smithsonian amazon river cruise

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Amazon River Cruises

Why Cruise the Amazon?

Amazon River cruises take adventurous explorers on one of the world’s most rewarding wildlife expeditions. Journey deep into the heart of the largest rainforest on Earth on a boat trip down the Amazon, a mystical realm of boundless biodiversity where physical and spiritual worlds entwine, a primeval domain still ruled by the jaguar , home to giant snakes , towering trees and uncontacted tribes hiding in plain sight.

The best Amazon cruises explore the remote reaches of this fairytale forest. Witness the playful pink river dolphins in the headwaters of the Amazon in Peru ‘s Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve aboard some of the most luxurious Amazon cruises available, or see the kaleidoscopic colors of the clay licks in the Ecuadorian Oriente . Why not try boating the Amazon River’s lesser-traveled backwaters in Bolivia and explore three kinds of tropical forest, or maybe catch a rare glimpse of the Amazonian manatee in the Anavilhanas National Park of the Brazilian Amazon . What will you discover on your Amazon River tour?

Amazon Cruises

Our hand-picked portfolio of traditional Amazon River boats and small Amazon river cruise ships has been carefully chosen to include remarkable vessels operated by only the most trusted of partners, preeminent pioneers of the region who offer exceptional itineraries, unrivaled knowledge and utmost levels of service.

Aria Amazon

Manatee Amazon Explorer

Acqua Amazon

Amazon destinations.

Peru Amazon Cruises

Ecuador Amazon Cruises

Brazil Amazon Cruises

Bolivia Amazon Cruises

Amazon experiences.

Luxury Cruises

Family Cruises

Adventure cruises.

Honeymoon Cruises

Charter Cruises

Solo Cruises

Private charters.

For those seeking the ultimate exclusivity traveling as a group or with family, an Amazon riverboat charter provides a private escape to explore the Amazon Rainforest, with an entire crew to cater to your every need, and allows for activities to be more tailored to your party’s desires.

Cruise Packages

Our custom Amazon Rainforest tours seamlessly combine Amazon cruises with bespoke land tours featuring private expert-led excursions and curated accommodations. Browse our best-selling Amazon vacations below and begin an unforgettable journey tailored uniquely to you.

Rio, Iguazu Falls & Machu Picchu

16-day tour from $7,425 usd.

Buenos Aires, Iguazu & Rio

13-day tour from $4,450 usd.

Best of Peru

14-day tour from $5,750 usd.

Galapagos & Amazon

14-day tour from $8,675 usd.

Rio, Iguazu Falls & Amazon

14-day tour from $4,625 usd.

Amazon Rainforest & Machu Picchu

10-day tour from $5,925 usd.

Rio & Amazon Tour

10-day tour from $4,200 usd.

Quito To Amazon

8-day tour from $6,250 usd.

Peru Amazon Adventure

7-day tour from $5,350 usd.

Brazil Amazon Adventure

6-day tour from $1,925 usd, travel guide.

Want to know more about cruising the Amazon River? Our destination specialists have compiled the definitive Amazon Rainforest travel guide to help you plan your cruise. Find out when and where to go, what to see and do, where to eat and sleep, and more below.

15 Astonishing Facts About The Amazon River

Where Is The Amazon River & Where Does Is Start And End?

Amazon River Cruise or Lodge Stay?

Exploration Of The Amazon Rainforest: A Brief History

Amazonian River Types: Blackwater, Whitewater & Clearwater

Amazon Rainforest Weather: Seasons & Best Time To Visit

What our customers are saying.

What Is One Thing I Shouldn’t Miss In The Amazon?

Of all the amazing sights in the Amazon, the Meeting of Waters in Brazil shouldn’t be missed. At the confluence between the black waters of the Rio Negro and the sandy whitewater of the Solimões River the two rivers’ waters run side by side without much mixing for over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles).

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To The Amazon?

The best time of year to visit the Amazon is during the shoulder season between the wet and dry seasons (varies by country). At this time of year river levels remain high, allowing Amazon river cruises to still navigate deep into the rainforest, and the fine weather draws out much of the wildlife.

If seeing the Amazon rainforest at its lushest and getting up close to lots of birds and mammals (and enjoying slightly cooler temperatures) sounds most attractive, then the wet season with its higher river levels might be your best choice.

If jungle hikes, fishing for piranha and other Amazon River fish species , or spotting exotic migratory birds appeals most to you, while still having the chance to see capuchin monkeys , kinkajou, and other mammals, you might be happier choosing the warmer, dry season when water levels are lower.

Our guests are awed by the Amazon at whatever time of year they visit. If you can’t decide, perhaps the best solution is to choose one season this year and the other in the future!

Is The Amazon A Good Family Destination?

An Amazon vacation is a great option for adventurous families with adaptable kids – after all, where better to inspire and educate them about the natural world! Bear in mind younger children may be affected by the humidity levels, and noisy little ones may reduce the chances of spotting wildlife.

Many of our Amazon guides have children themselves and are skilled in keeping young ones entertained, and are naturally experts in spotting any potential natural dangers you may encounter. It should be noted many Amazon river cruises have minimum age requirements of 7 and above, but jungle lodges and private charters are often more flexible.

Can You Swim In The Amazon River?

Swimming in the main channels of the Amazon river is generally not advised due to strong currents and boat traffic. Swimming in smaller tributaries and lakes is safer (especially the Amazon’s blackwater rivers ), but always follow the safety advice of your guide.

What Activities Can People Do In The Amazon Rainforest?

Most people head to the Amazon to spot wildlife, and this can be done on daytime jungle walks, from canopy walkways and lookout towers, or on nighttime boat safaris. Other common Amazon Rainforest activities include piranha fishing and local community visits.

As previously mentioned, more adventurous travelers may swim in the Amazon (sometimes with pink river dolphins!) or go kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or even tree climbing. In certain parts of the Amazon, float plane flights can also be arranged to get a real bird’s-eye view of the rainforest.

How Much Does An Amazon Cruise Cost?

The cost of an Amazon cruise typically depends on itinerary length, boat comfort level and cabin category, although seasonal and single supplements may also apply. Short cruises of 4 days cost between $900 – $4,400 pp, and longer cruises of 7+ days from $1,800 – $9,600 pp based on double occupancy.

Some other Amazon river cruise cost factors to consider:

• If you wish to privately charter an Amazon river boat , costs can be significantly more, but can actually work out cheaper per person if your group fills the boat.
• There are also additional costs involved in accessing the remote parts of the Amazon when cruises depart from, namely the domestic flights to Iquitos (Peru), Coca (Ecuador), Trinidad (Bolivia), Manaus or Santarém (Brazil).
• Port fees and entrances to the national parks are typically included in your cruise cost.
• For those considering a luxury Amazon cruise, Rainforest Cruises are proud to offer a best-rate guarantee thanks to our unique relationships with operators.
• To get your cruise cheaper, keep apprised of the latest Amazon river cruise deals .
• I'd like to be contacted via WhatsApp.
• I'd prefer not to be contacted by phone or SMS.

All About the Ponant Smithsonian Journeys Cruises (as of August 2022)

By AussieBoyTX , August 8, 2022 in Ponant

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AussieBoyTX

Now that we’ve completed our first Ponant Smithsonian Journeys cruise, we can share our thoughts on the Smithsonian Journeys experience:

The tl;dr is that the experience is very good and probably worth the premium price if you are excited about the speakers, like to be around Americans, or want some hand-holding for your first Ponant cruise. Otherwise, Ponant usually offers a similar cruise without the Smithsonian experience for a lower price.

