Embarking On A Luxury Amazon Cruise In Peru: Everything You Need To Know

One of the most unique activities you can enjoy in Peru, a luxury Amazon cruise is a truly immersive experience.

Between enjoying five-star cuisine and admiring the views from premium river-side suites, guests can also enjoy curated wildlife expeditions to see exotic animals like Monkeys, Sloths and Pink River Dolphins. Unlike other weather-dependent activities, a luxury Amazon cruise can be enjoyed in all months - with both the dry and wet seasons offering unique advantages for travelers.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about embarking on a luxury Amazon cruise in Peru, including the best time to visit as well as what you will experience. Later on we’ll also answer your most frequent questions in our FAQ section.

What Are The Star Highlights Of A Luxury Amazon Cruise In Peru?

In short, a luxury Amazon cruise in Peru is a seamless blend between raw Amazon exploration and five-star refined comforts.

Venturing deep into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Iquitos, here we will explore one of the most memorable destinations in Peru - where golden sunrises are met with abundant wildlife sightings, such as swinging Monkeys, colorful Macaw Parrots and curious Pink River Dolphins. Between small exploration skiffs, you can also enjoy warm, intimate encounters with ancient Amazonian communities - which allows for some of the most vivid and unforgettable moments.

During your Amazon experience, you will also have the very best luxury comforts. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and high-pressure rain showers are features of all suites, along with spacious observation decks, massage rooms and Jacuzzis and whirlpools on most cruises. Just as memorable is the onboard gastronomy, which features local Amazonian delights and curated menus by world-renowned chefs, as well as complimentary wine and Pisco sours for you to enjoy during your expedition along the Amazon River.

The Different Types Of Amazon Cruises And Where They Depart From

All of the luxury Amazon Cruises depart from Iquitos in northern Peru, which is the very best city for accessing the Amazon River and the deeper rainforest. While Puerto Maldonado (in southern Peru) is another popular Amazonian destination, this is more focused for luxury bungalows in the jungle and on-land wildlife spotting. 

There are two major luxury Amazon cruise providers in Iquitos - Aqua Expeditions and Delfín Amazon Cruises - who both provide the most exclusive and unforgettable cruise experiences. Here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company, we can arrange your ideal Amazon Cruise choice when booking with us.

Aqua Expeditions 

Aqua Expeditions are known for their contemporary luxury and five-star gastronomy - with their menus designed by world-renowned chefs. Their large floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek dark-wood finishes create the atmosphere of a refined floating hotel, while enjoying one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

Aqua Luxury Cruises: Aqua Nera, Aria Amazon

Delfín Amazon Cruises

Delfín Amazon Cruises captures the true essence and soul of the Amazon, with handwoven indigenous textiles, Amazonian wood carvings and a locally-inspired gourmet menu. Delfín is perfect for artisanal charm and enjoying jungle-bohemian luxury as you glide through the depths of the Amazon Rainforest.

Delfín Luxury Cruises: Delfín I, Delfín II, Delfín III

5 Expert Tips For Having The Most Seamless Amazon Cruise Experience 

• Book Far In Advance - We highly suggest booking your Amazon cruise at least 3 months in advance with us here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company, and especially if visiting Peru during the dry season when it’s most popular (between May and September).

• Pack Comfortable Clothing - Breathable garments and short sleeves are recommended given the hot temperatures in the Amazon Rainforest, while a rainproof coat or poncho is also essential for the short-lived yet heavy showers.

• Health And Safety Considerations - While the risk is relatively low, there do exist diseases such as Dengue and Yellow Fever in the Amazon Jungle - and as such it’s important to get all necessary vaccines and medications arranged with your doctor before leaving home.

• Invest In a High-Quality Dry Bag - During your luxury Amazon cruise, you’ll spend many hours on small skiff boats for unique expeditions. A quality dry bag will keep all of your phones and valuables sealed, which can otherwise get damaged when wet or due to the increased humidity.

• Embrace The Early Rise For The Most Memorable Experience - Waking up early just before dawn not only allows for an incredible sunrise along the Amazon River, it’s also when the jungle is at its most active and when primary excursions begin to depart to spot rare wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding A Luxury Amazon Cruise In Peru

Below we’ll now answer some of the most frequent questions we get about embarking on a luxury Amazon Cruise in Peru, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Is The Best Time To Take An Amazon Cruise?

Every month can be a great time for heading on an Amazon Cruise - although each season offers different advantages for luxury travelers. The dry season (June until November) is low river flow, which is best for jungle hiking and spotting wildlife on exposed river banks. The wet season (December until May) is high river flow, and is perfect for exploring deeper river systems and greener, flooded forests.

What Is The Food Like On An Amazon Cruise?

Guests can enjoy five-star cuisine and curated meals during a luxury Amazon Cruise in Peru. For example, on the Aria Cruise, there are both regional delicacies like the Paiche fish, plantains, and tropical juices - as well as premium wines, Pisco sours and Ceviche. Dining experiences are often mentioned as one of the star highlights of an Amazon cruise, where renowned chefs can comfortably accommodate any allergies, sensitivities and preferred tastes.

What Do You See On An Amazon Cruise?

This depends on which Amazon cruise you select, as well as the amount of days you will sail along the Amazon River. For example, during the 3-night Arias Amazon Cruise, you will explore the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Iquitos - which includes guided jungle walks, visits to indigenous villages, and excursions to spot rare animals like the Pink River Dolphin, Monkeys, Sloths and more.

Overview Of The Luxury Amazon Cruise In Peru

And that’s all for this guide on what you need to know about embarking on a luxury Amazon cruise in Peru.

From spotting exotic animals deep in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, to experiencing intimate encounters with indigenous Amazonian cultures - an Amazon cruise really does deliver on all fronts here in Peru. Here luxury travelers will also enjoy a five-star experience staying in a riverside suite, all private expeditions included, as well as fantastic gourmet cuisine that incorporates exotic dishes, buffets and complimentary beverages.

Are you looking for an unforgettable Amazonian cruise experience during your vacation to Peru? Let our expert trip planners curate your perfect Peru vacation trip, where we will select only the very best luxury hotels, privately guided tours and seamless transfers throughout your entire trip.