Tips On How To Keep Moving During COVID-19 From The Man Who Brought Relais And Chateaux To The Amazon River

When Aldo Macchiavello launched Delfin Amazon Cruises in 2006, he was the first to bring upscale river cruising to the incredibly remote regions of the Upper Peruvian rainforest. Five-star hospitality is demonstrated through the flawless cuisine and extravagant amenities afforded to its passengers. This year, in fact, it became the first cruise operator to be selected as part of Relais & Châteaux — the gold standard in global luxury. All this simply sets the backdrop for 3 and 4-day itineraries through some of the most pristine ecosystems left on earth.

When he again sets sail, you can board one of two vessels in pursuit of the endemic pink river dolphins. There you’ll be joined by renowned marine biologist, Dr. Joanna Alfaro, who specializes in studying the rare species. In the meantime, Macchiavello provides some insight into how he is making the most out of his lockdown life.

Where have you been based during lockdown?

For the last 2 months I’ve been home in Lima, Peru together with my wife Lissy, my business partner. Our terrace has been adapted into our preferred office space, given the long hours I’m at my desk, it is rather helpful to have the ocean as backdrop.

How have you been keeping yourself safe and sane?

As the founder & CEO of my company, the weight of this pandemic feels extra heavy over my shoulders, not only because of my personal investment and future of my family, but I feel the responsibility of having to see for the over 200 employees we have in our Amazon Operation, and to respond to my shareholders of course. Daily video chats with my family definitely grounds me, telling stories to my grandchildren and watching their joy over these surreal times bring me hope.

Where is the first place that you would go when this is all over?

My daughter is due to have her third boy during the lockdown here in Peru, first place I’ll go will definitely be to meet my grandchild. Then I will go to visit my mother, whom is in a nursing home well taken care of. As far as a destination, as most travelers, my first trip will be domestic. I’m looking forward to going up to the northern coast of Peru, where it is summer year around.

Why there? And what would you plan to do?

We spend a couple of weeks there throughout the year with the entire family. I’m passionate about surfing, deep sea fishing, outstanding seafood, and the opportunity to connect with my loved ones. I grew up sailing, rowing (for Purdue University rowing team during my Business School years), there’s something about the ocean that makes me feel whole and resets me for city life. That’s why, before COVID hit, I was in the process of developing a new product in that area. It is very reach in marine wildlife and the opportunity to explore a nearby Dry Forest like no where else in the world.

What's one destination restaurant/hotel/bar that you've been craving during this time?

Peru has been awarded as the number one culinary destination in the world for 8 years in a row now, us Peruvians we do love to eat. Only a few blocks away from my house we have one of the top ten restaurants in the world, so you can imagine that there’s no such a thing as a bad meal here in Peru. Good sushi and pisco sours will hit the spot.

What have you missed the most during this time?

Definitely family time, both my wife and I are looking forward to having everyone over and the grandkids for a sleep over, we need the laughter!

Any interesting hobbies you have picked up to pass the time?

My wife Lissy has convinced me to meditate with her in the mornings the last few days, we listen to the Sounds of the Amazon recordings we’ve made at Delfin Amazon Cruises, and it’s impressive how it tele transports us to the jungle. It gives us a fresh start to a day that’s otherwise full of meetings and spreadsheets.

Any shows/movies/books that you've gotten into that you'd recommend?

My wife and I are always curious and passionate about discovering new destinations around the world. We’ve been watching ‘Our Planet’ on Netflix, a documentary highlighting our planet’s natural beauty and how climate change is affecting all flora and fauna on earth. I’ve also been browsing the pages of ‘In Patagonia’ by Bruce Chatwin, it instantly transports me to exhilarating landscapes!