Amazon River Tours & Trip Packages

Amazon River Tours & Trips

23 Amazon River trips. Tours from 10 tour companies. 56 reviews. 4.9/5 avg rating.

23 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

Ecuador by river & rail: Amazon cruise & Tren Crucero
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amazon Rainforest, Cotopaxi, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Otavalo, Quito

Themes

Small Ship Cruise, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"I recently booked a trip to Japan with Audley Travel, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. While the initial booking process was smooth and included clear communication via phone calls, the overall experience was disappointing, especially considering the high cost. The initial booking process was straightforward, and I had a couple of phone calls to clearly describe my essential needs for the trip. Communication before the trip was generally fine, but there were notable issues. Audley was unable to confirm all accommodation details, particularly my request for booking connecting rooms for a 4-person family. Instead, we were often crammed into a small room, which was far from ideal. Additionally, I had specifically requested kid-friendly hotels that offered western menu options. This was not the case at our last stop, where the hotel provided exclusively traditional Japanese food, which was not suitable for my family. One significant problem was the overwhelming amount of information provided, both printed and online. Unfortunately, this information was often inconsistent and riddled with mistakes. The tour guides we worked with received different itineraries, causing confusion and frustration. Even worse, the itinerary included activities that were not actually booked, despite being paid for. The same issue occurred with accommodation specifics. Had I known they were not going to be able to book per my request (which they had claimed to be working on), I would have challenged the overall cost and probably used a different provider. During the trip, Audley's support was severely lacking. We repeatedly tried to contact them for solutions to various issues but received no response. Audley works with a local partner in Japan, but they were limited in their ability to resolve our problems and often directed us back to Audley. This resulted in a frustrating loop of no solutions and a waste of time. It also appears that Audley is very short-staffed. We received an out-of-office notice from the person who booked our trip, and no backup or alternative assistance was offered. This lack of support is unacceptable, given the price we paid for their services. Audley Travel also failed to point out important festivals happening on the dates of our travel. This was a significant oversight and something one would definitely expect a competent travel agency to handle. To their credit, Audley Travel did a decent job with very basic needs such as train ticket bookings and airport pickups. However, for everything else, their service was far below expectations. In acknowledgment of their shortcomings, Audley Travel issued a refund, but it was not commensurate with the impact these issues had on our trip. Overall, I do not recommend Audley Travel and will not be booking with them again."

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Brazil, Argentina & Chile Unveiled with Brazil's Amazon & Peru
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Manaus, Pacific Ocean, Sacred Valley, Santiago

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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Ultimate South America with Brazil's Amazon & Galapagos Cruise
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, Cusco, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Manaus, Pacific Ocean, Puno, Quito, Sacred Valley, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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Ultimate South America with Brazil's Amazon
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Manaus, Pacific Ocean, Puno, Sacred Valley

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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Brazil, Argentina & Chile Unveiled with Brazil's Amazon
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, Manaus, Santiago

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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Brazil, Argentina & Chile Unveiled with Brazil's Amazon & Easter Island
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, Easter Island, Manaus, Pacific Ocean, Santiago

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

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Ultimate South America with Brazil's Amazon & Arequipa & Colca Canyon
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arequipa, Buenos Aires, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Manaus, Pacific Ocean, Puno, Sacred Valley

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

Trip dates & details
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South American Odyssey with Amazon & Peru
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Manaus, Puerto Varas, Sacred Valley, Santiago

Highlights

  • Rio de janeiro : Cable-car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain and Sugar Loaf cocktail party; sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Corcovado Mountain and the cathedral; Churrascaria dinner
  • Iguassu falls : Sightseeing with a Local Guide on both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of Iguassu National Park; Ecological Jungle Train
  • Buenos aires : Walking tour; visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and Recoleta Cemetery; empanada cooking class; Tango lesson & show; visit a local estancia
  • Bariloche: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; chairlift to Cerro Campanario; Andes lake crossing
  • Puerto montt : Sightseeing tour
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Themes

