World Travel Awards Winner Machu Travel Peru 2025

Aqua Nera Cruise

Unforgettable experiences along the Amazon River

Luxury

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Adventure, Exclusivity & Galapagos wildlife.

About Aqua Nera Cruise

Your Next Great Adventure Awaits. The Galápagos Is Our Expertise.

The Aqua Nera is Aqua Expeditions’ latest river cruiser and provides journeys along the incredible Amazon River with a modern and opulent flair. Naturally, the package comprises bird watching, observing wildlife, and enjoying water sports.

Guests
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Crew
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Suites
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Facilities & services

  • Cruise director: 1
  • Paramedic: 1
  • Persons onboard: 40
  • Naturalist guides: 4
  • Suites: 20
  • WiFi: With usage restrictions
  • Overview

    The newest Aqua Nera river cruise borrows its name from the characteristic black lagoons of the Amazon basin. The vessel provides a memorable experience for passengers, offering luxurious and comfortable accommodations while adhering to nature-inspired designs that reduce the cruise’s impact on the Amazon environment.

    Facilities

    The worldwide recognized architecture firm Noor Design was responsible for designing the luxury public areas of the river cruise. Each one of these generous interiors transmits elegance in a contemporary style with dramatic touches. In this way, the guest will find a luxury restaurant, a comfortable lobby lounge, a spacious lounge and bar, a fresh breakfast area, an illuminated Outdoor Lounge and Bar, a modern gym, a relaxing outdoor pool, a spa, a games room, and even a private screening room.

    Lobby Lounge

    The exclusive Lobby Lounge is perfect for a meeting point to share a nice conversation with other passengers before lunchtime or after an unforgettable excursion, enjoying a drink.
    - Amazing Amazon views.
    - A unique experiential journey.
    - A spectacular sculptural staircase.

    Indoor Lounge & Bar

    The luxury sofás and lacquered wood seats make the Indoor Lounge & Bar the perfect place to enjoy exclusive drinks and cocktails. It is located on the main interior lounge of the upper deck of the cruise ship.
    - Sophisticated furniture.
    - Excellent for any successful meeting.
    - Classic and contemporary elements.

    Al Fresco Breakfast Area

    Imagine having a succulent outdoor breakfast listening to the birds sing, or appreciating the amazing flora and fauna of the Amazon. The Al Fresco Breakfast area is located at both ends of the Aqua Nera and is the highest viewpoint on board the cruise ship.
    - Delicious luxury breakfast.
    - Closest views of wildlife.
    - Perfect for casual photos.

    Restaurant

    The restaurant Aqua Nera offers a service of 5 stars on board. This was especially elaborated by the worldwide-recognized Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, known for his passion for the Amazon. Whether it's a family dinner, dinner with friends, or something informal, this restaurant and its gastronomic offer will not disappoint you.
    - A wide variety of dishes and delicacies.
    - Cruise a-la-carte menu.
    - Unique mix of flavors and colors.

    Outdoor Lounge & Bar

    The Aqua Nera offers two pleasant outdoor lounge & bar zones. Both are located in the stern and bow of the cruise ship. Of course, the Bow Lounge & Bar is larger, has a larger parasol, and is next to the cruise ship's outdoor pool.
    - Comfortable wood seats.
    - Large loungers.
    - Awesome river views.

    Outdoor Pool

    Situated on the upper bow platform and shielded by a canopy, the pool offers unmatched panoramic vistas of the Amazon and its surrounding coastline.
    - Tranquil and warm waters.
    - Ideal for utmost relaxation.
    - Perfect to end the day.

    Gym

    The Aqua Nera is the only river cruise on the Amazon that has a Gym zone for its guests and is located on the upper platform.
    - Training with great views.
    - Essential machines.
    - Ample windows and spaces.

    Games Room

    The games room of Aqua Nera consists of a large wood-glass pool table with all the accessories to develop a good pool match.
    - The best regional literature.
    - A large pool table.
    - Excellent for sharing with cruise mates.

    Spa

    The Aqua Nera skilled therapists will work their magic to revitalize your mind and soul or ease your muscles after a day of exploring the Amazon.
    - Individual and couples spa suites.
    - Privacy and tranquility spa onboard.
    - Relaxing body massages.

    Private Screening Room

    The Private Screening Room is destined to improve the experience of navigation through the fantastic Amazon River with tutorial videos, documentaries, and explanatory videos about the Amazon.
    - Casual private screenings.
    - Perfect for meetings.
    - Informative biodiversity talks.

    Rooms

    The 20 suites of Aqua Nera have a contemporary style and provide tranquility and comfort to guests. Each one of them is decorated with details from the Amazon rubber boom era and colorful decorations from cultures as distant as the Portuguese, Spanish, or Peruvian. In addition, these spaces have the necessary services and facilities to be considered suites belonging to 5-star hotels.

    King Bed ConfigurationKing Bed Configuration
    King Bed Configuration
    King Bed Configuration-2King Bed Configuration-2
    King Bed Configuration
    Interconnecting SuiteInterconnecting Suite
    Interconnecting Suite

    King Bed Configuration

    This is the typical setup of Aqua Nera suites, and its sofas can convert into a single bed if needed.
    - California King Size Bed.
    - Private bathroom.
    - A wardrobe.
    - A large floor-to-ceiling window.

