We encourage all our guests on our luxury cruises down Peru’s Amazon to send us their comments and travel reviews about their experience with Aqua Expeditions. Here are a few of our recent guests describing their Amazon River journeys in their own words…
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We just got home and we loved the trip!! We did the 7 days and have no regrets for selecting 7 days. Barry and I highly recommend the 7 days since we were able to really get deep into the Amazon region and feel the culture of the people. The guides are very knowledeable and friendly people....we loved being escorted by Roland, Daniel, and Victor!! This trip would not be memorable had it not have been for Robinson, who kept servicing our every need! The crew had many talents...when Denis, the lead waiter was not serving the outstanding food (especially the desserts!) he would entertain us with his fabulous voice along with the talented Aqua Band...in Fact we recommend to buy their CD just to keep those memories with you forever!! We thank Aqua and the professional Aqua crew for the wonderful experience we had in the Amazon!! Love to you all,
Mr. and Mrs. Steinberg, April 2010
Our guides were extraordinary and rank with the best we had at high end resorts in Africa. They are the best ambassadors Peru can have.
Mr. and Mrs. Kashnow, April 2010
All staff went out of their way to make it a special experience - loved the towel origamis! We enjoyed the most: skiff trips, attention to details at every level and their passion for the Amazon.
Mr. and Mrs. Edelheit, April 2010
All 3 guides were brilliant, enthusiastic and passionate about the rainforest, able to share their knowledge and help us see the animals.
Mr. and Mrs. Jones, April 2010
The best crew and guides ever encountered. Their courtesy to guests and cooperation with one another makes it even more fun and wonderful. We came for the Amazon and it lived up to our expectations but with the help of a luxury vessel and spectacular guides.
Mr. and Mrs. Meadows, March 2010
All guides were simply excellent. A very special "total experience" and a privilege to have seen this special world. Hard to inprove on a nearly perfect operation!!! Great team effort. Many thanks!
Mr. and Mrs. Fuehrer, March 2010
We loved the guides' enthusiasm, wealth of knowledge. We enjoyed returning after each adventure to a cool and clean ship with great crew members, good food and drinks. We suggest that you continue giving back to the locals. The Aqua is an excellent ambassador.
Mr. and Mrs. Eisch, March 2010
We could not think of a better way to enjoy and learn about the Amazonian rainforest and it's people.
Mr. and Mrs. Eberspacher, March 2010
Being in the rainforest accompanied by such knowledgeable, helpful and friendly guides. In all, an experience of a lifetime.
Mr. and Mrs. Cave, March 2010
Todo estuvo increíble y sobrepasó mis expectativas al 100%. Desde el barco, la atención y todo, hasta la naturaleza que es realmente impresionante. Para mi es uno de los mejores viajes que he hecho hasta el momento.
Sra. Kostic, February 2010
We want to say, as I know many have done before, what a superlative tour we had with your crew on 'Aqua'. The kindness, and the professionalism of the whole crew, the knowledge of our guides, the comfort, the fun and the consideration made for a wonderful experience. We are so appreciative of the amount and the variety of information the guides gave us about everything we saw. We were shown so much in our week with the expedition. The wildlife, the people, the rivers and the history. A week we will never forget and guides who are incredible educators. Thank you.
Mr. and Mrs. Churcher, February 2010
We boarded the Aqua in Iquitos, Peru, for seven days on the Amazon & its tributaries. Most of our time was spent on 8-passenger skiffs exploring the rain forest, but when we returned to the Aqua, we were pampered in air-conditioned comfort. Yummy Peruvian food. So what was it like? It was magical. Hundreds of pink dolphin & lots of gray ones. We held baby caimen, caught piranhas, fed baby manatees with a milk bottle. Monkeys-five different kinds- entertained us each day and sloths slept high in cecropia trees. The rare sighting of an Amazon porcupine (they have prehensile tails!) even surprised our guides. Birds there are incredible. Splashes of primary colors and sounds that defy imagination. Some of us identified over 140 different species and even I had well over 100. We spent a few hours in a random village along a river. Impossibly simple lives. We brought gifts to hand out to the children. They sang and we did a rousing "You are my sunshine..." in return. When you are together for a week, you expect a little mediocrity to emerge. Absolutely none here. In the end, I told the crew in my shaky Spanish that the river lives in our hearts. It certainly does.
