A river cruise can be expensive, but it’s the best way to spend time on the river and feel like you know the Peruvian Amazon. Brazil is most famous for having Amazon rainforest and the Amazon River, but it starts in Peru.

There are several river cruise companies based in Iquitos and others that are part of international brands. They’ll pick you up at the Iquitos airport and drive you to the port in Nauta, where you’ll board the cruise ship.

Like cruises everywhere, there are excursions off the boat, guides on board and activities both on and off the boat. Unlike cruises in other parts of the world, these boats must be relatively small because in some areas the Amazon is quite shallow and in others the boat must pick its way through log jams and shifting islands.

The only cruise company I’ve tried is the Peruvian-owned Delfín Amazon Cruises, which is part of the Relais & Chateaux brand. It was luxurious and so far my favorite way to see the Amazon River. The guides were fantastic at helping us spot wildlife and the food was amazing. Read my Delfín blog.