One of the most biodiverse places on Earth is located in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, and one of the best ways to experience its beauty is from river cruises. If you are a traveler seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort and luxury, Amazon River cruises are for you. Experience luxury as you navigate the rivers of the Amazon in the heart of the rainforest in Iquitos!
At Peru Jungle Trips, we know that booking a tour of the Amazon rainforest is exciting. However it can also be difficult to plan! That’s why, in this blog post, we provide all the information you need to know before you book.
Reasons to choose a Luxury Cruise in Iquitos
Iquitos, known as “the gateway to the northern Peruvian Amazon” or the “Beautiful Island” (la isla bonita), serves as the starting point for many expeditions into the heart of the Amazon.
A unique feature of Iquitos is that the city is accessible only by air or water, as there are currently no roads or bridges connecting it to the mainland by land. This makes it the perfect place to navigate the rivers of the Amazon rainforest and what is a better way to do so than on a luxury cruise? As a result, here are the reasons to choose a luxury cruise in Iquitos:
- Personalized attention: Amazon cruises are small compared to ocean-going vessels: with fewer cabins on board, the crew gets to know every passenger, ensuring you receive personalized service at all times.
- Comodidad inigualable: a diferencia de los barcos que simplemente bordean el Amazonas —a menudo con camarotes compartidos y hamacas— , los cruceros fluviales por el Amazonas le permiten relajarse en amplias suites con aire acondicionado. Estas suites también cuentan con ventanales del suelo al techo, balcones privados y ropa de cama de primera calidad, ¡perfectas para descansar después de una expedición!
- Cuisine in the heart of the Amazon: delight your palate with jungle-inspired dishes and fusion cuisine. Every meal is prepared by professional chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as camu camu, paiche, and native chili peppers.
- Deep exploration: amazon river cruises allow you to disembark in protected areas, such as the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Luxury on board: floating boutique hotels
- Aria Amazon: this luxury cruise ship features 16 spacious, designer suites with river views. During the voyage, you can enjoy small-group excursions and, upon your return, relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi with a cocktail.
- Aqua Nera: distinguished by its exclusive accommodations—much like the Aria Amazon —it offers an exclusive excursion service throughout the voyage. Unlike traditional tour guides, the guides aboard the Aqua Nera are expert naturalists. They lead small-group excursions twice daily; these intimate group settings allow guests to discover the Amazon rainforest’s lush flora and fauna in greater detail.
- Zafiro: Characterized by its floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, it is a favorite cruise among families. In addition to excursions into the Amazon, it offers onboard activities for all ages, turning every voyage into a personalized adventure.
- Delfin I: Delfin’s most intimate and exclusive cruise. Distinguished by having only four spacious suites—each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces—it is one of the most exclusive cruises available.
- Delfin III: Delfin’s largest vessel. It features 22 spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. Each day, you will immerse yourself in breathtaking Amazonian landscapes.
Where to book Amazon river cruises starting in Iquitos?
To secure a spot on an Amazon River cruise, advance planning is essential. You can make your reservation on each cruise line’s official website, on TripAdvisor, or with us.
Currently, most cruises are fully booked for 2026; therefore, if you wish to enjoy this exclusive experience, you should book now for 2027.
- Amazon River cruise expeditions last an average of four days.
- Each cruise offers unique activities designed to make every trip a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Amazon expeditions are led by expert professional guides and take place in small groups.
Is the food in Iquitos delicious?
The food in Iquitos is undoubtedly unique and delicious. Every day, hundreds of travelers set out from the Belén Market accompanied by a professional guide, where they can sample unique dishes.
For more discerning palates, Amazon river cruises offer the company of a team of professional chefs—simply let them know your preferences!
Are there alternative tours in Iquitos to explore the jungle?
Yes. In addition to the excursions offered on Amazon river cruises, in Iquitos you can enjoy activities such as canopy tours, hiking, fishing, zip lining and more. Here are some of our favorites:
- Tour to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (3 Days)
- Amazon Rainforest Tour Iquitos 4 Days / 3 Nights (Hotel)
- Iquitos Peru Amazon Tours 5 Days – Iquitos Amazon Tour
- Pacaya Samiria Full Camping Expedition 5 Days 4 Nights
- Full Day Nanay River + Amazon + Momón + Zip Line
- Yanayacu River Full Day – Iquitos
- Pacaya Samiria full day tour – Iquitos
