Peru has some of the best tracts of the Amazon in the world, and no better way to explore than by boat. Traveling around the Amazon by plane, you see precious little of its wondrous wildlife, and road access is a real challenge. To really experience Peru’s wild jungle, you need to take to its rivers and waterways. _x000D_
## Highlights
* Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments while gently cruising along the world’s mightiest river, allowing yourself to be pampered amidst the exotic sounds and sights of the Amazon.
* Embark on a captivating tour of Peru’s largest national park, the magnificent Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria, immersing yourself in the natural wonders surrounding Lagunas.
* Keep your eyes peeled for captivating wildlife encounters, including the playful pink river dolphins and the gentle Amazon manatees, as they grace the waters of the Amazon.
* Witness the extraordinary convergence of three dramatically different ecosystems, a spectacle that showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon.
* Marvel at the breathtaking sight of hundreds of vibrantly colored macaws congregating at Río Alto Tambopata’s famed clay lick, a truly unforgettable avian spectacle.
* Undertake an epic journey that takes you from the majestic Andean peaks through the mystical cloud forest and into the depths of the lush jungle, before embarking on a remarkable river voyage into the enchanting Parque Nacional Manu.
## Overview
The rivers of Peru offer unparalleled opportunities for observing a diverse range of animal and bird species, providing intimate glimpses into the heart of the jungle and the lives of the people who call it home. However, these river expeditions are not mere afternoon outings; embarking on a river cruise in the Amazon is generally about embracing adventure and immersing oneself in a unique experience, rather than indulging in pure comfort and luxury. These trips are often extensive, spanning entire days or even multiple days, encompassing thrilling white-water rapids or journeys on old cargo boats teeming with animals and local inhabitants alike. For travelers seeking luxurious cruise options, these are predominantly found on routes from Iquitos to Pacaya Samaria.
For the river cruises detailed below, access to the rivers is typically facilitated by road or plane, with transportation arrangements handled by your local tour operator. Overnight accommodation is almost exclusively provided on board the boat, except in the case of the kayaking excursion, where you will be camping on the riverbank, further immersing yourself in the natural environment. Common starting and ending points for these river trips, such as Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Puerto Maldonado, are all conveniently connected to Cusco and Lima via regular flight services.
## Ríos Huallaga and Marañon (4 days)
(Image of Marañon River, Peru)
**Fast facts:**
* Duration: 4 days (one-way, including Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria (2 days))
* Transport: Motorised boat & cargo ship
* Start/End: Yurimaguas/Iquitos
* Sleeping: Onboard
* Budget: Budget
**Yurimaguas-Lagunas-Iquitos on the Ríos Huallaga and Marañon.** Begin your adventure in Yurimaguas, a distinctive and somewhat rustic town nestled in the northern reaches of the Amazon. From this unique starting point, you can embark on a captivating two-day journey downriver to the bustling city of Iquitos, making a noteworthy stopover at the charming village of Lagunas.
The experience of cruising for two days through the awe-inspiring vastness of the northern jungle, ultimately arriving in the metropolis of Iquitos, would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure in itself. However, this exceptional journey presents an even greater temptation: a side-trip from Lagunas to the extraordinary Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria, the largest protected area within the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. With a couple of days to explore, you’ll have ample opportunities for incredible wildlife viewing within the inner reaches of this remarkable reserve. Keep a watchful eye out for iconic species such as the playful pink river dolphin, the gentle Amazon manatee, the majestic giant river turtle, and the formidable caiman, all contributing to the reserve’s exceptional biodiversity.
The river trip is almost invariably undertaken downriver, commencing from Yurimaguas. Lagunas, situated at approximately the halfway point, offers lodging options for those seeking a break in their journey. Motorized passenger boats operate regular services from Yurimaguas to Lagunas and from Lagunas to Iquitos, providing convenient transportation. However, to fully explore the wonders of the Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria, you will need to disembark at Lagunas and arrange a guided tourist excursion.
