Explore the best Amazon cruises, expert travel advice and exclusive cruise deals to help Kiwi travellers experience one of the world's most remarkable destinations
The Amazon
Discover the wonders of the Amazon on an unforgettable cruise. Journey deep in to the world's largest rainforest, where you'll encounter extraordinary wildlife, vibrant local communities and breathtaking natural beauty
Which parts of the Amazon can you cruise?
Peruvian Amazon
Cruises typically depart from Iquitos and offer excellent wildlife viewing including pink river dolphins, sloths, monkeys and macaws. Ideal for small expedition vessels and luxury river ships
A sloth in the tree just chilling!
Brazilian Amazon
Most cruises begin in Manaus and explore the famous meeting of the waters where the Rio Negro and Solimoes rivers flow side by side before forming the Amazon. You can expect rich indigenous culture, rainforest lodges for pre and post cruise stays and diverse wildlife
Beautiful sunset on the Amazon
Lower Amazon
The broad section of the river closer to the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil. This is a vast waterway with riverside villages and rich cultural experiences. This is most commonly offered on larger ocean going ships that head up as far as Manaus
Amazing river and rainforest in perfect combination
Most popular with Travellers from New Zealand
For travellers from New Zealand, the Peruvian Amazon is the most popular choice thanks to its exceptional wildlife, luxury river ships and convenient cruise itineraries. The Brazilian Amazon is ideal for those wanting to experience the immense scale of the Amazon River and iconic sights like the meeting of the waters
Best Time to Travel to the Amazon
June - September
Best for wildlife viewing & walking Excursions. The dry season brings lower water levels, creating more chances for rainforest hikes & spotting wildlife on land. A popular time for nature photography
October - December
Best time for fewer crowds and lush scenery. The rainforest transforms as the water levels rise allowing cruise ships and smaller boats to venture deeper into the flooded forest. This is an exceptional time for bird spotting
July - October
We think this is the best overall time to visit as it offers an ideal balance of wildlife encounters and comfortable conditions with access to both the rainforest trails and waterways
Important Note re Expeditions in the Amazon
Indicative prices shown are for cruise only and may not include the mandatory domestic connecting flights and pre cruise hotels required on some cruise lines. Please submit a request for your preferred date and our team will check the best available current pricing for you for the full package