Amazon Expedition Cruises

The Amazon is home to the richest variety of life on the planet. The vast tropical rainforest of Brazil is a treasure trove of extraordinary plants and animals, many yet to be discovered. The mighty Amazon River winds for 4,080 miles and stretches from its source just 100 miles from the Pacific in the Peruvian Andes, across Brazil to Belem on South America’s Atlantic coast.

This vast river system can be navigated by large ocean ships up to Manaus in northern Brazil, whereas smaller, more intrepid vessels are needed to explore the tropical wilderness further upstream. 

From the Amazon’s mid-point at Manaus, the 18-passenger MY Tucano ventures 200 miles up the Rio Negro to explore small tributaries and see abundant flora and fauna at close quarters.  With naturalist guides, observe exotic birds, anteaters, caiman and porcupines.

Luxury expedition ship MS Hanseatic is one of the few vessels with a draft shallow enough to sail the length of the navigable Amazon beyond Manaus, from Iquitos in Peru to Belem in Brazil – a distance of 2250 miles. The wild and undisturbed section of river west of Manaus is little-explored, and this itinerary is a rare opportunity to venture deep into the rainforest from MS Hanseatic’s fleet of zodiacs. Accompanied by expert guides, visit hidden villages, discover exotic wildlife and a dazzling variety of plant species.

Both of these itineraries include the “Encontra das Aguas”, where the black and yellow waters of the Rio Negro and the Amazon run parallel for many miles in an awesome spectacle.  

Amazon Expedition Cruise
An 8-day cruise on board 18-passenger MY Tucano from Manaus, exploring the wildlife and undiscovered landscapes of the Rio Negro.

Magical Amazon from Iquitos to Belem
An exciting 16-day cruise on board luxury expedition ship MS Hanseatic from Iquitos to Belem, including flights and transfers

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