South America River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through South America
Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Discover the Galápagos & Peru
- Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery (2025) (Lima to Lima, 2025)
- 7 Days/6 Nights: Amazon Adventure in the Javari Valley
- From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon with Galápagos Cruise 2026
- Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration (2026) (Lima to Lima, 2026)
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 5 Days
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 6 Days
- Peru & Iquitos Amazon Cruise - 11 days
- From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon 2026
- From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon with the Nazca Lines 2026
A 4-night Galapagos voyage aboard Treasure of Galapagos takes visitors through crystal-clear archipelago waters. The white coral beaches of Gardner Bay, marine life snorkeling spots, and Post Office Bay's historic traditions await, with expert naturalist interpretation.
Duration 15 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Pucara, NazcaSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$14,970+$2,726 upfront costs
The Aria Amazon riverboat offers floor-to-ceiling views of Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. Guests sail through the confluence of Ucayali and Marañón Rivers, with expert-guided exploration of remote tributaries and indigenous communities.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lima, Iquitos, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Nauta Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
- NZ$25,099
The remote waterways of Javari, Curuçá, and Ituí rivers beckon adventurers. Riverside communities like Santa Rita and indigenous settlements welcome visitors. Life along the Amazon unfolds through stays at Heliconia Lodge and traditional tribal accommodations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Avatar Amazon Lodge Age Range 8 to 80 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From $6,846
10% Off- NZ$6,161You save $685
Duration 18 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Iquitos, Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz IslandSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$22,680+$3,641 upfront costs
The Aria Amazon's 7-night luxury voyage showcases South America's mighty river. Yarapa River's nocturnal wildlife, piranha fishing spots, and indigenous villages highlight the journey. Chef Schiaffino's acclaimed cuisine accompanies navigation between Iquitos and Nauta.
Duration 16 days Destinations Lima, Iquitos, Nauta, Cusco, Urubamba, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Moray Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $25,199
10% Off- NZ$22,679You save $2,520
The Antonio Cesar navigates to January Lake's floating communities and Anavilhanas Archipelago. Pink dolphins play in Rio Negro, while remote indigenous villages share their traditions. Four nights of comfortable river accommodation and guided excursions create lasting memories.
Duration 5 days Destinations Manaus Age Range 6 to 70 year olds Operated in English, German, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Amazon Amazing Tours From
10% Off- NZ$2,492
The Antonio Cesar sails from Manaus through Anavilhanas Archipelago. The Meeting of Waters, remote tributaries, and indigenous villages dot the route. Expert captains guide vessels through the Amazon's most spectacular waterways.
Duration 6 days Destinations Manaus Age Range 6 to 70 year olds Operated in English, German, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Amazon Amazing Tours From
10% Off- NZ$2,991
The Zafiro Cruise glides through Pacaya Samiria Reserve while Titicaca train climbs the Andes. Rare wildlife, gourmet dining, and remote communities await with expert naturalist guides.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lima, Iquitos, Nauta, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$12,285
Luxury awaits aboard Delfin III's elegant suites on the Amazon. Pink dolphins swim alongside in Pacaya Samiria Reserve, while native villages near Iquitos share their culture. Gourmet Peruvian cuisine and expert-led excursions enhance pristine rainforest adventures.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Iquitos Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$10,766+$1,460 upfront costs
Delfin III's luxury suites provide panoramic Amazon views. Pink dolphins surface during panga rides, indigenous communities share their culture, and Pacaya Samiria Reserve reveals its secrets. Gourmet dining, cocktail lessons, and expert-led nature excursions round out the adventure.
Duration 13 days Destinations Lima, Pisco, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Cusco, Pisac, Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Machu PicchuSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$12,760+$1,460 upfront costs
What people love about River Cruise Tours in South America
- Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth
The tour was excellent but the welcoming person Shirley, needs to be fired. She was completely unprofessional. She did not turn up to the initial meeting and the other group's guide (Javier) is the only reason we had any information at all (he was really great). Sje turned up late the next day just before the flight, no apology, no explanation, no checking our names or even just asking us our names, not wearing G Adventures T shirt. She could have been anyone! Not helpful at the airport either when my ticket was not printed until I forced her to come with me. Other than her, everyone on tour was amazing and I absolutely loved it, the only problem was that it was too short!
What our customers ask about South America River Cruises
What are the main rivers for cruising in South America?
South American river cruising centers on two major waterways. The Amazon River offers routes from Iquitos Peru or Manaus Brazil where travelers explore the unique "Meeting of the Waters" and hidden tributaries. Ships like the Delfin III navigate these waters regularly. The Magdalena River in Colombia sees vessels like the AmaMagdalena sailing between Barranquilla and Cartagena with stops in small riverside towns including Mompox and El Banco. The Amazon routes focus on nature and wildlife while Magdalena journeys highlight Colombia's colonial past and local culture. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Cruising the Amazon was unlike anything else - the sheer scale of the river and rainforest is breathtaking."
What's the best way to get to South American river cruise departure points?
Getting to cruise departure points in South America is straightforward through major airports. For Amazon trips fly to Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport then connect to Iquitos Peru for Delfin III departures. Or choose Manaus Airport in Brazil to board the Amazon Clipper Premium. Magdalena River cruises start from either Barranquilla's Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport or Cartagena's Rafael Núñez International Airport in Colombia. Cruise companies often provide direct transfers from these airports to the ships. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The logistics were smooth - we flew into Iquitos and were met by the cruise representatives who handled everything from there."
How long do typical South American river cruises last?
River cruises in South America run between 4 and 11 days. Quick 4-day Amazon trips leave from Manaus Brazil while week-long cruises explore Peru's Amazon region. The Amazon Riverboat Adventure spans 9 days including time in Lima and on the river. Luxury boats like the Zafiro Amazon Cruise offer shorter 3-4 night trips. One TourRadar traveler noted, "The 9-day adventure was perfectly paced with amazing wildlife spotting local village visits and enough time to truly experience the Amazon."
What are the best times of year to take a South America river cruise?
Each river has its prime cruising months. The Amazon's low water season runs June through November making it good for jungle walks and seeing wildlife. December to May brings higher water letting ships like the Delfin III reach deeper into tributaries. On Colombia's Magdalena River ships like the AmaMagdalena operate best from June to October when rain is less frequent and temperatures work well for visiting towns like Mompox and Nueva Venecia. As one TourRadar traveler noted about their Amazon experience: "The November timing was perfect - we saw incredible wildlife and the weather was ideal for outdoor activities."
What wildlife can I expect to see on a South America river cruise?
The rivers teem with diverse wildlife you can spot from your ship. Peru's Amazon aboard the Delfin III offers views of pink river dolphins several monkey species and countless birds within Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. The Magdalena River cruises with AmaWaterways pass through bird-rich areas near Magangue and wildlife sanctuaries close to Nueva Venecia. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We saw so much wildlife - from playful pink dolphins swimming alongside our ship to colorful macaws in the rainforest canopy. The naturalist guides were excellent at spotting animals."
How do the cabin options differ between South American river cruise ships?
Ships sailing South American rivers provide varied room choices. The Delfin III has suites with panoramic windows from standard to Corner Suites plus an Owner's Suite each with private bathrooms and climate control. On the AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia you'll find twin-balcony rooms featuring entertainment systems and fast internet. The Amazon Clipper Premium contains 16 outside cabins measuring 14-16 square meters with private facilities and individual air conditioning. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Our suite on the Delfin III was spectacular - waking up to panoramic views of the Amazon each morning was unforgettable."
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