M. Seymour, February 2010
The Aqua service, food, friendliness, the iitinerary pace and variety, enthusiasm of all the guides and crew was great. They were safety minded and worked hard to make everyone happy. It was an outstanding experience! We love it! We would do it again and we can't wait to share the experience with our friends. Thank you for sharing the Amazon with us!!
Mr. and Mrs. Mecherlkoff, February 2010
The music performance by naturalist and crew was a great fun. We enjoyed the whole trip very much.
Tolhurst, January 2010
We enjoyed interacting with the guides, They are so knowledgeable and caring about the environment and ensuring everyone enjoys themselves. Everything was fantastic, thank you!
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, January 2010
We loved being out on the reiver - beautiful eco-system, sighting pink dolphins, learning from naturalists and native people. The staff are all very helpful and anxious to please. Very professional.
Enloe party, January 2010
All guides were top notch! Especially appreciated that they had grown up in the Amazon region and knew it extensively. Staff kind and considerate made boatlife more enjoyable. Interaction among guides, staff and crew was an additional benefit.
Mr. Ritzel, January 2010
Fantastic itinerary, extremely friendly staff, beautiful boat!
Mr. Parks, January 2010
The boat excursions and the wonderful guides were great. We also loved the band.
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad, December 2009
The naturalists genuine excitement and love for the Amazon made this trip unforgettable. They were all beyond amazing.
Mr. and Mrs. Cohen, December 2009
First we want to tell you that we had a wonderful trip. The time we spent in lima was great---we had a nice tour of the city. The cruise was wonderful----everyone on the staff were very efficient----the boat and our daily activities were beyond our expectations. We want to send some clothes & books for people in the local villages that the aqua crew can give out----where do we send them. Thank you and regards.
Mr. and Mrs. Beck, November 2009
No sabes la alegría que me dio leer esta nota, la verdad que tu empresa es un orgullo y ejemplo para otras empresas, y las felicitaciones por esta nominación, que no hace sino confirmar que el turismo puede realmente convertirse en una actividad económicamente competitiva, socialmente inclusiva y ambientalmente responsable como bien lo manifiesta nuestro Ministro, Sr. Martín Pérez.
Gracias por apostar por Loreto, y estoy segura que, con el Río Amazonas ubicado el día de hoy en el tercer lugar del ranking mundial del concurso de las Siete Maravillas Naturales del Mundo, la promoción hacia el destino se verá fortalecida.
Un abrazo y que sigan los éxitos.
C. Alegria, Ministerio de Turismo del Peru, November 2009
El viaje resultó extraordinario desde todo punto de vista: las atenciones del personal "en tierra", la preciosa embarcación, el equipo humano que nos acompañó y apoyó en todo el viaje, el entorno maravilloso de la selva, la excelente comida y los increíbles detalles!!!!!
Y ni que decir de la sorpresa final que nos dió el Grupo Musical de Aqua, especialmente Denis, con su extraordinaria habilidad para tocar instrumentos simultaneamente....
Nuevamente, gracias por todo.
Ojalá que cada día haya mas peruanos que se interesen por esta ruta.
Sr. y Sra. Cigueñas, October 2009.
This experience far exceeded anything I could have hoped for in the Amazon. My experience of laying in bed and watching the jungle go by or the wonderful experience with our guides in the skiffs and then to top it off the 5 star dining.
K. Upchurch, Odyssey Travel, September 2009.
The boat itself is terrific - comfortable, sleek, modern - very impressive. The food was such a surprise, I must say! I expected good food, but not at the level that you've been able to inspire from your team. But most of all, the entire crew, and especially the guides, made our five days a truly memorable experience. I have traveled the world for many years in the company of some of the best guides to be found. Yours are on that level with their knowledge, their enthusiasm, their friendliness and the pride and delight in sharing their country and what they know. Just fantastic and such fun!
C. Holloway, Orient Express, September 2009.
The trip was all we had hoped for and more. Claudia, the Cruise Director, took very good care of us and she along with Winston, the ship's doctor, gave me special attention when I needed it. The three guides, Juan, Daniel, and Victor, were outstanding. They had exceptional knowledge of the trip and were excellent in finding and showing us the wildlife. Denis was exceptional in the dining room while Thomas gave us special treatment in our room. Of course, Robinson made our off hours pleasant in the lounge. The food was excellent, served perfectly and tasted superb! The"Aqua International Band" was a delight at the farewell parties on Tuesday and Friday nights and particularly were a surprise and pleased us when they helped celebrate my wife's birthday and we appreciated it very much.
