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Amazon Tours & River Cruises in Peru

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10 Peru Amazon tours

Compiled by

Melissa Peruvian Amazon travel expert at TourRadar

3 days Iquitos Amazon Jungle tour with Pink Dolphin watch

Amazon riverboat adventure in depth, 3 days amazon jungle tour with pink dolphin watch from iquitos, yanayacu & amazon river – 4 days, amazon river cruise: delfin i – 4 days, treehouse lodge, short break (on request), peru essentials, 4-day amazon eco-adventure: thrills in the rainforest of iquitos, 5/4 iquitos jungle rainforest, 4 days peruvian amazon.

• Christmas & New Year
• Explore the Amazon River by boat
• Visit Fundo Pedrito and meet exotic wildlife
• Zip-line and rappel in the jungle canopy

“I just wrote it.”

• River Cruise
• Spot wildlife on a night river safari
• Learn from locals in the Pacaya Samiria
• Cook traditional Peruvian dishes in Lima

“Absolutely loaded with activities, early, late, and in between.”

• Cruise along the Amazon River
• Fish for piranhas and meet the Yagua tribe
• Explore Iquitos on a brief walking tour

• Board a river boat to Omagua Eco-Lodge
• Meet rescued monkeys on Monkey Island
• Explore Chullachaqui Eco-Museum's secrets

• Embark on the Delfin in Nauta
• Spot wildlife in Pahuachiro at sunset
• Explore the Canopy Walkway in the Amazon

• Explore nocturnal wildlife by boat
• Craft your own Amazonian blowgun
• Meet pink dolphins at sunrise

• In-depth Cultural
• Learn about the local lifestyle
• Witness the morning routine of the Andean condor
• Take pictures of Colca Canyon

“Had a good experience and good itinerary of the trip. Visiting community was nice.”

• Hiking & Trekking
• Explore nocturnal wildlife on a boat
• Meet the world's smallest monkey
• Set off for a lodge in the jungle

• Wildlife & Nature Photography
• Watch birds and pink river dolphins
• Learn survival skills and canoe in the Amazon
• Spot exotic wildlife on a night jungle tour

“Cucemba Lodge was relaxing in a jungle environment. Great daily eco-tours and jungle/river trips day and night seeing flora and wild animals.”

• Discover nocturnal wildlife on a night hike
• Explore the Amazon's lush wilderness
• Learn fishing with skilled local guides

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South America Adventures

• The Great Amazon River Expedition

Trip Highlights

Voyage to the Amazon Headwaters

Cruise Aboard a Private Luxury Riverboat

Explore the Rainforest in Search of Wildlife

Photo Departure

What Makes Our Amazon Expedition a Cut Above the Rest?

• The Finest Vessel on the River You won’t find a riverboat of higher quality. The  Delfin II  is custom-designed for navigating the Amazon and its tributaries. Built in a classic style distinctive to this region and beautifully finished with contemporary comforts, this small ship features generous cabins with panoramic windows for surveying the passing rainforest and wildlife.
• A Maximum of 28 Guests for a More Intimate Experience While some Amazon ships carry 100 passengers or more, the Delfin II offers a much more personalized experience. We charter the ship exclusively for our travelers. Its compact size means we can tie up at the bank to easily embark small skiffs for excursions to observe wildlife at close range. We also meet with local ribereño people in riverside villages along our route in an authentic and non-commercialized context. 
• Cruise all the Way to the Amazon Headwaters Amazon itineraries vary—compare carefully. Our main focus is the largest protected realm in Peru (and second largest in the entire Amazon Basin), the WWF-supported Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This 5-million-acre wetland at the headwaters of the mighty river is replete with wildlife—you won’t find a richer experience of  rainforest  biodiversity. 
• The Best Guide-to-Guest Ratio You'll Find  While the ship operates with three local naturalist guides on every voyage, we also travel with two Nat Hab Expedition Leaders, whose expertise and depth of knowledge in the Amazon greatly enhance your interpretive experience. Our Amazon guides average at least 10 years’ experience in the region, and that means they'll be able to help you spot elusive wild creatures that are otherwise virtually invisible in the rainforest's shadowy depths. Your Expedition Leaders also provide an added level of service and personalized attention.  Read our Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our renowned leaders.
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Superior Amazon Cruise Natural Habitat Adventures offers an exclusive guarantee, which clearly states that we will meet the lofty expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise for yourself!
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

Read what travelers are saying about our Great Amazon River Expedition:

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Let our in-house safari experts create your perfect African adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on this safari or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917 . Please note that on Private departures we have a minimum group size of approximately half the maximum size of our regularly scheduled departures.

Customize Your Trip

Let our in-house trip experts create your perfect adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on our ${tripName} or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917. Please note that on Make It Private departures we have a minimum group size of approximately half the maximum size of our regularly scheduled departures.

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Exploring the Waterways of Peru's Amazon

Amazon river expedition.

From $7,980

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

• 20% off on a limited number of cabins for 2024, 2025 & 2026 departures confirmed by Sep 30, 2024.
• Waived single supplement on select departures

The mighty Amazon River is home to 2.5 million square miles of rainforest—one of the earth's largest and most intact wildernesses. Aboard the luxury yacht Aria Amazon or Aqua Nera, you'll explore its many wonders as you journey in style along the Ucayali and Marañon rivers, the two largest tributaries of the Amazon, and through the remote Pacaya Samiria National Park and Reserve, set deep within the rainforest at the headwaters of the Amazon. This vast wetland reserve is a haven for Amazonian flora and fauna, 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 for piranha, 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

• Nature walks, cultural exploration, excursions by skiff
• Outstanding wildlife includes a variety of monkeys, freshwater dolphins, sloths, iguanas
• Enjoy village visits, learn about conservation projects, search for birds and medicinal plants, fish for piranha!

Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

At time of reservation: $1,000 105 days prior to departure: Balance

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Minimum fee: $500 per person 91-120 days prior to departure: $1,000 per person 90 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Services of naturalist guides
• Accommodations aboard the M/V Aria
• All meals aboard ship
• All non-alcoholic beverages
• House beer and wine (onboard Aqua Nera only)
• Transfers to/from vessel when arriving on recommended flights
• Pacaya Samiria Reserve entrance fee
• All excursions off the boat

Not Included

• Airfare to/from points of embarkation and debarkation of the boat
• Gratuities to guides and crew
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry
• Optional travel insurance
• Alcoholic beverages (onboard Aria Amazon only)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Days 1-7 (7 nights)

Aria Amazon

What the trip is like.

The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy . 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.

High Water Season on the Amazon: December Through May

Peru's rainy season runs from December through May, which is summer and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the relatively cooler and wetter season when the Amazon region receives more than half (60%) of its total annual rainfall. During the high water season, the average temperature is 86°F, only 12°F cooler than in the average low water season. Benefits of visiting Peru's Amazon at this time of year include the dramatic high water panorama. The Amazon Basin's rivers and streams rise about 23 feet higher than during the low water season. Aside from the striking visual effect, this also means that every river, creek, and lake is navigable. Thus, the ship's tenders are able to cruise further along the wildlife-rich waterways of Amazonia and bring guests up close to more plants and Amazon animals than during the low water season. Flooded waterways carry you significantly deeper by water into the Amazon jungle canopy, where the kaleidoscope of Amazon birds flutter about. Although the odds of sighting wildlife do not change significantly between the two seasons, you are likely to see more of some Amazon wildlife favorites such as monkeys, turtles, and caimans during the high water months. Enhanced navigation by water has a flip side -- areas to walk and trek become less accessible at this time of year. When you do find usable hiking trails, so will the mosquitoes that are more prevalent now than during the low water season. Fishing in the Amazon River is actually more limited during these high water months too, but you still have close to a 50/50 chance to reel in a memorable catch.

Low Water Season on the Amazon: June through November

Low water season in Amazonia coincides with winter in the Southern Hemisphere, from June to November. This is the warmer season on the Amazon River, with temperatures averaging about 98°F. Despite its name, the low water season still exhibits some heavy rains. A key difference between visiting the Amazon in low water season vs. high water season is you are able to access the jungle trails that get flooded from December to May, allowing you to follow your naturalists and local Amazonia guides deeper into the jungle by foot, and accompanied by fewer mosquitoes than during the high water season. Guests also tend to spot an even greater abundance of migratory birds in flight during the low water season. However, the trade-off at this time of year is that water levels on the Amazon River and its tributaries drop much lower from June to November, which means that many of the creeks and lakes that we visit by tender during the rainy season are now inaccessible. Lower water levels do offer a bonus: good fishing is 100% guaranteed, you even stand a fair chance to catch a piranha.

Client Testimonials

"This was our first real luxury wilderness experience. It was wonderful."

Kimberly K.

Park City, UT

"This was an amazing adventure...great holiday for the body, brain, and especially the soul! It was so refreshing to get away from Internet, WI-FI, phones, world news....and instead listen to the sounds of the Amazon Rainforest!"

Margrieta E.

Arva, Ontario, Canada

"This trip is a nature and cultural trip. We met and talked with people everywhere we went—farmers, artisans, rangers, river venders, etc."

Oakland, CA

"This was the best trip we have ever been on. Superb accommodations, superb food, super staff at all levels. The naturalists were awesome, for their knowledge, ability to find critters, and congeniality."

Pittsboro, NC

"The Aqua Nera is a beautiful small boat with an excellent staff. The suites were very comfortable and the dining was 5 star! Exceeded our expectations!"

Menlo Park, CA

"Everything exceeded our expectations. It was fabulous and we will tell others about it."

Sue Ellen Y.

Lafayette Hill, PA

"Lovely boat, with a staff that does everything possible to make your experience exceptionally memorable!"

Colorado Springs, CO

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

Trip Download Itin

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—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

Phone : +51-1-4424515 | Email:  [email protected]

• Aria Amazon Luxury Cruise

The most luxury cruise sailing the amazon river

Every week of the year, the award-winning Aqua Expeditions’ luxurious Aria Amazon takes 32 passengers deep into Peru’s Amazon wilderness to places only ever visited by only a fortunate few.

Daily water-based excursions on comfortable launch boats allow guests to experience such wonders as pink dolphins and six-foot-wide water lilies, to fish for sharp-toothed piranha, and to interact with the people who live out their days along the river.

In 2015, the Aria Amazon, which first set sail in 2011, was completely refreshed with new upgrades from bed linens to state-of-the-art lighting. The 45 meter (147 foot) long Aria was designed by the innovative Peruvian architect Jordi Puig.

Extremely generous dining and lounging areas include an outdoor river-facing Jacuzzi. Floor-to-ceiling windows face the Amazon River in the ship’s 16 Design Suites, each measuring 23 square meters (250 square feet). Four suites can interconnect for families. Upgrades to the spa include new decor for enhanced relaxation. Aqua Expeditions highly experienced river pilots and the most rigorous cruise ship standards ensure smooth travel and safety on the waters of the Peruvian Amazon.

Planning Your Amazon River Cruise While every Aqua Expeditions’ cruise is sure to meet and exceed your expectations, choosing an Amazon River Cruise at the best time of the year is essential to getting the most out of your cruise experience.

As you choose the time of your Aqua Expeditions 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´s itineraries

The Amazon’s itineraries: Enjoy a 7-night, 4-night or 3-night Amazon river cruise on the Aria Amazon. Guests travel far into the depths of the Amazon’s rainforests enjoying an intimate glimpse of her wildlife, ecosystems, local customs and jungle landscapes. The Aria Amazon is also available for private charter.

