How to Choose the Best Amazon River Cruise

An Amazon River cruise is one of the best ways to discover this fascinating and biodiverse part of the world. On your small sailing vessel, you’ll travel down the river in comfort and style, with many immersive opportunities to spot pink river dolphins, sloths, the elusive jaguar, or to kayak, canoe, or hike.

The mighty Amazon, and its tributaries, is the world’s largest river by volume and is home to Indigenous communities, wildlife, vibrant bird species, and over 40,000 plant species, many used for medicinal benefits across the world.

However, the Amazon spans nine countries (well, technically one of these is an overseas department of France, French Guiana) and working out where, when, and how to plan your cruise can be confusing! Here are our top tips on how to choose the best Amazon River cruise, ensuring you have the adventure of a lifetime on your South America trip. 

Consider the best time of year to visit the Amazon

The Amazon River is actually a popular year-round destination for cruising. However, the time of year impacts the type of experience you’ll have, with different seasons offering different experiences.

Being a tropical rainforest, rain is common throughout the year, so Amazon seasons are separated by low and high water level periods. The high water season of December to May is ideal for exploration via kayak or canoe, as flooded forests and increased water levels allow you to go deeper into the rainforest by boat.

If you visit in the low water season of June to November, it’s better for hiking, as trails are more accessible. Drier conditions also draw animals to the river’s edge to drink, which is great for wildlife watching.

No matter when you visit, you’re sure to have a fascinating and fun experience in this special place of culture, biodiversity, and ecology.

Amazon cruise durations

Would you prefer a longer cruise, deeper into the Amazon? Or a shorter introduction, ideal for travellers short on time? Amazon cruises usually range from between 3-10 days, so there are options to suit everyone.

Cruises of 3-4 nights are ideal for those short on time or on a tight budget. Shorter cruises still provide an immersive journey, with opportunities for wildlife and cultural experiences, but just won’t venture as far into the river.

If your schedule allows, longer cruises can travel deeper down tributaries into more remote areas of the river, which means quieter waters and increased possibilities of wildlife viewing.

However, if you’re not sure if a cruise is right for you, you can also book an Amazon eco-lodge stay, ideal for travellers who would prefer to be land based.

Decide which region of the Amazon best suits your interests

The Amazon Rainforest system spans an epic seven million square kilometres, so it’s helpful to spend some time researching different areas of the river to consider which would best suit your interests.

All Amazon cruises offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities, but it’s best to go into the experience with an open mind. Specific animal sightings are never guaranteed, but your knowledgeable local guides will do their best to ensure you see a wide variety of birds, wildlife, and plant species, no matter where you are. 

Peruvian Amazon

Within Peru, Amazon river cruises often visit the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. This is the country’s largest national park, known for its tranquil waters and diverse wildlife, including pink dolphins, giant otters, and many rare bird species.

There are also Indigenous communities within the region, with opportunities to learn about their traditions and history as you cruise.

Peruvian Amazon cruises usually depart from Iquitos, accessible via a two-hour direct flight from Lima.

Ecuadorian Amazon

Quiet and pristine, the Ecuadorian Amazon is home to Yasuni National Park, a biodiversity hotspot of both flora and fauna.

This park has a unique position near the equator, where both the Andes Mountains and the Amazon basin meet. It’s home to many clay licks, ideal for bird spotting, but also many other incredible species are found here, including jaguars, black caiman, and manatees, although they are rare to spot.

The Waourani people also live in this region and have long been advocating the government to protect the rainforest.

Ecuadorian Amazon cruises typically leave from Coca, just a 30-minute flight from Quito.

Brazilian Amazon

Many Brazilian Amazon cruises begin in Manaus, famous for the Meeting of the Waters. This is where the dark waters of the Rio Negro meet the paler waters of the Amazon, creating a unique natural phenomenon.

On your cruise, there'll be many opportunities for Indigenous cultural experiences and the region is also known for its pink dolphins, parrots, and other bird species.

The Brazilian Amazon is very wide in sections, making it more accessible to larger boats.

Consider your preferred activities and wildlife viewing opportunities

Different ships and itineraries may offer unique off-ship activities, so it helps to find a cruise that best suits your interests. Popular Amazon cruise activities include:

• Wildlife watching via guided hikes or skiff (small boat) rides
• Kayaking
• Indigenous community visits 
• Fishing
• Birdwatching
• Nocturnal rainforest treks
• Photography and sightseeing
• Onboard relaxation, including fine dining, hot tubs, or pools (certain ships only)

Amazon River cruise packing tips

No need to overpack for your cruise - lightweight, quick-drying clothing will perfectly suit. Long pants and sleeves are useful for sun and insect protection, but shorts and odourless, tropical strength insect spray are great too, if you’re worried about getting too hot. Also, items like a light raincoat, hat, binoculars, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes will be useful.

Some travellers also find a silent, portable fan helpful in the heat, along with insect bite cream, just in case! Generally, guides recommend against wearing brightly coloured clothing, as blending into your surroundings will make it easier to observe wildlife without being noticed by the birds and animals.

Many travellers combine time in South America with their Antarctica cruise, so packing wisely will make your logistics much smoother.

Here's our complete Amazon packing guide, if you're looking for more tips. 

Research your potential Amazon cruise ships before booking

Chimu specialises in small ship cruising in the Amazon, working with over a dozen partner vessels. Selecting the right ship will make all the difference to your cruise experience, so consider factors like how many other guests will be on board, meal options, included excursions, and luxury amenities.

As Amazon cruising experts, Chimu’s Destination Specialists are here to help you start planning or answer any questions you may have.

Chimu Adventures can help you find the ideal Amazon River cruise ship and itinerary, along with all of your flights and transfers. If you have any questions, or are ready to book, please reach out.