Travel bucket list idea:
Iquitos, Loreto Region, Peru
Credit Aqua Expeditions
Travel deep into the humid rainforest on a small expedition boat to explore the headwaters of the Peruvian Amazon, one of the most inaccessible areas on the planet.
Most expeditions start in Iquitos and take you to the wildlife-rich Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, sailing along broad, muddy rivers, the bottle-green forest stretching in every direction, scarlet macaws flying overhead and occasionally, pink river dolphins swimming alongside the ship.
Expert guides lead forays ashore in search of three-toed sloths, howler and capuchin monkeys, while flat-bottomed skiffs take you along the skinny, snaking waterways of this flooded landscape to look for caiman, turtles and piranhas.
There are frequent encounters with indigenous tribes, offering a fascinating cultural insight. Kayaking, piranha fishing and swimming in freshwater river pools are all on offer.
An intrepid spirit is essential for these adventurous expeditions, which tend to attract a well-travelled crowd.
Most cruises start with a road transfer from Iquitos, a couple of hours’ flight from Lima. The itinerary and activities available vary between low water and high water seasons but you’ll always see wildlife, meet local villagers, spot river dolphins and explore the river’s tributaries.
You can book cruise-only and make your own way to Iquitos, which may suit anyone planning independent travel around Peru alongside the cruise.
Alternatively, expedition companies often package up Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu for clients who want the convenience of seamless travel.
Aqua Expeditions operate two small, very high-end riverboats purpose-built for the Amazon, with expert guides and gourmet Peruvian food a feature.
Low water season, from June to November, means fewer mosquitoes and more chances for jungle trekking.
In high water season, December to May, the landscape floods, so you’ll explore more by skiff. Humidity is a constant 80 percent year-round.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Iquitos
Price $4,490
Min age 7
Rating 4.86 / 5 [15 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Iquitos
Price $3,833
Min age 0
Rating 4.72 / 5 [11 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with
Amazon, Peru
Specialists in offering intimate, small ship expeditions to distant parts of the world, featuring the highest standards of dining and accommodation. They operate two small, very high-end riverboats purpose-built for the Amazon, with expert guides and gourmet Peruvian food a feature. Min age 5.
![Aqua Expeditions [Amazon]](https://cxgveiouca.cloudimg.io/familyhotelfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/Aqua-expeditions-DFS-resized.jpg?w=350&h=220&func=cover)