Listen to the many species of Peruvian birds, as they call to their mates through the leafy canopy. Learn about the habitats essential to the livelihoods of the endangered Amazon River dolphins, taricaya turtles and manatee. Photograph a three-toed sloth as he peers down at you, while dangling from a nearby branch, while relaxing on your luxury Amazon River boat.

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.

Itineraries - High Season (Dec-May)

ARIA 3 nights, high water season

ARIA 4 nights, high water

ARIA 7 nights, high water

Itineraries - low season (jun-nov).

ARIA 7 nights, low water

ARIA 3 nights, low water

ARIA 4 nights, low water

• Outdoor and Indoor Lounges and other facilities
• Dining Room

All 16 Design Suites on the Aria Amazon across the first and second deck measure 23 square meters (250 square feet), with individual air conditioning, polished timber flooring and a wall of floor to ceiling glass facing the Amazon River. En suite bathrooms with rain shower and organic bath amenities incorporate the latest eco-sensitive technology.

Soft lighting, natural fibers and neutral hues create a relaxing and luxuriously comfortable enclave where one’s only challenge may be to decide whether to gaze upon the Amazon from atop the California king size bed (which can be separated into two twin beds) made with 100% Peruvian cotton high thread count sheets or while lounging on the cozy window-side day bed, binoculars in hand.

Interconnecting Suites For the ultimate luxury, passengers may select a pair of interconnecting suites, either for families or with one suite configured as a private living room, the other a master bedroom, plus his-and-hers bathrooms.

Please note: Aria Amazon  does not have Internet connection on board , though guests report periodically connecting via roaming on their iPhone or other handheld devices, depending on our proximity to more developed areas. For cellular phone contact you may need a special telephone that can operate on a foreign signal although, keep in mind that most areas outside Iquitos are so remote that you will be unable to get a signal. If you need to contact your home or office for any emergency, the Aria Amazon is equipped with a satellite phone. We will inform you, prior to calling, of the current price of an international call and you may pay for these directly on board.

Suites features:        

• Twin beds that can be converted to a California king-sized bed
• En suite sitting area
• Internal communications system, bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, cabinet, hairdryer, and a basket of toiletries.
• Hot water around the clock.

Indoor Lounge

Floor to ceiling panoramic windows on both sides confer a seamless connection to the ever-changing scenery of Amazonia from this spacious living room finished with wood flooring and soft lighting. Relax over homemade plantain chips and cocktails, or South America’s finest wines in this air-conditioned comfort among the plethora of plump couches.

Coffee table books about Peru and the Amazon are available for perusing and most days will include an educational discussion held here. These entertaining forums are open to all and led by our English speaking naturalist guides on relevant topics to the day’s adventures, from endangered Taricaya turtle repopulation to the secrets of mixing a perfect pisco sour.

Outdoor Lounge

Nature takes care of the lighting on our generous outdoor deck on the Aria Amazon, with plenty of sunshine for those who wish to soak it up on cushioned loungers during the day to cooler evenings under the star filled sky. Guests seeking fresh Amazon air without being exposed to the sun will find plenty of space and comfortable seating under the expansive awning of the outdoor lounge. While all our Amazon luxury cruises offer a full day of activities and excursions, we also invite our guests to opt out as they wish. Relax in our outdoor lounge while examining all yesterday’s photos of Amazon wildlife living in their natural habitats, deep in the rainforest.

Observation Deck

Many guests on the Amazon Aria arrive thinking that most of their days will be spent alternating between Amazon River shore excursions and lounging in relaxation in the privacy of their spacious suites. In fact, most of our guests enjoy experiencing the social life of the Aria Amazon’s Observation Deck, observing Amazon River locals and wildlife firsthand, as we glide by the Amazon rainforest and clusters of simple wooden houses on stilts with children playing soccer at the river’s edge.

The Observation Deck on the Aria’s top level is complemented by the Indoor Lounge, with its fully stocked bar at one end and tightly edited library at the other, fresh Amazon flowers and unique artifacts in between, beckons lounging on its well stuffed cream sofas on polished timber floors under high ceilings. Outside, cushioned loungers under a soaring canopy encourage the relaxing indulgence of river gazing without concern for the sun’s glare. Or ease into the Aqua Aria’s outdoor Jacuzzi to cool off after a shore excursion in the sultry rainforest.

Excercise , Fitness

The Aria Amazon’s signature walls of glass come in especially helpful here in the ship’s dedicated workout space, offering engrossing distraction for guests on the treadmill and stationary bicycle.

Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s Amazonia-inspired cuisine offers up plenty of reasons to take one’s eyes off the captivating landscapes showcased by the floor-to-ceiling windows which define this elegant space.

Designed to balance the stunning scenery, the refined interior of the Aria Amazon dining room has been stylishly finished with contemporary Peruvian art, fine china and crystal glassware. These aesthetic elements are matched by attentive, personalized service from long serving staff that quickly learn guest names and tastes, from Peruvian coffee in the morning to the evening’s fine South American and European wines.

Choose to dine à deux, or family style among new friends. Whatever dishes you choose among Schiaffino’s fresh, ever-changing modern Amazon jungle influenced menus, perhaps the hearts of palm soufflé followed by an Amazon bass tiradito, do save room for dessert, be it a warm banana tart or classic chocolate fondant.

CHARTER RATES

Price in usd, per person based on double accommodation

Regular Season

High season

CHARTER RATES 2024

CHARTER  RATES 2025

• All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy.
• 16 Design Suites measuring 23 sqm / 250 sq. ft, with king or twin bed.
• Interconnecting suites and family suites available.
• All Design Suites feature panoramic, river facing floor to ceiling windows.
• Capacity: 32 Passengers.

RATES POLICY 

• Child under 12 years old will receive a 20% discount.
• Third person sleeping on sofa bed will receive a 20% discount.
• Third person under 12 years old sleeping on sofa bed pays US $550 per night.
• Single Supplement – 25% in addition to the adult rate.
• All meals while onboard
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• All excursions
• Entrance fee for Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
• Group transfers to/from vessel when travelling on recommended flights.
• Complimentary access to highspeed Starlink WiFi.

Exclusions :  All air tickets, visas, private transfers, spa services, boutique purchases, guide and crew gratuities.

NOTES 5 year age minimum

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• Heliconia Amazon River Lodge
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• Aqua Nera Luxury Cruise
• El Manatí Boutique Amazon Cruise
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• Amazon River Cruises

Top 10 Amazon Cruises for 2024-2025

Authentic amazon, amazon journey via ucayali river -high water season, amazon encounter, luxury amazon discovery - high water, amazon discovery, ultimate amazon, into the wild amazon, negro river cruise, upper amazon, our  favorite amazon river cruise ships for 2024-2025, amazon river cruise tips & travel guide.

• Meet indigenous communities and learn about their way of life. You might have a chance to shoot a blowgun or learn how to cook a native meal from locally procured ingredients. Depending on which group you visit, you might even get your face painted in traditional symbols or participate in a ritual.
• Canoe or kayak down Amazon Tributaries, where with some luck, you'll paddle by monkeys, makaws, parrots and hundreds of species of tropical birds.
• Day & Night Hikes  through the winding trails of the rainforest to see the diurnal and nocturnal life that populates this area. Along the way, your guides will help you to identify the sounds and spot these quick critters as they move through the branches looking for fruit and insects. You will also probably come across other wildlife including sloths, otters, capybaras, and perhaps even the seldom seen but ever-present jaguar.
• Canopy walks & Ziplines - A fun and engaging way to see one of the least explored and most biodiverse layers of the Amazon jungle, soaring through the branches like the many birds or walking across a planked canopy tower walk.
• Fish for pirhanas!
• Search for the playful pink river dolphins.
• Learn about the conservation efforts of various groups and organizations, including many of the tour companies that we work with, towards protecting the Amazon.

Top Amazon River & Tributaries Cruise Ports

How to choose an amazon cruise, amazon activities and weather.

• The World's Largest Macaw Lick

Health Tips for Going to the Jungle

• Jungle Packing Tips

The Peruvian Amazon – It's for the Birds

• Tropical Rainforest Animals

Amazon River Cruise FAQ's

• Ecuador  uses 110 volts, 60 cycle electricity, the same as the US.  Plugs  are typically the 2 pronged flat  types  so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.
• Brazil  uses different voltages depending on the region: you may find 115 volt, 127 volt, or 220 volts. Brazil also uses two different plug types, types C (two round pins) and N (two round pins and a grounding pin).
• Peru  uses 220 volts, 60 cycle electricity. Travelers will require a voltage converter for 110-volt devices. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat types found in the US, though some facilities have been noted to use the 2 rounded prongs instead.
• Bolivia  uses 230v electricity and uses plug types A (two flat parallel pins) and C (two round pins). 

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The Best Amazon River Cruises: A Complete Guide

There is no better way to experience the Amazon river than by lodging directly upon its waters. Embark on a journey through the biodiverse Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, launching from Iquitos via the comfortable and Amazon river luxury cruises that we offer by Aqua Expeditions and Jungle Expeditions .

Start the booking process for this memorable and exotic experience by filling out this quick Traveler Form to get connected with one of our Travel Advisors today!

How to Get There

The different cruises offered, what to pack, plan your river cruise trip.

The good news is the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest is a year-round destination, with different departure dates for each cruise trip. Travelers only need to take the wet and the dry season into consideration when traveling to the Amazon. There is a 23 ft difference in water level between these two seasons, so river cruise itineraries will slightly vary and different animals can be spotted in each season. Humidity stays steady at around 80% throughout the year and temperatures range from 71F to 89F.

• High water season, December to May: During the high water season it rains around 20-25% more than during the low water season. Amazon rivers are higher, making them better accessible for boats and the Amazon rainforest is even more lush than usual. With the beginning of the rainfall, mating season also starts for many animals.
• Low water season, June to November: During the low water season travelers can expect fewer rain showers, however as the name Amazon Rainforest suggests, rain is always a probability. Usually it rains for 1-2 hours per day during this season resulting in the rivers carrying less water, exposing hiking trails that are normally flooded during the high water season. Animals come out to the riverbanks looking for food and water, making some easier to spot during this season.

Many of the Amazon cruises include lounging areas where you can rest and relax while viewing the riverbank. Photo by Aqua Expeditions

Iquitos is the largest city in the world that is not reachable by car, making it only accessible by boat or plane. For most travelers, in order to embark on the multi-day journey aboard a Peruvian Amazon river cruise travelers need to come to Iquitos by plane via Peru’s capital, Lima. LATAM, the biggest airline in the region, offers daily flights and in just under 2 hours travelers comfortably arrive in the north of Peru. Depending on the cruise ship and itinerary, you will embark from either the port in Iquitos or in Nauta, a two-hour drive from Iquitos.

The cruises offered within our packages are the best selection in Peru. We have hand-picked each of these cruises based on their incredible service, features, and comfort, so that you can focus on enjoying the perfect journey. The listed river cruises are all unique in their own way targeting all kinds of travelers. Consult with our Travel Advisors for more information regarding cabins and suites.

AMAZON RAINFOREST TOURS :

Aqua Expeditions offers two different river cruises:

About aqua nera by aqua expeditions.

This particular cruise ship was designed by award-winning architects, Noor Design. The ship itself offers 20 spacious suites across two decks that are all equipped with air conditioning and windows from floor to ceiling, allowing all travelers to enjoy the stunning views throughout the whole trip. Eight out of the 20 rooms are able to be combined into four interconnecting suites, making this cruise ship the perfect option for families. With a capacity of 40 guests aboard, travelers will have the opportunity to meet others in the elegant social spaces.

The top deck of this floating hotel invites guests for a drink at their open-air bar, to socialize at the game room, or for some relaxation at the sun-deck and outdoor pool to unwind. Go down one floor for the boutique where you can buy specialty products or browse around the gallery with art from the Amazon. On the first floor, you will find the spa for some relaxation after a long day of exploring.

