Exploring the Pure Amazon Riverboat Experience
Milan-based Studio Ibsen has beautifully harnessed the rich artistic heritage of the Peruvian Amazon in designing the interiors of the Pure Amazon riverboat—a luxurious vessel that offers travelers an intimate glimpse into the majestic waterways of the region. This exquisite riverboat is part of the Abercrombie & Kent’s A&K Sanctuary collection, known for curating exceptional safari and riverboat experiences.
Immersive Itineraries in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
The Pure Amazon riverboat operates within the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a sprawling five-million-acre protected area in northeast Peru where the Marañón and Ucayali rivers converge to form the iconic Amazon River. Each sailing typically spans four nights, with the boat docking at multiple locations to allow guests diverse guided excursions. These activities are primarily carried out via small skiff boats, ensuring an immersive experience of the lush landscapes surrounding the Amazon.
Design Inspired by Traditional Craft and Contemporary Art
Adriana Granato, the founder of Studio Ibsen, melded traditional Amazonian craftsmanship with contemporary Peruvian art to create the luxurious interiors aboard the Pure Amazon. Granato desired that guests feel as if they’re enveloped in a natural environment—albeit one that starkly contrasts with the wild beauty of the Amazon outside.
The use of locally sourced materials—like mahogany for furniture and woven panels made of dried grass—creates a seamless connection between the interiors and the surrounding rainforest. Green accents in upholstery and tiles further enhance this connection, ensuring guests enjoy both aesthetic beauty and environmental harmony.
Artist Collaborations and Cultural Engagement
Throughout the riverboat, works by Peruvian artist Silvana Pestana adorn the walls, exhibiting the defensive narrative against illegal gold mining in the Amazon. Her pieces, incorporating gold leaf, bronze, and traditional textiles, not only beautify the space but also engage guests with the pressing issues that the local region faces.
One standout installation, titled Manto de Escamas de Paiche, consists of triangular bronze and clay tiles resembling the scales of the giant paiche fish, a prominent species in the river. This piece serves to educate visitors about the unique ecosystem they are exploring and the diverse life it supports.
Comfort with a Luxe Touch
The design of the Pure Amazon’s guest accommodations is elegantly curated, featuring twelve suites with expansive panoramic windows that frame the breathtaking views of the Amazon landscapes. Each suite boasts high-end finishes, including Peruvian travertine and Amazonian quartzite in the bathrooms—materials that are not just practical but also artful in their own right.
The bright lower-deck dining room, adorned with tiles inspired by the scales of giant Amazonian fish, offers a delightful culinary experience where guests can savor local dishes paired with fine wines. At the other end, a cozy bar and lounge designed with gentle green tones creates an inviting space for relaxation, nightly briefings, and learning about the Amazon’s rich heritage.
Outdoor Elegance and Wellness
On the upper deck, passengers can unwind in lounge seating or indulge in a hot tub, providing a perfect respite after adventurous days filled with wildlife spotting, piranha fishing, and kayaking. The riverboat also features a small gym and a spa treatment room, ensuring that wellness remains a priority during the journey.
A Gateway to Authentic Amazonian Culture
The embarkation point for the Pure Amazon experience is a building crafted from natural materials such as reeds, sticks, and grass—effectively introducing guests to the immersion that awaits. Studio Ibsen’s thoughtful curation of local art, materials, and crafts creates an environment that is both culturally rich and engaging, solidifying the Pure Amazon as Peru’s first luxury riverboat functioning as a moving gallery.
Each journey aboard this riverboat promises to be a captivating dive into living Amazonian culture, where guests traverse the waters while experiencing the region’s art and craftsmanship in an unparalleled setting.