Mr. and Mrs. Walls, October 2009
I have just returned home today and it is hard to believe the journey has ended! I can't tell you what a truly incredible experience it really was - now, looking back Aqua and Machu Pichu were truly my two favorite parts of the trip! Your team was simply the BEST. I can't get over the talents of the guides not to mention the entire team.
M. Andersen, Admiral Travel, October 2009
I found 4 nights on the boat to be perfect and everything about the experience exceptional...especially the crew and guides(food was great too!) I know your new terminal lounge will be beautiful and I really enjoyed my tour on the last day of both the floating city and the manatee center.
M. Gaughen, Sterling Travel, October 2009
The staff was exceptional, the food was great, accommodations were comfortable and luxurious – the trip, overall, was one of the most memorable of my life. I loved (and will treasure) every minute!
C. Perleberg, Travel Specialist, Sept 2009
My wife had asked me years ago to take her on a cruise of the Amazon, but until I saw the photos and description of the Aqua I never really considered it. The cruise became our 36th wedding anniversary gift to ourselves and was perfect. The ship is even better than we expected. In particular, the wide picture windows of the staterooms that allowed us to lie in bed with coffee and watch the river traffic flow past, and the fast, stable skiffs that enabled your naturalist guides to take us up winding tributaries to visit isolated villages and experience spectaculor sunsets really made us smile.
Let me also comment on the excellent security you provided. Having lived in Africa and worked in the Middle East and South Asia, we appreciate the need for good security. We never felt ill at ease on the cruise and found your security to be robust and reassuring.
Thank you for the personal attention that you have shown in our travel. We had a wonderful trip and look forward to another visit in the future.
Mr. and Mrs. Butts, August 2009
If you want to see the real Amazon, the Aqua is the way to do it.
K. Bellows, Editor in Chief, National Geographic Traveler, 2009
We absolutely love the Aqua! Had such a fabulous time; wish we were still there! The boat is wonderful, the crew was fantastic, and we're still talking about how much fun it was.
C. Pieper, June 2009
Great boat and crew and fantastic tour - will excite all my friends. Well done, thanks.
E.Gartner, May 2009
All went out of their way to be of assistance. The guides were especially good and extremely knowledgeable.
Mr. Knight, May 2009
We had an outstanding experience in every way! You run a perfect operation. Huge thank you.
J. Kong, May 2009
You are amazong - you take luxury service into the rainforest with style and grace. Guides are great and fun guys. Chef is first rate. We'll recommend you to all our friends.
Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre, May 2009
Everything worked so well that is difficult to see how you could improve your excellent service. We would have no hesitation in recommending the Aqua to our friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Miles, May 2009
Please stay in business, this was thrilling! I cannot speak highly enough about Christian, Diego and Denis. Wonderful service!. Winston also went above and beyond.
D. Kinnard, May 2009
Juan is particularly a strong guide who is also a good listener. He tries to be always tuned into both rainforest and the questions of guests - an excellent role model. Incredible cuisine - soups, entrees, desserts and breads - kudos and praise to all in the kitchen. Thanks also to Denis, Carlos and Diego for all attentive professional excellent service. Diego appeared to work non stop - always smiling and meeting our requests. Christian kept our cabins impeccably clean and went out of his way to anticipate our needs. Guadalupe was available 24/7 and always quick with answers to varied topics of questions.
Mr. Kinnard, May 2009
Truly outstanding four day programme. Guides very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Adherence to timetable worthy of special attention. Wonderful attention to detail. Breakfast in the lagoon and mimosas among giant lilies worth special mention. Closing concert by members of the staff a treat! Any one day's excursion was worth the whole trip.
R. Flamini - April 2009
The crew on this ship goes out of their way to make sure everything is perfect for everyone. Loved the Aqua band.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilhem - April 2009
I feel you have got it all right. The vessel is way above expectations. The food a gastronomic delight and with the friendly staff, it all makes for a wonderful experience. Bravo! A big thankful to the doctor aboard.
Mr. and Mrs. Hindson - April 2009
The M/V Aqua has become our Amazonia "home". Everyone went out of their way to make us feel like a part of their extended family. We will return and hopefully send others to visit with you.
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin - April 2009
Service by staff and guides was truly superb! Ricky was an awesome guide. We had a great time with him on the skiffs. Guadalupe was always on the ball and took good care of us.
