This is a travel recommendation. Should you go to this part of the Amazon, consider using Aqua Nera. Here’s why.

First a vibe check.

Nice right?! Comfortable and aesthetically perfect for my taste. And the food was a perfect combination of local flavors and sophisticated gastronomy. Delicious meals without being fussy and an enthusiastic team preparing and serving them. I didn’t take too many food pics but the few I took give you the idea. Of them, my favourite was a breakfast served out on the river in our skiff — poached eggs and avo in a Ball jar, freshest watermelon, fruit salad, and hot Peruvian coffee. Birding and breakfast a perfect was to start my day!

And to finish the day, we often found ourselves in the care of the mixologists – one from Lima and the other from a nearby local tribe.

We met after dinner on our first night. We had finished our meal and it was just a bit early for bed so we went up to see the lounge and explore – maybe play a game of pool, maybe just test the temperature of the plunge pool. Instead, we were invited to join a wine tasting by Adrian, a charming Aussie. All Aussies are charming in my experience. Adrian, Chino, Robinson, Andy and I and spent the next hour or so chatting about tannins, organic wines, food, and travel. As an aside, Adrian may have the best job in the world right now. When he finishes his visit on the Nera he will go to a new ship they are launching in the Galapagos. (I may need to go back!)

Adrian, Chino and I became fast friends – talking daily about local winemaking techniques and biodynamics; infusions for various local drinks; tasting chocolate varieties and making morning espressos. It was as comfortable as if I were having any of you over for a weekend. (I can say that because no one is reading this except my dearest friends.)

But I digress.

Here is the next plug for taking Aqua Nera: the Guides. Guides like Alejandro from my last post, are knowledgeable and super friendly. They are all highly trained but as you spend time with each, their passions shine through. All areas of interest are covered: plant life and medicinal herbs, geology and agricultural changes resulting from the meandering rivers over high and low water seasons; intimate understanding of local tribes and their customs; and yes, a keen eye for birds. I was constantly seeking their help identifying the many many birds I spotted. I am still updating my birding app but I saw at least 20 NEW species for my life list!

Finally, and fittingly for International Women’s Day (March 8), our ships captain is female. She is the first one ever on the Amazon and only the second in Peruvian history.