The Ponant Smithsonian Journeys cruises are a partnership (not a charter like e.g. Tauck, A&K, Backroads, et al ) that offers cruises targeted towards an English-speaking audience and differentiating itself through experiences that provide a deeper understanding of the places explored . As of now, those differentiated experiences are mostly through the Smithsonian Journeys speakers. The excursions offered on this Smithsonian cruise appear to be the same as those offered on regular Ponant cruises on a similar itinerary.

Our Reaction to the Differences in the Smithsonian Journeys Experience:

• Transfers to / from ship — because of the missed / cancelled flight risk, we never arrive on the day of the cruise and will not use this benefit.  
• All Excursions Included — I suppose they are worth $100-150 each ($600-$900 per week). We took an excursion each day more-or-less because we felt they were paid for. Generally, we would take one or two of the excursions offered by the ship and would organize something on our own for the other days. This remains our preference and on the Smithsonian Journeys cruise we did, we would have purchased only one, maybe two of the six days. As on a regular Ponant cruise, the excursions would benefit from a more detailed presentation with some intelligence on why or why not one would want to select any specific excursion.  
• The Smithsonian Journeys speakers — the speakers are renowned, have experience in the area visited and are very interesting. You also have the possibility of joining each of them at a small table over dinner, or at pre-dinner cocktails. If you’re a particular fan of one of the speakers, this is an opportunity to get tremendous access. To be honest, we were very pleased with the expedition leader and naturalists on the one Expedition cruise we’ve done and don’t need better / more speakers on Expedition cruises. On regular Ponant cruises, where the speakers are great in French, but “also speak English,” we’d enjoy an upgrade but don’t require the full Smithsonian experience.  
• The Tour Director — our Tour Director described herself as a “fixer” and offered to serve as liaison between passengers and crew in the event of any need. She did quite a bit more than that, was very visible, very helpful and appeared to have resolved some passenger issues. She was a native English speaker and likely was more approachable for someone uncomfortable dealing directly with the French crew. We’ve never had an issue that the Cruise Director or Hotel Manager couldn’t resolve for us, but we certainly agree that the Tour Director added value.  
• The Ponant Experience — at least as far as dining, shipboard activities and entertainment go, the Smithsonian experience was very similar to the regular Ponant experience (we were concerned these would be modified and were very pleased they were not). All announcements and presentations are in English and almost all passengers are Americans, changing the shipboard community part of the experience substantially. Aside from the Americans on our cruise, there were two or three German couples, a Spanish family with a cute 14 month-old and inexplicably a French couple.

As far as pricing goes, from a brief survey, as of August 2022, the Smithsonian cruises appear to have a slight price premium over regular cruises:

Here are two on Le Lyrial with 12 days & 10 nights including transfers from Buenos Aires:

• Regular cruise w/ 15% Ponant Discount starts at $11,910 (un-discounted is $13,610)
• Smithsonian cruise w/ 10% Ponant Discount starts at $13,270

And here’s another Caribbean cruise on Le Dumont-d’Urville with 8 nights in Feb/Mar 2023 (both cruises are also offering No Single Supplement):

• Regular cruise w/ 25% Ponant Discount  starts at $3,840
• Smithsonian cruise w/ 20% Ponant Discount starts at $5,160 (excursions are offered on six days and are included)

In summary, this is a low-risk way for English-speakers to experience Ponant, in the company of other (mostly) Americans, and with the Tour Director to ensure things go smoothly. As for us, it’s not that we won’t go on another Smithsonian Journeys cruise — and it’s not about the money — but we aren’t ones that get really excited about the celebrity speakers and included excursions. And, you know, we miss the French guests.

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Share on other sites, schnapperin.

Feels like it’s an American market offering compared to the NatGeo cruises only marketed outside of the US

have you looked into booking one of those via an European or Australian agent? 

• 2 weeks later...

highplanesdrifters

Thanks so much. Very helpful!

• 5 months later...

Thanks for directing me to your Smithsonian  review.   Very informative as usual. 

Since we intentionally chose not to take the Smithsonian to get a more authentic introduction to Ponant I think we made the right decision.   We often prefer doing things on our own.

One thing I'm not yet clear on is how you arrange things on your own with the limited information Ponant has supplied so far.   Most of the time they only say we will arrive in the Morning or afternoon without any times.    Do you plan a side trip on your own in advance or do you wait until you are in port?

On the Great Lake cruise some of the ports are so small we will probably do the ships tours -  at this time they only say will be over $250 pp. 

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Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys brings the world’s cultures and natural sciences alive in experiential travel to their guests. The company was inspired by the Smithsonian mission, the “increase and diffusion of knowledge” and Smithsonian Journeys brings forth that idea through travel. If you are a curious traveler Smithsonian Journeys caters to you with memorable, immersive and transformative global itineraries. Plus, your participation benefits the work of the Smithsonian, helping to make the world a better place by celebrating and preserving the beauty, history and cultures of the world.

Smithsonian journeys offers more than 350 annual departures on all seven continents of the world. with more than 50 years of exceptional service, special access, and personalized touch, smithsonian journeys experts and travel directors find the ideal ships and most distinctive hotels for their trips that fully reflect the culture of the destination. there is a unique educational emphasis on a smithsonian journey experience to engage the traveler in learning, enrichment and expert perspectives of the destination and culture you are exploring., with smithsonian journeys you can cruise the rivers of the world including the yangtze river of china, the amazon river of peru, the waterways of holland and belgium, the rhone & saone rivers of provence, france, the elbe river through eastern germany and the czech republic, the mississippi, columbia, snake and hudson rivers and great lakes of north america, the rhine, main and danube through the heart of europe, and the wine region of the douro river valley in portugal. with so many choices in river cruising by smithsonian journeys, it is the perfect opportunity to combine the knowledge seeker in yourself with the pleasure and comfort of a river cruise., your smithsonian journeys river cruise awaits, are you ready to start planning your smithsonian journeys river cruise vacation your way a river cruise artist at river cruise your way is ready to be your vacation concierge. contact us today at 1-800-259-7612 or use the form below and let us know when it is most convenient to call you, we will confirm via e-mail, and then reach out at the agreed upon time and date..

Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Enjoy daily walks in the forest and swim along pure deserted beaches
• Observe magnificent rainforest plants of every imaginable shape and size
• Listen to the exotic calls of birds and mammals as you scout the forest
• Look for caimans as you explore the river's edge on nightly expeditions
• Village Visits
• River Cruises
• Rainforest Exploration
• Wildlife Viewing
• South America
• Brazil Amazon

Full Itinerary

Day 1: manaus, brazil | embark | rio negro.

• 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 2: Lago Turia

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Lago Buriti

Day 4: rio jauaperi, day 5: west bank of the rio negro, day 6: encontra das aguas, day 7: manaus, brazil | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Dates & Prices

My preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $500, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• General Terms & Conditions - Amazon Nature Tours

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
• 6 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Bottled water is served free of charge on the M/Y Tucano.
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Airport Transfers
• Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages 
• Hotel accommodations
• Departure taxes

We Love to Talk Travel

Amazon travel guide.

• All Amazon Trips
• Amazon River Cruises
• Luxury Amazon Cruises
• 18 Best Amazon Lodges
• Amazon FAQs
• Peru Amazon Rainforest - Cruises & Eco Lodge
• The World's Largest Macaw Lick
• Indigenous People
• Tropical Rainforest Animals
• Jungle Packing Tips
• What Can I Do to Help the Amazon Rainforest?
• Medicinal Treasures of the Rainforest
• Best Time of Year to Travel to the Amazon
• Ecuador's Amazon – Lodges, Tours & Cruises

Favorite Amazon All Trips

• Sacha Lodge
• La Selva Lodge
• Amazon Discoveries: Search for the Pink Dolphin
• Amazon Explorer

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Amazon River Cruise

Our purpose-built riverboat grants you the freedom to explore the Amazon in comfort. Boasting roomy public spaces, a cheery upper deck, and stunning, take-it-all-in sightlines, the ship’s decks are the perfect spot from which to survey the pristine rainforest and the dazzling array of colourful birdlife that inhabit it.

