Luxury Amazon River Cruises
Afloat in the Amazon Rainforest
Travelling here means entering a world where water determines everything: the movement of wildlife, the scale and complexity of the forests, the cultures that live along riverbanks. Peru, Brazil and Ecuador each reveal a different expression of this vast system, but all share the sense of being inside something alive, intricate and continually flowing.
Understanding the Amazon begins with understanding its waters, which is just one reason for floating through it.
Why Explore the Amazon by River?
River vessels combine this sense of immersion with a surprising level of comfort, allowing you to venture deep into remote corners of the forest without sacrificing the pleasure of returning to an elegant cabin, exceptional dining and the company of your expert guides at the end of the day.
Peru, Brazil and Ecuador each reveal a different side of the Amazon, and our specialists will help you choose the river, vessel and experience that best complements your wider journey.
Our Favourite Amazon Cruises
Every Amazon journey we create begins with the experience you're looking for, then we recommend the vessel that's best suited to it. Some prioritise contemporary luxury, others wildlife or quieter tributaries, but all combine expert naturalist guides, exceptional hospitality and thoughtfully designed accommodation. Explore our selection of the finest Amazon river cruises across Peru, Brazil and Ecuador.Every Amazon journey we create begins with the experience you're looking for, then we recommend the vessel that's best suited to it. Some prioritise contemporary luxury, others wildlife or quieter tributaries, but all combine expert naturalist guides, exceptional hospitality and thoughtfully designed accommodation. Explore our selection of the finest Amazon river cruises across Peru, Brazil and Ecuador.
Amazon Explorer, Peru
The suites have been designed to maximise the connection with the rainforest, including a spectacular forward-facing deluxe suite occupying the bow. Elsewhere, a peaceful River Retreat, gym and top-deck plunge pool provide places to relax between excursions, while thoughtfully designed crew areas reflect &Beyond's commitment to attracting outstanding guides and service.
Best For: Travellers looking for the Amazon's newest luxury river yacht. Equally well suited to couples, families and small groups, with four interconnecting suites available for those travelling together.
Belle Amazon, Brazil
Belle Amazon explores the lower Amazon, where the mighty Amazon, Tapajós and Arapiuns rivers converge to create an extraordinary mosaic of waterways and ecosystems. Alongside expert naturalist guides, time spent with local communities offers a deeper understanding of the rainforest, from medicinal plants and bio-jewellery workshops to favourite swimming spots known only to local families.
Best For: Travellers who value meaningful cultural connections as much as wildlife, and those looking to explore a lesser-known side of the Brazilian Amazon aboard a relaxed, welcoming vessel. Four cabins with an additional single bunk also make Belle Amazon an excellent choice for families and small groups.
Aria Amazon, Peru
The crew‑to‑guest ratio approaches one‑to‑one, including an award‑winning chef whose anthropological and botanical knowledge of the rainforest informs every sustainably sourced meal. Between indulgent moments – jacuzzi, lounge, exercise room – you’re perfectly primed to explore the Pacaya‑Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s famed “Jungle of Mirrors,” on expert‑led excursions.
Best For: It’s a refined, elegant choice for travellers who expect high comfort alongside outstanding guiding. That means mostly couples, though four interconnecting suites create generous spaces for families.
MV Desafio, Brazil
Despite the air‑conditioning and excellent meals, the charm lies in its lack of pretence. Guests who are drawn to her heritage elegance tend to be like‑minded expedition types, so conversations over dinner are invariably fascinating. This boat is beautiful, full of character and characters, and unique in every way imaginable.
Best For: Travellers who want their boat to feature in their photographs and who favour an intrepid, old‑world expedition style rather than high luxury. It’s perfect for anyone drawn to the spirit of adventure.
Delfin I, Peru
Beyond the beautifully designed interiors, Delfin I combines Relais & Châteaux dining with exceptional guiding and thoughtfully planned excursions into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Explore by skiff, kayak or paddleboard, keeping watch for pink river dolphins, monkeys and an astonishing variety of birdlife before returning to one of the most intimate vessels on the river.