## Ríos Marañon and Ucayali (5 days)
(Image of Luxury cruise ships sailing out of Iquitos)
**Fast facts:**
* Duration: 4 days
* Transport: Cruise ship
* Start/End: Iquitos/Iquitos
* Sleeping: Onboard
* Budget: Luxury
**Iquitos-Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria**. This represents the most luxurious and indulgent way to experience the wonders of the Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria, one of the largest and most significant protected areas of Amazon jungle remaining in Peru. While the largest of these luxury boats may not be able to navigate into the smaller, more wildlife-rich tributaries, the opportunities for spotting incredible fauna remain abundant, and the conditions aboard ship are truly first-class. Several cruise lines have established excellent reputations for their service, including Delfin Amazon Cruises and Aqua Expeditions, known for providing unforgettable experiences. Some vessels even boast exceptional amenities such as a spa, a fully equipped gym, and a refreshing pool on the top deck, ensuring a supremely comfortable and enjoyable journey. Once you venture into the reserve, you will have the chance to encounter the same fascinating animal species mentioned previously.
The cruise conveniently starts and concludes in Iquitos, providing easy access for travelers. While shorter cruise options are available, it is essential to opt for the 5-day cruise to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and biodiversity of the Reserva Nacional Pacaya-Samiria.
## Río Alto Madre de Dios (5-7 days)
(Image of Rainbow over Manu River, Manu National Park)
**Fast facts:**
* Duration: 5-7 days (return)
* Transport: Motorised canoe
* Start/End: Atalaya/Atalaya or Puerto Maldonado
* Sleeping: Onboard
**Atalaya-Boca Manu-Parque Nacional Manu on the Río Alto Madre de Dios.** Parque Nacional Manu undoubtedly stands as Peru’s premier Amazonian wilderness, a place that conjures up images of elusive indigenous tribes and exceptionally rare wildlife, including the majestic jaguar. On this remarkable river trip, you have a significant chance of encountering both, adding an element of adventure and discovery to your journey. However, it is important to note that the park is rigorously protected to preserve its pristine environment. As such, there are no regular passenger boats traversing this stretch of the Río Alto Madre de Dios. This makes the journey to Parque Nacional Manu relatively expensive, as you will need to book a comprehensive tour and stay at lodges along the way.
Tours typically commence in the historic city of Cusco, gradually leading you down through the dramatic mountains into the verdant cloud forest and, just before reaching Atalaya, into the heart of the dense jungle. The stark contrasts between these three distinct topographical zones are truly remarkable and sublime, creating a visually stunning experience. The adventure continues with an almost full-day journey down to Boca Manu, located near the park entrance, and a few hours further into the very heart of the reserve. Here, you will have the opportunity to glimpse iconic species such as playful giant river otters, gregarious peccaries, enchanting pink river dolphins, and the impressive capybaras, all of which are headline acts in this star-studded show of fauna.
The return journey upriver to Atalaya and then back to Cuzco generally requires a week to complete. However, those who are prepared to continue downstream to a designated pick-up point near Puerto Maldonado can accomplish the trip in a shorter timeframe of five days, allowing for greater flexibility in their itinerary.
## Pucallpa-Iquitos on the Río Ucayali (3-5 days)
(Image of Floating the river in Peru)
**Fast facts:**
* Duration: 3-5 days (one way)
* Transport: Cargo boat
* Start/End: Pucallpa/Iquitos
* Sleeping: Onboard
* Budget: Budget
Pucallpa presents itself as a sizeable, yet somewhat rugged, Amazon frontier settlement. It lacks the polished tourist appeal of Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, Peru’s other prominent river port cities. Pucallpa is strategically located at the end of a long and winding road that descends from the Central Andes, with only the expansive Río Ucayali lying beyond. Before embarking on this immersive three- to five-day odyssey, consider visiting the oxbow lake of Yarinacocha, situated just a few kilometers outside Pucallpa. This picturesque lake is home to indigenous communities that sell exquisite, high-quality handicrafts, providing a unique cultural experience.