One thing that really separates this cruise ship from the rest would be the gourmet meals that are served every day from one of Peru’s finest chefs, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Chef Schiaffino is known for being one of the first chefs to put Peruvian cuisine on the global map as he was able to bring together regional flavors creating an authentic culinary experience. The restaurant is also equipped to accommodate special diets when notified in advance.

About Aria Amazon by Aqua Expeditions

The Aria Amazon cruise ship was custom-built specifically for the Amazon River as it is considered environmentally friendly due to its minimal impact on the river itself and the rainforest environment. This ship is equipped with 16 luxurious suites all with 180-degree panoramic windows so guests are able to embrace the beautiful views that Amazon has to offer day and night. All of the spacious rooms also include air conditioning to give travelers another level of comfort.

In the second-floor dining room, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino oversees the onboard menu and dining experience. Chef Schiaffino reflects the Amazon rainforest into each dish as fresh local ingredients are combined with Peruvian culinary traditions merging into a flavorful contemporary Amazonian cuisine. The crew is also able to accommodate all special diets when notified in advance.

After a day of exploration, the top deck offers a lounge and a bar to wind-down. It is the perfect spot to listen to the curious Amazon sounds and to spot some animals in the Amazon river banks nearby. For some extra relaxation, travelers can reserve a massage in the massage room and for active guests, there is an exercise room available.

** Please keep in mind that the Aria Amazon Cruise is currently only available for groups and charters**

The Aria Amazon by Aqua Expeditions will give you the incredible opportunity to view wildlife from all angles. Photo by Aqua Expeditions .

Jungle Experiences offers two different river cruises:

About zafiro by jungle experiences.

Create unforgettable memories aboard the Zafiro cruise ship while exploring the Amazon river. This luxury river cruise ship can accommodate up to 40 passengers, making it an intimate travel experience. Passengers can choose between different types of suites that are all equipped with air conditioning and panoramic floor to ceiling windows. The suite that absolutely steals the show from all suites offerend not only on Zafiro, but all river cruises is the Zafiro Suite. The spacious Zafiro Suite has a large 180 degree panoramic floor to ceiling window giving a one of a kind perspective, it is also equipped with a private balcony and a jacuzzi-style bathtub.

Enjoy exquisite Amazon cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the second floor dining room. Gastronomy is an essential part when visiting Peru, and the kitchen staff is sure to showcase the biodiverse ingredients that the Amazon has to offer when creating dishes. All meals are made with native ingredients, giving travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves into the Amazon culture with authentic food. Their a la carte menu and buffet is also able to accommodate for special diets when notified before the cruise’s departure.

The top deck on the Zafiro Cruise features a cozy bar for some post excursion relaxation and an indoor lounge where onboard activities take place. To wind down, travelers can spend time at the open-air sundeck at the jacuzzi or book a spa treatment. For sport lovers the Zafiro is equipped with a gym on the top deck with panoramic views of the Amazon rainforest.

Jungle Experiences offers magnificent panoramic-view window suites on their Zafiro Cruise. On this luxury ship, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in Peruvian cooking demonstrations, go on outings on a skiff, and relax aboard the vessel’s premium spa. Photo by Jungle Experiences

About La Perla by Jungle Experiences

Embark on an immersive experience aboard the La Perla river cruise. Travelers’ senses are awakened by the fresh Amazon air, beautiful sounds, and astounding greenery. All passengers are first transported to the ship via small skiff boats and then are welcomed with traditional music. With a limited number of cabins that are all air-conditioned and a capacity size of 30 passengers, the La Perla cruise is the perfect choice for travelers looking for an intimate and personalized experience.

The lower deck dining room and kitchen takes travelers on a culinary adventure with native flavors and contemporary specialities. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet style and can accommodate for any special diets when notified in advance. The observation deck invites guests to relax on the ship’s hammocks or outdoor lounge after a long day of exploring. No matter where, this Amazon cruise gives travelers the opportunity to unwind and breathe any type of stress away.

The La Perla cruise ship offers extraordinary elegance and comfort for a memorable Amazon rainforest experience.

Itineraries and departure dates for each river cruise will differ on the length and season. Adaptations in itineraries may also occur to the daily weather, but not to worry as there are activities for all types of weather situations. Aboard all cruises include several highly educated naturalists guides who take small groups on to water skiffs for the daily activities. Not only do all staff members and guides aboard want to create a unique experience for their guests, but are also committed to bettering the lives of the people who live in the regions. Here are some activity possibilities:

On the water: Guests have the chance to see Amazon river dolphins and river elephants – the manatees – roam freely in the Amazon river. Piranhas and Paiches are swimming alongside them and during the dry season it is very likely to be able to see caimans and anacondas in the river banks. Kayaking, fishing and swimming in the Amazon river are all activity options.

On the land: Visitors have the opportunity to see Amazon animals, like sloths and all kinds of monkeys high up in the tree crowns. When taking a closer look Rainbow boas are often wrapped around a tree’s stem and the little stick insects are hiding between the leaves. Above in the air colorful birds such as the Jabiru and Macaw parrots can be admired. A Canopy walk allows travelers to get a special view from above at 85 feet, and visits to native villages give guests the chance to watch performances of sacred ceremonies and also learn about the local traditions.

You’ll have the chance to see abundant wildlife such as macaws while on your Amazon Cruise.

The weather in the Amazon Rainforest is always hot, humid and wet, therefore to enjoy the Amazon experience to the fullest it is important to bring the right clothing. Here’s what we recommend to pack:

• Clothing. It is recommendable to bring clothing that is light, airy and made out of quick drying material. The clothes should be in light color.
• Long sleeved pants and shirts are best for land-excursions to be protected from the sun and mosquitos.
• On the boat shirts and shorts are fine.
• Bathing suit for swimming.
• Pro tip: Avoid black and yellow as mosquitos and other insects are attracted by them.
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes for excursions and sandals or tennis shoes for the time on the boat.
• Pro tip: Pack high socks, to protect your ankles from mosquito bites. They should be compatible with hiking and rain boots.
• Insect repellent. You will want to carry it around with you at all times for extra protection against mosquitos.
• Sun protection.
• Rain protection.
• Light rain jacket and/or poncho.
• Personal items.
• Water-resistant day pack
• Reusable water bottle

Dive deep into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Iquitos to discover the incredible, mostly untouched, biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon Basin while enjoying one of the many luxurious Amazon cruises that we offer. If you are ready to embark on an adventure in the Amazon Rainforest contact our team of experts for a unique and personalized itinerary. Let us take the stress away that comes with planning a trip and receive benefits like personalized service, 24/7 in trip assistance, and expert tour guides when you book with us!

Pro tip: Amazon river cruises are in high demand and tend to sell out far in advance. Talk to a Travel Advisor to secure your spot on your desired dates for your cruise.

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Amazon Cruises

Best Amazon Cruises 2024-2025

An Amazon River cruise is on the bucket list of most nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Actively cruise the Amazon and its tributaries up close aboard purpose-built small ships and river boats. Contact us for expert advice and a free quote on your Amazon cruise.

Choose from the best selection of Peru Amazon River cruises from Iquitos, lower Amazon cruises in Brazil from Manaus, and upper Amazon cruises in Ecuador on the Napo River. Amazon  small ship cruises carry only 8-43 guests ensuring intimate and up-close encounters. Amazon River cruise itineraries are typically 4 to 8 days in length.

Not sure where to start? View the best Amazon cruises below. Our experts know all the Amazon river boats to help you choose the right cruise for your interests, schedule and budget.

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.

Voyage to the heart of the Brazilian Amazon aboard the 18-guest Tucano to the remote wilderness and uninhabited sections of the Rio Negro. Cruise within the Central Amazon Conservation Complex on this exploratory and authentic Amazon small ship cruise.

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.

Amazon Cruises with AdventureSmith

We are award-winning Amazon small ship cruise specialists. We understand nuances of each Amazon cruising region and seasonal distinctions which are important when selecting a cruise. Whether you seek a simple Amazon nature cruise, a National Geographic expedition or a luxury Amazon River cruise we have the right trip for you. Why book your Amazon River cruise with AdventureSmith Explorations?

Personalized

Work with one specialist from a licensed & insured, U.S.-based company, throughout the process.

An unmatched selection of classic Amazon River boats & luxury Amazon small ship cruises in Brazil, Peru & Ecuador.

Our experts match you with the best Amazon cruise. Let our firsthand experience be your guide.  

Take advantage of early-booking deals & other Amazon river cruise perks. We are here to help you save.

Amazon River Cruise – Peru, Brazil or Ecuador?

Peru Amazon cruises from Iquitos are the most popular and pair perfectly with travel to Machu Picchu. An Amazon cruise in Brazil , embarking in Manaus, is the choice for travelers wanting to cruise the lower Amazon River and see less civilization. Ecuador Amazon cruises are often paired with the Galapagos Islands and explore Yasuni National Park, along upper Amazon River tributaries. Learn more from our Amazon River cruise guide – How to Choose .

Luxury Amazon River Cruises

Sophisticated, luxury Amazon river cruises offer 5-star chefs and fine dining, superior service and high crew-to-guest ratios with top rated guides. Luxury Amazon river boats cruise in comfort with floor-to-ceiling windows, topnotch spas and fully air-conditioned spaces. The Delfin III Amazon luxury cruise in Peru touts membership in the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association. The modern 32-guest Aria pioneered luxury Amazon cruises in Peru. The 40 guest Anakonda offers the only 5-star luxury Amazon river cruise in Ecuador.

“The Amazon’s remote jungles reveal untamed wildlife, indigenous cultures and a place where all life flows from the water.”

Temperature & Rainfall

Best Time to Cruise the Amazon River

The high-water season runs roughly from November to May with 60-180 inches of rain. This rainy season allows more extensive exploration in small craft and jungle access via water. Low-water season is June through October with 30-100 inches of rain. This dry season, or shall we say less rainy season, may allow for more trail walks. Though it can rain slightly more in the high-water season, it usually rains some every day in the low-water season too. The best time to cruise the Amazon River is at the end of the rainy season in May and June.

Want to Learn More About the Amazon’s Climate?

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

Amazon River Boats

Purpose built small ships are at the heart of an Amazon River cruise. Nimble Amazon River boats carrying only 8-43 guests ply remote rainforest with the highest level of safety and comfort. Amazon River cruise ships range from affordable classic wooden river boats to modern luxury ships built of steel and glass. Enjoy daily off vessel excursions then return each night to your Amazon River boat for a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal and a restful sleep before another day of exploration. We have the best Amazon river boat for you at the right price. There is simply no better way to experience the Amazon than on a small river boat.

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.

The 28-guest Delfin II is one of the most innovative and sustainable ships in the Amazon; it is the first to host a full fleet of kayaks. Luxury and authenticity combine perfectly on this river vessel, which brings influence and cultural awareness throughout the Peruvian Amazon.

The 40-guest M/V Anakonda is the only luxury ship in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest, featuring air conditioning, fine dining and superior service with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious decks and fiberglass ecologic canoes.

The 28-guest Amatista explores the Peruvian Amazon in classic riverboat style. Her comforts include air-conditioned cabins and dining on tropical flavors of the Amazon.

Amazon Cruise Reviews

Our experts and clients help you decide with firsthand cruise reviews and personalized recommendations. Amazon small ship cruises are as diverse as the rainforest itself with a huge variety of small ships cruising throughout numerous regions including Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. With all of these choices it can be challenging to know what each cruise is really like.

