What's the starting point for my Amazon river cruise and how do I get there?

Most cruises kick off from Iquitos and it's really easy to get there with direct flights from Lima. If you're taking one of the luxury cruises you'll actually start from Nauta a historic port town right on the Marañón River - you'll get there by a beautiful drive from Iquitos. Take the Amazon River Cruise: Delfin I for example it starts right from Nauta and the journey there is part of the experience.

Which indigenous communities might I meet during my cruise?

You'll probably get to meet the Yagua tribe they're fascinating people known for their blowgun hunting and beautiful crafts. There's also chances to visit riverside communities like San Francisco and Puerto Prado where you'll learn about their daily life and traditions. On the 3-day Iquitos Amazon tour you can actually meet the Yagua tribe and if you take the Yanayacu & Amazon River tour you'll even join in their ritual dances.

What should I really think about when picking my Amazon river cruise?

Well beyond just looking at the itinerary and what you want to spend think about the boat size and what's on board it really shapes your whole experience. Smaller boats give you that intimate feel while bigger ships come with extras like observation decks and pools. Consider what you're really after - is it adventure stuff like kayaking and hiking or are you more interested in culture and wildlife? If you're watching your budget the 3-day Iquitos Amazon tour is great but if you want to go all out there's the Inca Empire to Peruvian Amazon with Galápagos Cruise that includes amazing food and luxury accommodations.

Amazon Tours & River Cruises in Peru

The best Peru Amazon tours

View Map
Explorer Camping Wildlife Island Hopping Christmas & New Year +2
Galapagos & Peru Adventure (from Quito to Desaguadero)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"A fantastic place to go when you wanna experience nature close up."
Jakob, traveled in January
Destinations
Ecuador Peru Bolivia
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Regions
PacificAndes MountainsMachu PicchuLake TiticacaPeruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinAmazonasMachu Picchu GalapagosAmazon RainforestGalapagos Islands+9 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Duration
24 days
From
NZ$12,645
+$388 local payments
$400 now + easy payments of $1,044
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
13 easy payments$1,044
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
13 easy payments$1,044
View tour
View Map
River Cruise Wildlife Christmas & New Year +1
Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth
4.9 (44 traveler reviews)
"The naturalists were incredibly knowledgeable and the entire crew created a once in a lifetime adventure!"
Amie, traveled in July
Destinations
Lima, Iquitos, Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Nauta
Age Range
up to 90 year olds
Ship
Amatista
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
40% Off
Duration
9 days
From $5,099
NZ$3,059
$1,092 now + easy payments of $273
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Feb 2026
Pay today$1,092
16 easy payments$273
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Feb 2026
Pay today$1,092
16 easy payments$273
View tour
View Map
Active Mountain Hikes Explorer Hiking & Trekking Christmas & New Year +2
Peru Encompassed
4.8 (140 traveler reviews)
"This tour was truly an adventure of a lifetime. We met some great friends among our group of 13."
Rose, traveled in May
Destinations
Lima, Pisco, Paracas, Ballestas Islands,Paracas National Reserve,Nazca,Huacachina,Arequipa,Misti Volcano,Cusco,Chivay,Puno,Taquile Island,Saqsaywaman,Pisac,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Pachar,Huarocondo,Pacaymayo Valley,Sacred Valley,Vilcabamba,Sayacmarca,Winay Wayna,Urubamba,Puerto Maldonado+23 more
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Physical Rating
Active
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu PicchuLake TiticacaPeruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinPeruvian CoastAmazonasAmazon Rainforest+8 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
Duration
20 days
From $7,595
NZ$6,076
$400 now + easy payments of $531
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 25 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$531
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 25 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$531
View tour
View Map
Active Family Christmas & New Year +1
3 days Iquitos Amazon Jungle tour with Pink Dolphin watch
4.1 (7 traveler reviews)
"The Juice was always very refreshing and simply amazing."
Mylene, traveled in November
Destinations
Iquitos
Age Range
8 to 70 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
PVTravels
20% Off
Duration
3 days
From
NZ$726
$363 now + easy payments of $24
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Feb 2026
Pay today$363
15 easy payments$24
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Feb 2026
Pay today$363
15 easy payments$24
View tour
View Map
Explorer Jungle Trekking Wildlife Sightseeing Historical Christmas & New Year +3
Premium Peru, Chile & Argentina (14 destinations)
Destinations
Peru Chile Argentina
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuPeruvian AmazonAmazonian Basin+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
20% Off
Duration
18 days
From
NZ$16,665
$400 now + easy payments of $1,249
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$1,249
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$1,249
View tour
View Map
Wildlife Family Christmas & New Year +1
3 days Amazon Jungle tour with Pink Dolphin watch from Iquitos
4.1 (7 traveler reviews)
Destinations
Iquitos
Age Range
8 to 70 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
PVTravels
20% Off
Duration
3 days
From
NZ$726
$363 now + easy payments of $24
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Feb 2026
Pay today$363
15 easy payments$24
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Feb 2026
Pay today$363
15 easy payments$24
View tour
View Map
Explorer Self Drive Christmas & New Year +1
3 Days Amazon Jungle Adventure
Destinations
Iquitos
Age Range
15 to 70 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
20% Off
Duration
3 days
From
NZ$819
$201 now + easy payments of $54
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Feb 2026
Pay today$201
15 easy payments$54
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Feb 2026
Pay today$201
15 easy payments$54
View tour
View Map
Explorer Christmas & New Year
4 Days in the Heart of the Jungle
Destinations
Iquitos
Age Range
15 to 70 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
20% Off
Duration
4 days
From
NZ$1,047
$258 now + easy payments of $69
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Feb 2026
Pay today$258
15 easy payments$69
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 08 Feb 2026
Pay today$258
15 easy payments$69
View tour
View Map
Active Family Explorer Christmas & New Year +1
Iquitos Amazon Jungle Adventure 5D/4N
Destinations
Iquitos
Age Range
8 to 99 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$1,484
$148 now + easy payments of $134
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$148
10 easy payments$134
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$148
10 easy payments$134
View tour
View Map
Explorer Family Jungle Trekking Wildlife Sightseeing Historical +3
Highlights of Peru (Amazon)
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puerto Maldonado
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuPeruvian Amazon+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
20% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$7,125
$200 now + easy payments of $693
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Dec 2025
Pay today$200
10 easy payments$693
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Dec 2025
Pay today$200
10 easy payments$693
View tour