Save 30% OFF select departures when you book by May 31, 2018.

Welcome aboard the Amatista

Your boat at a glance.

Capacity: 28 passengers

Cabins: 7 upper deck cabins, 7 lower deck cabins with A/C

Boat Layout: Interior bar lounge, reading lounge, dining room, observation decks including one covered, one observation platform, lateral passageways

Crew: 15 crew and 2 naturalist guides

• Two best-in-field naturalist CEO guides ready to share with you the wildlife, people and history of the Amazon
• Equipped with a skiff to explore smaller tributaries and remote arteries
• Complimentary tea and coffee served all day; water, juice and snacks available for purchase

The deckplan of the Amatista

What's it like on board, expert naturalists, the amatista.

The Experience

Amazon River Cruise

November 12 - 20, 2021, w/Machu Picchu & Cusco extension

• Full Itinerary
• Photo Gallery

Travel Details

• Trip Reports
• Know Before You Go

Join us on our always popular Amazon River cruise. Travel far past the reaches of civilization, deep into the heart of the great Amazon rainforest. More than 1,300 bird species, 40,000 plant species, two species of river dolphin, and a plethora of primates are found in this lush, ever-changing realm known simply as “The Amazon.” While outsiders rarely get to visit the riverbank villages, our guests—under the guidance of local naturalists who were born and reared in similar villages — are greeted like family as we visit local schools and a revered Shaman. Immerse yourself in the living labyrinth of forests, wildlife, and people along the river. Our boat offers unrivaled comfort while allowing us to responsibly travel deep into the ever-smaller waterways and remote corners of the Upper Amazon Basin.

Tour Highlights

• Enjoy the nature and culture of the Amazon with expert naturalists who ensure you learn about the Amazon’s plants, wildlife, people, and history
• Marvel at birds and mammals here that are so difficult to see in less-pristine areas, from macaws to piping-guans, large woodpeckers, fabulous raptors, and more
• Explore the fascinating relationship between the river and the people who live along the banks
• Discover an atmosphere that pulsates with life
• Cruise in luxury on the Zafiro , built especially for wildlife and bird observation

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Fri., Nov. 12: Arrive Lima

Welcome to Peru! Please arrive today at your leisure into Lima, the nation’s capital and largest city. You are transferred upon arrival to the Swissôtel for the night. Those who arrive in time can get together for a casual dinner at leisure before the start of the cruise.

Sat., Nov. 13: Lima | Iquitos | Embark | Amazon River

This morning we fly over the Andes to Iquitos where we visit the Manatee Rescue Center; here biologists and volunteers care for endangered Amazon manatees that conservation authorities have rescued. We learn about efforts to help these endearing mammals and see how the manatees are cared for and are prepared for reintroduction into their natural habitat. We then board the elegant riverboat, Zafiro: Our home for seven nights! An exciting introduction allows for stargazing and storytelling with our local guides, while we cruise slowly on the Amazon River toward the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali Rivers.

Sun., Nov. 14: Confluence of the Amazon River | Río Ucayali

We awake this morning on the Amazon River, seeing some of the ever-changing panorama of jungle life, as our boat continues upriver. Small villages dot the shoreline, and channels weaving through island mazes provide close-up views of a variety of birds. The confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers is famous as the beginning of the Amazon River in Peru. Amazingly, we are about 2,400 miles from where the river flows into the Atlantic. The river drops only about 350 feet the entire way! On our voyage, we travel waterways aboard sturdy excursion boats to areas where we may find marsh birds such as Oriole Blackbird, Green Ibis, Yellow-headed Caracara, Black-capped Donacobius, and White-headed Marsh-Tyrant. We then turn into the Río Ucayali, where we’re apt to find Gray River Dolphin and Amazon Pink Dolphin cavorting near the boat and along the shoreline. Later we take an excursion into the surrounding rainforest in search of giant water lilies and elusive wildlife such as monkeys and sloths. As dusk approaches, Fishing Bats begin their night’s foraging.

Mon., Nov. 15: Río Ucayali | Pacaya-Samiria Reserve

After a peaceful breakfast along the black-water Sapote Creek, we explore a small tributary of the Ucayali aboard excursion boats. Exploring animals including primates, sloths, and an enormous variety of birds. Our adventure continues upriver to the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. Although scientific studies are far from exhausted, the Pacaya-Samiria is the known home to 450 bird species, 102 species of mammals, over 130 species of reptiles and amphibians, and countless plants. This afternoon, an excursion into this largest wetland reserve in the world provides the opportunity to see 13 species of primates, including Monk Saki, Red Howler, Saddle-backed Tamarin, and Squirrel Monkey. We explore Caro Lake, which is connected to the river by way of a very small stream, where we may find flocks of Greater Ani, often seen following monkeys in search of insects disturbed by the monkeys’ foraging. We enjoy a night-time boat excursion for a chance to find Caimans, Capybaras, Common Potoo, frogs, and other nocturnal wildlife.

Tues., Nov. 16 & Wed., Nov. 17: Rio Pacaya | Pacaya-Samiria Reserve

We spend the day exploring the flooded realm, seeing wading birds such as herons, Wattled Jacana, and Horned Screamer. Venturing deep into the rainforest, we tour an Igapó (seasonally flooded forest), where plant life is very different from what we see along the main course of our Amazon cruise. Lucky guests may release turtle hatchlings. A delicious lunch energizes us for afternoon excursions with our expert naturalists, where we may find Scarlet Macaw, Hoatzin, Black-collared Hawk, and Red Howler Monkey. After an early breakfast on Wednesday, we board excursion boats for even further access into the heart of these vast wetlands. As we cruise the narrow waterways, we find birds such as Canary-winged Parakeet, and spectacular Blue-and-Gold and Scarlet Macaws. Primates are also fairly common, including noisy Squirrel Monkey. Once we arrive at a remote ranger station, we can enjoy a refreshing swim. We gradually make our way back to the riverboat through the maze of waterways. Enjoy an al fresco lunch and time to relax before our afternoon excursion.

Thurs., Nov. 18: Río Ucayali

We begin to head back downriver with plenty of morning wildlife. We then visit a village along the river, with the chance to learn about the lives of the “Ribereño” people who live there. Accompanied by guides who grew up along the river, this is a fantastic opportunity to stroll through gardens learning about medicinal plants and folklore, visit a school, or join in a game of soccer. The children are especially excited to see their faces on digital cameras and to show off their school and sing Peruvian songs. Depending on the villages visited during your cruise, you may also have the opportunity to see an water treatment plant that is funded by our operator. The clean drinking water provided by these plants is having an enormously positive health impact in remote river villages. Learn about medicinal plants and enjoy a blessing ceremony by a respected village shaman. Aboard the ship, learn to make traditional Peruvian dishes or enjoy an enriching lecture. After dark, go out in excursion boats to listen to the sounds of the rainforest and look for nocturnal wildlife.

Fri., Nov. 19: Amazon River

Wake up early for a morning bird watching excursion along the Yarapa River. After breakfast, try your hand at piranha fishing in Ubos Lake. Piranha are very common in the slower-moving water. With luck, we may catch red-breasted, white, or black piranha, and feast on our catch this evening at dinner. Once back aboard you’re the boat, we enjoy a farewell dinner.