Our Amazon cruising experts and our travelers have documented their journeys sharing their genuine experiences and personal travel stories aboard small ships in the Amazon. Get advice the best cabin and activity choices. Find more insight into regional differences and the remarkable landscape awaiting you. Click on the Amazon cruise reviews below.

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.

Hear from two AdventureSmith experts about their time sailing aboard the Delfin riverboat fleet in the Amazon. Get insight on which ship is right for you and their favorite experiences aboard.

An AdventureSmith Specialist reviews her time in the Peruvian Amazon aboard the 30-guest Amatista where she learned from the locals, observed sleepy sloths and fished for piranha.

AdventureSmith Specialist Nick Mitchell reviews his Amazon cruise aboard the 40-guest Anakonda. Learn what it's like to glamp in the Amazon and venture deep into the Yasuni National Park.

Amazon Cruise Travel Guides

The Amazon is a vast and complicated region where planning a cruise can be challenging. As seasoned pros we have compiled Amazon cruise guides, advice and articles that help you learn more. What are the essentials for an Amazon cruise? What is the difference between high water and low water season? Do I need to be concerned about Malaria? We have been asked and answered these questions for years. If you are wondering what an Amazon River cruise is really like, or have questions regarding your recently booked travel, look through our Amazon cruise guides. Our crew visits the Amazon frequently bringing up to date knowledge to you through our Amazon cruise guides.

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.

The world's best birding trips are found on the water. AdventureSmith Explorations recommends 5 small ship cruises and 2 lodge-based adventures for amateur ornithologists.

What Travelers Say About Their Amazon Cruise

The seamless transfer, accommodation, and guides minimized our efforts to enjoy a fabulous trip planned with AdventureSmith. I cannot say enough positive things about the way you took my thoughts and desires (including certain hotels) to create this fabulous package. The comfortably elegant suites joined together with the impeccable staff to provide a fabulous four days.

This is only the second time that I have not planned and organized a vacation and yet this is the ONLY time that every single aspect of our trip was outstanding. Doing a small boat cruise and with only 8 passengers; we all became like family and are all still in contact with one another.

Delfin II had great guides. They could spot things I never would have seen. I wish we had stayed on it for a full week instead of the short four days. All other hotels were above expectations.

The crew was absolutely fantastic. I most enjoyed the skiff excursions with Victor and Neal—they were so knowledgeable.

The naturalists were excellent, full of information and willing to answer any questions--dumb or otherwise--we asked. The entire trip was a wonderful experience.

This experience exceeded our already high expectations. The seamless transfer, accommodation, and guides minimized our efforts to enjoy a fabulous trip planned with AdventureSmith. The trip with Delfin I was truly amazing. The comfortably elegant suites joined together with the impeccable staff to provide a fabulous four days. 

Accommodations Review

All choices from the Belmond Miraflores, to our stay in Cusco, Inkaterra in Aguas Caliente, and most definitely the Delfin I were superior accommodations, each with a very unique feel.

Crew & Guides Review

The leaders and guides on the Delfin I exuded intelligence, constantly piqued our interest, and worked tirelessly to make our trip perfect. Javier was the lead guide, but we enjoyed socializing a bit with the bar tender Gaston, the Captain Javier, Security guards, Cesar and Vincente, the boat driver Rodsando, and the medic Dante.

All the transfers worked like a ballet. The drivers/guides appeared as promised with absolutely no concerns on our part. All involved were informative and professional. This certainly made our trip much more pleasant as this removed a certain tension from the trip.

Meals Review

The Inkaterra surprised our group with its attention to detail. All meals were included and all were a gourmet delight. As for the Delfin I, again with all meals included, we experienced very local foods artistically and deliciously prepared with keeping our desires in mind at all times. After one meal, the staff knew exactly our thoughts and choices for drinks, appetizers, and dishes. Excellent.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

I cannot say enough positive things about the way you took my thoughts and desires (including certain hotels) to create this fabulous package. Through many interactions and last minute changes on my part, our needs were met without question. Thank you for creating this amazing trip which will give us a lifetime of memories in a quite unique way.

We have traveled Europe extensively and now need more active experiences. Our specialist suggested many venues to satisfy our very particular taste and desires.

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Delfin I Amazon River Cruise
• Machu Picchu Explorer
• Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

This is only the second time that I have not planned and organized a vacation and yet this is the ONLY time that every single aspect of our trip was outstanding.  Every transfer and stay was flawless except one mix-up on one end and all it took was one phone call and that was solved - so really to us that didn't count.  It was one of our best vacations ever, not only because of the destination but also because we didn't have to worry about connections and specifics. The Amazon on the Delfin I was the best ever.  Doing a small boat cruise and with only 8 passengers; we all became like family and are all still in contact with one another.

The food on the Delfin I was 5 star all the way.  They even prepared our piranha that we caught and it was delicious! 

Every transfer, driver and guide was professional, reliable and couldn't have been better.  Each became a friend and were flexible enough to accommodate our desires during the day.  Couldn't say enough about all of these. 

Our AdventureSmith Specialist was available always by email, phone to answer questions and the suggested packing lists were extremely helpful and really we had 3 different climates to pack for; coastal/urban in Lima, tropical jungle in Iquitos and cooler highlands in Cusco and we found that we had packed well thanks to the advice of AdventureSmith.

The entire trip was awesome. Delfin II was great. Wish we had stayed on it for a full week instead of the short four days. All other hotels were above expectations.

I think on meals, a little more explanation would be helpful. Included hotel meals were a nice surprise as I didn't realize as many were included as they were. 

Delfin II had great guides. They could spot things I never would have seen.

Taylor was great. Setting up this trip was simple and easy and she was helpful with any and all my questions. Excellent management of all travel plans. On top of it when our flight was cancelled from Iquitos to Lima. Only hiccups were in the Lima airport. That place is crazy and we barely found our guide the first time and completely missed them the second.

• Taylor Cranney

I loved seeing all the birds and wildlife. The crew was absolutely fantastic. I most enjoyed the skiff excursions with Victor and Neal—they were so knowledgeable. The jungle walks were good too.

Everything was clean, neat and welcoming.

Victor is a jewel, very kind and helpful. I primarily stayed with Victor's group as he was a bit more into the birds and I loved seeing so many and he would identify them and was so excited and enthusiastic with each new siting. The guides most enjoyable and got us through the airport painlessly. About the only thing I would change would be for the naturalists to give us the list of possible sightings of birds and animals at the first of the trip and not on the last day. 

Food was very good. I liked the fruit with each meal and a choice of meats. I enjoyed all the variety we had.

Traveler Advice

Learn a bit of basic Spanish if possible. Bring one or two changes of nice clothes for dinner. A few things were recommended that were unnecessary, such as laundry soap, plug for the tub, and clothes line. It was hard to take everything recommended and still pack light. However, I was amazed at the very large bags some guests took.

• Amatista Amazon Cruise

We went to the Upper Amazon with a lay-over in Quito.  Everything went perfectly (except for a cancelled flight on the way home) and the entire trip was a wonderful experience.

Absolutely first class.

The were all exceptional.  The naturalists were excellent, full of information and willing to answer any questions--dumb or otherwise--we asked.  I learned a lot and I think the others did, too.

The crew/staff on both ships were excellent, as well.  The attention to detail on both ships was remarkable and everyone, from the top managers on down, went out of their way to make sure we were well taken care of.

Could not have been better. The chef was exceptional at providing food that reflected the local cultures, yet catering to American (or Australian in some cases) tastes.  Every meal was fun and something of an adventure.

In addition to providing information, they were available for any questions we had.  AdventureSmith was great and answered any questions I had. They made all of our transfer arrangements and they were seamless!  Really well done.  We worked through Exito Travel for our flights to and from South America, and they were excellent, especially in the face of the problems with the reservation systems caused by the merger between American and US Airways.

• National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise

Save on Amazon Cruises

Our experts know the nuances of Amazon cruising, including when it’s best to book, what is the advantage of seasonal discounts and how to secure the best deal. We can explain the ins-and-outs of the landscape and help you secure your dream Amazon cruise at the best rate. From early booking discounts to last minute deals and free pre-cruise hotel overnights, browse our current Amazon cruise deals to save on your next cruise. Our team of specialists will help you plan right from the start so that you get the best price on Amazon river boats.

The second guest will receive up to 40% off when you book your select 2024 Anakonda or Manatee Explorer Amazon Cruise.

Book your Ecuador Amazon cruise aboard the luxury 40-guest Anakonda and save up to 20% on select 2025 departures.

Book your Ecuador Amazon cruise aboard the luxury 30-guest Manatee and save up to 15% on select 2025 departures.

Solo travelers! Book your select 2024 Anakonda or Manatee Explorer Amazon Cruise and the single supplement fee will be waived.

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

Couples and adventure buddies! The second guest sharing a suite will receive up to 30% savings aboard Manatee or up to 40% savings aboard Anakonda, when you book a select July-September 2024 departure of the below-linked Amazon cruises.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offers. Does not apply for Christmas and New Year's departures . See all Amazon cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

• Anakonda Amazon Cruise
• Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruise

Save up to 20% when you book your select 2025 or 2026 departure of the below-linked Anakonda Amazon Explorer Cruise.

Valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Does not apply for Christmas and New Year's departures . See all Amazon cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.

Save up to 15% when you book your select 2025 or 2026 departure of the below-linked Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruise.

Book your select July-September 2024 Anakonda or Manatee Explorer Amazon Cruise and the 50% single supplement fee will be waived (solo travelers pay the double cabin rate).

Save up to 20% when you book your 2024, 2025 or 2026 departure (except Christmas and New Year's) for the below-linked Amazon cruises aboard Aria and Aqua Nera.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Applicable on suites 101 and 103. See all  Amazon cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

• Aria Amazon River Cruise
• Aqua Nera Amazon River Cruise

Our Experts Are Your Fastest Way to an Amazon Cruise

Need help narrowing down all the Amazon cruise options? We’ve got your best Amazon cruises in 2024, 2025 and beyond. Our experts are just a phone call or email away to assist. Contact us to receive personalized recommendations and a free quote on the best Amazon cruises for your travel style, budget and timing.

Book your Amazon River cruise with the confidence that comes from working with a licensed and insured U.S.-based company. We handle all aspects of your travel from permits, flights and hotels to transfers and tours, creating a seamless Amazon cruise package for you and loved ones. Trust your Amazon cruise to the genuine experts.

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Home » Amazon to Andes: Amazon River Cruise + Machu Picchu

Amazon to Andes: Amazon River Cruise + Machu Picchu

Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Amazon River Cruise

Experience the best of Peru with our comprehensive 12-day tour package! Discover Lima’s rich history and cuisine, immerse yourself in Cusco’s Incan culture and Sacred Valley, hike to the ancient Machu Picchu citadel and explore the Amazon Rainforest. The latter will be on the Delfin Amazon River Cruise, a truly luxurious and exclusive way to explore the Peruvian Amazon with exclusive access to certain areas of the jungle. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime to discover the beauty and diversity of Peru!

• Beat the Crowds: With early starts and an optimized itinerary, you'll enjoy a more peaceful and immersive experience by avoiding the usual tourist rush.
• Local Expert Guides: Discover the best sites with our local experts that speak excellent English and will be an invaluable part of your journey.
• Top-Rated on TripAdvisor: Travel with confidence, knowing you're in good hands with a tour operator that has a 95% excellence rating on TripAdvisor.

Need help? Contact us!

The following 12-day Peru tour itinerary is fully customizable. Contact us and we’ll be happy to help plan the tour of your dreams.

When arriving to Lima, you’ll be picked up from the airport by our local staff that takes you straight to your hotel. Once there, you’ll have the chance to relax and explore the nearby places on your own.

