Best Amazon River Cruise: Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary You’ll Love
When we spent four months slow-traveling through South America, we stayed in Peru for an entire month and one of the absolute highlights of our trip was experiencing the best Amazon river cruise from Iquitos. It was our first time doing any cruise, and honestly, we didn’t expect it to be this memorable. But cruising through the Peruvian Amazon aboard La Perla, a boutique riverboat we booked through Rainforest Cruises, became one of those rare, once-in-a-lifetime adventures that you carry with you forever. But cruising aboard La Perla with Jungle Experiences became one of those rare, once-in-a-lifetime adventures that you carry with you forever.
The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It is home to elusive wildlife, vibrant indigenous cultures and some of the most untouched rainforest on the planet. This post breaks down our 5-day Amazon river cruise itinerary aboard La Perla, filled with wildlife sightings, jungle hikes, village visits and more.
Craving More Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventures? Check out our blog on the Top Things to Do in the Atacama Desert – Chile’s otherworldly high-altitude wonderland we explored during the same South America trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Iquitos – Gateway to the Amazon
Our Amazon river cruise journey began in Iquitos, a remote and lively city reachable only by plane or boat. We arrived the night before and stayed at Hotel de Turistas, which offered panoramic views of the Amazon from the terrace. It was an ideal transition from city life to the wild.
The city buzzed with colorful markets, tuk-tuks and a laid-back vibe that hinted at the jungle life beyond. Iquitos served as a perfect prologue to our rainforest adventure.
Day 2: Embarking on La Perla – Welcome to the Jungle
By 11 a.m., we were picked up for a two-hour ride to Nauta, where our Amazon river cruise truly began. Local performers greeted us with music and cold drinks at the dock. We then boarded small skiffs (motorized canoes) to reach La Perla, our boutique river cruise ship.
La Perla felt both intimate and luxurious. The top deck had hammocks and a cozy bar, while the dining room was elegantly set. After a welcome lunch with Amazonian flavors (and free-flowing pisco sours), we rested briefly before our first excursion.
That night, we ventured out by skiff into the darkness of the Amazon. Our naturalist guide spotted nocturnal birds, frogs, and even a baby caiman. Holding that little caiman in the middle of the river under the stars was a surreal start to our Amazon river cruise experience.
Day 3: Wildlife Encounters, Turtle Releases & Dolphin Magic
We were up early for a sunrise wildlife expedition. The jungle at dawn is another world, howler monkeys, exotic birds, and a constant hum of life. Breakfast was a gourmet picnic in the wild, complete with silver trays and fresh juice.
We visited a local village working with Jungle Experiences on turtle conservation. Holding a baby yellow-spotted turtle, naming it, and releasing it into the river was surprisingly emotional, a small but meaningful act of connection.
Later, we helped plant trees for reforestation and even paddled dugout canoes with local families. As we returned to the boat, a pod of pink and gray Amazon river dolphins danced around our skiff for 15 magical minutes. If you’re seeking the best Amazon river cruise for wildlife, this was it.
In the afternoon, we met a local shaman who shared stories of her spiritual work and the Ayahuasca tradition. It’s a tradition is a centuries-old Amazonian spiritual practice that involves drinking a sacred plant-based brew used by Indigenous shamans for deep healing, visions, and connecting with the spirit world. The day ended with live music and dancing on board, with the crew and guests coming together like old friends.
Day 4: Jungle Hikes, Canopy Walks & Piranha Fishing
After breakfast, we set off on a jungle hike where our guide taught us about medicinal plants, tree frogs, and the rhythms of the rainforest. The moment we encountered a Boa constrictor who was calmly handled by our guide. It was both heart-stopping and humbling.
Next, we walked the Amazon canopy bridge, a suspension walkway originally built for ornithologists. From the treetops, we saw toucans, parrots, and the vastness of the rainforest stretch to the horizon.
Later that day, we went piranha fishing in a narrow creek. At sunset, we gathered around a bonfire on a sandbar, sipping cocktails and watching the colors of the Amazon sky shift from gold to indigo. Some even swam in the river because why not?
That night, as a storm rolled in, the crew hosted a closing ceremony, handing out fun “Amazon Survivor” certificates. It was cheesy in the best possible way.
Day 5: Farewell and Visit to the Manatee Rescue Center
On our final morning, we enjoyed one last skiff ride and a hearty breakfast before learning how to make the perfect pisco sour in a hands-on cocktail class.
Before flying back from Iquitos, we visited the Manatee Rescue Center, where we saw rescued manatees, monkeys, turtles, and macaws being nursed back to health. It was a touching reminder of the importance of conservation and a powerful way to end our Amazon river cruise.
Why We Think This is the Best Amazon River Cruise
If you’re dreaming of a cruise that blends wildlife, culture, and comfort, La Perla delivers on all fronts. Here’s why we believe it’s the best Amazon river cruise:
- Intimate group size (only 25 passengers max)
- Expert naturalist guides who grew up in the Amazon
- Immersive activities like village visits, conservation work and canopy walks
- Exceptional food and service, even for vegetarians like us
- Daily wildlife sightings, including caimans, dolphins, sloths, toucans and piranhas
Planning Your Own Amazon Cruise?
Here are a few quick tips:
- Best time to go: May to October for dry season; November to April for high water and better access to remote areas
- Getting there: Fly into Iquitos via Lima
- Pack essentials: Insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, lightweight layers, waterproof shoes, and binoculars
- Dietary needs: Let the cruise team know in advance, they were amazing with vegetarian options
Final Thoughts: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Amazon Cruise
The Peruvian Amazon is not just a destination, it’s an experience that stays with you. Our 5-day journey aboard La Perla wasn’t just about seeing nature, it was about feeling part of something bigger, something ancient and alive.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture seeker, or just someone craving off-the-grid luxury, this is the best Amazon river cruise for first-timers and seasoned explorers alike.