Sat., Nov. 20: Iquitos | Lima | Depart

On an early morning excursion to Pilpintuwasi Rescue Center, see Two and Three-toed Sloth, Red Uakari, and even Jaguar that have been rescued. We then board our flight back to Lima, arriving in the late afternoon. Dayrooms are provided until it is time to connect with your independent overnight flight home.

Machu Picchu & Cusco Post-Tour Extension

Sat., nov. 20: iquitos | lima.

Late this afternoon, we fly from Iquitos to Lima, and overnight at the Costa del Sol.

Sun., Nov. 21: Lima | Cusco Urubamba Valley

This morning we fly from Lima to Cusco—the heart of the Inca Empire. We then drive into the historic Urubamba Valley, stopping in Chinchero to browse and shop for Andean handicrafts and alpaca sweaters. We enjoy plenty of time at the Urubamba Market and spend tonight at the Aranwa Hotel in Cusco.

Mon., Nov. 22 & Tues., Nov. 23: Machu Picchu

Today we board the train to Machu Picchu where we spend the afternoon exploring the amazing ruins with our guide. Our home for the next two nights is the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The following day is yours to explore Machu Picchu or simply relax! Wake up early and hike to the Sun Gate or enjoy some early morning birding in the abundant gardens surrounding our hotel, home to 16 species of hummingbirds.

Wed., Nov. 24: Ollantaytambo | Sacsayhuamán | Cusco

We catch an early morning train back to the Sacred Valley. Explore the mighty archaeological wonder of Ollantaytambo, where ancient temples and fortresses were built to protect the Sacred Valley. After a Paso Fino horse show at Wayra Ranch, we continue across the valley toward Cusco. We stop at Sacsayhuamán—a huge fortress of massive stones that zigzags across the side of the mountain. We spend tonight at the Aranwa Hotel.

Thurs., Nov. 25: Cusco

Stroll the streets of Cusco, exploring the Koricancha—also known as Santo Domingo, Santa Catalina Convent, and the Cathedral. After lunch, the afternoon is free to explore on your own before a farewell dinner featuring Andean fare. Return to the Aranwa Hotel for the night.

Fri., Nov. 26: Cusco | Lima | En Route

Today we fly back across the Andes to Lima and transfer to the airport this evening for flights home around the midnight hour.

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the 10-day main tour is $6498 DBL / $8298 SGL per person (Lower Deck Suite) or $7098 DBL / $8998 SGL per person (Upper Deck Suite), or $8698 (Master Suite) double occupancy based on cabin type. Single occupancy is available on a limited basis; please ask for availability and cost. Tour price includes 9 nights’ accomodations, a dayroom on our last day in Lima, all meals aboard the ship, airport transfers, land and boat transportation during the journey, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Tour cost does not include internal flights to and from Iquitos ($419), personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities for luggage handling or other services. Cost of the post-tour Machu Picchu extension is $3999 per person based on double occupancy (please ask for single pricing), plus $419 flight to Cusco and $195 park fee. This cruise is in high demand with very limited space on the boat. Payments are due in full at 120 days.

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

The airport is Jorge Chavez International (LIM) in Lima. Plan to arrive at a time convenient for you on Nov. 12. Please plan departures on Nov. 20 after 8:00 PM. Please watch the flight times carefully; many flights depart around midnight, so do make sure you have the correct date. If you participate in the Machu Picchu extension, plan to depart after 8:00 PM on Nov. 26. Again, watch the flight times. Pro tip: Ask us for our travel agent’s information and let her book your flights. You can skip the worry about getting the timing right, PLUS, we’ll pay her ticketing fee.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• Species List
• Trip Report

Steve Shunk started birding in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1989, and he moved to central Oregon’s ‘Woodpecker Wonderland’ in 1997, where 11 woodpecker species breed annually. This phenomenon led to a 20-year obsession studying this charismatic family of birds. Steve founded the region’s woodpecker festival in 2008, and his Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America was published in 2016. He has fed leeches (his own blood) in Malaysian Borneo, and he has watched Spotless Starlings swarming around the Greek ruins of Sicily. Steve’s Alaska adventures have taken him from Ketchikan to Barrow and St. Paul Island. One of his favorite destinations takes him to see ‘eastern’ warblers breeding across the boreal forest of Alberta, but recent adventures have led him to favor the cushion plants and condors of the Peruvian high Andes. Steve speaks at bird festivals across North America, and he returns annually to speak and guide at the Vallarta Bird Festival in far-western Jalisco, Mexico. Steve joined Naturalist Journeys earlier this year, and we are excited to have him on the schedule for 2021 and beyond. Steve’s work as a field biologist has taken him from the Coast Range of Oregon to California’s Sierra Nevada. Most recently, he conducted point-count and woodpecker surveys for a study in the Central Oregon Cascades. Steve co-founded the East Cascades Bird Conservancy (now East Cascades Audubon), and served as its first president. He also co-founded the Oregon Birding Trails Program and coordinated its flagship project, the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. When Steve is not traveling the world for tours and lectures, he can be found writing, skiing, hiking, and watching woodpeckers at home in lovely Sisters, Oregon.

Other trips with Steve Shunk

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the tour & what to expect.

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain.  It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as  Allianz , for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue ,  World Nomads , Medjet , Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at [email protected] or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

Photo credits: Banner: Hoatzin by Greg Smith; Three-toed Sloth by Howard Topoff; Red-capped Cardinal by Peg Abbott; Ladder-tailed Nightjar by Peg Abbott; Cream-colored Woodpecker by Peg Abbott; Exploring the Amazon by Peg Abbott; Exploring the Amazon by Peg Abbott; Red Howler Monkey by Howard Topoff; Blue-and-Yellow Macaw by Peg Abbott; Monk Saki by Peg Abbott; Kayaking by Peg Abbott; Hoatzin on Nest, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Oropendola Colony, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Black-capped Donacobius by Peg Abbott; Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Peg Abbott; Poison Dart Frog, International Expeditions; Village Children, International Expeditions; Three-toed Sloth, Howard Topoff; Great Black Hawk, Carlos Sanchez; Kayaking with Egrets, International Expeditions; Oriole Blackbird, Peg Abbott; Clown Tree Frog, International Expeditions; Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Peg Abbott; Yellow-rumped Cacique, Peg Abbott; Amazonica Water Lily, International Expeditions; Red-capped Cardinal, Peg Abbott; Squirrel Monkey, International Expeditions; Capped Heron, Peg Abbott; Sunset on the River, International Expeditions; Wooly Monkey, International Expeditions; Excursion Boat, International Expeditions; Jabiru, Peg Abbott; Machu Picchu with Rainbows, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Machu Picchu Scenic, Bob Hill; Paso Finos and Riders, Bob Hill; Orchid, Bob Hill; Orchid, Bob Hill; Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Greg Smith; Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, International Expeditions; Sunset, Lynn Tennefoss; Head-dress model, Lynn Tennefoss; Local Woman, Lynn Tennefoss; Black-collared Hawk, Peg Abbott; Black-fronted Nunbird, Peg Abbott; Blue-yellow Macaws, Peg Abbott; Chestnut-eared Aracari, Peg Abbott; Horned Screamer, Peg Abbott; White-eared Jacamar, Peg Abbott; Yellow-rumped Cacique, Peg Abbott.

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Aria Amazon River Cruise

• 8-Day High Water
• 8-Day Low Water
• 5-Day High Water
• 4-Day High Water
• Rates & Dates

Accommodations

• Expert Reviews
• Extend your trip
• Travel Guides

Experience the world as it was at the very beginning of time, when wildlife was rich and abundant, when trees grew tall and flowers bloomed everywhere. During your luxurious Amazon River cruise aboard the 32-guest Aria Amazon , explore winding jungle creeks by motorized skiff and stop at remote villages to search for local crafts. Journey along three powerful Amazon tributaries: the Marañón, Ucayali and Pacaya Rivers as well as several hidden black water lakes in both high-water and low-water seasons. In this glorious environment, parrots and macaws perch in trees, fuzzy howler monkeys leap from branch to branch and prehistoric-looking caiman swim by. Rare pink dolphins arc through the water, giant Victoria Regia water lilies abound and you won’t be able to help but practice your photography skills.