Explore the vibrant city of Lima on a tour of its most iconic landmarks and historical sites. Visit the stunning Presidential Palace, the impressive Cathedral of Lima and the colorful markets. Discover the city’s rich cultural heritage and take a stroll through the beautiful parks of Parque del Amor and Kennedy Park.

Stroll through the picturesque streets of Barranco and discover the city’s culinary heritage with stops at local markets and traditional Peruvian restaurants. Sample a variety of typical dishes such as Ceviche, Lomo Saltado and Picarones. Learn about the unique ingredients and techniques used in Peruvian cuisine and discover the cultural influences that have shaped it. Visit some of Barranco’s famous restaurants and bars, trying some of the best Pisco Sour cocktails in Lima.

After your flight to Iquitos, you’ll set sail on one of Delfin’s exclusive riverboats, and experience the beauty and biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon in comfort and style.

You’ll get to know the spacious cruise and take in the stunning views of the lush landscape, always keeping an eye out for the diverse wildlife that call the Amazon home. Take a skiff ride through the narrow tributaries to discover hidden lagoons and spot exotic birds and monkeys.

In the first part of the day, you’ll hike through the rainforest, gaining insights into indigenous medicinal plants and seeking vibrant butterflies and frogs.

In the afternoon, prepare yourself for piranha fishing at sunset and kayaking in the calm creeks. Enjoy the delights of the Amazonian cuisine and the comfort of the boat after each day of adventure.

Spend another exciting day exploring the rich biodiversity of the Amazon during a jungle walk. Today, you’ll visit a local community and have the chance to interact with native people, learning more about their culture and customs.

Later that day, witness a unique phenomenon where dark waters of one river meet the sandy-colored waters of another one, creating a striking contrast.

After a final breakfast on board, you’ll visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals before returning to the port and saying goodbye to the Amazon rainforest. It’s time to return to Peru’s capital for a night, before catching a morning flight to Peru’s Andes exploring the imperial city of Cusco.

Upon arrival in Cusco, our staff will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, grab your camera to get a few good shots of the local landmarks, such as Qoricancha (a former Inca temple turned Spanish church), the lively San Pedro Market or the cozy uphill neighborhood of San Blas.

Visit the Salt Mines of Maras, the agricultural labs or Moray and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Relish a delightful lunch enveloped by the Andean landscape, visit a vibrant local textile center and try of a sip of Chicha (Inca beer made of corn).

After the tour, either continue to Aguas Calientes or return to Cusco, preparing for your upcoming Machu Picchu tour the following day.

Embark on a 2-hour guided journey led by our knowledgeable guide, exploring the pivotal landmarks within the Machu Picchu ruins. Uncover the captivating history and cultural legacy of the Incas as you delve into the remarkable structures of this ancient wonder, gaining a profound understanding of its significance.

After the tour, you’ll be seamlessly transferred back to Cusco.

Embark on an early adventure and relish the serenity atop the Andes! Behold the vibrant marvels of Vinicunca rainbow mountain, where striking red terrains meet encounters with llamas and alpacas. With our small group and private tours, you’ll be part of the first to conquer the summit, evading the masses for an exceptional and exclusive experience.

After breakfast, you’ll have some more time to immerse yourself in the city. When you’re ready, our local staff will take you to the airport before you fly back to Lima.

• Airport transfers with our staff accompanying you
• All tours stated in the itinerary with fluent English speaking licensed local guides
• All entrance tickets
• Private Machu Picchu tour with entrance tickets, train tickets and shuttle bus
• Hotels if selected
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary above (vegan and vegetarian options available). We eat in some of the best restaurants in the area.
• Trekking pole, first aid kit and oxygen for the hikes
• Welcome kit and virtual support during your trip

Not Included

• Flights (can be included if you want to)

Prices p. person

Based on double/triple occupancy and the hotels mentioned below or similar ones in the same category. Please contact us to receive a free quote based on your hotel preferences.

Small Group Tours starting at

Private Tours starting at

The hotels below can vary based on your preferences.

JW Marriott

Located at Miraflores’ waterfront and the Larcomar shopping center, the JW Marriott is an upscale hotel with an excellent location. Spacious elegant rooms with ocean views, delicious restaurants and a well-equipped gym provide for an unforgettable stay.

• Air Conditioning
• Swimming Pool
• Room Service

Casa Andina Premium Miraflores

Strategically located in the heart of Miraflores, this 4-star hotel is close to many excellent restaurants and boutique shops. Its unmistakable local touch showcases valuable colonial antiques and an exquisite collection of contemporary art decorating the rooms and common areas of the hotel.

Casa Andina Standard Benavides

Conveniently located in the heart of Miraflores, the Casa Andina Standard Benavides is perfect for those that want to feel the pulse of the city. Great restaurants, bars, shopping malls and ancient ruins are closeby. All rooms are designed with a modern and comfortable touch. 

Tierra Viva Larco

Located about 600 m from Miraflores City Hall and 800 m from the premium Larcomar Outdoor Mall, is the Tierra Viva Miraflores Larco Hotel Lima. This hotel is known for its dedicated staff and personal service. The rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge, a bar, a flat-screen cable TV, and coffee/tea making supplies are included in some of the air-conditioned apartments. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower and a separate toilet.

• Breakfast included
• Air conditioning

Casa Andina Select Miraflores

This 4-star hotel features a spa, a fitness center and a bar where you can enjoy a typical Peruvian drink. The rooms at Casa Andina are bright and carpeted and offer free Wi-Fi access. In addition, the rooms offer beautiful views of the city and are equipped with a queen-size bed for a good night’s sleep. 

Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection

Next to Koricancha, one of the most important temples of the Inca empire, lies the luxurious Palacio del Inka built on original Inca foundations. Throughout the entire hotel, you’ll get to admire the colonial architecture that can be explored in a guided tour of its facilities.

Located in a building of the 16th century and being only 3 blocks away from Cusco’s main square, the Novotel is an excellent option for a centrally located, modern hotel with local charme. Relax in the heated courtyard after your tour and enjoy a local tea before heading to one of the restaurants closeby.

Casa Andina Standard Koricancha

The Casa Andina Standard Koricancha is located in a colonial mansion with a cozy interior courtyard close to Cusco’s main square. All of the 35 rooms are non-smoking and many facilities, such as breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi and room service are included.

This charming 3-star hotel in Cusco provides free Wi-Fi and cozy, country-style lodging. It is ideally located on a quiet, secluded street, a mere 300 meters from the Plaza de Armas square. Hotel Rumi Punku boasts a delightful traditional ambiance, with a central courtyard graced by a lush garden. The well-appointed rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, cable TV, and present serene views of the inner courtyard.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

The Inkaterra El Pueblo Hotel is located at the foot of Machu Picchu, near the train station, and strives to combine regional nature with modern comfort to provide you with a unique upscale experience for your Machu Picchu visit.

El Mapi by Inkaterra

The El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra is located near the Aguas Calientes train station and the Machu Picchu shuttle bus station, thus making it an ideal option for travelers seeking convenience. This contemporary hotel includes many facilities, friendly service and delicious food. It’s a great place to relax before or after visiting the New Wonder of the World.

Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu

With its 53 cozy rooms in the center of Aguas Calientes, this 3-star hotel is a great option for mid-range accommodation. Overlooking the Urubamba River and the surrounding mountains, you’ll be in good hands to overnight before visiting Machu Picchu.

Sacred Stone Boutique

This 3-star boutique hotel features a bar and is located just 400 meters from the train station. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour reception to help you with all your needs.   Views of the neighboring mountains and the river are available from the large rooms. In addition, every room includes a private bathroom with hot showers available all day.

Delfin Amazon Cruises

Delfin Amazon Cruises offers luxury river cruises on the Amazon River in Peru. Their boats feature comfortable accommodations, gourmet meals and a variety of activities, such as jungle hikes, fishing and wildlife viewing. The cruises provide a luxurious opportunity to explore the Amazon rainforest and its diverse wildlife and culture in a unique way.

• Swimming pool
• Room service

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Let’s plan your dream trip to Peru

All of our tour itineraries are 100% customizable . Just let us know your preferences below and we’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours.

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• Starting Date* Number of travelers* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Hotels (Optional, multiple choices possible) Luxury Superior Best Value
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• Amazon River
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• Indonesian Archipelago
• Mekong River
• Irrawaddy River
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• Pacific Coast
• Patagonia Cruises
• Machu Picchu
• Iguazu Falls

Amazon Rainforest & Machu Picchu

When it comes to experiencing the alluring magic of Peru, this 10-day Amazon Rainforest and Machu Picchu Tour captures the mystery behind this beautiful South American country, immersing you in its culture, history, and nature along the way as you live like a Limeño in its lively capital, Lima, marvel at the majesty of Machu Picchu and Amazon river cruise through its rainforest realm from Iquitos.

Lima’s Colonial Wonders

Before starting out on your Machu Picchu Amazon Rainforest adventure, you’ll experience all that Peru’s vibrant capital city of Lima has to offer. Enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned shuttles as you revel in the modernity of Miraflores and explore slick San Isidro and its ancient monuments. Sample some of the culinary treats at its world-class restaurants, and learn about Peruvian history in the highly-rated Larco Museum. Of course, no visit to Lima would be complete without spending time in its historic colonial center, and your tour will take you to explore its highlights including the Plaza de Armas and Santo Domingo Convent.

Machu Picchu Awaits

From Lima, your tour moves on to the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, you’ll spend time acclimating to the altitude and experiencing a trip around the ancient ruins and towns, visiting Pisac, Urubamba, the fortress town of Ollantaytambo, Maras salt mines, the archaeological site of Moray, and the weavers of Chinchero. Along the way, you can visit colorful markets, explore charming towns still full of Incan charm, and indulge in delectable Peruvian meals.

Time soon arrives to make your way to one of the highlights of the tour and all South America, the mesmerizing “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu. To get there, you’ll board a train to take you through the mountains, observing the breathtaking scenery along the way. Our expert guides stay with you as you explore the grounds of this remarkable archaeological site before returning to your comfortable accommodations either in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. A full and fascinating tour of the colonial city of Cusco, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, soon follows.

Amazon Rainforest Exploration

Next on the itinerary is a flight to the Peruvian Amazon. Once you arrive in Iquitos, you’ll be chauffeured to the dock to board your exciting Amazon cruise, complete with luxury suites providing you with air conditioning, comfortable bedding, and ensuite facilities. Experience the elegant luxury aboard as you cruise into the wildlife-rich Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve for a one-of-a-kind Amazonian experience.

Naturalist guides will be on hand, day and night, while you are immersed in this pristine wilderness ecosystem, enriching your exploration with their insight and sight, being experts in spotting camouflaged creatures among the foliage. Your cruise itinerary will offer spectacular photo opportunities and experiences, as various skiff explorations allow you to see more of the Amazon’s native animals and bird life in their natural habitats in startling close-up. Another special excursion takes you to visit the Huaysi village where you can observe and learn about indigenous culture and customs.

Please note this Amazon Riverboat & Machu Picchu adventure tour is just a sample itinerary. The featured excursions, activities, and accommodations can be tailored to suit your taste, budget, and time availability in accordance with your personal wishes. All excursions and transfers are on a private basis (private transport with a private guide), with the exception of the cruise portion, which is on a shared basis with other passengers.

Itinerary & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

Welcome to Lima!

Lima is a bustling, busy city and one of the most important in South America. Any trip to Peru will likely begin and end in the capital and visitors take advantage of the fact that Lima is widely regarded to be the culinary capital of the continent and home to many of the best restaurants in South America. Home of the ceviche and the Pisco Sour it is a city where the past and present mix beautifully, from the colonial center to modern Miraflores, through to the ancient Incan and pre-Incan culture which can be seen in Lima’s various museums.

