The Amazon Basin is the biggest tropical rainforest on earth. Realistically, there’s only one way to explore it: by boat. And certainly, there’s only one way to explore it in the highest of high style: aboard Pure Amazon.
This meticulously conceived, state-of-the-art riverboat is quite simply unique in the region in terms of the material comfort and human expertise that it provides. A maximum of 22 passengers per cruise and a one-to-one guest-staff ratio guarantee an intimate, blissfully uncrowded, wholly focused experience, in which every detail is managed by a best-in-class local team.
Pure Amazon operates three-, four- and seven-night itineraries in and around the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a pristine protected area of some 21,000 square kilometres in northeastern Peru.
The opportunities for wildlife spotting – from pink dolphins to colourful macaws – are matchless, whether on expert-guided excursions by land or water or observed through one of the wall-to-wall panoramic windows in your own superbly appointed suite, as you contemplate a sunset glass of something chilled and interesting on the top-deck Sky Lounge before a leisurely dinner prepared by your award-winning onboard chef. The rainbow-plumed macaws themselves will gaze down and squawk in envy from their treetop perches.
Peru’s profile among serious foodies has grown as quickly in recent years as the constellation of Michelin stars that light up its capital, Lima. (There were 30 such stars at last count.) A cruise aboard Pure Amazon is effectively two adventures in one – one that takes place on and around the river, and one that takes place three times a day in the riverboat’s elegant open-plan dining room (or indeed in its outdoor extension, season and weather permitting).
Pure Amazon’s award-winning onboard chef delivers impeccable cuisine reflecting not only the unique flavours of the region through which you are travelling but also the full diversity of Peru – this is, you will recall, the land that gave the world Nobu Matsuhisa, whose signature black cod in miso heralded nothing less than a culinary revolution. A well-rounded complement of more familiar international options is available, too, at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Naturally there is a carefully curated selection of wines and spirits to provide just the right accompaniment to every dish, occasion or whim. Individual dietary requirements, including fully vegetarian menus and menus for children, are scrupulously catered for.
Muted tones of earth, sky, forest and water; the joyful vibrancy of traditionally patterned Peruvian textiles; the subtle interplay of crisp, clean lines and soft, cosseting textures – the thoughtfulness and elegance that architect Adriana Granato has brought to the interiors of Pure Amazon are surely among the riverboat’s most striking assets. And, yes, those sublime views of river and forest through panoramic wall-to-wall windows don’t hurt either. That powerfully inviting chaise longue is positioned there for a reason – though by all means do glance up while you’re busy shampooing and conditioning in the shower. There’s a similarly vast window with the same sublime views in your remarkably spacious bathroom, and the risk of your offending the caimans coolly gazing back at you from the opposite riverbank is minimal.
There are just 12 cabins in total, 10 of them double suites, with two singles and two sets of interconnecting suites (opening up the possibility of creating two triple suites, suitable for families). All are as well-equipped with gadgetry and amenities as any five-star hotel room, complete with Starlink Wi-Fi, smart tech for lighting and temperature control and a newspaper-loaded tablet for keeping up (or not) with the goings on in the world you’ve so happily left behind.
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Size of Double Suite in sq ft: 24.25 sq m/ 260.93 sq ft (bathroom included) each cabin may be slightly different
- Size of Single Cabin in sq ft: 16.186 sq m / 174.20 sq ft (bathroom included)