Mr. and Mrs. Varshawsky - April 2009
I want to thank you for the wonderful river tour we experienced in March of this year. It will never be forgotten, and especially by my grandson, Sam. He has been ask to put together a PowerPoint presentation at his school. As you know, Sam was able to get many pictures of the jungle, wild life, and the river and will use these photos in his presentation. We hope all is well with you and the crew. What you provided for us was a once in a lifetime experience. A special thank you for stopping at the Indian market so that Sam could purchase the drum. He has demonstrated it many times and
also to his drum teacher. Again, thanks for making all of this possible for myself as well as for Sam.
Happy sailing, until we meet again.....
E. Palmer and grandson, March 2009
Nothing beats enjoying a nice cold Aqua Sour on the top deck bar area after a day searching the Amazon Rainforest for monkeys. As soon as I got home - I told my top clients about this amazing experience.
M. Holtz, The Smart Flyer, March 2009
Every time I go into the Amazon, I am humbled and awed by the incredible power of the jungle, the river, and its people. Aboard the beautiful MV Aqua- I was highly impressed by the quality of service provided to each guest, the attention given to even the smallest details, and the genuinely enthusiastic demeanor of all the boat staff. The naturalists were not only highly knowledgeable about all things in nature, they were exceptional individuals with an obvious love for what they do and all life in the jungle.
C. Cousteau, Destinations at Risk by Butterfield and Robinson, February 2009
Our 7 nights aboard the M/V Aqua exceeded our expectations. It was a terrific trip, and I think we had excellent exposure to the Amazon basin. The staff aboard Aqua were most pleasant and accommodating. It's hard to imagine that the M/V Aqua has been in operation for just over a year. It seems like all the systems have been in operation and honed to near perfection over years.
F. Davis, February 2009
This is a rare assemblage of superbly knowledgeable, friendly and capable people.
Mr. and Mrs. Golden, February 2009
The M/V Aqua experience was the best, the very best. Everyone loved it. The boat, the food, the excursions, the Amazon – everything lined up to our high expectations. You are, I am sure, feeling very good about the whole program. You will be hearing from us about next year. It was great to see you in Peru. All the best,
G. Butterfield, February 2009
Everyone gets a 5 rating. Knowledgeable guides, skilled drivers, personnel warm and helpful.
M. Bryant, February 2009
Overall excellent service and attention. Safe and smooth cruise with pleasant but professional atmosphere.
C. Lowe, February 2009
Your crew is AAA!! in every respect. The vessel accommodations were pleasantly surprising. The captain is delightful and obviously does an outstanding job of managing the boat. The guides are extraordinary and friendly. They do a remarkable job of keeping us safe and happy. They are the very best! The whole crew and Dennis in the dining room are delightful and very good.
Mr. and Mrs. Rosenthal, February 2009
Guides are absolutely fantastic – so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We love all of them. Your crowning glory is the staff; please look after them as I am sure you do as they are happy.
T. Coggins, February 2009
Guides are awesome! Knowledge superb, took very good care of us. Incredible service, positive attitude – always smiling. Very impressed. We appreciate having a paramedic on board. Enjoyed program of music, food and wine were superb!
Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan, February 2009
Wonderful, wonderful trip, everyone was so nice and accommodating. The food was just amazing, creative and delicious!
D. Shapiro, February 2009
Everything was wonderful from the accommodations and spaciousness of the rooms to the food and excursions – 5+. Everything was first class and we loved everything. Gracias!
Mr. and Mrs. Townsend, February 2009
We could not have made a better choice for our trip. Everyone was very nice. The guides were great. Loved the excursions. The food was just fabulous. Sorry for it to end. It was great!! We will recommend the cruise and the Aqua to everyone we know.
Mr. and Mrs. Veit, February 2009
We just sailed on this wonderful boat last week and were totally amazed with the experience. From the meet-and-greet at Iquitos to the drop-off at the airport five days later...we did the four night. It certainly did exceed our expectations. The accomodations, the staff, the food and experience were all first class. A high class act! The suites (we were on the second level) were spacious and well appointed. Now, the food! Breakfast, lunch and dinner were spectacular. Eggs etc. to order, fresh fruit, pastries (all were amazing)...each day the breads were freshly baked and the local produce was fresh and pure. Oh, the juices are to die for. Lunch buffet hit the spot and offered variety (vegetarians will be very happy). Dinner was the highlight...wines, great service and meat or fish dishes. The vegetarian dishes were so great many of us ordered them for sides to share. Portobello mushrooms on the Amazon! The excursion were just right for our group (avg. age was about fifty). So, we can't say enough about this company, crew and experience. Enjoy, go and do it and do it with the best!
