Amazon River Expedition, Amazon Basin
1 / 8 · LRafael
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Amazon River Expedition · Amazon Basin

The rainforest, from the water

1 / 8 · LRafael

The rainforest, from the water

Amazon River Expedition · Amazon Basin
River Wildlife Jungle
Ready to make it real?

Browse sailings, or let a GoSmart specialist plan this one with you.

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Why you’ll love it

Sail into the green. Pink dolphins, night sounds, and rivers that breathe. A GoSmart specialist tailors the route, the stays, and the pace to you.

Why it works

The Amazon isn't about checking off landmarks. It's about drifting quietly enough that the wildlife finds you. Pink river dolphins surface beside the boat, monkeys move through the canopy, and after dark, caiman eyes glow back from the riverbank.

Worth knowing

High water and low water are two different trips. From roughly December to May the river floods and you glide by skiff deep into the forest; from June to November the water drops, beaches appear, and you can walk and fish for piranha. Pick for what you want to do.
It is hot, humid, and buggy. Pack lightweight long sleeves, a good insect repellent, a rain shell, and talk with your healthcare provider about whether malaria medication is recommended for your itinerary.
Most trips start from Iquitos, a city you can only reach by plane or boat with no roads in, so build in the transfer time rather than treating it as a quick add-on.

About the place

This is the Peruvian Amazon, deep in Pacaya-Samiria reserve country, so the draw is untouched rainforest and river life rather than towns or ruins. Pair it with Cusco and Machu Picchu if you want culture on the same trip.

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