Best For: Travellers seeking exceptional privacy and refined luxury. Delfin I is perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, while four couples or a multi-generational family can charter the entire vessel for an exclusive Amazon experience.
Aqua Nera, Peru
Guest rooms – just twenty – are modern, sleek, air‑conditioned and generously sized, with a wall of windows to watch the riverbanks slide past. Add a one‑to‑one guest‑to‑staff ratio and you have superb service and top‑tier, expert‑led excursions. By the end of your journey, stepping off will feel like the hardest part.
Best For: Travellers with the energy to enjoy the wealth of onboard facilities after daily excursions. That means it’s ideal for families with older teens. Equally, it suits those who simply want to unwind in style.
MY Tucano, Brazil
Inside, it’s delightfully nautical: wood panelling, brass fittings, and plenty of windows – four in every cabin. It may look vintage, but you still have air‑conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. With an open‑wheelhouse policy that encourages chats with the captain, samba nights under the stars and a swim deck at the stern, this is a boat designed for fun as much as exploration.
Best For: Travellers with energy and a sense of play. It offers the same excursions as other vessels, but onboard there’s extra warmth, quirk and sociability.
Delfin III, Peru
As the first Amazon cruise line to join Relais & Châteaux, Delfin delivers a refined, imaginative dining experience, with beautifully plated dishes showcasing Peru's remarkable produce and culinary flair. Complimentary Peruvian wines and Pisco sours add to the sense of occasion.
Best For: Food‑lovers and travellers who enjoy the space and sociability of a slightly larger vessel, with the chance to meet a wider variety of fellow passengers.
Pure Amazon, Peru
Launched in 2025, Pure Amazon brings a fresh, contemporary approach to exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Modern comforts, including vessel-wide WiFi and ensuite picture windows, ensure you never feel disconnected from either home or the rainforest. With ten interconnecting cabins and two dedicated to solo travellers, it's also one of the most flexible vessels on the river, welcoming couples, families and independent adventurers alike.
Best For: Travellers who appreciate contemporary design and modern comforts, particularly families and solo travellers looking for greater flexibility without compromising on style.
From the Team
“The Amazon region varies widely: its waterways, wildlife and rhythm feel entirely different in Peru and Brazil. Our vessel recommendations follow that diversity. Each boat suits a specific style of traveller, and we choose for fit rather than novelty or luxury.”
Beyond the Amazon: Continue Your Journey
You might pair Brazil’s rainforest with the wildlife‑rich Pantanal, or follow it with the vibrancy of Rio and the effortless charm of Búzios. In Peru, the Amazon combines beautifully with captivating Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco or Lima. And for travellers seeking yet more extraordinary biodiversity, the Galápagos Islands are a spectacular pairing with a river journey in the Amazon.
Talk to us about designing your journey >
Explore ancient citadels, wildlife-rich islands, and vibrant cities on one seamless, tailor-made holiday through Peru, the Galapagos, and Colombia.
Embark on an opulent Peruvian odyssey, indulging in breath taking landscapes, exclusive accommodations, and culturally immersive experiences.
Set off on a captivating family adventure in Peru, where ancient wonders and vibrant culture await. From exploring the mystical Machu Picchu to navigating the Amazon rainforest, this itinerary promises unforgettable moments that will weave the rich tapestry of Peru into the fabric of your family's cherished memories.
Arequipa is one of Peru’s largest and most exciting cities. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, creating a must-see blend of heritage buildings and lively modern culture.
Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Today, its centuries-old archaeological and architectural heritage is recognised by UNESCO and serves as the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu.
Sitting at 3,812 metres above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake. Take a boat ride across this incredible expanse of freshwater, exploring some of the natural and man-made islands along the way.
Lima is Peru’s capital and largest city, with a vibrant port overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You’ll find a melting pot of architecture here, from modern design to Spanish colonial and beyond.
Set high above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu is Peru’s most evocative ancient site. Its dramatic setting, refined stonework and cultural significance make it a highlight of any thoughtfully planned journey through the Andes.