P. Darren, January 2009 (Posted on Tripadvisor)
I just returned from the seven day option on the M/V Aqua and have only glowing reports to give. If we could have stayed another week, I would have. I'm even considering a return during the dry season. This is truly the interface between luxury travel and a wilderness expedition. My top priority was to have excellent and knowledgeable guides. All of the guides are indigenous to the region having actually grown up in the Amazonian rain forest. They have eagle eyes! I don't know how the guides do it but we saw almost 80 species of birds, numerous species of monkeys, reptiles and amphibians. Yes - there really are pink dolphins in the river! The crew is delightful. The skiffs used for daily exploration are comfortable as well and there are always ponchos available for the inevitable and occasional downpour. The rooms spacious and beautiful - not like on the other expeditions that seem to equate roughing it with going into the wilderness. The food is delicious but is also on the light and healthy side with delicious deserts that left many of us clamoring for recipes. Last, I was thrilled by the diversity of the other travelers. Our companions for the week were from all over the world. Run, don't walk and reserve on this wonderful boat.
Eclectictravel, January 2009 (Posted on Tripadvisor)
Truly the interface between luxury cruising and wilderness expeditions. I've done others and the Aqua outshines them all. The boat is beautiful and comfortable, the meals are excellent, the guides are indigenous to the area, love what they do and really know the wildlife. On a scale of one to ten, I put this at a 15. The Mighty Amazon is exactly that - mighty and remote but we navigated tributaries in the wonderful skiffs that are integral to sightseeing along the river. We saw almost 80 species of birds, numerous snakes, lizards, caimans, and more. I was very moved by the people in the tiny villages along the shores. The scenery is spectacular and the trip was all about keeping the dynamic group aboard the Aqua happy and stimulated. All in all, a wonderful experience. We're talking about going back in the dry season! Warm regards to all of you.
J. Block, January 2009
I don't think that I fully processed my week on the Aqua yet. There are so many thoughts rolling around my head. The ship itself, of course; the crew and brilliant guides, the food; but what stands out most are two things. The first is the amazing group of people on board. How wonderful the chemistry was is quite amazing. I know that it is a rarified group of people who go on a voyage such as the one you offer, but think about it.......we all got along so well! Second and more important is how the time in the Amazon affected me. The beauty of the area itself and the flora and fauna we saw; but more important than that, I think, is what we saw of the people. That last village? Caribe? and the faces we saw. Juan's talking to us of the happiness of the children; that their lives are easy, happy and simple. I have so many thoughts about that. What I mean to tell you is that, well beyond the ship and the wildlife, this trip offers so much more. Thank you for that. Again, thank you for a week that will last long in my memory and change the way I look at things. Warmly and fondly,
A. Weinshank, January 2009
Everyone was most helpful, knowledgeable and interesting. Our needs were met with good will and courtesy. Our questions were answered with a high degree of local knowledge and a very good grasp of English.
Mr. and Mrs. Roloson, January 2009
Visiting the Amazon was always a dream of ours. The Aqua’ team made our dream come true. It was better than expected! Thank you very much!
E. Onrust, January 2009
The service was amazing! Everyone was friendly, kind and professional. The boat was exceptional as was the food. We will definitely recommend this trip to others. Thank you for your kindness.
Mr. and Mrs. Morgridge, December 2008
Everything was handled so smoothly from the day to day tours to meals, really exceptional. Dream architecture, we will tear down our house upon return.
Mr. and Mrs. Bradford, December 2008
We enjoyed to travel with people who loves to show their country and have a pride in what they do. Please change nothing!
C. Moffett, December 2008
We've just got to internet access after our week on the Aqua and I just had to drop you a note right away to say we had the most amazing time. The accommodation, the trips out, the guides, the food, the service - everyone on board - was of the highest standard and we were spoilt and educated and entertained from the minute we arrived to the moment we left. Thank you all so much. I wanted to write to you personally to say an enormous thank you from Ian and me for all the effort you all put in to giving us such a memorable, happy trip. Many thanks and very best wishes,
J. Prowse, November 2008
I just wanted to send you an email to tell you what a FANTASTIC time I had on the Aqua. Wow - it so exceeded my wildest expectations! The crew, naturalists, state room, and food were incredible. Not only was my cruise one of the best travel experiences of my life - but one of my life's greatest adventures. Cheers and thanks for a wonderful time!
