LUXURY CRUISING The Tatler-approved guide to exploring the Amazon

WHEN TO GO

The Amazon is a yearround destination. Highwater season (December to May) is more dramatic. The river rises and forests flood, allowing ships to sail further and skiffs to glide under canopies. There are also lots of mosquitoes. Low-water season is warmer, drier and allow for more landbased excursions. There are fewer mosquitoes.

HOW TO GET THERE

Flights depart from major Asian capitals to Lima, Peru via Europe or the US. Iquitos is a 90-minute flight from Lima. Travellers can stay in Iquitos and do day excursions but the best way to experience the Amazon River is on a three to sevennight small-ship cruise. Cruising the Peruvian side of the Amazon is more tranquil than the Brazilian side, where many large ships operate.

WHERE TO STAY

Aqua Expeditions operates two of the most luxurious ships in the Peruvian Amazon. The new, state-of-the-art Aqua Nera (interiors and dining pictured above) has 20 cabins of the same size and layout with floor-toceiling windows. Aria Amazon has 16 cabins. High-quality dining and excursions are included.

Delfin operates three Relais & Chateauxaffiliated luxury vessels. The smallest, Delfin I, has just four suites, which come with private terraces. Delfin II has 14 cabins and the newest, Delfin III, has 22 cabins. Rates include meals and excursions.

Treehouse Lodge comprises 12 rustic, open-air pavilions high among the forest canopy, two-and-a-half-hours from Iquitos. Treehouses are built ten to 20 metres above the ground and are connected by stairs and suspension bridges.