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

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River Cruise Wildlife Christmas & New Year +1
Amazon Riverboat Adventure In Depth
4.9 (44 traveler reviews)
"I would recommend G Adventures to others. I learned so much from them!"
Maureen, traveled in June
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
30% Off
Duration
9 days
From $5,099
NZ$3,569
$1,020 now + easy payments of $272
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 10 Jan 2026
Pay today$1,020
15 easy payments$272
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 10 Jan 2026
Pay today$1,020
15 easy payments$272
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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
30% Off
Duration
3 days
From
NZ$721
$361 now + easy payments of $24
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
Pay today$361
15 easy payments$24
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
Pay today$361
15 easy payments$24
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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
30% Off
Duration
3 days
From
NZ$721
$361 now + easy payments of $24
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
Pay today$361
15 easy payments$24
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
Pay today$361
15 easy payments$24
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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
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinAmazonasMachu Picchu GalapagosAmazon RainforestPacificAndes MountainsMachu PicchuLake TiticacaGalapagos Islands+9 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
Duration
24 days
From $13,565
NZ$10,852
+$385 local payments
$400 now + easy payments of $970
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$970
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$970
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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$1,474
$147 now + easy payments of $121
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$147
11 easy payments$121
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$147
11 easy payments$121
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Active Mountain Hikes Explorer Hiking & Trekking Christmas & New Year +2
Peru Encompassed
4.8 (140 traveler reviews)
"Having time to share with the local families at the community and doing the Inka trail was our best part of the trip."
Joan, traveled in December
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
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinPeruvian CoastAmazonasAmazon RainforestAndes MountainsColca CanyonMachu PicchuLake Titicaca+8 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
Duration
20 days
From $7,595
NZ$6,076
$400 now + easy payments of $575
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Dec 2025
Pay today$400
12 easy payments$575
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Dec 2025
Pay today$400
12 easy payments$575
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$Peru Splendors with Peru\'s Amazon Tour$
$Peru Splendors with Peru\'s Amazon - 8 destinations$
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Explorer Active Family Wildlife
Peru Splendors with Peru's Amazon
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The tour was truly amazing. Everything was well organized, and it was a real luxury to have everything planned and organized for you."
Martine, traveled in September
Destinations
Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinAmazonasAmazon RainforestAndes MountainsMachu Picchu+5 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
20% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$6,029
+$1,298 upfront costs
$500 now + easy payments of $530
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 14 Jan 2026
Pay today$500
14 easy payments$530
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 14 Jan 2026
Pay today$500
14 easy payments$530
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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
Peruvian AmazonAndes MountainsMachu Picchu+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
20% Off
Duration
12 days
From
NZ$7,125
$200 now + easy payments of $630
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Dec 2025
Pay today$200
11 easy payments$630
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Dec 2025
Pay today$200
11 easy payments$630
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Active Family Jungle Trekking Wildlife Explorer Hiking & Trekking Christmas & New Year +4
5-Day Iquitos Jungle Tour at Maniti Eco-Lodge
3.5 (1 traveler review)
"The staff were very friendly and helpful, and there was a good willingness all over the place."
Angeliki, traveled in April
Destinations
Iquitos
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosRainforestAmazon Rainforest+4 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Maniti Expeditions
20% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$2,432
$1,216 now + easy payments of $64
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
Pay today$1,216
19 easy payments$64
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
Pay today$1,216
19 easy payments$64
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Active Family Jungle Trekking Wildlife Explorer Hiking & Trekking Christmas & New Year +4
6-Day Iquitos Jungle Tour at Maniti Eco-Lodge
4.2 (3 traveler reviews)
"He is so knowledgeable in the Amazon rainforest, knows about every plant, mushroom or animal we have seen."
Roos, traveled in August
Destinations
Iquitos
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosRainforestAmazon Rainforest+4 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Maniti Expeditions
20% Off
Duration
6 days
From
NZ$3,015
$1,508 now + easy payments of $79
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
Pay today$1,508
19 easy payments$79
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
Pay today$1,508
19 easy payments$79
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