This river trip is recognized as one of Peru’s most challenging adventures, owing to its length and the basic conditions encountered aboard the ship. However, these very factors contribute to its authenticity and make it a truly unforgettable experience. If you possess some proficiency in Spanish and are willing to make stops along the way, this river journey also offers one of the most authentic and culturally enriching experiences in the country, as you will be sharing the journey with local passengers going about their daily lives. Moreover, at the rarely visited towns en route, such as Requena or Orellana, you can gain a profound understanding of the indigenous Amazonian culture, immersing yourself in the traditions and customs of the local communities.
The trip is almost always undertaken downriver to Iquitos. If you intend to complete the journey in reverse, allow a full week to accommodate the upstream travel.
## Amazon River (2 days)
(Image of Port of Iquitos)
**Fast facts:**
* Duration: 2 days (Iquitos-Leticia return)
* Transport: High-speed water taxi or cargo boat
* Start/End: Iquitos (Puerto Embarcadero or Puerto Masusa ports)
* End: Leticia (Colombia) or Tabatinga (Brazil)
* Budget: Budget
**Iquitos to the Tri-border on the Río Amazonas.** In Peru, rivers frequently serve as international borders, creating unique geographic boundaries. This captivating ten-hour trip takes you down the Amazon River itself, traversing three distinct frontiers: Peru’s, Colombia’s, and Brazil’s, allowing you to experience the convergence of cultures and landscapes.
The sheer scale and magnitude of the Amazon’s namesake waterway are truly awe-inspiring, and the journey is as engaging for observing the vibrant human life along its banks as it is for the opportunities to spot wildlife. At certain points, the river becomes so expansive that you can barely discern the opposing bank, highlighting its immense width. The constant procession of colorful craft along this well-traveled route provides ample diversions, from creaking canoes and spluttering cargo vessels to luxurious and glamorous cruise ships.
Furthermore, you can immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of some of the most lively ports in the jungle, including Iquitos, the embarkation point; Pevas, a charming 18th-century backwater situated approximately halfway along the route; and the more modern Leticia, located on the Colombian side at the journey’s end. From here, you have the option to return to Iquitos (against the current, which makes the journey longer) or board a boat to continue downstream towards Manaus in Brazil and, further beyond, towards the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
When utilizing a high-speed water taxi, the journey can be completed in half a day (one-way) or two days (return). Alternatively, cargo boats take up to a day longer overall, but they offer a vastly more vibrant and authentic experience, as they are the preferred mode of transportation for most locals.
## Río Alto Tambopata (10-12 days)
(Image of A quiet morning on the Tambopata River in the Peruvian Amazon)
**Fast facts:**
* Duration: 10-12 days (one-way)
* Transport: Kayak
* Start/End: Putina Punco (with transfer from Lima, Cuzco or Puno)
* End: Puerto Maldonado (with optional transfer to Lima or Cuzco)
**Putina Punco-Puerto Maldonado on the Río Alto Tambopata.** Most travelers experience the wildlife-rich Río Tambopata by embarking on a relatively gentle motorized upriver journey from Puerto Maldonado. However, this adrenaline-pumping kayak ride, powered by the current from much further upriver, was specifically designed to satisfy the cravings of those seeking a more daring and adventurous experience.
From the launch point situated on the cusp where cloud forest and jungle seamlessly converge, this thrilling white-water escapade involves paddling for at least eight days down a rarely traversed section of the waterway, with overnight camping along the riverbank. The chances of encountering fascinating wildlife are exceptionally high, offering unparalleled opportunities for close encounters with the region’s diverse fauna. The waterway features several areas of exhilarating rapids, adding an element of excitement to the journey. On day ten, you will arrive at the world’s most spectacular macaw lick, a clay bank that is often adorned with countless macaws who gather there daily to feed, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
From this incredible location, motorized transport will convey you to Puerto Maldonado, where you will typically spend the night before being transported back to Lima or Cuzco via flight.
## River Trip Checklist
* Ensure you have a sufficient supply of bottled water and food to sustain you throughout the journey.
* Pack an effective insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquito bites and other insects.
* Bring a hammock for comfortable overnight adventures, allowing you to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
* Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery and memorable moments of your river trip.
* Pack binoculars to enhance your wildlife viewing experiences and observe the diverse species in their natural habitat.
* Bring books to keep yourself entertained during downtime, as you will likely have limited or no phone reception.
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