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)
"The accommodations on the boat, amazing variety of food, and animals we saw have left a lasting impression."
Naomi, 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 $3,799
US$2,659
$760 now + easy payments of $203
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 10 Jan 2026
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15 easy payments$203
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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)
"Everything was great from the pick up and drop off to the hotel and food. I couldn't have asked for a better experience."
Sarah, traveled in January
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
US$430
$215 now + easy payments of $14
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Jan 2026
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15 easy payments$14
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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
US$430
$215 now + easy payments of $14
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15 easy payments$14
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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 $9,420
US$7,536
+$230 local payments
$400 now + easy payments of $649
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 17 Jan 2026
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14 easy payments$649
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14 easy payments$649
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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
US$879
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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 $5,090
US$4,072
$400 now + easy payments of $346
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Dec 2025
Pay today$400
13 easy payments$346
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13 easy payments$346
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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
US$1,450
$725 now + easy payments of $38
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 22 Jan 2026
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19 easy payments$38
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19 easy payments$38
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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
US$1,798
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Explorer Family Wildlife Christmas & New Year +1
Treehouse Lodge, Short Break (On Request)
Destinations
Iquitos
Age Range
up to 90 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
LimaTours
10% Off
Duration
4 days
From $1,291
US$1,163
$291 now + easy payments of $87
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10 easy payments$87
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Jan 2026
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Explorer Christmas & New Year
Yanayacu & Amazon River – 4 Days
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Destinations
Iquitos
Age Range
16 to 65 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Unu Raymi Expeditions
10% Off
Duration
4 days
From
US$499
$150 now + easy payments of $25
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