Be aware that two main seasons influence the Peruvian Amazon River: a high-water season (November through May) and a low-water season (June through October). Traveling to Peru in either season offers rich rewards, fabulous sites and amazing opportunities to view plant and animal life, but note that only high-water routes cruise along the Amazon River. The Aria Amazon sails year-round and every voyage is uniquely appealing, based on the changing seasons. During the high-water season the river and estuaries grow, allowing launch boats to venture deeper into the flooded forest. During the low-water season the river recedes and beautiful sandy river beaches form.

Cruise in comfort aboard the Aria Amazon , a luxury Amazon riverboat with chic styling and plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure none of the wildlife is missed. This vessel is an AdventureSmith favorite for private  charter cruises  due to her classy feel and size. 

The Aria Amazon River cruise is offered as either an 8-day, 5-day or 4-day cruise, departing Fridays and Mondays, to provide the Amazon experience that is best for you. Note that itineraries are subject to changes to accommodate the variable water levels for the different seasons.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Amazon cruises and Amazon trips .

8-Day High-Water Itinerary

The 8-day High-Water expedition generally operates November through May. Touch the Ucayali, Marañon and Amazon Rivers. High-Water departures can mean more rain, encouraging fruiting and flowering of plants and riverside wildlife activity, as well as more extensive exploration and access via water.

Arrive on a Noon flight and receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by your crew. Board your private transfer to downtown Iquitos, for a panoramic city tour and a welcome lunch. Then transfer to Nauta port for embarkation.

Settle into your generously sized suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to your naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aria Amazon’s renowned consulting chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Aria Amazon

lunch, dinner

Start the day with early morning birdwatching along the majestic Amazon River. After breakfast, head out for a skiff excursion along the Yanayacu Yacapana River, a tributary of the Amazon River, in search of wildlife including parrots, hawks, monkeys and sloths. In the evening, embark on a wildlife excursion on the black waters of Nauta Caño River. End the night with extraordinary stargazing.

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Begin the day’s adventures near the main entrance of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, cruising along Yanayacu Pucate in the comfort of our private skiffs. Visit an Amazon village to interact with native riberenos (people of the river) and witness a demonstration of Aguaje palm harvesting. Kayak, canoe, and swim in the area’s enchanting black waters, while staying on the lookout for the legendary pink dolphins. After lunch, take a jungle walk in Casual’s Forest and look for flora and fauna including medicinal trees, insects and poison dart frogs.

This morning, visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the Amazonian fishermen as well as the region’s exotic fruits. After breakfast, take a short boat ride along the Marañon River and visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco. In the afternoon, witness one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere: the birthplace of the Amazon River. At night, meet the new passengers who have signed on for the four-night trip, as the ship starts the journey along the Marañon River.

If you wish, get an early start and head out for a wildlife search along the Ucayali River. Later, head out on skiffs in search of pink river dolphins and witness the local farmers and fishermen go about their business. At dusk, ride along the black waters of El Dorado River, searching for the mysterious wildlife that comes out after dark.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast, before heading out to explore the Zapote River on skiffs. This will be a full-day river safari with a picnic lunch under the Amazonian shade. Walk in the floodplain forest and learn about the medicinal trees, insects and frogs which inhabit the region. Later, cruise along the Ucayali River and enjoy the stunning sunset.

Start the day searching for wildlife along the Ucayali River. After breakfast, choose to go canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the blackwater Clavero Lake, or visit an Amazonian village. In the afternoon, explore the Yarapa River by skiff, in search of different kinds of wildlife. This evening before dinner, meet the crew members who have been working behind the scenes to ensure your exceptional experiences aboard the Aria Amazon.

In the morning, take a guided visit to the local market and marvel at the regional produce of the Peruvian Amazon. Return to Aria Amazon for breakfast before disembarkation. En route to the airport, visit the Manatee Rescue Center, where orphaned Amazonian manatees rehabilitate before they are released back into the wild.

Overnight accommodations aboard the Aria Amazon; all meals while cruising; all excursions; non-alcoholic beverages; group transfers to/from vessel when arriving and departing on recommended flights; Pacaya Samiria National Reserve entrance fee.

Airfare; guide and crew gratuities; alcoholic beverages; boutique purchases; private transfers to/from vessel; spa services; visas; insurance of any kind; and items of a personal nature.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure: Up to 121 days – full refund except for $500 service charge 120 to 91 days – 100% of deposit 90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations  Terms and Conditions . Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Aria Amazon River Cruise begins and ends in Iquitos, Peru (IQT). Plan flights to arrive to Iquitos between 12:00pm noon and 2:00pm on Day 1, in order to participate in a city tour and lunch prior to transfer; otherwise, arrive by 5:00pm to make the transfer to Nauta for embarkation. Group transfers to/from vessel are provided when arriving and departing on recommended flights. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Disembarkation is from 8:30-8:45am on the final day. Plan flights to depart Iquitos no earlier than 12:00pm on the final day (flights may be available up to 5:00pm). If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our  Booking Flights  resource page.

Whether it’s in a kayak or on foot, the Aria Amazon offers active ways to explore life along the amazing Amazon River. Adventure activities may include skiff rides, kayaking, hikes/walks, wildlife viewing from the ship, swimming, fishing and visiting local communities. The ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level.

Themed Departures

The Aria Amazon has special guest-hosted departures bringing aboard celebrity chefs, the company founder and environmental experts.

Skiff Rides

Two or three daily excursions in customized aluminum motorized launch boats, or skiffs, which carry up to eight passengers each, showcase the unique wildlife, birds and plantlife of Amazonia. Search for armored catfish, red bellied piranhas and the beady-eyed heads of spectacled caimans in the enigmatic black waters. Above water, see yellow spotted Amazon River turtles, sapphire blue beaked Amazon kingfishers streak past and antediluvian prehistoric hoatzin birds alight on high branches near dusky Titi monkeys playing in the tree canopy.

Kayaking, Swimming & Fishing

Kayak the calm waters of the Amazon River while keeping an eye out for Amazon wildlife. Highly-trained guides lead skiffs to one of the most beautiful natural swimming pools on the earth, cosseted by lush tropical rain forest. In the black waters of the Pacaya River, try fishing for vibrant red-bellied piranhas, a fun activity for new and passionate anglers.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 25% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Kids 5 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children under 12 years old will receive a 20% discount. Children under 12 years old sleeping on sofa bed as the third guest sharing with two full-fare adults pays $500 per night.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details.  Learn more about travel insurance  or  get a free quote .

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, season, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Itineraries in the Amazon vary based on the high-water season of November through May and low-water season of June through October. The itinerary may occasionally be altered slightly for safety or to take advantage of weather, wildlife and unplanned discoveries. The ability to be flexible makes this style of small ship cruising unique.

8-Day Low-Water Itinerary

The 8-day Low-Water expedition generally operates June through October and focuses on village visits along the Ucayali, Marañon and Amaazon Rivers. Low-Water departures can mean less rain which may allow for guided walks on rainforest trails and sandy river beaches.

