Peru's Exotic Amazon Waterways
Amazon River Cruise Extension
Overview
The mighty Amazon River is home to 2.5 million square miles of rainforest—the earth's largest tropical rainforest and one of the world's most impressive wildernesses. Aboard a luxurious river cruise designed to have minimal impact on the delicate Amazon enviornment, you'll explore its many wonders as you journey in style along some of the most biodiverse tributaries in the world. With experienced naturalist guides on board and daily small group excursions, you'll experience this vast ecological haven—a world filled with birds in neon-bright colors, playful monkeys, graceful hawks and herons, and millions of butterflies. As you cruise along, you'll try your hand at fishing, visit riverside communities to witness their culture and traditions, learn about the area's conservation and sustainability projects, and enjoy night excursions by skiff under a canopy of sparkling stars. There are two seasons in the Amazon: low water (June to November) and high water (December to May). Each season offers extraordinary experiences of the Amazon.
Arrive: Iquitos, Peru
Depart: Iquitos, Peru
Highlights
- Cruise by small luxury vessel, enjoy excursions by skiff
- Visit riverside communities, learn about local conservation projects
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring nature walks and village visits, and river outings by skiff. It is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.
Conditions along the Amazon River in Peru divide into two seasons: a high water season from December through May and a low water season that lasts from June until November. Cruising the Amazon in either season promises rich rewards with breathtaking opportunities to view and photograph magnificent plant and animal life unlike anywhere else on earth.
If seeing the glorious Amazon rainforest at its lushest and getting up close to lots of birds and mammals (and enjoying slightly cooler temperatures) sounds most attractive, then December to May might be your best choice. If jungle hikes and spotting exotic migratory birds perched on trees between flights across Amazonia appeals most to you, while still having the chance to see capuchin monkeys, kinkajou, and other mammals, and going on great fishing expeditions, you might be happier choosing the warmer, low water season.
Weather in this region of the Amazon remains generally warm with some rainfall even during low water season. In fact, despite being the "rainy" season, during the high water months, the Amazon only gets about 10% more rain than in the low water season. So, as you choose the time of your cruise on the Amazon River (in either season), we suggest you consider the following three key points:
- Some rain will fall in whichever season you choose. This is the Amazon Rainforest.
- You will see spectacular Amazon wildlife, birds and plant life any time of year on the Amazon.
- In either season, you will definitely see the Amazon River's rare pink dolphins.
The Amazon basin is as lush and green as it is because it gets an abundance of rain -- 12 feet a year on average. In a typical year, the Amazon River rainforest experiences 200 rainy days, which means that there will be days of rain even in the low water season. However it rarely rains all day. Rain most often falls in passing cloudbursts, which allow the vessel to coordinate excursions accordingly. When it does rain, you are provided sturdy ponchos to ensure you stay extremely comfortable so you can focus on the astonishing Amazon jungle scenery.
Wildlife excursions often differ depending on the time of the year. During the high-water season (December through May), river ships sail closer to the canopies, making it easier to spot birds and other species that live in the trees. On the other hand, the low water season (June through November) allows better access to jungle trails, making it possible to discover wildlife in the undergrowth.
Low-water months are also an ideal time for fishing as aquatic populations are confined to a few key areas. For birdwatchers, dozens of species of migratory birds are in flight during this time as well.
In contrast, the high-water season concentrates the population of land animals and amphibians, making it easier to spot turtles and caimans.
Most species can be seen throughout the year and the only difference is in the manner they are seen, from the ground of the lush forest or aboard a skiff.
Book your trip today
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.