Amazon River Cruises

Introduction

The Amazon River is the ultimate frontier for exploration. It is like no other place in the world with its vast array of plants and animals. Cruises are the best way to explore the Amazon and everything it has to offer. There are a variety of cruise companies who offer a number of different cruise options through the Amazon. A selection of these are described below.

Amazon Voyagers

Amazon voyagers are a company who offer numerous cruise options along the Amazon river including through Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru. They also offer custom trips for group bookings. One of the cruises Amazon Voyagers offer is the ‘Clipper Amazon Riverboat’ cruise through Brazil. Departing from Manus, the companies own traditional riverboats offer basic comfort or premium comfort depending on the package chosen. Tours are for 3, 4 or 5 nights on a regular basis. Passengers are encouraged to meet the native along the riversides, hike in the forest and have a go at fishing. There is also an opportunity to feed piranhas and watch pink dolphins swimming on Janauaca Lake. Prices range from $535 per person for a basic Amazon river cruise to $750 per person for a premium cruise and include accommodation, all meals, daily excursions and a bilingual guide.

National Geographic Expeditions

National Geographic offer year round voyages aboard the ‘MV Aqua’ to the start of the Amazon in the heart of the Peruvian rainforests. Trip highlights include a colonial tour of Lima, a visit to the black water lakes of Pacaya-Samiria and a visit to a village of Amazonian tribes people. The cruise lasts for seven days or ten days and prices include the flight from America and a one night stay in a hotel beforehand. There is also an option to extend the holiday and visit the iconic ruins of Cusco and Machu Picchu. Prices start at $4895 per person and range to $5195 for a master suite.

Green Tracks

Green Tracks offer passengers the opportunity for “timeless travel” onboard one of their Amazon river boats. As the boat travels along the river passengers experience a number of land excursions including visiting riverside villages, and hikes through the tropical rainforest. Green Tracks have an option of a four day cruise of a seven day cruise. The four day cruise is a good alternative for passengers who wish to see the Amazon river but cannot spend seven days aboard. Prices range $1989 for a suite to $3400 per person for a deluxe master suite. The seven day cruise gives passengers a deeper insight into the Amazon with a special trip deep inside the Pacaya-Samiria National reserve, an astoundingly beautiful place with normally restricted access. The cost of the seven day cruise is $2500 per person and trips run year round. There is also an option to add a tour of Cusco and Machu Picchu to your itinerary.