50 plus, Around the World, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the hotel accommodations during my recent trip with Globus. The quality of the hotels was far below what I expected, particularly given the substantial amount I paid for the trip. It is not the responsibility of the guests to bring up these issues with the tour guide; these concerns should have been proactively addressed by Globus. I question whether Globus inspects the facilities, tests the food, or even stays in the rooms. If they did, I find it hard to believe they would choose these hotels for themselves, let alone their guests. Below are the specific issues I encountered at each hotel: - **7/7-7/8: Crown Hotel Plymouth** - The room had no hot water, a broken couch, peeling paint, and when I requested a room change, I was refused. To make matters worse, the view was of the roof. These issues made for a very uncomfortable stay. - **7/11: Clayton Hotel Glasgow** - The room's view was also of the roof, the accommodations were subpar, only one elevator was functioning, and the dinner served was simply unacceptable. - **7/12: Mercure Hotel Inverness** - Again, the accommodations were substandard. The window latch was broken, there was no air conditioning, the gym was non-existent, and the elevators could barely accommodate 2-4 people at a time. - **7/13-7/15: Mercure Hotel Edinburgh** - The window would not latch securely, the view was of a brick wall, there was no phone in the room, and the fan provided had no front cover, making it unsafe to use. - **7/15-7/16: Mercure York** - This was, by far, the worst hotel of the trip. My first-floor room was noisy, the hallway reeked of sewage, and there was tissue stuffed in the ceiling crown molding to hide a hole. The room had no air conditioning or fan, and I could not open the windows as the room was on the first floor. Additionally, the dinner served was unappetizing. Globus solution to this was to offer me a $650 refund! Unacceptable. Do not use them you will regret it."

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Amazon River Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
56  Reviews
See all Amazon River tour reviews
Excellent
60
Great
4
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
A

Alan Reimer

Jun 2024

Written on

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

Blanca was a brilliant guide. A happy, jovial person. Kept us informed. Good with people. One of the strokes of genius was organising laundry @ Parnamirlm just a...

K

Karin

Jun 2024

Written on

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

Amazing trip. Thoroughly recommend this. Real exploring in the Amazon

R

Ruth

Dec 2023

Written on

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

Time on the charter boat at Manaus area.

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2023

Written on

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

This was a memorable trip for many of the wrong reasons and a few of the right ones. Accommodation- in many respects it is a backpacker trip in terms of quality of...

L

Lark.

Oct 2023

Written on

Brazilian Amazon by Boat

An amazing trip - highly recommended! The river, tour leader, nature and wildlife were fantastic!

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Amazon River Tour Selection Trips

  • During dry season (which takes place roughly between June to December) rivers run shallow. The banks of the river turn into white sand beaches, which are excellent for swimming . The are also more chances to see certain rare animals, which have to come to the limited supplies of water. Your guide will be able to show you the specific pools of water where wildlife congregates, and where certain birds gather to feed upon migratory fish that lay their eggs. 
  • January to May is the rainy season which brings heavy, but usually brief, downpours. This season also has its perks: the rivers rise dramatically, and the high water enables small boats to reach areas inaccessible at other times of year. Launches often can transport people at treetop level for close encounters with monkeys, birds and other wildlife concentrated there!
  • Prepare accordingly for the time of year you choose to visit, but know that the weather can be unpredictable. Bring layers!
  • The Amazon covers a lot of ground, and different trips will usually focus in specific areas, such as Brazil or Ecuador.
  • The Amazon is a massive rainforest spanning dozens of countries, each with different wildlife species and differing cultures. It is impossible to see them all on a single trip, so research ahead of time what section you want to visit. 

Additional details

Since many of Amazon cruises are Peru based, most of this section will focus on Peru itineraries, but much of the information is applicable to all Amazon tours. Regardless of which port you enter through, you’ll be met with beautiful scenery.

How to get to the Amazon River

Peru is a popular country for people who want to visit the Amazon River. Many tours include a combination tour of cities and the Amazon. Tours often fly into either Lima or Iquitos airports, and then take a flight to Cusco (if flying into Lima). Once you arrive into Lima, most tours stay overnight, and fly into Cusco the following afternoon for a tour of Machu Picchu, or Iquitos to start your Amazon tour.

If you’re starting your Amazon River cruise from Iquitos, Peru, you’re starting from a popular section. Because this port is close to a city, you’ll have to travel further away from the city to see a lot of animal wildlife. Don’t let this discourage you, the sights are still incredible and worth seeing, they are just further in than if you entered from Coca, Ecuador.

If you’re starting your adventure from Manaus, Brazil, you’re starting at the largest city in the Amazon Rainforest. Because of this, you have to travel pretty far to see the various plants and animals found in the Amazon. This is a fun option for people who want to combine city and nature travel.

If you’re starting your Amazon River Adventure from Coca, Ecuador, you’ll experience a less popular entry point, meaning less degradation by human activity. You’ll commonly spend time in Yasuni National Park, where you can climb above the rainforest on the canopy towers to admire the colorful birds and butterflies. Hike through the protected areas to get a glimpse at various Amazon Rainforest species.

Wildlife in the Amazon

For those who have ever been on a safari, you know no two safaris will ever be the same. The time of day, the weather, and pure luck will play into what animals you see. Wildlife sightings along the Amazon are the same. That’s what makes multi-day adventures exciting. There is always a new opportunity to see different animals.