T. Abrams, November 2008
We just returned from a 7 night trip on the Aqua and it was fantastic. The accommodations were very comfortable: a California king size bed, a sofa sitting area (small- you're on a boat) and a nice cozy bath. Everything was very clean although there were a few of the inevitable insects since you are in the rainforest. The food was excellent with plenty of variety. It was hard to believe that you were on a relatively small boat cruising the Amazon and its tributaries. The guides were also great and very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We had a fun group on our skiff and had a lot of laughs while we were exploring. The experience of floating down a small stream with nobody else around except- upon occasion- a local fisherman fishing from his dugout canoe was exhilarating. Once we left Iquitos we never saw another tourist. All of the above and luxury too is hard to beat.
FritzL2, November 2008 (Posted on Tripadvisor)
Nos la pasamos como nunca, todo estuvo muy padre. Karlita muchas gracias por toda tu atención, te vamos a extrañar mucho. Daniel, Victor, Juan: nos encantó como bailaban y como tocaban, gracias por enseñarnos todos los animales del río Amazonas. Raúl: muchas gracias porque nos ayudaste en todas nuestras molestias especialmente las molestias de los mosquitos, te vamos a extrañar. Denis y Aquiles: muchas gracias por atendernos tan bien y dejarnos con la boca abierta. Denis nos encantó tu música. Gracias a todos los demás por ayudarnos en todo, los vamos a extrañar a todos y juramos regresar. Ah y otra cosa que no se nos va a olvidar, la comida!!! Estaba buenísima. Los vamos a extrañar y muchas gracias por consentirnos tanto. Los queremos.
M. Quintero, M. y D. Verdes, November 2008
Thank you for all your help and courtesy in connection with our recent trip on the Aqua. It was great in every way. The ship, Aqua staff, arrangements and expeditions were all terrific. One of the best overall travel experiences we have ever had. Very best regards to you and your colleagues.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodworth, October 2008
We very much enjoyed our experience on the AQUA and especially appreciated the excellent staff. As you saw from our video, they are very involved with the group in helping them to learn more about the incredible Amazon region. Please forward our best to our dear friends on the AQUA. Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Schumacher, September 2008
We just got back from our 7 day trip on the M/V Aqua yesterday and would rate it as one of the most fantastic trips we've been on. We have been on other small boat luxury trips and thought this was the best - hands down. We thought the food was fantastic. I am vegetarian and my husband is aquatarian. Meals are always a concern when booking a trip. There was plenty of variety and the food was very tasty. I cannot imagine walking away hungry from dinner. The first course was always soup, then an appetizer, then the main course (3 choices), then a sorbet taster and desert (2 choices). The guides were enthusiastic and very informative. We had a blast! No complaints at all. We highly recommend this trip. 7 nights is best, but if you can't do the whole week, we definitely recommend the 4 day trip as the Pacaya River was the highlight. Go and enjoy! You won't regret it.
Brandygirl20, September 2008 (Posted on Tripadvisor)
We just returned from a 4 night trip on the Aqua (September 08). We stayed in one of the master suites on the first floor (at the front of the boat). The food was excellent. Breakfast and lunch are both buffets with plenty to choose from (I loved their tamales). The staff is very accommodating. There just isn't anything else plying the waters of Iquitos that offers the same level of luxury. The highlight is an evening skiff ride in which our guide caught a caiman. We'll definitely go back and check out the Amazon during the rainy season with M/V Aqua.
Eric_C_W, September 2008 (Posted on Tripadvisor)
What an OUTSTANDING experience!!! Cannot say enough about the crew!
V. McNamara, September 2008
I know that you want us to fill out the comment thing when we departed, but I thought I would send you an email instead to tell you how much our family enjoyed our time on the Aqua. You have a special group of guides and staff, and I think you are on to something for the higher end traveler. Again, thank you for a memorable experience and if you ever need a recommendation, just ask.
H. Yancy, August 2008
I also would like to give you my personal recommendation for Victor. I have traveled with naturalists on yachts in several countries and he and Daniel are on a whole new level. I feel I learned more during my week aboard Aqua than in years of school. I watched Victor completely inspire every person on the trip - from bored 13 year-old kids to urbanite lawyers who rarely undertake such wild outdoor ventures, to older couples who have been on 30+ safaris all over the world. He is an incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent person, a stellar guide and was indispensable during the week.
