Spondias Amazon Cruise, Peru

• Superior cruising aboard 8-berth, boutique Amazon riverboat. 

• Four, five and eight-day itineraries to Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. 

• Great charter option, if travelling in a group and/or with young children.

The four-cabin M/V Spondias riverboat, named after a genus of flowering plant in the cashew family, offers superior cruising in the Loreto region of the Peruvian Amazon. 

Her four and five-day cruise itineraries explore the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers, and into some of the five million acres of protected, flooded Amazon rain forest that make up the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve.

Designed to be sleeker, with a smaller, quieter engine than other boats in the area, the Spondias can navigate along the narrow tributaries and channels of the Amazon River, increasing the chance of spotting elusive wildlife and enabling a more peaceful and comfortable journey.

Her four suites are stylishly furnished with king-size beds, fine linens and luxuriant bathrobes, to provide guests with a five-star feel.

Each suite has a minibar, bathroom equipped with hot showers - ideal for freshening up after a jungle excursion - and air-conditioning to keep guests cool and fresh in the Amazonian heat. 

With a maximum of eight passengers, the journey is guaranteed to be personalized and intimate, with the experienced crew attending to every need. Likewise, she is ideal to be chartered for an extended family or group of friends.  

Locally-trained, bilingual guides, with years of experience, escort guests on daily excursions, helping to spot wildlife and expounding on the wonders of the Amazon.

Highlights include visiting a tree-top canopy walkway, for a unique, bird's-eye view of the jungle; taking part in a shamanic ceremony; meeting local, Amazon River-dwelling villagers; and fishing for piranhas. 

Moreover, the Spondias carries a couple of kayaks that can be used in the calmer sections of the Amazon's many tributaries and lakes, for a peaceful and active exploration of the waterways in and around Pacaya-Samiria - the largest protected wetland reserve in the world and one of the areas of highest bio-diversity. 

Back onboard, guests are offered haute cuisine, as a talented chef and his team prepare gourmet dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, accompanied by specially-chosen house wines, all included in the price.

You can try your hand at making some of these dishes yourself, when the chef gives an Amazon cookery class.

The Spondias is an ideal choice if travelling with young children, as there is no minimum age, and they can share a suite with their parents, using a roll-out bed. 

The prices quoted below are for the whole vessel with up to 4 passengers, and includes transfers from/to Iquitos, fuel, crew, entrance fees, all meals and excursions with English-speaking naturalist guides.

NB. Additional passengers - up to 8 adults - increase the total price.

If your party is fewer than four people, for a similar standard of facilities and service, have a look at Aria Amazon, Delfin III or Zafiro.

For a larger group (eg more than eight), you could consider chartering the 14-cabin Agua Marina.

• 4 days: Thursday - Sunday

• 5 days: Sunday - Thursday

M/V spondias: deck plan & technical information