South America River Cruises
Have you ever wanted to cruise Colombia's Magdalena River during Barranquilla's vibrant Carnaval or exploring the Peruvian Amazon's pristine rainforests? Explore Mompox's colonial streets, the birthplace of cumbia, and check out the Ucayali River's wildlife-rich banks. Find Machu Picchu and Lima's treasures - sure to make your mouth drop. The continent's rivers are ready.
- Choose from 41 South America tours
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- J
Jim • traveled in August
Crew and Naturalists were great. Vessel is a relic of times past but comfortable and easy to use on the itenary. Iquitos to Iquitos went smoothly and well, Lima had hot water issues at hotel and we were all uncomfortable with that. Monika tried hard but might need some training regarding dealing with difficulties. Attention to professionalism and flexibility in response to difficult situations would improve the experience.
Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth - V
Vera • traveled in May
I was the only passenger on this tour and Jennifer, my guide, was excellent. All the meals were prepared to perfection and the excursions were at my request. The only down side was the accommodations. The room was tiny and did not have air conditioning.
Amazon Boat Cruise - 4 Days
10 best river cruises through South America
Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Ultimate Journey: Patagonia, Argentina, Brazil & Antarctica - Cruise & Land Journey 2027
- Antarctica, South Georgia, Argentina & Brazil - Cruise & Land Journey 2029
- From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon 2026
- Wonders of Colombia 2026
- Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration (2026) (Lima to Lima, 2026)
- Rio de Janeiro and a cruise along the Amazon and the Rio Negro - An Exclusive Cruise through Pristine and Hidden Nature (port-to-port cruise)
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 6 Days
- From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon with the Nazca Lines 2027
- Gentle Amazon & the Tapajós River - An Enchanting and Intimate Cruise to the Most Beautiful Beaches of the Amazon (port-to-port cruise)
- 8-Day Peruvian Amazon Cruise During the Low Water Season
Scenic Eclipse hosts 228 guests with nearly 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio on this 29-day South American voyage. The Beagle Channel from Ushuaia leads past Andes peaks to Torres del Paine's blue lakes and glaciers, where Zodiac rides on Lake Argentino bring you close to Perito Moreno Glacier and kayaking near Grey Glacier's bright waters.
Duration 29 days Destinations Chile, Argentina, Antarctica, Brazil Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
- US$69,920
Duration 29 days Destinations Argentina, Falkland Islands, Brazil Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $45,986
15% Off- US$39,204You save $6,782
Luxury awaits aboard Delfin III's elegant suites on the Amazon. Pink dolphins swim alongside in Pacaya Samiria Reserve, while native villages near Iquitos share their culture. Gourmet Peruvian cuisine and expert-led excursions enhance pristine rainforest adventures.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Iquitos Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
15% Off- US$6,479+$829 upfront costs
AmaMagdalena's premium staterooms and gourmet dining exemplify luxury river travel. Remote Colombian villages like Nueva Venecia and historic Mompox open their doors. Panoramic lounges, fitness center, and 24/7 Colombian coffee station enhance onboard comfort.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cartagena, Gambote, Calamar, Santa Bárbara de Pinto, El Banco, Magangué, Nueva Venecia, Barranquilla Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
15% Off- US$3,899+$250 upfront costs
The Aria Amazon's 7-night luxury voyage showcases South America's mighty river. Yarapa River's nocturnal wildlife, piranha fishing spots, and indigenous villages highlight the journey. Chef Schiaffino's acclaimed cuisine accompanies navigation between Iquitos and Nauta.
Duration 16 days Destinations Lima, Iquitos, Nauta, Cusco, Urubamba, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Moray Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
15% Off- US$17,849
The Antonio Cesar sails from Manaus through Anavilhanas Archipelago. The Meeting of Waters, remote tributaries, and indigenous villages dot the route. Expert captains guide vessels through the Amazon's most spectacular waterways.
Duration 6 days Destinations Manaus, Arquipélago das Anavilhanas Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Amazon Amazing Tours From
15% Off- US$1,800
What our customers ask about South America River Cruises
What are the main rivers for cruising in South America?
South American river cruising centers on two major waterways. The Amazon River offers routes from Iquitos Peru or Manaus Brazil where travelers explore the unique "Meeting of the Waters" and hidden tributaries. Ships like the Delfin III navigate these waters regularly. The Magdalena River in Colombia sees vessels like the AmaMagdalena sailing between Barranquilla and Cartagena with stops in small riverside towns including Mompox and El Banco. The Amazon routes focus on nature and wildlife while Magdalena journeys highlight Colombia's colonial past and local culture. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Cruising the Amazon was unlike anything else - the sheer scale of the river and rainforest is breathtaking."
What's the best way to get to South American river cruise departure points?
Getting to cruise departure points in South America is straightforward through major airports. For Amazon trips fly to Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport then connect to Iquitos Peru for Delfin III departures. Or choose Manaus Airport in Brazil to board the Amazon Clipper Premium. Magdalena River cruises start from either Barranquilla's Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport or Cartagena's Rafael Núñez International Airport in Colombia. Cruise companies often provide direct transfers from these airports to the ships. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The logistics were smooth - we flew into Iquitos and were met by the cruise representatives who handled everything from there."
How long do typical South American river cruises last?
River cruises in South America run between 4 and 11 days. Quick 4-day Amazon trips leave from Manaus Brazil while week-long cruises explore Peru's Amazon region. The Amazon Riverboat Adventure spans 9 days including time in Lima and on the river. Luxury boats like the Zafiro Amazon Cruise offer shorter 3-4 night trips. One TourRadar traveler noted, "The 9-day adventure was perfectly paced with amazing wildlife spotting local village visits and enough time to truly experience the Amazon."
What are the best times of year to take a South America river cruise?
Each river has its prime cruising months. The Amazon's low water season runs June through November making it good for jungle walks and seeing wildlife. December to May brings higher water letting ships like the Delfin III reach deeper into tributaries. On Colombia's Magdalena River ships like the AmaMagdalena operate best from June to October when rain is less frequent and temperatures work well for visiting towns like Mompox and Nueva Venecia. As one TourRadar traveler noted about their Amazon experience: "The November timing was perfect - we saw incredible wildlife and the weather was ideal for outdoor activities."
What wildlife can I expect to see on a South America river cruise?
The rivers teem with diverse wildlife you can spot from your ship. Peru's Amazon aboard the Delfin III offers views of pink river dolphins several monkey species and countless birds within Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The Magdalena River cruises with AmaWaterways pass through bird-rich areas near Magangue and wildlife sanctuaries close to Nueva Venecia. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We saw so much wildlife - from playful pink dolphins swimming alongside our ship to colorful macaws in the rainforest canopy. The naturalist guides were excellent at spotting animals."
How do the cabin options differ between South American river cruise ships?
Ships sailing South American rivers provide varied room choices. The Delfin III has suites with panoramic windows from standard to Corner Suites plus an Owner's Suite each with private bathrooms and climate control. On the AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia you'll find twin-balcony rooms featuring entertainment systems and fast internet. The Amazon Clipper Premium contains 16 outside cabins measuring 14-16 square meters with private facilities and individual air conditioning. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Our suite on the Delfin III was spectacular - waking up to panoramic views of the Amazon each morning was unforgettable."
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