    King Bed Configuration

    This type of suite is a configuration of the classic suite. In this case, two California Kings beds can be joined to host more than two persons. For example, a couple with a child or baby.
    - California King Size Bed.
    - Private bathroom.
    - A wardrobe.
    - A large floor-to-ceiling window.

    Interconnecting Suite

    8 of 20 individual Design Suites onboard Aqua Nera may be merged into four interconnecting suites using a sliding door. Each interconnecting suite can accommodate up to six guests.
    - California King Size Bed.
    - Private bathroom.
    - A wardrobe.
    - A large floor-to-ceiling window.
    - Principal room.
    - Private living room.

    The Cuisine

    The Agua Nera kitchen is privileged to have Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino as its leader, renowned for his zeal in employing local Amazonian ingredients in inventive, delectable dishes while also dutifully preserving these spices. His remarkable efforts have gained international acclaim, with Malabar and Amaraz restaurants being placed among the world’s top 50. Schaffino, the consultant chef at the Aqua Nera kitchen, is responsible for creating the menu and designing the dishes to be served on board.

    Amazon Dishes

    The menu consists of dishes such as "Causa" with Shrimp Escabeche, Coca Leaf Alfajores, Bitter Chocolate Truffle, Crunchy Avocado, Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella Salad, Brownies, Pecan Caramel Ice Cream Sandwich, and Chichen Stewed in Fermented Palm Fruit.
    - Local and fresh ingredients.
    - Expertise in gourmet dishes.
    - Wide cuisine expertise.

    Drinks and Cocktails

    Aqua Nera's staff are knowledgeable in crafting an exceptional range of drinks and cocktails. Numerous libations are made with the essences, extracts, and ferments of aromatic plants indigenous to the Amazon.
    - An exclusive beverage selection.
    - Local and native spirits.
    - Specialist bartenders.

    Experiences

    Swimming

    In certain areas of the Amazon, you will be able to come into contact with the waters of the Amazon, swimming and enjoying nature directly.
    - Constant expert assistance.
    - Safe and controlled activity.
    - Ideal to connect with nature.

    Bicycling

    This activity can be done on disembarkation in the town of Nauta and is perfect to explore the beautiful town and meet its welcoming and friendly people.
    - Special equipment.
    - Bicycles included.
    - Perfect for a first Amazon connection.

    Private Speedboat

    Our custom-built mechanized aluminum speedboats will take you deep into the tributaries of the Amazon in search of armored catfish, red-bellied piranhas, and beaded spectacled caimans that inhabit the enigmatic black lagoons.
    - Excellent to see wildlife.
    - Easy access to remote areas.
    - Modern speedboats.

    Fishing

    Some species in the Amazon can be fished freely at certain times of the year. Piranhas, for example, are one of the species that can be caught.
    - Relaxing and patient activity.
    - Some local fish.
    - Amazing bodies of water.

    Itineraries

    AQUA NERA - 3N LowWater - Webbooking

    Day 1 AM: Iquitos: Panoramic View of Iquitos and Lunch
    PM: Iquitos: Embark to Aqua Nera and sail Marañón River
    Day 2 AM: Yanayacu-Yacapana Islands: Bird Watching, fishing the Amazon piranhas, and the explanation of the biodiversity by our expert guides.
    PM: Yarapa River: Stargazing and hiking in search of nocturnal wildlife on the banks of the river.
    Day 3 AM: Clavero Lake: Swimming, or canoeing in the black waters of Clavero Lake and knowing the tradition of an ancestral native tribe
    PM: Marañon River: Exploring the surrounding Marañon River in search of amazing wildlife
    Day 4 AM: Nauta: Enjoy a wonderful breakfast, visit a traditional local market, and visit an experienced beekeeper in the San Francisco community
    PM: Iquitos: Visit the Manatee Rescue Center.

    * Some areas and lagoons may be closed to the public due to weather conditions, biological research, or the protection of special species. Please ask one of our travel agents about one of our itineraries before hiring it. We will be happy to assist you.

    Technical Safety Specifications

    The Aqua Nera had the following specifications:

    Technical Safety Features

    • Satellite and radio communication in case of emergencies.
    • Carley floats life rafts.
    • Satellite phone.
    • Flares and signals, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors in each cabin.
    • Automatic defibrillator on board.
    • 4 aluminum auxiliary boats equipped with low-emission engines and with a capacity for 10 people each.

    Technical Details

    • Length: 62.4 meters / 205 feet
    • Beam: 11.5 meters / 38 feet
    • Draft: 1.5 meters / 5 feet
    • Cabins: 20 suites across 2 decks
    • Cruising Speed: 12 knots
    • Type of Vessel: River Expedition Vessel
    • Electricity: 220 volts
    • Engines: 2 x Caterpillars, Tier 3 Emission compliant
    • Generators: 2 x Caterpillars, encapsulated for noise reduction
    • Water: Reverse osmosis and UV water treatment plant

    Our Awards

    World Travel Awards Recognition

    Machu Travel Peru has been internationally recognized by the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA), which have celebrated excellence in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries since 1993.

    From 2017 to 2019, we were awarded as Peru’s Leading Tour Operator, and from 2022 to 2025, we have been consistently recognized as Peru’s Leading Destination Management Company, achievements that culminated in 2025 with our recognition as South America’s Leading Destination Management Company.

    These awards reflect our professionalism and commitment to delivering authentic, high-quality travel experiences.

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