Arriving on a noon flight, receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by your crew. Board your private transfer to downtown Iquitos, for a panoramic city tour and a welcome lunch. Then transfer to Nauta port for embarkation. Settle into your generously sized suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to your naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aria Amazon’s renowned consulting chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Start the day searching for incredible wildlife along the Ucayali River, including parrots, egrets, hawks and monkeys. After breakfast, choose to go canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the blackwater Clavero Lake, or visit an Amazonian village where you can interact with native riberenos (people of the river). At dusk, explore the Yarapa River in search of exotic nocturnal wildlife.

As the day begins, embark on a morning wildlife excursion on the extraordinary Amazon River. After breakfast, explore the Tahuayo River, a blackwater tributary of the Amazon River, while your naturalist guides share stories of Amazonia. After lunch, take a jungle walk at San Pedro or Puerto Prado’s forest to learn about the Amazonian flora and fauna.

This morning, visit the local fresh market with your guides who can identify the day’s catch by the Amazonian fishermen as well as the region’s exotic fruits. After breakfast, take a short boat ride along Marañon River and visit an experienced beekeeper in the community of San Francisco. In the afternoon, witness one of the great spectacles of the Southern Hemisphere: the birthplace of the Amazon River. At night, meet the new passengers who have signed on for the 4-night trip, as the boat starts her journey along the Marañon River.

Get an early start to the day with a birdwatching excursion along the Marañon River. After breakfast, explore the blackwaters of Yanayacu Pucate River with the possibility to see sloths, great egrets, parrots and Taricaya turtles. Visit an Amazon village to witness a demonstration of Aguaje palm harvesting. After lunch, go fishing for Amazonia’s notoriously ferocious piranhas and for a dusk excursion in search of exotic nocturnal wildlife.

The rewards of your early start today are plentiful, including a picnic lunch under the Amazonian shade, orchestrated to the sound of the jungle symphony. Go fishing along the black waters of Samiria River and choose to go on a jungle walk, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming inside the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Later, cruise along the Ucayali River and enjoy the sunset.

After breakfast, embark on a morning skiff excursion on the Marañon River. Make sure to bring along your binoculars to try to spot sloths and birds along this majestic river. In the afternoon, sail along the river to go to Puerto Prado, an indigenous village where there’ll be an opportunity to see giant water lilies.

5-Day High-Water Itinerary

The 5-day High-Water expedition generally operates November through May and focuses on exploration along the Ucayali River. High-Water departures can mean more rain, encouraging fruiting and flowering of plants and riverside wildlife activity, as well as more extensive exploration and access via water.

Arrive on a noon flight and receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by your crew. Board your private transfer to downtown Iquitos, for a panoramic city tour and a welcome lunch. Then transfer to Nauta port for embarkation. Settle into your generously sized suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to your naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aria Amazon’s renowned consulting chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

If you wish, get an early start and head out for a wildlife search along the Ucayali River. Later, head out on skiffs in search of pink river dolphins and witness the local farmers and fishermen go about their business. At dusk, ride along the blackwaters of El Dorado River, searching for the mysterious wildlife that comes out after dark.

Start the day searching for wildlife along the Ucayali River. After breakfast, choose to go canoeing, kayaking or swimming on the blackwater Clavero Lake or visit an Amazonian village. In the afternoon, explore the Yarapa River by skiff, in search of different kinds of wildlife. This evening before dinner, meet the crew members who have been working behind the scenes to ensure your exceptional experiences aboard the Aria Amazon.

Whether it’s in a kayak or on foot, the Aria Amazon offers active ways to explore life along the amazing Amazon River. Adventure activities may include skiff rides, kayaking, cycling, hikes/walks, wildlife viewing from the ship, swimming, fishing and visiting local communities. The ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level.

4-Day High-Water Itinerary

The 4-day High-Water expedition generally operates November through May and focuses on exploration along the Maranon and Amazon Rivers. High-Water departures can mean more rain, encouraging fruiting and flowering of plants and riverside wildlife activity, as well as more extensive exploration and access via water.

Arriving on a Noon flight and receive a warm welcome at Iquitos International Airport by your crew. Board your private transfer to downtown Iquitos, for a panoramic city tour and a welcome lunch. Then transfer to Nauta port for embarkation. Settle into your generously sized suite as you begin one of life’s greatest adventures. Following an introduction to your naturalist guides and a routine safety drill, gather at the restaurant for the first of many Amazonian cuisine experiences created by Aria Amazon’s renowned consulting chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Cruise Rates & Details

High-water season is November to May and allows for more extensive exploration and access via water. Low-water season is June through October and may allow for more trail walks.

Itineraries span varying days of the week, depending on trip length: 4 Day Friday-Monday, 5 Day Monday-Friday, 8 Day Friday-Friday.

This ship is an AdventureSmith favorite for private charter. Contact us for charter pricing and details.

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

The 32-guest Aria Amazon offers a sophisticated boutique hotel aesthetic, with full air-conditioning, floor-to-ceiling windows, private baths, Jacuzzi and fitness equipment. Add a 5-star Peruvian chef and custom ship design and the Aria Amazon is one of the most luxurious adventure vessels cruising the Amazon River.

Current Deals on This Trip

Book your Amazon cruise aboard Aria or Aqua Nera now to save up to 20% per person.

Solo travelers! Book your select 2024 or 2025 Aria Amazon River cruise and the single supplement fee will be waived.

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

What is it like to travel through the Amazon rainforest in luxury aboard the 32-guest Aria Amazon riverboat? Read our expert's detailed review of the wildlife, experiences and food.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

This 5- or 7-day private-lodge-based adventure in the remote region of Lares culminates in Machu Picchu and offers daily options to choose custom adventures: hikes, cultural activities and meeting locals.

Travel to Peru's most spectacular archaeological monument in South America: the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu. This 5- or 6-day Machu Picchu Explorer adventure includes Cusco, the Urubamba Valley and upscale accommodations.

From a thoughtful property in Peru's Sacred Valley of the Incas, explore the region's incredible cultural and geologic wonders, including nearby Machu Picchu and Cusco. Choose your own adventure with 40+ daily activity options by bike, foot or van. And delve deeper than most with an attentive guide and a small group of like-minded travelers.

Planning Your Trip to the Amazon

There are more Amazon cruises than ever, and if you are confused by all the options we are here to help. Compare Amazon trips throughout Ecuador, Peru and Brazil using this Amazon guide.

The family travel experts at AdventureSmith have compiled these top 8 tips for travel in the rainforest with kids.

Tips every savvy traveler should know when researching how to charter a yacht. This 7-step guide gives you insight from AdventureSmith's many years of arranging charter cruises to exotic destinations worldwide.

Trips You Might Also Like

Cruise along three powerful Amazon tributaries: the Marañón, Ucayali and Pacaya Rivers aboard the Aqua Nera Amazon River Boat. Exciting jungle walks, piranha fishing and skiff rides are the best ways to explore the Peruvian Amazon jungle.

The 8-guest Delfin I is one of the most intimate, luxurious and active vessels in which to experience the Peruvian Amazon. Choose from carefully crafted 4- or 5-day itineraries that allow you to kayak, stand-up paddleboard and visit local communities.

Board the 28-guest Amatista and spend 9 days cruising to the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon. Visit a local community and shaman and explore by foot and skiff, searching for wildlife beside expert naturalist guides.

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The Amazon Cruises

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The name of Amazonia has an almost mythical ring to it. This extraordinary natural reserve and its mighty river are best explored on water. From encounters with the Amerindian communities, to a voyage through the mangrove to lush natural surroundings filled with wildlife…an Amazonian cruise is an enlightening and rewarding experience.

All about cruises The Amazon

We're sorry, there are no results matching your search.

You should get more results by changing your search or selecting another destination . You can also request a quote and be inspired by one of our experts.

Need some inspiration? You might like these cruises...