A city of almost 11 million people, it is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains. This unique location means it enjoys a microclimate of zero rainfall and is spread along the coast atop cliffs that offer beautiful sunset views and peaceful “malecóns”, even a short trip is guaranteed to be richly rewarding and a perfect introduction to Peru and its culture.

Lima Through The Ages

Explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. The route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you visit the L arco Museum , located in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time, still belonging to the same family. Continue with a scenic tour through the colonial downtown. See the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Admire Lima’s Cathedral, built during the 16th century. Finish the trip returning to your hotel.

Lima to the Incan Sacred Valley

After a good night’s rest, enjoy a delicious breakfast before our air-conditioned private vehicle takes you to the airport for the next exciting installment in your Peruvian adventure. Assistance is provided so don’t worry about your bags! You will fly from Lima to Cusco, where you are met at the airport and transferred into the Sacred Valley. Our tours in the Cusco area always begin in the valley, which is approximately 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) lower in elevation than Cusco, so that guests may better acclimatize to the altitude.

Get ready to explore the most important ruins, which start with a trip to historic Pisac. Our expert local guide will show you around the Temple of the Sun, ancient baths, altars, fountains, and ceremonial platform, and a type of sundial carved into the volcanic rock which was used for determining the time of year. At the side of the citadel, you will see the terraces that are still used to this day to grow crops.

After a quick visit to the colorful market of Pisac to buy souvenirs, we enjoy a traditional lunch in a restaurant in Urubamba. Afterwards, we take you to visit the impressive fortress town of Ollantaytambo as we continue our trip around the ancient ruins of the Sacred Valley. Perched atop a mountain it acted as the religious, military, financial, and agricultural center of the Inca culture and we also visit the town of the same name which maintains its Incan charm as a window into the past.

Meals: (B, L)

Maras, Moray and Chinchero

The Maras salt mines were an important part of the economy of the Inca culture and to this day the salt produced in these mines, recognizable by its pinkish hue, is amongst the most sought-after and expensive in the world. From there, we take you to the picturesque archaeological site of Moray which is a huge expanse of concentric terraces which the Incas used a botanical laboratory. Once finished with this leg of the tour, we enjoy a typical Andean lunch at the Casa de Barro restaurant.

Our next stop is at the PARWA Center in Chinchero, where you can learn about the centuries-old traditional textile making so important to the Andean people. You will have the chance here to buy traditional textiles and other souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Remaining in Chinchero we take in the 17th Century church built by the Spanish invaders and then the surrounding ruins, aqueducts, and agricultural terraces that sustained the local people hundreds of years ago.

The Grandeur of Machu Picchu

Today is the big day! Get ready to tick one of the New Seven Wonders of the World off your list as we head to Machu Picchu Citadel. Leaving the Sacred Valley by train, we enjoy a peaceful snake through the mountains, uphill to Aguas Calientes, situated at the foot of Machu Picchu. The views on the way to Machu Picchu itself are an intrinsic part of the trip itself and worth savoring. Built in the mid 1400’s it acted as a royal estate to two different Inca rulers, Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui and Tupac Inca Yupanqui. After 80 years of occupancy, it was abandoned, possibly due to Spanish infiltration in other parts of Peru, and remained abandoned until the early last century when efforts Hiram Bingham brought its existence to world attention.

Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban and the agricultural. Our expert guide will take you through both and show you the key spots in the ancient citadel such as the Temple of the Sun and the Room, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Room of Three Windows. The residential buildings feature exquisite stonework with no cement or mortar and are characterized by small trapezoid windows that face the morning sun. After our extensive tour, we put you back on the train to your hotel in either Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Ancient Inca Capital City

Today, we pick you up at your hotel for your tour of Cusco and its most important archeological sites. Cusco, known as the Imperial City, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is home to Inca structures with a smattering of colonial influence. You start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the myriad colors, flavors, textures and traditions of modern Cusco.

The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church. It remains standing to this day. Still standing to this day, this temple/church really is a remarkable building and an amalgamation of the two cultures. From there, we ascend to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place before moving on to the Plaza de Armas, home to the Cathedral, and the centerpiece of the city.

Departing Cusco & Cruise Embarkation

AM: After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and privately transferred to Cusco airport, ready to board your departure flight to Iquitos!

After your flight to the capital of the Peruvian Amazon, our guides will meet you at the Iquitos airport—waiting for you with a sign. We will then go to the Doubletree by Hilton Iquitos Hotel, the meeting point, to receive your first briefing about the trip and where you will enjoy a delicious welcome lunch. Then you will be transported by a private vehicle to the main dock of the city of Iquitos to board El Zafiro, your home for the following three nights.

PM : Our staff will show you to your suite, equipped with comfortable beds, 100% Peruvian Pima cotton sheets, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with a shower and amenities. Before setting sail, our bartender will serve you a cocktail prepared with local fruit and pisco, the most popular liquor in Peru. You can sip it while enjoying 360° views from the observation deck or a panoramic view from the indoor or outdoor lounge.

After setting sail, our naturalist guides will offer an overview of the travel itinerary, including activities, routes, information about wildlife and vegetation, geographical and historical context, as well as other useful info. If you have any doubts or concerns, our guides are always available to answer your questions.

We’ll then enjoy the welcome dinner. Start your journey by sampling the selected wines and Peruvian cuisine with an Amazonian flair. There are many options on our menu, including vegetarian alternatives. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary needs. After dinner, you’ll be able to take in stunning views of the starry night sky while we start our journey deep into the Amazon rainforest.

Meals: (B, L, D)

Ucayali River, Yanallpa of Ucayali, Tapiche River & Dorado River

AM : Before breakfast, we’ll head out on a skiff to the Yanallpa area of the Ucayali River in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where we’ll see many native animal species. After breakfast, we’ll head out on a skiff to the Tapiche River in search of wildlife. Before midday, we’ll head back to the boat for a cooking demonstration by the executive chef.

PM : After lunch, whoever is interested may attend a talk about the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, and in the afternoon, we’ll take a skiff to the Dorado River, where we’ll fish using local techniques. Before heading back on board, we’ll enjoy a nighttime outing in search of caimans, tarantulas, and other species that make an appearance after the sun goes down. Dinner will be served onboard the Zafiro.

Ucayali River, Yarapa of Ucayali, Amazon River, Tahuayo River & Huaysi Community Visit

AM : After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore the Yarapa River, where the infamous pink and gray river dolphins swim in its black waters. Back on the Zafiro, we’ll see the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, which give rise to the Amazon River.

PM : After lunch, we’ll take the skiff out on the Amazon River to visit the Huaysi community. There, we’ll see how the locals live and learn more about their customs with our guides, who will act as interpreters. We’ll also take a dip in the Tahuayo River and, before heading back to the boat, enjoy a colorful Amazon sunset. Back on the Zafiro, you’ll have some time to relax and enjoy live music before the presentation by the crew and farewell dinner.

Disembarkation

AM : After breakfast, we begin to disembark. On the way to the airport, stop by the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA), where biologists and volunteers take care of manatees (an endangered species) rescued by the authorities. We’ll see how the manatees are cared for and prepped for reinsertion into their natural habitat. We also get to see other animals that have been rescued from attempts to turn them into pets and other dangerous situations.

Afterward, you will be transferred to Iquitos airport for your departure flight back to Lima.

Accommodations

Cruises & lodges.

Hotel Options

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado

Antigua Casona San Blas

Tambo del Inka

JW Marriott el Convento Cusco

Hacienda Urubamba

Palacio Manco Capac

All itineraries are completely customizable. Contact our travel specialists to build your perfect vacation

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• All prices displayed are PER PERSON
• Child policies may apply to the cruise and/or excursions included with your tour
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• Hotel room categories may be changed at your discretion for an additional supplement (subject to availability)
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Cabin type aboard Zafiro Cruise varies according to pricing, and is included as follows:

• 4* includes 1st deck suite
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• Boutique includes master suite

DEAL FLASH: 2 For 1 On Luxury 4-Day Amazon River Cruise Thanksgiving Departure

Two Week Peru Itinerary: Planning an Amazing Trip from the Andes to the Amazon

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: May 23, 2024  - Last updated: August 19, 2024

Save this two week Peru itinerary for your first trip to this amazing country! We had an unforgettable experience in Peru, from Lima to the Andes to the desert to the Amazon. This Peru itinerary is doable with kids, or just adults, but it all depends on what you want to see most and how much time you have for your Peru trip.

For us, we built out this two week Peru itinerary based on the things our kids had researched and told us were most important to them. I’ve got to say, they hit the nail on the head for what us adults were interested in too. Running with their list, I built our whole itinerary and where we stayed to make sure we had the best time, enjoying the most interesting experiences possible for two weeks in Peru.

If you have any questions about logistics, our Peru itinerary and how to adjust it, or want to leave your own tips for how to have an incredible experience, please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re always happy to share more!

Join us for a Peruvian Amazon group trip! (Nov 2024, Mar 2025)

Getting to Peru from the USA

I was surprised how easy it was to get from the USA to Peru for our trip. If you have a USA passport you don’t need a visa and Peru customs is very easy to go through. Be sure that you have at least 6 months of validity left on your passport and that you’re ready to say exactly where you’re going, where you’re staying and when you’re leaving. That should be good to get through customs swiftly. You can visit for up to 183 days.

Other nationalities that don’t require visas include:

• All South American nations except Venezuela
• Canada and Mexico
• Most central American and Caribbean nations
• South Africa
• All EU countries plus Britain, Norway, Belarus and Russia

Visa entry or not, you do need to be able to prove you’re going to leave Peru at some point. “Continuing travel” is very important to be able to communicate or prove when you go through customs. A lot of people who are doing slow travel for their Peru trip will pop into Bolivia to the south to refresh their visitation clock. This is NOT an option for USA passport holders as Bolivia requires a visa for US citizens (but not most others).

To fly to Lima from the USA, you have a few options:

• Miami, Florida – MIA and FLL
• Los Angeles, California – LAX
• New York City, New York – JFK and EWR
• Houston, Texas – IAH
• Atlanta, Georgia – ATL

You’ll be surprised how inexpensive flights to Lima are, including the mileage exchange deals you can get from the USA to Peru. Listen to our podcast episodes about Using Points for Travel or Mastering the American Airlines Loyalty Program

Regions to Visit in Peru

Peru is a pretty large country, which includes 80+ of the 126 microclimates on earth. Visiting Peru means seeing the full spectrum of landscapes and ecosystems, whether you’re into science or not. There are six main areas visitors for the first time in Peru might plan on visiting:

• Lima – the capital city and historic center
• The Andes Mountains – Cusco / Machu Picchu / Sacred Valley
• The Andes Mountains South – Lake Titicaca / Arequipa / Colca Canyon
• Ica – Paracas / Ballestas Islands / Ica
• Southern Peru – Nazca Lines / Atacama Desert
• The Amazon – both the Jungle and the River itself

For a first time Peru trip, I would actually recommend keeping it simple and sticking close to sea level. The elevation of Cusco and the Sacred Valley really does have an impact on visitors, especially ones who live at sea level. We’re well traveled, healthy, and pretty resilient, but the altitude sickness hit us so hard that we were fairly miserable for most of our time in the Andes. We were careful and thoughtful, but still suffered intense vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and absolute fatigue. We actually changed our plans to get back to sea level ASAP because it was so intense. Just keep this in mind as you plan your first trip to Peru. Check out our tips for Preventing Altitude Sickness

Planning a Peru Trip Podcast Episode

We have several Peru podcast episodes including All About the Andes; Peru at Sea Level – Lima, the Desert and Islands; and the Peruvian Amazon! In our Peru trip planning podcast episode :

• Our transportation throughout Peru
• Itinerary highlights from Machu Picchu to seeing penguins and monkeys
• Tips for making the most of your Peru trip

Travel Within Peru

When building our Peru itinerary, travel within the country was the thing that was the most confusing to me initially. You can look at things on a map until the cows come home, but understanding the logistics of getting from place to place is a whole other thing. Before building our travel plan we’d heard about trains and a great bus system… Yeah, no. Those options are very limited and specific, and not a national thing.