Jordan Mitchnick, Editor, August 2008
We traveled on the MV Aqua in mid July on a 4 night trip. The entire trip was amazing. The boat, the staff, the excursions, the food was all fantastic. The food was fantastic, it could not have been better. We thought that the choice of food options and the meals themselves were great. We actually did not expect that we would have much choice in meal options and were pleasantly surprised. The guides and staff were great- there are so many staff that there is always someone available to help you. The excursions were well planned and provided a lot of variety. We enjoyed every part of the excursions. We loved the experience, would recommend it to anyone and we would definitely do it again. We did also get lucky and have a wonderful group of people on the boat with us. We enjoyed meeting and getting to know everyone that we were with.
Triker93, July 2008 (Posted on Tripadvisor)
We are just back from 16 days in Peru that started with 4 nights on the Amazon. We went with Aqua Expeditions. Great boat, guides, food etc. I cannot say one thing I would change about this experience. In looking at some of the other river boats we saw, I was glad we were on the Aqua because every room had HUGE windows that you could lay in bed and look out of. Lots of glass, lounge chairs on the top deck over all great experience.
SaintJill, July 2008 (Posted on Tripadvisor)
This was the most amazing Amazon experience EVER!! I reccomend it to everyone of my clients traveling to Peru! My guides Daniel and Usiel were so informative and had eyes as sharp of hawks! The crew were all so nice as well and the food was amazing!! I did not have a Camu-Camu Sour but I couldn't get enough of the fresh Camu-Camu juice! ;-)
H. Kilpatrick, Ker & Downey, June 2008
Upon arrival we were met by the MV Aqua Greeter Eva and Daniel – one of the Naturalists in the MV Aqua. We were given a quick tour of Iquitos and then driven to the MV Aqua – the most luxurious ship on the Amazon. We did the 3 night cruise which starts in Iquitos. We all had so much fun together and I believe the quality of cliental aboard the ship help to make the cruise what it is. I love the dinner, all portions were perfect size and delicious. Whether you are a meat eater or vegetarian – the MV Aqua caters to all. Early morning excursion on the skiffs to enjoy the birds, monkeys and sloths. We passed locals fishing and canoeing along the river. We listened to the sounds of the dense jungle and learned about the habitats of the wonderful creatures of the vanishing gem. We arrived back in time for a yummy buffet style breakfast and went out again after breakfast to fish for piranhas. We had an amazing experience as we floated alongside white egrets getting ready to nest for the evening. We also spotted tarantula’s on a tree and our fearless guide Usiel caught a caiman by hand to show us interesting facts about them. We caught the most magnificent sunset and visited a village where the local school children danced for us in their tribal dress. It is a project by the teacher to help the children remember their past and sing and dance traditional songs. They kids were so beautiful and danced so well – it brought tears to my eyes. Everyone of the Aqua was amazing and I was so sad to leave, I almost cried! What a great experience this all has been. I cannot wait to return and explore more of what Peru has to offer.
M. Guy, Ker & Downey, June 2008
Felicidades por el proyecto tan diferente y tan bien realizado. Estuvimos maravillados por la oportunidad de visitar esta maravilla del mundo y hacerlo de la manera que lo hicimos. Cuenten en que seremos unos embajadores de su itinerario, barco... Mucha suerte. Saludos.
R. Obregón, June 2008
We just returned from a 7-day cruise with Aqua Expedition. It was an amazing adventure! The ship is totally a 5-star experience. The rooms are beautiful, spacious, very clean and comfortable. The staff was diligent and totally consumed with pleasing us. In fact, we were not pleased with the itinerary and the ship's director and the Naturalists altered the schedule to meet our desires to do more hiking than sitting on a skiff. The meat, shrimp and fish were delicious; the lunches outstanding.
Anniep1977, May 2008 (Posted on Tripadvisor)
My wife and I, and our friends the Valoves, have returned safely and healthy from our Amazon adventure aboard the Aqua. We thoroughly enjoyed our time. I want to take some time to point out particularly 3 staff members with whom we were most impressed. First, Karla Benzaquen, the Cruise Director, was so accommodating, friendly, and informative. She worked hard to make our experience enjoyable and full. She should be commended. In addition, our guides, Usiel and Manuel, were top rate, personable, loaded with knowledge and eager to talk about the Amazon. Manuel, in particular, has a real enthusiasm for his work, and it shows. Finally, we never underestimated the skills and patience of the skiff drivers; they, perhaps, have the hardest jobs. We have spoken very highly of our trip with our friends here in the States and we will continue to do so.