Lake Superior – a life-sized expedition

Oriental Wonders & Civilisations

Malta, Italian shores and Isle of Beauty

The great adventure

Encounter with the Last Guardians of the North Pole

+33 (0)4 91 36 41 60 (or contact your travel agent)

Must-Sees - Amazonia

From the tropical jungle and the multicoloured birds, to the houses on stilts by the ever-present river…below is a list of what you will see in Amazonia . Mention this iconic region, which covers half of Brazil, and your mind conjures up a multitude of images. Watching the wildlife, sailing down the Amazon and coming face-to-face with the Native Americans are just some of the highlights.

The Essentials - Amazonia

Meeting the native populations, adventures on the Amazon and nature-watching are all highlights of an Amazonian cruise . Here are a few tips and some practical info to help you prepare for your expedition to the tropics .

Explore Amazonia

The People of the Amazon

Ponant Discovery: the story of a scouting voyage to Guyana

Sailing down the Amazon

The Amazon is the river of all records, topping the statistics in terms of flow rate, basin, and its hydrographic network of over a thousand tributaries. In fact, it alone drains almost half of Latin America. A cruise in Amazonia is thus a chance for adventure on its legendary waters. Discover the tropical forest from the river, with enough distance to admire its splendour and scale.

Explore Belém

Founded in 1616, Belém is now the second largest urban centre in Amazonia after Manaus. Heritage from the colonial era includes the baroque Santa Maria de Belém cathedral . The Teatro de Paz , built in 1878, is one of the most opulent theatres and one of the most important monuments in the country. The city itself is like a continuation of Amazonia. Palm trees line the estuary and fruit trees border most avenues, earning Belém the nickname of “mango tree city.” Finally, the vast Ver-o-Peso market , inaugurated in 1901, teems with buyers who come for the bountiful wares from across the country. Fish, exotic fruit and vegetables, and medicinal herbs deck the stalls with their enticing colours and fragrances.

Travel the Aquiqui River

The Aquiqui River is one of the Amazon's many tributaries. Embark on a Zodiac® boat and explore every last creek as you look for birds such as the cocoi herons, roadside hawks, anhingas and toucans who nest in this lush environment. You may also spot monkeys and iguanas in this great game of hide and seek, for which the vegetation provides the ideal backdrop.

Bask in the sunshine on Alter do Chao beach

This spot is popularly known as the Brazilian Carribbean. And Alter do Chao certainly offers some very different landscapes from what we expect in Amazonia. Located on the banks of the Tapajos , a tributary to the Amazon, this small town of 2,000 inhabitants is bathed by a lagoon watered by underground springs . They form a natural lake that recedes down the river's banks during the dry season. The sandy banks that emerge then seem to form an island. The fine sandy beaches, clear waters, and little fishermen's huts with woven palm leaf roofs form the ideal haven in which to relax and get away from it all.

Be amazed by the Strait of Breves

The Amazon's waters are the best way to explore the region and to travel the "green corridor" of the Strait of Breves , one of the high points of a cruise in Amazonia . Here, the tropical forest merges into the muddy waters. It is teeming with life, harbouring a wealth of animal life and an array of birds. And in the midst of it all, there are the people. Deep in the characteristic villages along the canal on the shores of the Amazon, small houses stand on stilts against the lush green backdrop. Laundry dries outside on lines stretched above the timber decks, to which gently swaying dugout canoes are tied. Here and there, children frolic in the water.

Essential phrase guide*

Hello/good evening: Bom dia/Boa noite Goodbye: Tchau/até logo Welcome: Bem-vindo Excuse-me/please: Com licença/Por favor Thank you: Obrigado (a) Yes/no: Sim/Não How are you? : Como você está/vai ? Very well, thanks, and you?: Muito bem, obrigado e você ? My name's…: Meu nome é…/Eu me chamo...

*40% of Amazonia is in Brazil so we have selected Portuguese, which is spoken there.

A typical Amazonian dish, Tacacà is found on most menus in Belém's eateries. Before you start to enjoy the soup, there is a special serving ritual to be observed. First a ladle of tucupi, wild manioc root broth, is poured in to a calabash then covered in tapioca, then more tucupi is poured over. Next, jambu leaves (which tingle in the mouth ), prawns , a pinch of chili and garlic are added.

Myths & legends

Other parts of the world have the yeti, but Amazonia has the Mapinguari . According to legend, after discovering the secret to immortality, a powerful shaman was turned into a giant bear-like creature with red fur, enormous claws and a mouthful of sharp teeth on its belly. It apparently has a taste for human flesh.

In the spotlight

Land grabbing, access to healthcare and misogyny have all been issues since the election of President Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, with native people seeing their rights diminished. Faced with decisions that have jeopardised their daily lives, many indigenous women and political leaders meet regularly to make their voices heard. Every year, thousands of representatives of the indigenous tribes hold the "Free Land Camp" on the plaza in Brasilia where the government, congress and supreme court are located, to assert their rights. In April 2019, the police presence was particularly dissuasive and misinformation on the movement profuse.

Books. An expert on Amazonia, which he has been exploring for the last 30 years, Serge Guiraud has published Amazonie, l’ordre du monde , a wonderful collection of legends told by some of the most isolated tribes in the region. Illustrated with 300 photographs, these age-old stories testify to the Amerindians attachment to their environment and their belief that visible and invisible worlds exist side by side, in total harmony. State of Wonder , Ann Patchett. Doctor Marina Singh, a scientist and researcher for a pharmaceutical company in Minnesota, is sent to Brazil to track down her former mentor, Doctor Annick Swenson. Swenson has apparently vanished in the Amazonian jungle while working on a highly important new drug (a pill that would extend fertility for a number of years), while a colleague and friend of Marina's, who previously visited the area, died under mysterious circumstances.

Music While there is a real melting pot of musical styles in Brazil, the Carimbó is particularly emblematic of Latino rhythms. Its exhilarating beats have their origins in the music brought over by the Portuguese and the Africans to the Nordeste region of Brazil. In 2014, it was added to Brazil's immaterial cultural heritage list.

Film. The Dead and the Others by Brazilian film-makers Joao Salaviza and Renée Nader Messora (2019) is a successful mix of genres. It is both a documentary and a mystical drama, telling the story of Ihjac, a young Amerindian. When his father dies, he is called by his totemic animal, the parrot, to become a shaman. He first refuses but finally accepts his role as "forest warden", a function recognised by the UN in 2007. The film received the "Un certain regard" prize from the jury at Cannes in 2018.

According to a study by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics in 2010, 274 indigenous languages are spoken in the country. Linguists, for whom certain languages are similar, quote a number ranging from 160 to 180 .

Ponant brochures

Want to find out more about our unique and exceptional destinations?

What will your next trip look like The Amazon ?

• Discover all destinations

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• Request a quote
•  Contact
• Your luxury cruise with PONANT
• Africa, Middle East & Indian Ocean
• Atlantic Coast
• Central America
• North America
• Northern Europe & Scandinavia
• Ocean Voyages
• Oceania & Pacific Islands
• South America
• The Mediterranean
• Transatlantic
• Show all destinations
• See all cruises
• Loyalty Cruise
• Gastronomy & Wine
• Polar Expedition
• Tropical Expedition
• Art & Museums
• Smithsonian Journeys
• Theatre & Literature
• The Explorers Club
• Show all themes
• Back-to-back offers
• Free Ocean Voyage
• No single supplement
• Flight credit
• L'AUSTRAL
• LE LAPÉROUSE
• LE CHAMPLAIN
• LE BOUGAINVILLE
• LE DUMONT-D'URVILLE
• LE JACQUES-CARTIER
• LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
• Expeditions
• Life on board
• A different way to cruise
• A tailor-made voyage
• Why choose PONANT ?
• PONANT benefits
• Our Pavilions
• Our 360-degree destinations
• A more sustainable tourism
• PONANT Foundation
• Certifications and distinctions
• Cruises and destinations

Where would you like to travel with PONANT?