There is NOT a train network in Peru. There is a train between Machu Picchu town, aka Aguas Calientes, and Ollantaytambo, or the train goes all the way to Cusco in the dry season. You cannot travel from Lima to Cusco or Pisco via train. The train to Machu Picchu town is awesome though, and you’ll love the scenery and experience as a part of your Peru trip.

Get train tickets to Machu Picchu!

There’s also not an extensive bus system to go beyond Lima, but you can book tour bus passes from Lima up into the Andes, to Arequipa and Cusco. Buses will get you where you need to go with some extra time, but it’s not just a simple bus ride on an afternoon. This is the way to go to slowly, working your way up in elevation, but it’s not a convenient, time-saving sort of transportation.

Get bus tickets from Lima -> Cusco

The regular visitor to Peru probably will need to fly between destinations, or get a rental car. Driving in Peru isn’t weird or scary, but driving in Lima is an absolute nightmare. Between the intense traffic and the aggressive blinker-less road rage, it’s one big anxiety attack. Once you’re on the PanAmerican Highway though, it’s smooth sailing and one of the best roads we’ve driven anywhere in the world. Driving to Arequipa, Cusco or Ollantaytambo is not bad, so if you’re comfortable and confident, go for it.

When it comes to flying, getting to Peru is easy (see above) and once here you’ll be surprised at the ease of travel. From Lima, you can easily fly to Iquitos (the Amazon), Cusco (Machu Picchu/Sacred Valley), Arequipa (colonial area/Colca Canyon), Chiclayo (northern coast), Juliaca (Lake Titicaca) and more. LATAM flights are consistent and are inexpensive for regional travel. You will pay more than a bus ticket, but you will save whole days in travel, allowing you more specific experiences that transportation during your Peru trip.

See regional Peru flights on LATAM

Need to Know to Visit Peru

There are a few things to know before you visit Peru, just because it really is different than the USA or Canada. If you’ve traveled in South or Central America, this might not seem unusual to you, but if this is a first for you, pay attention:

• The money is the Sol or Soles (multiple; said “sole-ais”) – it’s about 4 soles per US dollar (Spring 2024 exchange rate)
• The primary language is Spanish, with Quechua being second, and then a lot of people working in tourism speak English. If you ALWAYS attempt to use Spanish as best as you can before just speaking English, as that’s most polite and sets you up for the most successful conversation.
• When you use a toilet in Peru, any paper does NOT go into the toilet. There are trash cans by toilets for the waste paper, no matter how you think it’s just fine to flush it.
• Wherever you go, you should always bring your own TP. Yes, it is sometimes provided but also more often than not there will not be toilet paper in public restrooms, even when you pay the common 2 soles to use the restroom.
• There are LOTS of potatoes in Peru no matter what region you’re in. You’ll get to try lots of different potato varieties and preparations, so even if you’re not into potatoes, keep an open mind.

I’m sure there are more helpful things to keep in mind before visiting Peru, but these are the things that really stand out to me as unique and important for a great Peru trip.

Two Week Peru Itinerary

Now it’s time to get into our two week Peru itinerary. We’ve got a great plan that includes the Andes Mountains, Lima, the desert coast, and the Amazon rainforest. You’ll love it! As you look at our Peru itinerary and start planning, keep in mind that if you can add four more days, you can take your time ascending up into the Andes, which will be very helpful to acclimate.

Begin in Lima, Peru

Since you’ll be flying into Lima, Peru from nearly anywhere you’re starting, you should plan to spend a few days exploring Lima. It’s a really cool city with lots of history and beautiful buildings, so you’ll enjoy having time here to get used to being in Peru. I don’t recommend getting a rental car for your time in Lima, as driving here is a stressful and horrifying experience (worse than Mexico, France or Croatia), but you can easily use Uber to get wherever you need.

Historic Lima Sightseeing

Lima has more people than New York City , so keep that in mind as you’re exploring. The historic core is less densely populated, but still crowded. We visited during Semana Santa (Easter week) and it was so very busy, with long lines to get into the historic churches. Any other time of year you should have no problem visiting historic religious sites throughout the day, but during Easter and Christmas you’ll see that the areas directly surrounding the famous churches are very crowded. Plan your Peru trip to fall just before or after major religious holidays.

How can you get around the issues with crowds? If you book a walking tour, many of the guides have the correct license to be able to detour away from crowds and enter churches that are a part of their tour, including the Cathedral of St Francis where you’ll find the catacombs. You can visit places like the Plaza Mayor or Hotel Bolivar on your own, and the churches too, but it’s much easier with a guide.

We did a historic walking tour of Lima with Lima Experience. Our guide, Joseph, was great and spoke excellent English. He was able to field questions from the kids and explain so much of what makes Lima and Peru the interesting, diverse place that it is today.

Book this exact tour!

If there’s one museum you must visit in Lima, it’s the Larco Museum . Not close to the historic core (a 20 minute Uber ride), the Larco Museum has the most incredible collection of Inca and pre-Inca artifacts in Lima. There is the Inka Museum in Cusco that is larger and more comprehensive with grand exhibits, but the Larco is where you’ll find golden Inca artifacts, aisles and shelves of figures and pottery, and the very unique… adult section of Incan art and artifacts. Yes, it’s what you are picturing and there are some fascinating pieces depicting all varieties of intercourse, human anatomy and birth. The Larco Museum is really a wonderful addition to your Peru trip.

Get advanced tickets for Larco Museum

Neighborhoods to Visit

The most popular neighborhoods that are good for tourists to visit in Lime include Miraflores (we stayed here), the historic downtown and Barranco neighborhoods. These are good neighborhoods for getting the vibe of life in Lima for a few reasons:

• They are more upper class residential, meaning well maintained with good pedestrian access
• There are lots of cafes and restaurants for eating Peruvian foods
• Because they’re known for being tourist friendly, they are diversely populated and welcoming
• There are parks and plazas that you can enjoy, and lots of murals around the neighborhoods.

There are more parts of Lima than these, but when it comes to being able to easily access parts of the city, these three neighborhoods are the easiest and most vibrant. I don’t recommend driving in Lima (it’s intense, as I’ve said) so taking an Uber wherever you need to go that’s not walking distance is a good idea.

Exploring the Andes Mountains

Before thinking about Lima or the Amazon, most people are excited to visit Peru to go to Machu Picchu. For many, their knowledge of Peru stops at “That’s where Machu Picchu is.” There’s so much more to the Andes than this one site. There are actually many Inca and pre-Inca sites from the mountains just south of the Amazon all the way to Lake Titicaca and into Bolivia and Chile. For our two week Peru itinerary, we are focusing on Machu Picchu and the most famous sites in the state of Cusco.

We have our Andes stops in order of how you can do them to gradually increase your elevation, so hopefully that’ll help make the experience better for you.

Listen to our Andes podcast episode to hear about our stops and activities. This part of the trip was fun, but also a struggle.

Reality of Altitude Sickness in the Andes

Most of us don’t live at high altitudes like you’ll face in the Andes mountains. We live at sea level in Florida, so aren’t used to the elevation, despite doing mountain trips throughout the year. When you visit the Peruvian Andes, the elevation ranges from 6,693 feet in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) to 12,556 feet at Puno (Lake Titicaca). If you’re visiting the famous Rainbow Mountain area, you’ll go even higher to 17,060 feet. That’s 3k feet higher than the summit of Mount Rainier !

The altitude really does have an impact on the human body, so you should be cautious as you plan your travel to the Peruvian Andes. After 5k feel you may feel like you’re huffing and puffing when you go up stairs. At 8k feet your insides feel a bit weird and have a difficult time processing food as usual. Higher than that and you become dehydrated easily in addition to the other side effects. All this can present as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and more. We suffered headaches, fatigue and horrible vomiting and diarrhea during our time in the Andes, and we only made it as high at 12,163 feet up.

While not everyone suffers from altitude sickness , there are ways to prevent or mitigate it:

• Ascend from sea level as gradually as possible, staying a few nights at different higher elevations
• Drink LOTS of water and get solid rest
• Take it easy while you acclimate
• Eat small meals, especially as the day winds down
• Don’t drink alcohol, but DO drink coca tea and suck on coca candies
• Keep your overall Peru trip joy in mind when deciding if you want to tough out the elevation

For some travelers, there is a pill you can take called Diamox that helps acclimate to the altitude. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION FOR EVERYONE, SO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. This was not an option for our family due to some medical stuff, but it may work for others. Everyone told us just to get it, but upon research and talking to our family doctor we discovered that it could be a very dangerous situation for us, so I’m glad we didn’t just jump into taking a pill without getting info from our trusted medical professional.

Visiting Machu Picchu

To start, you can either take the bus over several days from Lima up to Cusco, or you can fly into Cusco and then travel to Aguas Calientes, aka Machu Picchu Town. If you have the time to take the bus, do it! To stick with our two week Peru itinerary, you’re flying to Cusco (CUZ). With this, the best option is to immediately exit the city and make your way to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes.

Note: during the dry season of April – October you can start the train journey IN Cusco, but during the rainy season the train route is only from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes due to landslides that frequently happen during the rain. This just means you need to plan your Peru trip properly to get the train in the correct town.

For visiting Machu Picchu, you will need to get your entry tickets IN ADVANCE. Entries to the archaeological site sell out days or weeks before, so as soon as you know when you’ll be there, secure your tickets. We missed out on getting tickets for ourselves and had to book a private tour, as registered guides have access to additional entries. This turned out to be FANTASTIC as our guide, Percy with Wonders of Peru Expeditions was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and very patient with us, both for our questions and our struggles of climbing stairs at such high elevation.

Book our exact Machu Picchu tour here!

Be sure to bring water, snacks, sunblock and ponchos for visiting Machu Picchu. Once you enter the site there are no services and umbrellas are not allowed. You’ll need to be self-contained and ready to brave the elements as the weather can change quickly. If you arrive early, you have great chances of getting a beautiful day at Machu Picchu, because even if there are clouds to start, they’ll probably clear and you’ll have at least a few moments of sunshine.

Touring the Sacred Valley

I actually enjoyed our time in the Sacred Valley more than visiting Machu Picchu. This part of the Andes is one of the coolest parts of our two week Peru itinerary. Here you’ll get to see really neat, old towns built by both the Incas and pre-Inca civilizations. There are farms, rivers, plateaus, narrow cobblestone streets, and awesome people. If you choose to rent a car in Cusco and drive yourself, you can take several days exploring the Sacred Valley and really taking your time.

You can also see most of the Sacred Valley sights on a guided tour with a driver. I know, I’ve already recommended two other tours during our two week Peru itinerary, but it’s because here in the Andes and in such historic places, having a specialist who knows infinitely more than we did made each experience exceptional. For our Sacred Valley tour, we spent a very long day with Oscar from Exclusive Inka Tours. He was such a wealth of information and was great with our kids.

Book our exact Sacred Valley tour here!

