Having wanted to cruise the Amazon for many years and waited for the right opportunity, finally along came the Nera, a newly launched river boat promising all the luxuries mixed with excursions that I had hoped for.... and did it ever deliver!

Part of the adventure was getting to and from Iquitos/Nauta Town to meet the boat. Not an easy journey by any stretch of the imagination. During high water season, you embark in Iquitos but during low water, it's a 2 hour van ride from Iquitos to Nauta Town. Not a pleasant journey but made easier by one of the guides picking us up at our hotel (we stayed two nights in Iquitos) and took us to a delightful restaurant for lunch. 7 of us boarded the van and off to Nauta Town where we boarded the boat. I can't say enough about the accommodations. My cabin was large, beautiful, and very well kept. Loved the large shower amongst the many other features including a comfortable bed. Cabin service was three times a day without ever seeing the steward, but I knew he was there because every time i returned to the cabin, it was cleaned, water bottle refilled and any cleaning I placed in the laundry basket was pick up and returned by the time dinner was over. Tip: Consider this great laundry service when deciding how to pack. I could have done 1/2 of what I brought. I could go on and on, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the great crew, food, and especially the guides.

Each day there were two skiff trips to remote areas were you could explore, either on foot or in the skiff. Boots were provided for walking journeys; short journeys which in some cases, were somewhat challenging. Our guides were knowledgeable and fun. Read more