Being in one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the world, each day will bring new plants, new fish, and new mammals. That’s the fun of looking for wildlife: you never know what you’re going to see, so every spotting brings excitement, even if you’ve seen it before.

Top animal sightings in the Amazon River

  1. Anaconda
  2. Macaw parrots
  3. Pink River Dolphins
  4. Rainforest monkeys
  5. Toucans

Weather on the Amazon River

The weather for your Amazon river cruise will depend on the season. June through October is known as the “low water” season, you’ll be able to get out into the forest via walking. In the rainier season, November-May, most of the touring will be done via a skiff, which is a small boat. The amazon river is hot and humid. Being a tropical region, the temperature doesn’t vary much between months.

What should I pack for the Amazon River?

Despite the hot and humid weather, it’s smart to bring long, breathable clothing that you can layer. Most of the time, long pants will be needed to protect the body from bug bites, so consider bringing zippable pants that can be turned into shorts when needed.

Sunburns and mosquito bites are some of the last things anyone wants to deal with while traveling. Protect yourself from that summer heat and bites with a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray.

When you sign up for a trip to the Amazon, you’re more than likely to be active and on the go. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, and even hiking boots. The rainforest is true to its name, so a lightweight rain jacket will help keep you dry.

Despite the overall warm temperatures year round, there is a chance it can get a bit cold at night, so a jacket can help keep you warm. Don’t forget your camera so you can photograph the amazing scenery!

What to see on the Amazon River

While the Amazon River itself is an incredible attraction, there are specific places/attractions that can be of interest, especially if you’re looking for a specific animal. Some things worth seeing:

1. Clay Licks are places where an animal can feed on the clay. The clay helps with the toxins in their diets. This is a great attraction to almost guarantee a wildlife spotting. Clay licks are most commonly found in Peru. If you’re entering the Amazon through Coca, there is a clay lick in Yasuni National Park, which many river cruises visit.

2. Primate Research Grid is a great destination for travelers hoping to see monkeys. Located near the Tahuayo River in Peru, this 1,000 acre grid is an awesome stop for travelers heading to Peru. Visitors can expect to see howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, titi monkeys, and other animals/plants.

3. Canopy Towers offer great views of the Amazon from a birds eye view. The green tree tops meeting blue skies with birds and butterflies floating through the air? Talk about a perfect view! Make sure to bring your camera. Every now and then, visitors see monkey families floating through the tree tops. Canopy towers are often found at Amazon Rainforest Lodges, with a couple along the Amazon River itself.

Outdoor activities on the Amazon River

1. Canopy zipline/canopy walking: Similar to the canopy towers, you get to see the Amazon from a different view. These options add a bit more of a thrill. If you’re in Ecuador, there is a canopy walk at the Sacha Lodge. For those in Peru, a stop at the Tahuayo Lodge allows visitors to zipline through the Amazon!

Other Tips for Amazon River Travel

When people hear Amazon, some think of rough conditions, camping, and being on an entirely outdoor adventure. This isn’t always the case. While of course you’ll be outside during the day, you’ll return back to your accommodation where you’ll sleep in a real bed. You’ll only get as rough as your outdoor daytime adventure, whether it be hiking through the national reserves or swimming with dolphins.

Be prepared for limited to no-cell service when you’re in the Amazon. If you’re visiting major cities, you’ll be able to connect, but out in the wilderness, you won’t be getting a signal. If you’re staying at a Rainforest lodge, that may be a different story. Since some lodges sit on the edge of the river rather than the middle of the jungle, the lodge may have an internet connection.

The mosquitos and other insects are the real deal in the Amazon. While some Amazon countries don’t require vaccinations (such as Peru), it’s important to check in with the CDC and see what they recommend. Staying aware of recommendations and potential health concerns can help keep you healthy.

Consider studying up the local language. It’s a sign of respect, even if your language skills aren’t the best! The locals appreciate the effort.

Visiting the Amazon river doesn’t mean you have to take a boat the entire time. There are some incredible Amazon river cruises, which allows you to see the river from a different viewpoint. If spending a week on a boat doesn’t sound desirable, there are also Rainforest lodges. Some time will be spent on the water, but this is mainly day time activities such as kayak tours.

Be skeptical of wildlife tourism that allows interacting/touching animals. Swimming with the dolphins is one thing, but industries that allow you to hold the monkeys likely aren’t ethical. Often, the animals are mistreated/abused to allow humans to hold them. Look for tours that feature ethical animal interactions.

Always Find the Best

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