The main sites to visit in the Sacred Valley include:

• Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site and town
• Moray Incan horticultural laboratory
• Salinas de Maras salt mine – amazing!
• Pisac Archaeological Site and town
• Chinchero Inca town and historic sites
• Mountain View restaurant and llamas

There are more sites to visit, including more archaeological sites, but either doing a tour to cover ⅔ of these spots or spending two days to explore the Sacred Valley on your own is wonderful and will give you a comprehensive visit. This may just be one of your favorite parts of your Peru trip.

Tip: you can purchase a multi-site ticket to cover the Peruvian archaeological park sites and get a bit of a discount. It’s time limited though, so you may need to manage yourself well to be able to get the full value of the ticket (valid 2 days for adults, 10 days for child tickets).

Cusco and More Andes Sightseeing

Cusco is the former capital of the Incan Empire and is one of the most unique cities we’ve been to. The colonial structures are built on top of Incan structures, such as churches built on top of palaces… Cusco is big and densely populated. Because the city is built into the hills and valleys, the streets zigzag their way to the valley floor. There are staircases and flood gutters everywhere, and in the historic core, the streets are tight!

While in Cusco , take it easy as it’s higher in elevation than Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes. Spend your time checking out the main historic area around the Plaza de Armas and visiting the Inca Museum, the Historical Museum of Cusco, the cathedral , the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and more. There is a really cool aqueduct, el Acueducto da Sapantiana , more Inca ruins at Saqsaywaman , Q’enco and others. Cusco is really cool and you can easily spend three or four days here. Before arriving we didn’t realize just how many ruins and archeological sites in Cusco you can visit.

Note: we had to cut our time in the Andes short and skipped most of Cusco because we were suffering from altitude sickness so badly. In any scenario, it’s okay to adjust your travel plans if you’re physically suffering and need to move on. Don’t feel bad about it.

More Andes destinations to add if you have time and are feeling good:

• Puno (highest Andes) and Lake Titicaca
• Rainbow Mountain / Montana Vinikunka
• Colca Canyon for the Andean condors
• Arequipa (low Andes) – for a longer trip to sea level or onto Bolivia

Ica – Where Desert Meets Sea

Never have I ever… been so excited to be back at sea level. After an intense week in the Andes, being back at sea level was such a welcome change. We immediately felt better upon landing in Lima and driving to the state of Ica. Getting out of Lima takes at least an hour (remember, it has more people than New York City) but then once you’re on the Panamerican Highway it’s driving bliss!

Note: ALWAYS DRIVE WITH YOUR LIGHTS ON. You will get pulled over or held back at a checkpoint and ticketed if you don’t have your lights on. We got pulled over and were being cited for 1300 soles… and then the police officer offered us a cash discount on the ticket if we could pay on the spot. Yes, exactly what you’re thinking – IF WE GIVE THE OFFICER CASH WE WON’T GET A TICKET. It was a bribe. Good times.

As your using out two week Peru itinerary, this is a great part of the trip to add time, particularly if you cut some time from the Andes. The Ica region is awesome and NOT what you’re expecting to find during your Peru trip!

Listen to our Peru Itinerary Planning podcast episode to hear about Ica and how we scheduled our time.

Paracas – Peru Beach Days

I love Paracas! Of all the towns and cities in Peru that we visited, Paracas was my favorite. Maybe it’s because we live in a beach town or maybe because for me it’s nostalgic of Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Morelos in Mexico , but I loved it. The town is full of small restaurants, ceviche and cafes. There are Peruvian coffee shops and little markets. The waterfront has a promenade and a beach.

Visiting Paracas is a complete vibe change over the Andes or Lima. It’s a breath of fresh air and relaxation. While it isn’t as built up and fancy as most Mexican beach towns, Paracas is well maintained with lots of beautiful murals and shops. And it’s home to the largest inflatable water park in South America. Yes, you read that correctly.

We usually opt for historic sites and nature over any sort of modern or kitschy activity, but after a week in the Andes and still being in recovery mode, when we walked onto the beach and saw Yakupark (an inflatable water park / giant obstacle course) we decided it would be good to just do it and chill. The kids had the best time and needed this sort of wild and fun activity.

Why are most people coming to Paracas, Peru though? For the PENGUINS!!! (keep reading)

Ballestas Islands

Just off the coast of Paracas is one of my favorite wildlife sites on earth. I geek out over birds and other animals, so getting to visit the Ballestas Islands was a Peru trip highlight for me. Part of the Peruvian national parks system, the islands are a preserve and people aren’t allowed on them anymore, except for research purposes. So how do you actually visit the Ballestas Islands?

Book our exact Ballestas / Paracas Reserve tour here!

From the pier in Paracas you’ll board a tour boat (there are several companies) and head out to sea. You’ll see the fascinating landmark, La Candelabra, in the dunes as you make your way to the islands, and then as you approach you’ll start to see sea lions. Once there, it’s time to start wildlife watching. For us, the highlight was the humboldt penguins. We saw penguins in the wild!!

Here’s what to watch for when you do the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands:

• Humboldt penguins
• Lobos marinos aka the Southern sea lion
• Gray boobies
• Peruvian pelicans and more

For the kids, their favorite part was actually visiting Maternity Beach. This part of the Ballestas Islands is where the sea lion colony has its babies and there are hundreds of animals on the shore and in the water. There were countless baby sea lions and it was adorable.

Paracas National Reserve

I had no idea how cool the Paracas National Reserve was going to be. I had seen photos but pictures never really do justice for certain places. The desert as it meets the ocean, both as beaches and sea cliffs is just amazing. Vast expanses of sand dunes with zero vegetation and seemingly no wildlife is really something to take in. It’s fun to explore though, as there are quite a few interesting sites to visit within the Paracas National Reserve.

Oh, and there are flamingos! I know! Pair a visit to the Paracas National Reserve on the same day with the Ballestas Islands and you’ll get to have a day that includes both flamingos and penguins on your Peru trip. Something that really wowed me about this area was how untouched it seems, and perhaps that’s just the nature of the desert, but it was very unique to experience.

Add the Paracas National Reserve to your two weeks in Peru itinerary to get in some quality beach time. There are beaches here, both for viewing AND for swimming. While you’re not permitted to swim at the red sand beach or the beaches at Cathedral Rock, Playa La Mina is awesome with wonderfully clear water and perfect small waves. There is a fee to use the beach even if you’ve already paid entry to the National Reserve, so have a few soles ready.

Tip: if you’re limited for time, you can book a tour that covers both the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve in the same day. This tour includes both areas.

Visiting Ica and Huacachina Oasis

To add onto your time in Paracas, head to Ica. Ica is a larger city with a historic core and great restaurants. It’s half the size of Cusco with about 283k residents. There are a few cool museums, in particular El Museo de Javier Cabrera where you can see countless etched/carved glyphtoliths from pre-Inca times. Ica has historic sites, a cool old cathedral and more.

Just outside of the city is why most tourists head to Ica: the Huacachina Oasis! This is a natural oasis in the desert and it’s beautiful. It’s built up around the edge now, so there are hotels and restaurants, but the phenomenon of the oasis is still very cool and unique. If you tell somebody that you’re heading to Huacachina, no doubt they’ll say “Ooh, are you going sand boarding?!” Sand boarding is a very popular thing to do when you visit Huacachina. It’s just what it sounds like: snowboarding but on sand dunes. If this is on your Peru to-do list, we recommend booking a tour to visit Huacachina so you can enjoy the experience with a guide and the proper gear.

Find a Huacachina tour here!

When you’re done visiting Paracas and Ica, it’s time to head back north to Lima to continue on with your two week Peru trip.  I think this part of the trip really is a great way to feel refreshed after the Andes mountains, and you’ll be able to head to the Amazon with lots of energy and excitement!

The Amazon River and Rainforest

Our time in the Amazon rainforest was amazing! This was all of our favorite part of our two weeks in Peru. A lot of people think of visiting the Amazon as being something you do when you go to Brazil, but it’s actually very easy to do in Peru and there are lots of wonderful options for how to go about it.

Join us on a group trip to the Peruvian Amazon!

We really enjoyed exploring the Amazon river and rainforest. It was the best part of our Peru trip. Be sure to listen to our podcast episode all about it !

Getting to the Amazon

To get to the Amazon from Lima or anywhere else in Peru, the easiest way is to fly to Iquitos. You cannot drive to Iquitos, Peru, but must either fly or arrive via boat on the Amazon river. To fly to Iquitos, you have to leave from Lima. There are some small regional flights to even smaller towns, but from anywhere a tourist might be, the only option is to go from Lima. Don’t worry, it’s a cheap flight and there are a few every day.

Iquitos is actually a large city, even if it doesn’t seem like it when you land at the tiny airport. Iquitos is larger than Cusco with nearly 500k residents in the city and surrounding area. It’s the launch point for exploring the Peruvian Amazon, including doing one of the many multi-day Amazon River cruises. For us, we were picked up from the airport by our driver from our lodge and then continued on an hour and a half drive to the town of Nauta, where we boarded a small passenger boat for a 45 minute ride south on the Amazon River, and then to our accommodations.

Activities in the Amazon Jungle

Wherever you’re staying for your Peruvian Amazon adventure, you’ll find a variety of activities. Of course the exact execution of the many adventures you’ll find in the Amazon will vary depending on where you’re staying for this part of your Peru trip or who you’re doing your daily excursions through, but you should be able to enjoy AT MINIMUM the following things to do:

• Photo safaris
• Guided bird and wildlife watching
• River cruising (day trips)
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Jungle walks / hikes
• Fishing trips (including piranhas)

Everybody has a different reason for wanting to spend time in the Amazon Rainforest, so as you’re planning your time, do what’s most important to you! For us, we were mostly excited for seeing wildlife of every sort, so we did photo safaris every day and were treated to monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws and so much more. I can’t imagine another Peru trip without this experience!

Yes, there are mosquitos, but with some planning you’ll be able to enjoy exploring the jungle and cruising along the river without suffering. A combination of bug spray, wearing appropriate clothing to cover as much skin as possible, and even wearing mosquito net jackets can all be good ways to stay itch free. The mosquitos aren’t a problem everywhere or every time of day, but if you’re out at sunset or after, and you’re in the slower flowing parts of the Amazon tributaries or on a lake, the bugs are intense. Just be prepared and you’ll be fine.

Staying at the Treehouse Lodge

Our whole two week Peru itinerary began with us planning our adventures around getting to stay at the Treehouse Lodge in the Amazon rainforest. We had seen pictures online and watched videos of this awesome looking place, so we did more research. Staying at the Treehouse Lodge means that you have an all-inclusive experience where your meals, lodging and ALL excursions are included in your cost.

Our accommodations in our treehouse were perfect for our family of four, including a bathroom in our treehouse, seating, mosquito netting, fans, and getting to shower and watch toucans outside the window. It was wonderful, to say the least. The food was also great, with three meals each day using locally sourced food, prepared in fresh, healthy, Peruvian styles. (Alcohol is the only thing not included, but there is a bar at the Treehouse Lodge.) Across our whole two week Peru trip this was the most magical and comfortable accommodations we had.

Our daily excursions were amazing. We had our own dedicated guide and river captain, Edgar and Roger. They took great care of us and made sure that we saw the absolute most wildlife and habits that we could in the Amazon Rainforest. We went out at sunrise, morning, midday and sunset. We went fishing multiple times and saw more monkeys and sloths than we could keep track of. Our experience was unmatched in any travel we’ve ever done.

Are you excited to plan a two week Peru trip?! You should be. This itinerary really is solid for having diverse experiences no matter what your interests or travel chops lead you to. Peru is fun, beautiful and unlike what you expect. Please, if you have any questions about either this two week Peru itinerary, planning your trip, or if you want to join us on an upcoming Peruvian Amazon adventure , leave a comment or send us a note . We’re happy to help!