends and ancient cultures. Your journey starts in the country’s capital, Lima. Known as the “City of Kings,” this melting pot of culture will...
Ship: Aria Amazon
Country: Peru
Rivers: Maranon, Ucayali
5/5 (6 reviews)
From $12,499 per person
Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration
Lima to Lima | 16 days
From a deep dive into Lima—the “City of Kings”—to the legendary Machu Picchu, this 16-day cruise/tour is an all-encompassing adventure into the marvels of Peru and the Amazon...
Ship: Aria Amazon
Country: Peru
Rivers: Maranon, Ucayali
4.8/5 (31 reviews)
From $13,999 per person
Rivers of the World Cruise
Lima to Ho Chi Minh City | 55 days
This 55-day odyssey will span three continents and four luxurious ships, taking 40 adventurous guests to some of our favorite destinations as well as new-to-Uniworld locales.
Sail one of...
Ships: Aqua Nera, Mekong Jewel, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Catherine
Countries: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Austria, France, Vietnam, Cambodia
4.1/5 (8 reviews)
From $49,399 per person