There are certain destinations that are shrouded in mystery, fraught with hints of danger, and so exotic that to explore them requires one to muster their innermost fortitude. Such a place is the Peruvian Amazon, with 1,000 species of ancient trees spread out in an endless sea of rainforest to create the ‘lungs of the planet’. This country-sized swath of land is interrupted by the serpentine-shaped Amazon River where a select few experience an adventure of a lifetime on a luxury Amazon Cruise, privately guided by Peru Full Adventure.

Known as the birthplace of the Amazon rainforest, the Peruvian Amazon encompasses 60% of the country’s terrain and with its unspoilt, organic and largely indigenous flora and fauna, voyagers are welcomed to an Eden of the natural world. To begin their journey to this land guests are first greeted by a private driver and guide in Lima for the first three days. Here, an engaging and bodacious tour of the city’s most significant sites, including San Francisco Monastery, Pachacamac Citadel and many other places convey guests down Peru’s historical and cultural narrative, preparing them for the millions of years of history found in the Amazon.

Next, immediately after landing in Iquitos a private car arrives to transfer one to Nauta port; a quaint provincial village where lopsided wooden buildings with roughly thatched roofs appear to float on the gentle sways of the Marañon River. The mysterious and alluring qualities of its legendary mermaid – who hypnotised natives with her dazzling clothing and natural beauty – continues to compel travellers in the form of Nauta’s extraordinary surroundings. Of most notable splendour is the expansive and open ambience of the river where guests are received in VIP style. With glass in hand, the broad-smiled and glistening-eyed staff show visitors to their ultra-cosy and Peruvian accented suites, designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that breach the gap between an immersive rainforest experience and the creature comforts of a luxury Amazon cruise.

Whether one is sojourning in the oval Corner Suite, the super spacious Owner’s Suite that expands like a penthouse apartment, or one of the smaller, yet still chic Upper Suite’s, they’re promised a homey time. The fresh white walls and airy floor length curtains, coupled with the light shades of beige and tan chaise-lounge chairs and open-front shelves add, rather than detract, to the already generous space. The indulgence of watching the serene Amazon River trickle past as one wakes to the pungent smells of coffee, is second only to the pure bliss of feeling Peruvian linens beneath you or bathing with organic products in the spa-like bathrooms.

While the lure of the rooms is strong, the joviality of Happy Hour on the third deck beckons one away. Here, the nimble bartender prepares exotic cocktails faster than one can finish scanning the ink drawn map behind the displayed liquor bottles. Bringing one back to the present are the aromas of regional fruits, and the strong fumes of Peru’s amber-coloured brandy, Pisco. Before heading to dine, the lounge’s oak floor glistens with the light from the encircling balcony, while the plethora of lightly toned brown sofas and armchairs bring the ease and comfort of indoor-outdoor living to the fore. The nearby bustle of the entertainment centre and the copious literature provided make this lounge an area to recline, close one’s eyes and enter a light reverie.

Ending the night by sampling a variety of delectable and contemporary dishes, inspired by fresh and exotic ingredients from the Peruvian Amazon and served by attentive staff, is the ultimate treat. The candlelit ambience tied with the enormous glass windows that presents chefs personalising each dish with a flair of creativity, magnifies the bespoke adventure this luxury Amazon cruise offers.

Replacing the three-decked cruise for their smaller skiffs, the next day sees guests transplanted onto the river. The light wooden exterior effortlessly blends into the swells of the water while the open design allows for an intimate bond with the elements to develop, as fingers are dipped into the Samiria River, otters are smiled at, and the Peru air ruffles hairs and fills lungs. With lush verdure and an assortment of trees, the only audible noise is that of the boat surging forwards. That is, until it isn’t. Then without warning the shrill screams of the luminous blue-and-yellow and scarlet macaw birds pierce the serenity and the large, colourful bills of the resident toucan and sly monkeys are seen soaring to their next branch.

Before heading back to the cruise for a well-earned siesta, travellers are brought to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve where more of Peru’s diverse biodiversity is explored. Here, an unrivalled opportunity to swim with the famous pink dolphin of the Amazon is arranged. The joy one thought they’d been experiencing is heightened by the love and laughter caused by the charm and quirky personality of these bulbous fore-headed and cheeky dolphins. 

While the sunrise bounces off of one’s cabin windows the next morning, guests are already rambling across the Fundo Casual jungle trail deep in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. From discovering even more energetic creatures to learning about the ingenious healing properties of some of the native plants and roots, guests travel deeper into the vast wilderness to meet the community of San Francisco.

Unbeknown to many, this village houses 450 “riberenos”, river people; a handful of the 20 million human inhabitants of the Amazon River. Their world is the rainforest and has been for generations and will be for centuries to come. There’s an undeniable feeling of stepping back in time as no road access means no vehicles, a communal generator provides electricity for only a few hours at night, and handmade arts and crafts are made and sold by local women in the market – it’s heartening to see such traditions kept alive.

As dusk approaches, guests return to the cruise for dinner and reenergise themselves for the bewitching night safari in the Peruvian Amazon. Since sight is no longer a guiding force, one must submit to a cacophony of mesmerising sounds and the disquieting rustle, crackle, and crinkle that signals the jungle’s inhabitants are preparing to feast. The real delight, however, comes from glimpsing what’s behind these noises and if fate allows the ferocious Caiman alligator and birds of the night might be unearthed. After a long night of tense watching, guests can burn off any pent-up adrenaline back on the cruise with aerobics or cardio in the tranquil gym or opt for a cleansing massage or scrubs inspired by the rainforest.

The following day brings one’s departure from the luxurious cruise. A quick visit to the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Animals allows guests to end their Amazonian adventure by meeting and petting baby manatees, who’s lolling nature and circular build look like a child’s beloved teddy bear.

From here, travellers are flown to Cusco where Peru Full Adventure introduces one to the mountainous Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and ruined town of Pisac. Here, guests have intimate access to its Temple of the Sun, baths, ceremonial platform and init Watana; a volcanic ritual stone originally used as an astronomic clock and calendar, both of which the Inca’s used to tell when the season changed. To end one’s trip in deluxe style, traveller’s hop on board the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train for a 13-hour tour of the sprawling Inca capital of Machu Picchu and then tour exclusive parts of Cusco city for local traditions and exquisite Peruvian architecture.

With these scenes at the forefront of one’s mind and the memory of the luxury Amazon cruise, visiting Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and swimming with pink dolphins of the Amazon, a lasting impression survives in the stories related to one’s family.