Amazon
Rainforest by river or by lodge, planned privately alongside Cusco and Machu Picchu. Most people come to Peru for the Andes; the Amazon is the other half of the country, a short flight from both Lima and Cusco.
Why the Amazon
Sixty percent of Peru is rainforest. A few days in it change how the whole trip feels: after stone, altitude and early mornings in the Andes, the river gives you warmth, slow water and wildlife at eye level.
We plan it as a contrast to Machu Picchu rather than an add-on. We arrange the flights, the connections and the order so the two halves fit.
Two ways in
From Iquitos in the north, Aqua Expeditions sails into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected flooded forest in Peru. The Aria Amazon has 16 suites, all river-facing, with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Aqua Nera is Aqua’s second ship on the Peruvian Amazon.
Sailings run three, four or seven nights, with departures several times a week; we match the sailing to your dates. Meals, guided excursions, skiffs and kayaks are included.
From $4,050 per person (3 nights, Aria Amazon)
See Aqua cruises
Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica sits on the Madre de Dios River near Puerto Maldonado, one short flight from Cusco. Cabanas open onto the forest, and the lodge’s own guides lead walks, canopy and river excursions from the property.
It is our preferred lodge partner and the Amazon chapter of Exploration of Peru. Three nights is the right length.
Explore Exploration of PeruNot sure which? We’ll help you choose.
A note from our founder
“I spent close to ten years in Iquitos building a lodge on this river, so I know its seasons, its people and what a good day on the water looks like. That is why we recommend Aqua for the cruise and Inkaterra for the lodge: both run the way we would. Tell us what you want from the rainforest and we’ll say which one fits.”
Jared Snow, Founder
Journeys that bring you here
10 days / 9 nights
Lima · Amazon · Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu · Cusco
The river and the mountains in one private journey: three nights aboard Aqua Expeditions in the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, then the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco with your own guide.
Featured: Aqua Expeditions and Inkaterra. Confirmed in your proposal.
Pricing on request
Explore this journeyBest time to visit
The Amazon has no bad season, only two different ones. Rain falls year-round; what changes is the water level.
The rivers rise several meters and the forest floods. Skiffs and kayaks glide between the trees, so you reach places that are dry land for the rest of the year. Days are warm and humid, with short, heavy rain most afternoons.
This is the season for canoeing through the flooded forest and for pink river dolphins close to the boat.
The water drops, sandbanks and beaches appear, and trails open on foot. Wildlife concentrates along the shrinking channels, so birding and caiman spotting are at their best. It is slightly drier and a little cooler at night.
This is the season for walking, fishing and the widest range of birds.
We’ll tell you what to expect for your dates and plan the excursions around them. Read our guide to the seasons.
A few useful answers
A river cruise covers more ground: you sleep on board and wake somewhere new, with excursions by skiff and kayak into the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. A lodge stays in one place and goes deeper into one patch of forest on foot. Choose the cruise for comfort, wildlife variety and a private suite with a river view; choose the lodge for a shorter, simpler add-on from Cusco. We offer both and will recommend one for your dates.
Iquitos has no road connection, so you fly. Direct flights from Lima take about two hours, and Aqua Expeditions meets you for the transfer to the ship at Nauta. We book the flights as part of your journey.
Yes. Our Amazon & Andes journey does exactly that: three nights aboard Aqua Expeditions from Iquitos, then a flight to Cusco for the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco. Ten days covers both without rushing, and we handle every connection in between.
Peru does not require proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter the country, but health authorities recommend it for travel to the Amazon lowlands, and some travelers take malaria prophylaxis. This is general guidance only. Speak with a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure for advice based on your health and itinerary.
Yes, with planning. Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica welcomes families, and on the Aqua Expeditions cruise minimum ages apply; ask us. Tell us the children’s ages and we’ll say which option works and how to pace the days.
Light, long-sleeved shirts and trousers in quick-dry fabric, closed shoes you can get wet, a sun hat, strong sunscreen, insect repellent and a light rain layer. Binoculars make a real difference. We send a full packing list with your confirmed itinerary.
More private journeys
5 days / 4 nights
Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu · Cusco
Peru’s essentials in five days: begin in the Sacred Valley, spend two nights beside Machu Picchu and finish with a night in Cusco. A focused private journey for travelers with four nights to spend.
Featured hotels: Inkaterra. Confirmed in your proposal.
From $3,295 pp
Explore this journey
7 days / 6 nights
Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu · Cusco
Our complete introduction to Peru: two nights in the Sacred Valley, two beside Machu Picchu and two in Cusco. Private cultural visits, Inkaterra throughout and an open day to make the city your own.
Featured hotels: Inkaterra. Confirmed in your proposal.
From $4,395 pp
Explore this journey
9 days / 8 nights
Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu · Cusco
Nine days to explore more deeply: three nights in the Sacred Valley, two beside Machu Picchu and three in Cusco. A slower valley stay, private cultural visits and two open days in the city.
Featured hotels: Inkaterra. Confirmed in your proposal.
From $5,295 pp
Explore this journey
10 days / 9 nights
Lima · Amazon · Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu · Cusco
From the Amazon canopy to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco. Ten days with three nights at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, two nights beside Machu Picchu and a final stay at JW Marriott El Convento Cusco.
Featured hotels: Inkaterra. Confirmed in your proposal.
From $5,495 pp
Explore this journeyYour Peru, privately designed
Tell us your dates and whether river or lodge appeals more. We’ll reply within 24 hours with a plan that fits around the Andes.
