High water, December to May
Rain in the Andes feeds the rivers, which rise by several meters and spill into the forest. In the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve this is when skiffs and kayaks leave the main channels and move between the trunks of the flooded forest. You reach places that are dry ground for the rest of the year, and the canopy is closer.
Pink river dolphins come in with the water and are often seen near the ship. Afternoons bring short, heavy rain; mornings are usually clear.
Low water, June to November
The rivers fall, sandbanks and beaches appear and trails open on foot. Wildlife gathers along the shrinking channels and oxbow lakes, so birding, caiman spotting and fishing are at their best. Nights are a little cooler and days slightly drier, though rain still falls.
At the lodge, low water means longer walks and the canopy walkway in drier conditions. On the ship, it means more time on foot and the widest range of birds.
Rain, heat and what to expect
Expect 30–35°C (86–95°F) by day and high humidity in either season, with rain possible on any day. Excursions are timed for early morning and late afternoon, when it is cooler and the animals are active, so the heat of the day is spent on board or at the lodge. Light long sleeves, closed shoes and repellent are the packing essentials; we send a full list with your itinerary.
Pairing the Amazon with the Andes
Most of our guests travel between May and October, when the Andean dry season makes the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu most reliable. That overlaps with low water in the Amazon, so a typical Amazon & Andes journey sees beaches, trails and busy riverbanks. Travel from December to April and you trade some mountain weather for the flooded forest; it is a fair trade for many.
We tell you what your dates will look like on the river before you book, and plan the excursions around them.