River cruise on the Amazon
The Amazon River is arguably the largest river in the world rivaled only by the Nile in Africa. The Amazon River’s headwaters in South America originate
in Peru with the Upper Amazon area in Peru consisting of a series of vast river systems that flow North and South into the major Amazon River tributaries - from
Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela It also just clips Colombia.
At its widest point the Amazon River is 11 kilometres wide during the low water season, but during the high water season, when the Amazon floods the
surrounding plains, the Amazon River can be up to 45 kilometres in breadth. This seasonal flooded rain forest is delimited by the Marañón and Ucayali
rivers, which meet in the easternmost corner of the reserve to form the Amazon. It winds 4,000 kilometres before pouring into the Atlantic Ocean.
Many cruises begin in Iquitos, a one hour, twenty-five minute flight from Lima, Peru. Iquitos is so remote that this charming Peruvian city can be reached only by air or water. Once a booming rubber town due to its location on the Amazon River, Iquitos now enjoys a slower pace. You will enjoy touring this lively city, which includes a building designed by Gustav Eiffel, among other highlights.
What you see along the Amazon River depends on the length of your stay. The heart of every visit, however, will be Pacaya Samiria Reserve, a protected
wildlife area deep within the Amazon rainforest and jungle. The highlight of each day’s journey is the pristine wilderness areas teeming with the Amazon’s
wildlife and amazing plant life, such as the colossal Victoria Regia water lilies. You will also encounter, and have the chance to interact with local people living in villages along the Amazon River.
Over 500 species of Peru’s birds are found in the reserve, including five species of macaw and the primitive-looking hoatzin, whose nearest ancestors are long extinct. Onboard naturalists are on a constant lookout for rare pink river dolphins, three-toed sloths and red howler monkeys.
Amazon cruises companies offer an excellent dining experience with specially selected Peruvian recipes and cuisine (with a bit of continental influence), either
served on board or out and about on a cruise excursion in the Amazon jungle. Dinner each evening is a Peruvian culinary feast paired with premium South American wines.
If seeing the glorious high watered forest and getting close-up looks at lots of birds and mammals (and enjoying a slightly cooler temperature) sounds attractive, then the December to May season might be your best choice. Despite being the “rainy” season, the Amazon only gets about 10% more rain than falls in the low water season.
If jungle hikes, seeing exotic migratory birds perch on trees as they pass through Amazonia, still having the chance to see monkeys and other mammals, and going on great fishing expeditions top your list, you might be happier choosing the warmer, low water season.
Regardless of which season you choose, a cruise down Peru’s Amazon will be an unforgettable and thrilling experience.
