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Amazon River Small Group Tours & Trips
21 Amazon River trips. Tours from 7 tour companies. 47 reviews. 4.9/5 avg rating.
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Amazon River Reviews & Ratings
The trip exceeded my expectations.
Sebastian and Carolina were extremely helpful putting the tour together to South America. We had a great trip, the itinerary was good and I enjoyed the fact that the...
We can strongly recommend Across Argentina as a secure and highly experienced travel agency
"We recently booked an extensive two week trip of Argentina and Chile through Across South America We approached the company by email (in English) from Australia and...
Really loved Ecuador.
really loved Ecuador. The trip was wonderful and a really good value. Thanks for all of your help in helping us add the extra days. The hikes in the clou...
Amazing Trip with Kuoda
From your first contact to plan your trip, to the very end when you leave, Kuoda does not disappoint. Fantastic customer service, an itinerary built to give you the ...
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
- Anaconda
- Macaw parrots
- Pink River Dolphins
- Rainforest monkeys
- 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.
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