Mr. and Mrs. Abramson, May 2008
We were very satisfied with our stay on board the Aqua. Your crew, the boat, food, and the places we visited were very good. I wrote an article about M/V Aqua in the August 2008 issue of a monthly Turkish Sailing & Yachting Magazine. The magazine is called "NAVIGA". Thank you all for the great experience.
S. Ediger, May 2008
You have created an amazing product, and I feel privileged to have spent a week with your crew on the Amazon. Thank you for my beautiful cabin, for your warm hospitality, for my birthday cake on Sunday (complete with guitar singing!), and for making me feel so welcome and so special. I was very impressed with the product, the excursions, and the hardware - but most of all - I loved your crew. They are a fantastic, professional, warmhearted group.
I. Maza, Signature Network, May 2008
All crew and guides are extraordinary. Ship is beautifully designed and appointed. Everyone was most helpful. It was a wonderful experience fulfilling a lifetime dream. Thank you all.
D. Nelson, April 2008
I sincerely thank you for your kindness, your sense of welcome and the way you share your knowledge. This boat is unbelievable, you make a very good work! Merci et trés bonne chance à tous.
D. Thebaud, April 2008
All in all we enjoyed this trip very much and would love to come back. Thank you for a very relaxing, enjoyable 4 days.experience.
D. Hale, April 2008
The entire staff is the best we've met throughout the world!. All excellent and exceptional in every way - knowledge, personality, English and humor.
W. Roberts, April 2008
For me this trip was the most memorable trip I have had on the Amazon plus my first cruise. The staff were all amazing my only wish was that I had spent a week on the boat. I highly recommend this trip to all my clients and anyone wanting an unforgettable 5 star cruise. Also they did have the most amazing food on board. I couldn't get enough of the heart of Palm. ;-)
H. Coughlan , Cox & Kings UK, March 2008
Sailing on the Aqua: Imagine the surprise and giddiness when one discovers a promise of great things to actually come true! Such is the experience of sighting the Aqua for the first time: immediately, it becomes apparent this will be no ordinary enterprise. From her striking naval architecture to modern and soothing colouring hues, the Aqua delivers on every front: commodious cabins with gigantic bay windows, attentive service, smiling helpful staff and seamless operation. The star of the show is supposed to be the clever Amazon itinerary if not the destination in itself and these are powerful in their own right but the Aqua itself almost steals the spotlight - it's that good. After all, we are sailing in untouched jungle amidst a not so hospitable environment for city slickers; we are here to experience raw rainforest with its myriad life forms. This experience is facilitated by Aqua's three local naturalists or "supernaturalists" for they seem to divine where the wildlife is rather than merely spot it. Thanks to them, sloths become distinguishable, howler monkeys howl back, dolphins cavort nearby and bird songs acquire meaning. One does not step off the Aqua without experiencing another critical aspect of any foreign journey: the local cuisine. Thanks to a fantastic kitchen, every meal is an opportunity to sample Peru's famous local fare, always presented with a twist. Even the cocktails, made with supernutrient amazonian fruit the "kamu kamu" are healthy.
D. Giossan - Butterfield & Robinson, February 2008
At the kind invitation of Francesco Galli Zugaro, we had a lovely experience. Francesco is a visionary in the same manner as a young Lars Eric Lindblad was. From scratch he has built the all suite luxury expedition vessel M.V. Aqua. Based in Iquitos on the mighty Amazon River, it will set a new level of luxury not experienced before in this part of the world. Our suite was impeccably designed and outfitted. No deluxe amenity has been overlooked. This was complimented by gourmet cuisine and fine wines created by Miguel Schiaffino, from Lima's famed Malabar restaurant. Iquitos is still very exotic and the superb staff and excellent guides entertained us with lectures and side expeditions to remote villages and reserves not normally accessible. Four your sophisticated deluxe clients.....this it IT! A wonderful new option for those who have been to the Galapagos for instance. A short flight from Lima takes you to Francesco's new world. I am sure he will create many other new/exciting projects in the future. I highly recommend the trip/vessel. The best to all from sunny Lima - 73 degrees Fahrenheit today.
B. Aab - Linden Travel, February 2008
Dear Francesco, Thank you so much for all your hospitality and taking the time to show us Aqua and the deep, dark regions of the Amazon. We are all very excited for you and feel that you will definitely deliver on a luxury product and experience of which our clients will enjoy. We look forward to hearing more after your first cruise and we wish you nothing but great success! Best regards.
S. Wiseman - Abercrombie and Kent USA, December 2007