Inhabited some 1,000 years ago, the Urubamba Valley, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, follows the Urubamba River 100 kilometres from the Inca ruins of Pisac to the incomparable Machu Picchu.
Two volcanoes overlap to form Santiago Island. Landing here is a delight for those with an interest in geology -- the lava formations really are quite special -- but also for those keen to see the bird nesting sites and fur seal.
The birdlife in Brazil is especially impressive, with feathers reflecting every single colour of the rainbow. Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or a serious birder, the Amazon Jungle is breathtaking in the variety of the species which live there. You’ll find the richest birding hotspots along with the very best birding guides in Latin America.
We’ve created an exciting list of the most memorable things to do in the Galapagos Islands.
A vibrant metropolis in southeast Brazil, Rio is renowned for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, and lively culture blending music, dance, and Carnival spirit.
Over 60% of the vast and biodiverse Amazon rainforest is located in northwest Brazil, teeming with exotic and exciting flora and fauna. Explore this lush jungle in privacy with the best guides.
Buzios is a coastal paradise famed for its beaches, sophisticated streets, and Brigitte Bardot’s legacy.
A vast and biodiverse tropical savanna region in eastern Brazil, the Cerrado is home to unique flora, fauna, and stunning landscapes.
The largest waterfall in the world, Iguazu Falls, is set on the border between Brazil and Argentina. Its cascading waterfalls plunge amidst lush rainforest with spectacular power and beauty.
A region with a rich colonial history, a diverse landscape, and delicious cuisine, Minas Gerais is dubbed 'the heart of Brazil' for good reason.
Explore the world's largest tropical wetland, teeming with diverse wildlife and offering unparalleled opportunities for eco-adventure and wildlife encounters in south central Brazil.
Salvador is a heady mixture of Afro-Brazilian culture, vibrant music, colonial charm, and a stunning coast.
A charming colonial town nestled between lush mountains and pristine coastlines, Paraty boasts cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a tranquil atmosphere along the Costa Verde or Green Coast.
A simply enormous country, Brazil truly does have it all: vibrant wildlife, cosmopolitan cities and pristine wild landscapes. The Amazon Rainforest is Brazil’s most famous destination, and whilst this is undoubtedly an incredible place, there really is a lot more to see. Think canoeing through mangrove forests, luxuriating on immaculate coastlines, exploring wetlands buzzing with wildlife, and visiting cities that burst with energy during carnival time. Here we collate our 10 favourite experiences.
Brazil is vast, known for its lively cities, heavenly beaches and glorious wildlife areas. We’ve put together a set of FAQs that cover the basic need-to-know tips when starting to plan your holiday. If you’d like more tailored advice, contact our Journeysmiths today and we’ll be happy to help.
Famed for its beautiful coastline and, of course, the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil is the Earth’s most biologically diverse country. Over 100,000 animal species are currently known, and with around 700 new ones discovered each year, this diversity is ever-increasing. A trio of glorious wilderness areas - the lively, bustling Amazon Rainforest, The Pantanal’s labyrinth of pristine waterways and wetlands, and the vast, rolling savannah of the Cerrado - come together to make Brazil a hugely important conservation destination.
Experience Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in unmatched privacy. From timeless rituals and private terraces to gourmet train journeys, at Journeysmiths we craft encounters with Peru’s icons, your way.
Is the Galápagos archipelago only discoverable by boat? Not at all. While liveaboards remain iconic, an immersive, lodge‑based stay can be every bit as rewarding. The real question is which style of experience suits you best, and whether the two should be combined. Here’s our advice.
An unparalleled immersion into the natural world.
Breathtaking in natural beauty and cultural diversity, Brazil enchants its visitors. From the luxuriant Amazon Rainforest to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer perched above dream-like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s landscapes and landmarks are second-to-none for a luxury holiday.
A Latin American Adventure
My trip was tailored to my specific requirements taking into account the advice and experience of Joanna who was amazingly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. All the travel arrangements went perfectly and I was well looked after at each destination throughout the trip with excellent service.