Which period?

What are you looking for?

• Gastronomy & Wine
• Art & Museums

The Amazon Cruises

Your criteria

Delete all criteria

The name of Amazonia has an almost mythical ring to it. This extraordinary natural reserve and its mighty river are best explored on water. From encounters with the Amerindian communities, to a voyage through the mangrove to lush natural surroundings filled with wildlife…an Amazonian cruise is an enlightening and rewarding experience.

All about cruises The Amazon

We're sorry, there are no results matching your search.

You should get more results by changing your search or selecting another destination . You can also request a quote and be inspired by one of our experts.

Need some inspiration? You might like these cruises...

Lake Superior – a life-sized expedition

Oriental Wonders & Civilisations

Malta, Italian shores and Isle of Beauty

The great adventure

Encounter with the Last Guardians of the North Pole

1 888 400 1082 or contact your travel advisor

Must-Sees - Amazonia

From the tropical jungle and the multicoloured birds, to the houses on stilts by the ever-present river…below is a list of what you will see in Amazonia . Mention this iconic region, which covers half of Brazil, and your mind conjures up a multitude of images. Watching the wildlife, sailing down the Amazon and coming face-to-face with the Native Americans are just some of the highlights.

The Essentials - Amazonia

Meeting the native populations, adventures on the Amazon and nature-watching are all highlights of an Amazonian cruise . Here are a few tips and some practical info to help you prepare for your expedition to the tropics .

Explore Amazonia

The People of the Amazon

Ponant Discovery: the story of a scouting voyage to Guyana

Sailing down the Amazon

The Amazon is the river of all records, topping the statistics in terms of flow rate, basin, and its hydrographic network of over a thousand tributaries. In fact, it alone drains almost half of Latin America. A cruise in Amazonia is thus a chance for adventure on its legendary waters. Discover the tropical forest from the river, with enough distance to admire its splendour and scale.

Explore Belém

Founded in 1616, Belém is now the second largest urban centre in Amazonia after Manaus. Heritage from the colonial era includes the baroque Santa Maria de Belém cathedral . The Teatro de Paz , built in 1878, is one of the most opulent theatres and one of the most important monuments in the country. The city itself is like a continuation of Amazonia. Palm trees line the estuary and fruit trees border most avenues, earning Belém the nickname of “mango tree city.” Finally, the vast Ver-o-Peso market , inaugurated in 1901, teems with buyers who come for the bountiful wares from across the country. Fish, exotic fruit and vegetables, and medicinal herbs deck the stalls with their enticing colours and fragrances.

Travel the Aquiqui River

The Aquiqui River is one of the Amazon's many tributaries. Embark on a Zodiac® boat and explore every last creek as you look for birds such as the cocoi herons, roadside hawks, anhingas and toucans who nest in this lush environment. You may also spot monkeys and iguanas in this great game of hide and seek, for which the vegetation provides the ideal backdrop.

Bask in the sunshine on Alter do Chao beach

This spot is popularly known as the Brazilian Carribbean. And Alter do Chao certainly offers some very different landscapes from what we expect in Amazonia. Located on the banks of the Tapajos , a tributary to the Amazon, this small town of 2,000 inhabitants is bathed by a lagoon watered by underground springs . They form a natural lake that recedes down the river's banks during the dry season. The sandy banks that emerge then seem to form an island. The fine sandy beaches, clear waters, and little fishermen's huts with woven palm leaf roofs form the ideal haven in which to relax and get away from it all.

Be amazed by the Strait of Breves

The Amazon's waters are the best way to explore the region and to travel the "green corridor" of the Strait of Breves , one of the high points of a cruise in Amazonia . Here, the tropical forest merges into the muddy waters. It is teeming with life, harbouring a wealth of animal life and an array of birds. And in the midst of it all, there are the people. Deep in the characteristic villages along the canal on the shores of the Amazon, small houses stand on stilts against the lush green backdrop. Laundry dries outside on lines stretched above the timber decks, to which gently swaying dugout canoes are tied. Here and there, children frolic in the water.

Essential phrase guide*

Hello/good evening: Bom dia/Boa noite Goodbye: Tchau/até logo Welcome: Bem-vindo Excuse-me/please: Com licença/Por favor Thank you: Obrigado (a) Yes/no: Sim/Não How are you? : Como você está/vai ? Very well, thanks, and you?: Muito bem, obrigado e você ? My name's…: Meu nome é…/Eu me chamo...

*40% of Amazonia is in Brazil so we have selected Portuguese, which is spoken there.

A typical Amazonian dish, Tacacà is found on most menus in Belém's eateries. Before you start to enjoy the soup, there is a special serving ritual to be observed. First a ladle of tucupi, wild manioc root broth, is poured in to a calabash then covered in tapioca, then more tucupi is poured over. Next, jambu leaves (which tingle in the mouth ), prawns , a pinch of chili and garlic are added.

Myths & legends

Other parts of the world have the yeti, but Amazonia has the Mapinguari . According to legend, after discovering the secret to immortality, a powerful shaman was turned into a giant bear-like creature with red fur, enormous claws and a mouthful of sharp teeth on its belly. It apparently has a taste for human flesh.

In the spotlight

Land grabbing, access to healthcare and misogyny have all been issues since the election of President Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, with native people seeing their rights diminished. Faced with decisions that have jeopardised their daily lives, many indigenous women and political leaders meet regularly to make their voices heard. Every year, thousands of representatives of the indigenous tribes hold the "Free Land Camp" on the plaza in Brasilia where the government, congress and supreme court are located, to assert their rights. In April 2019, the police presence was particularly dissuasive and misinformation on the movement profuse.

Books. An expert on Amazonia, which he has been exploring for the last 30 years, Serge Guiraud has published Amazonie, l’ordre du monde , a wonderful collection of legends told by some of the most isolated tribes in the region. Illustrated with 300 photographs, these age-old stories testify to the Amerindians attachment to their environment and their belief that visible and invisible worlds exist side by side, in total harmony. State of Wonder , Ann Patchett. Doctor Marina Singh, a scientist and researcher for a pharmaceutical company in Minnesota, is sent to Brazil to track down her former mentor, Doctor Annick Swenson. Swenson has apparently vanished in the Amazonian jungle while working on a highly important new drug (a pill that would extend fertility for a number of years), while a colleague and friend of Marina's, who previously visited the area, died under mysterious circumstances.

Music While there is a real melting pot of musical styles in Brazil, the Carimbó is particularly emblematic of Latino rhythms. Its exhilarating beats have their origins in the music brought over by the Portuguese and the Africans to the Nordeste region of Brazil. In 2014, it was added to Brazil's immaterial cultural heritage list.

Film. The Dead and the Others by Brazilian film-makers Joao Salaviza and Renée Nader Messora (2019) is a successful mix of genres. It is both a documentary and a mystical drama, telling the story of Ihjac, a young Amerindian. When his father dies, he is called by his totemic animal, the parrot, to become a shaman. He first refuses but finally accepts his role as "forest warden", a function recognised by the UN in 2007. The film received the "Un certain regard" prize from the jury at Cannes in 2018.

According to a study by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics in 2010, 274 indigenous languages are spoken in the country. Linguists, for whom certain languages are similar, quote a number ranging from 160 to 180 .

Ponant brochures

Want to find out more about our unique and exceptional destinations?

What will your next trip look like The Amazon ?

• Discover all destinations