At a glance
- For wildlife lovers, nothing can match the thrill of seeing incredible, exotic animals in the Amazon rainforest
- There’s the chance to visit indigenous communities living in stilted homes, hundreds of miles from the nearest roads, who live in harmony with the environment
- The view from your stateroom constantly changes, so much so that, chances are, you’ll feel like you’re starring in a David Attenborough documentary
Three reasons why an Amazon River cruise is worth it
1. It's the ultimate adventure
If you don’t see the appeal of a fly-and-flop holiday – we spend most of our life sat at a desk, on the sofa or in a restaurant, after all – and are looking to rekindle your sense of adventure, an Amazon River cruise is for you.
Your ship will transport you to the depths of the rainforest, where you can paddle in a kayak among the narrow tributaries and lush forests while keeping an eye out for brilliantly coloured scarlet macaws, three-toed sloths, howler monkeys and more.
You’ll also be able to have a go at piranha – they’re famed for their razor-sharp teeth – fishing and embark on a night-time safari, keeping your eyes and ears open for nocturnal animals including black caiman, tree frogs, tarantulas and perhaps even the elusive jaguar.
2. The Amazon is your classroom
Depending on your cruise line, on most excursions, you’ll be accompanied by a local naturalist, academic or guide who will help identify species and give you a deeper understanding of the Amazon.
Back onboard, they’ll deliver engaging lectures on Amazonian ecology, wildlife behaviour, the local communities and the history of this amazingly biodiverse region.
The experts are also on hand for the duration of your cruise to chat informally and answer any questions you may have about this unique ecosystem.
What’s more, on an Amazon River cruise, you can trek through the dense jungle to indigenous villages to meet the local tribes and learn about their traditions and existence in the rainforest.
After unplugging from technology and spending some time with Kichwa communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where I helped plant trees and ate chontacuro (edible insects), it hit me that, for all the rainforest’s dangers, I hadn’t felt so calm in months.
3. There’s plenty of downtime
While you’ll want to disembark and immerse yourself in the thrill of the wilderness, there’s ample time to relax on your ship, too.
You can watch the river slide by from a sun lounger or the private balcony of your cabin, perhaps using the complimentary binoculars that are usually left in cabins to spot everything from slinking sloths to playful monkeys and colourful macaws.
Then curl up in an inviting hammock and read a good book – the kind where you easily lose track of an afternoon.
Alternatively you might just want to take advantage of everything that your ship has to offer, be it enjoying an al fresco morning coffee on deck, tucking into delicious, locally inspired dishes like tacacho con cecina (mashed, grilled plantains served with smoked cecina bacon) in the restaurant, working off any extra calories consumed in the gym, or relaxing with a treatment at the spa.
Three reasons an Amazon River cruise might not be worth it for you
1. It’s hot and humid
Amazon River cruises operate year-round with an average daytime temperature of 27 °C, but during the dry season the thermostat can hit 40 °C.
That’s all well and good for those of us who like it hot, hot, hot. However, if you prefer chillier destinations and holidays – a coolcation if you will – an Amazon River cruise might not be the right fit for you.
Yes, the wet season sees the temperature drop, but only ever so slightly to around 24 °C – the Amazon is reliably warm whatever the month.
It’s also worth noting that while temperatures during the wet season are a little less oppressive, the trade-off is that there are more mosquitoes. Our recommendation? If you decide to embark on an Amazon River cruise during the wet season, be sure to use mosquito repellent and wear appropriate clothing.
2. Options for people with disabilities are limited
Despite claims to the contrary by travel companies, the reality is that people with limited mobility still encounter substantial problems when travelling.
And sadly, an Amazon River cruise is no exception. Firstly, it involves folding yourself in an airplane for at least 11 hours to reach your departure port, whether that's El Coca (Ecuador), Manaus (Brazil) or Iquitos (Peru).
On arrival, you’ll find that Amazon River ships are much smaller than ocean-going vessels and, subsequently, lack lifts and accessible cabins with adapted bathrooms.
Excursions are likely to present problems, too. Most Amazon outings involve trekking through the jungle on trails that are uneven and slippery due to the rain or clambering into skiffs (small boats) to explore hidden inlets.
That’s not to say that accessible Amazon River cruises aren’t possible, but they require research, careful planning, and – potentially – a travel companion so as to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
3. An Amazon River cruise isn’t ideal for the very young
While South Americans roll out the welcome mat for children, an Amazon River cruise isn’t advisable for the very young – something reflected by the fact that most ships won’t accept kids under seven.
That’s because Amazon River cruise ships lack the bells and whistles of ocean behemoths – read waterslides, kids’ clubs, et al – which keep little ones occupied and entertained.
Elsewhere, shore excursions tend to be physically demanding – think hiking and kayaking – and often take place in hot and humid conditions. At the same time, health risks, such as mosquito bites and malaria, are always present.
Older kids will no doubt relish the educational and interactive experiences on offer, which range from visits to local communities to cooking classes and piranha fishing experiences, but travelling in the Amazon with young children can be challenging.
Parents considering an Amazon cruise should ask themselves if their ankle biters will genuinely enjoy the experience and create lasting memories. Or is it better to wait until they’re older and able to appreciate the experience more fully?
Your cruise, your way
Planning your Amazon River cruise can feel overwhelming when you realise how much choice is out there.
Do you want to get close to nature, spotting sloths in the tree canopy and swimming with pink river dolphins? Perhaps you dream of having the jungle (almost) to yourself, swapping herds of fellow passengers for hooting howler monkeys? Or would you rather not rough it and instead listen to the calls of birds from a sleek and sumptuous vessel?
The good news is that with cruises on stretches of the Amazon in Ecuador, Peru and Brazil – where you’ll also find ocean vessels on the widest section – there’s a sailing and ship out there to suit you.
What to know before you book:
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