River Cruise Tours & Trips in Amazon Rainforest
Ah, the Amazon! Just the name evokes amazing images. Picture yourself exploring the Meeting of Waters at Rio Negro, January Lake's floating houses, or fishing for piranhas at sunset. Take part in indigenous ritual dances, camp and barbecue in the jungle at night, and cruising through the Anavilhanas archipelago, before spotting wildlife on night safaris. The Amazon's mysteries await.
10 best river cruise Amazon Rainforest tours
Compiled by
MelissaAmazon Rainforest travel expert at TourRadar
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 3 Days
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 5 Days
- 4 Days Peruvian Amazon Cruise - Delfin III
- 6-Day Iquitos Amazon Expedition on the Zafiro High River Cruise
- Amazon Rainforest Adventure 4 Days /3nights
- 8-Day Peruvian Amazon Cruise During the Low Water Season
- Along the Amazon and the Rio Negro - An Exclusive Cruise through Pristine and Hidden Nature - Rio, vibrant and timeless, and an exceptional stay at Iguazu Falls (port-to-port cruise)
- Cruise in the Heart of the Original Amazon - An exploration deep into the jungle, between Brazil and Colombia (port-to-port cruise)
- Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery (2027, Lima to Lima)
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 6 Days
Amazon Boat Cruise - 3 Days
“Perfect remedy for anyone that wants to forget about work and that virus. Three days were a perfect combination of relaxation and activities.”
Greg, traveled in July
The Antonio Cesar winds through Amazon waterways, passing floating houses of January Lake and Anavilhanas archipelago. Narrow channels invite canoe excursions, wildlife viewing, and visits to riverside communities. Two nights in twin-share cabin accommodation.
Duration 3 days Destinations Manaus, Anavilhanas National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish River Amazonian Basin Operator Amazon Amazing Tours From
- US$1,200
Antonio Cesar traces Amazon routes through January Lake and Anavilhanas Archipelago. The Meeting of Waters marks the journey, while Rio Negro teems with wildlife near indigenous communities. Four nights in twin-share cabins include full-board dining and expert guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Manaus, Arquipélago das Anavilhanas Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish River Amazonian Basin Operator Amazon Amazing Tours From
- US$1,500
Duration 4 days Destinations Iquitos, Nauta, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Lima Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Spanish River Amazonian Basin Operator LimaTours From $4,777
10% off- US$4,299
Duration 6 days Destinations Iquitos, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Nauta Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish River Amazonian Basin Operator Latin Trails From
10% off- US$4,178
Duration 4 days Destinations Manaus, Arquipélago das Anavilhanas Age Range All Ages Welcome River Amazonian Basin Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From
10% off- US$2,589
Duration 8 days Destinations Iquitos, Nauta, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish River Amazonian Basin Operator Latin Trails From
10% off- US$8,050
Duration 11 days Destinations Manaus, Leticia Age Range All Ages Welcome River Amazonian Basin Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
10% off- US$7,192
The Aria Amazon takes you paddling through Clavero Lake's dark waters by kayak and canoe, spotting wildlife where the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers meet to form the Amazon. After dark, you'll head out on the Yarapa River to stargaze and look for nocturnal animals, try piranha fishing, and go into Pacaya Samiria National Reserve with jungle walks.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lima, Iquitos, Nauta, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve Age Range Ages 16+ Ship Aria Amazon River Peruvian AmazonAmazonian Basin Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
10% off- US$11,949
Antonio Cesar plies Amazon waters, revealing Janeiro Lake's floating communities and Anavilhanas Archipelago. Narrow channels host wildlife sightings and remote indigenous settlements during this 6-day river expedition.
Duration 6 days Destinations Manaus, Arquipélago das Anavilhanas Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Portuguese, Spanish River Amazonian Basin Operator Amazon Amazing Tours From
10% off- US$1,800
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Amazon Rainforest
- Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth
Wonderful trip to the Amazon rainforest! We were on the Amatista riverboat with an amazing crew and fun excursions.
What our customers ask about River Cruise Tours & Trips in Amazon Rainforest
What types of cabins are available on Amazon river cruise ships?
Amazon river cruise ships offer accommodations ranging from basic to luxurious. The Iberostar Heritage Grand Amazon has 74 cabins (23 square meters) spread across the Mandi lower deck Tambaqui middle deck and Acara upper deck. Each cabin includes a private balcony air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom. For upscale options the Aria Amazon provides 16 design suites with floor-to-ceiling windows while smaller boats like the Amazon Clipper feature 8 simple cabins with bunk beds. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The cabin on the Amatista riverboat was surprisingly spacious with amazing panoramic views of the river - very comfortable for a week-long cruise."
What are the best times of year to take an Amazon Rainforest river cruise?
The high-water season from December to May allows boats to navigate deeper into flooded forests. Most travelers choose July through October when conditions are drier and wildlife is more visible especially in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. The Aria Amazon operates year-round from Iquitos with April and August being particularly popular due to mild weather. A TourRadar guest reported: "Perfect weather in July - not too hot or rainy making it ideal for activities like piranha fishing and jungle walks."
How interactive are the shore excursions on Amazon River cruises?
Excursions put you right in the heart of Amazon life. Activities include hands-on experiences like piranha fishing in the Samiria River kayaking on Clavero Lake and guided walks through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Travelers can meet residents of indigenous communities such as San Francisco village browse local markets in Nauta and take part in traditional ceremonies. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The excursions were perfectly balanced - from active adventures like canoeing to cultural experiences in local villages there was something new and exciting every day."
What are the dining options like on Amazon river cruises?
Meals blend international dishes with regional Amazonian specialties. The Aria Amazon serves menus created by noted chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino while the Iberostar Heritage Grand Amazon runs two restaurants offering buffet and à la carte choices. Many trips include special dining events such as community barbecues with indigenous groups. According to a TourRadar guest: "The food on the Amatista exceeded expectations - fresh local ingredients excellent variety and the chef even gave us a cooking demonstration of traditional Amazonian dishes."
What's the best way to get to Amazon River cruise departure points?
Most cruises leave from either Manaus Brazil or Iquitos Peru with flights available from major South American cities. Many operators include airport transfers in their packages. Uniworld for example provides transport from Lima to Iquitos including domestic flights. Convenient pre-cruise stays are available at the Country Club Lima Hotel and Wyndham Costa del Sol in Lima while Manaus offers direct access to cruise terminals.
How long are typical Amazon River cruise itineraries?
Amazon cruises typically run between 3 and 11 days with most people choosing 4-7 day trips. Short options like the Amazon Clipper Premium's 3-night cruise cover key sites near Manaus. Longer journeys such as Uniworld's 11-day Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery explore multiple waterways and areas. Short cruises work well as add-ons to bigger South American trips while extended voyages offer deeper regional exploration.