In this context, Travel2latam spoke with Giovanna Villacorta, Director of Amazon River Expeditions Tour Operator.
What does Amazon River Expeditions specifically do?
Amazon River Expeditions is a tour operator that offers all the biodiversity found in Iquitos and the Amazon River, with the majesty and nature found there.
We work with companies that have boats and we also have hotels in Iquitos, in the city, and hotels inside the Amazon.
What is offered to passengers when they arrive on the cruise ship?
On cruises there are programs from three to seven nights to enjoy the majesty of the Amazon River, where you will have the luxury and comfort of cabins with panoramic windows, air conditioning and exquisite cuisine. In addition, you will be able to sail in the Amazon, go piranha fishing, bird watching, visit native communities, take night walks, day walks, and countless activities among the flora and fauna of our Amazonian nature.
This is not only done on cruises, but can also be done from a hostel, where you will have the opportunity to share with the native communities, enjoying nature tourism, sustainable tourism, since each visit helps with the economic and social support of the communities that are very close to the hostels.
What is the community visit about?
It is about going to share with them, with the Yagua community, learning about their dances and their customs. The Yagua community actively participates in tourism, telling us about their arrival in our Amazon, and teaching us how they hunted in the past, how they work with natural fibers and seeds for crafts, and also, so as not to lose the language, they teach us part of their language.
What types of markets do you reach?
We have national and international tourists. It is a pleasure to be able to receive passengers from all over the world who come to see one of the natural wonders that is the Amazon River. In Peru we have Machu Picchu and the Amazon River. They are two wonders that we invite you to visit because it is a destination that connects directly with nature.
What amenities can passengers find on cruise ships?
The largest cruise ship has 22 cabins and the smallest has four. All are outside, with air conditioning, amenities and top-quality linens. The food is gourmet and, in fact, the menus are prepared by world-renowned Peruvian chefs. There are also activities, with small boats going out during the day.
There are currently 11 cruises, divided into luxury, comfort and tourist classes, so no one can miss out on getting to know the Amazon and experiencing a cruise.
Nature tourism is essential for you. What do you offer especially for bird watching?
We have specialized programs that we combine with the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve, which has more than 500 species, and also has endemic birds, with more than 120 species of hummingbirds. We also combine with another lodge called ExplorNapo, which has hanging bridges, with 14 platforms with a length of 500 meters, where you can see and observe not only birds, but also bromeliads and air plants. Really, when looking at the jungle from these hanging bridges, we can affirm and recognize that we are the lungs of the world.