Amazon River

Winding through dense and biologically diverse tropical rainforest, the Amazon is the world's largest river by volume. You can explore its mysterious waters on river cruises in Brazil and Peru.

On the banks of the river, you might find macaws, squirrel monkeys, sloths and jaguars, while beneath the water's surface swim storied creatures like the piranha and anaconda. Other fanciful, water-bound beings include the electric eel and pink dolphin. The jungle is also inhabited by indigenous tribes and you may have an opportunity to visit one of these communities.

The itineraries listed below travel by expedition vessel. On these thrilling journeys, included excursions take you into the jungle in small skiffs or local canoes. Explore the lower Amazon on trips that begin or end in Manaus, Brazil, or traverse the remote waterways of the upper Amazon on itineraries that take place entirely in Peru.

The part of the river that flows from Manaus to the Atlantic Ocean is wide and deep enough for larger ocean liners, and some traditional ships cruise this section as part of longer itineraries to the Caribbean, Central and South America and even Antarctica. To see a list of these cruises, click here.

While affording you access to exotic and unadulterated wilderness, Amazon cruises also provide terrific value for your vacation dollar. Your accommodations, meals and excursions are covered in one affordable upfront price.