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 - 4 Days
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 5 Days
- 7 Days/6 Nights: Amazon Adventure in the Javari Valley
- Along the Amazon and the Rio Negro, An Exclusive Cruise through Pristine and Hidden Nature (port-to-port cruise)
- The Gentle Amazon and the Tapajós River - An enchanting and intimate cruise to the Amazon's most beautiful beaches (port-to-port cruise)
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 3 Days
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 6 Days
- Gentle Amazon & the Tapajós River - An Enchanting and Intimate Cruise to the Most Beautiful Beaches of the Amazon (port-to-port cruise)
- Cruise into the Heart of Primal Amazonia - An exploration at the edge of the jungle, between Brazil and Colombia (port-to-port cruise)
- Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery (2027) (Lima to Lima, 2027)
Amazon Boat Cruise - 4 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything from camping in the forest to sitting in the middle of the Amazon River watching the sun set is amazing.”
(jack), traveled in September
Antonio Cesar reveals January Lake's floating communities and Anavilhanas archipelago. Wildlife appears at Lake Igapós while traditional river life unfolds. Comfortable cabin accommodation and full-board dining enhance the journey.
Duration 4 days Destinations Manaus Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Portuguese, Spanish River Amazonian Basin Operator Amazon Amazing Tours From
- US$1,600
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 Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Portuguese, Spanish River Amazonian Basin Operator Amazon Amazing Tours From
- US$1,500
Waterways of the Amazon unfold along the Javari, Curuçá, and Ituí rivers. Local life comes alive at Santa Rita community and indigenous settlements. The trip combines aquatic adventure with stays at Heliconia Lodge and traditional tribal accommodations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Avatar Amazon Lodge Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese River Peruvian AmazonAmazonian Basin Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From
- US$4,120
Guided primary forest walks near Maguari-Jamaraquá are led by local Munduruku descendants, where you'll spot Zig-Zog monkeys and howler monkeys while learning about medicinal plants. You'll paddle through the flooded forest around Lake Marai by traditional pirogue, observing giant water lilies and awakening wildlife, then cruise through secluded canals where sloths, fishing eagles, and pink dolphins hunt for tambaqui fish. Nocturnal wildlife expeditions from the Brazilian Dream let you see the region's biodiversity after dark, visits to traditional stilt-house villages introduce you to locals living by subsistence farming and artisanal fishing, and nightly rituals beneath village malocas are illuminated by oil lamps.
Duration 11 days Destinations Santarem, Alter Do Chao, Parintins, Manaus Age Range All Ages Welcome River Amazonian Basin Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$6,908
Amazon Boat Cruise - 3 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Portuguese, Spanish River Amazonian Basin Operator Amazon Amazing Tours From
- US$1,000
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 Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, Portuguese, Spanish River Amazonian Basin Operator Amazon Amazing Tours From
- US$1,800
This river cruise sails the Amazon aboard the 32-guest Brasilian Dream, stopping at the Meeting of the Waters where the Rio Negro's dark currents flow beside the milky Rio Solimões for kilometers without mixing. At dawn, you'll glide through Lake Januari in private boats to spot pink river dolphins, howler monkeys, and kingfishers in their natural habitat. The colonial town of Óbidos sits at the Amazon's narrowest point and offers a chance to walk through centuries-old streets and local markets. Sunset excursions along the Tapajós River reveal the rainforest's changing colors, and traditional nighttime canoe rituals let you drift beneath the dense canopy.
Duration 11 days Destinations Manaus, Parintins, Santarem, Alter Do Chao Age Range All Ages Welcome River Amazonian Basin Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$6,908
Duration 11 days Destinations Leticia, Manaus Age Range All Ages Welcome River Amazonian Basin Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$8,399
The Aria Amazon offers five-star cuisine by chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, with piranha fishing and nighttime wildlife searches along the Amazon River. Kayaking, canoeing, and swimming happen in remote black-water tributaries like Samiria River throughout the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Riverside villages along the Yanayacu Pucate River are part of the route, along with walks through Puerto Prado Forest and chances to see pink river dolphins at the confluence where Ucayali and Marañón Rivers form the Amazon.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lima, Iquitos, Nauta Age Range Ages 16+ Ship Aria Amazon River Peruvian AmazonAmazonian Basin Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $13,499
10% Off- US$12,149You save $1,350
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Amazon Rainforest
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 4 Days
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 - 3 Days
I was hesitant to book this trip online since anyone can make an exciting webpage. I made a random choice on Amazon Amazing Tours and Karma was on my side. Incredible staff. Leo (who I later learned is the owner) initiated email contact. He was always an email away providing fast answers to our questions before, during and after the trip. Our guide, Anailson, a Manaus native with perfect English and extensive knowledge of the area. Captain Francisco’s boat was very clean, comfortable, spacious, and relaxing. Perfect remedy for anyone that wants to forget about work and that virus. Three days were a perfect combination of relaxation and activities. Fishing for piranhas, pink dolphins, seeing slots and swimming Rio Negro — no words can fully describe the excitement, the beauty and discovery that Amazon Amazing Tours provided in just three days.
What a sublime experience aboard a luxurious boat! From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in hospitality with atmospheric music and a refreshing welcome cocktail. The staff was exceptionally friendly and always willing to help. The guides possessed deep knowledge and shared their stories with contagious passion. The culinary offerings were exquisite, featuring a selection of both local and international dishes. The accommodation provided delightful beds, and everything was meticulously cared for. Each day brought new excursions and adventures, far surpassing our expectations. We highly recommend this experience! Best regards, Sebastiaan and Barney from the Netherlands.
Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth
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.