Which is the best of the Peruvian Amazon River cruises? There are many cruise options out there, and navigating the differences can be a bit of a daunting task. Plus, what’s best for one person may not be the best for another, which is why Knowmad Adventures specializes in custom trips that are unique to each traveler. Our detailed Amazon cruise comparison below keeps that in mind, dives into the best Amazon River cruises, and details the most notable differences between them.
Here, we’re focusing on the best Peruvian Amazon River cruises, where the Ucayali River and Marañón River join to become the magnificent Amazon River. This type of cruise allows you not only to see the Amazon River, but also to sail back into the smaller, pristine tributaries that are part of the unspoiled Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, where wildlife is at its best. Cruises here focus on wildlife and nature, with opportunities to spot pink river dolphins, giant otters, sloths, manatees, caiman, as well as a wide variety of monkeys and birds. They also incorporate culture, often with visits to indigenous communities to learn about their lifestyle.
Cruises in the Amazon offer travelers a magnificent jungle and wildlife experience, while not sacrificing the comforts of a luxury hotel. When cruising the Amazon, your luxury 5-star hotel moves with you as you venture through the rainforest. After activities like zipping down the river in a zodiac boat, walking through the jungle, fishing for piranha, or searching in the dark for caiman, you’ll return to your cool, air-conditioned cabin to relax or enjoy a delicious meal on board.
My favorite of the Peruvian Amazon River cruises are Delfin’s vessels of varying sizes and amenities (Delfin I, II & III), and Aqua Expeditions’ vessels (Aria and Aqua Nera). All cruise through the same Pacaya Samiria National Reserve with very similar itineraries, so the comparisons come down mostly to specifications for each vessel.
The Trip Specialists at Knowmad will help you navigate itinerary options and seasonal differences, coordinating Amazon & Machu Picchu travel for a holistic, seamless and safe experience, all at a guaranteed best value. Reach out at 612-315-2894 or by filling out the short form above.
THE BEST LUXURY Peruvian AMAZON River CRUISEs FOR YOU
DELFIN AMAZON RIVER CRUISES
Delfin III One of the most affordable of the luxury Peruvian Amazon River cruises, Delfin III is a great choice for those looking to cruise the Amazon on a very nice vessel, but achieve some savings as well. It is the largest of the vessels, with space for up to 44 passengers. There are 4 different cabin types between the Upper and Lower Suites, offering a range of views from floor-to-ceiling windows to Corner Suites with 90-degree floor-to-ceiling vistas, and the largest Owner Suite at the front of the ship on the second deck with 180-degree floor-to-ceiling windows. The Corner Suites and Owner Suites have added amenities like an included 30-minute massage and free laundry – a nice perk after exploring in the heat and humidity of the Amazon. As the most spacious ship, it also has the most amenities of Delfin’s boats, with a small plunge pool on the upper deck, as well as a massage room and small gym. It has a spacious indoor lounge where you can enjoy a drink and air conditioning while still soaking in the views as you cruise along.
- Size: 22 suites / Up to 44 passengers
- Price Range*: $1,267 to $1,675 per person per night, depending on duration, cabin type, and time of year
- Itineraries: 3 & 4 night itineraries (or combine them for 7 nights)
Pros: Relais & Châteaux, ensuring a high level of food and wine, with high-quality service, like all Delfin vessels. Will also waive the single supplement for up to 2 passengers on each departure (for specific cabins, excluding holidays, subject to availability), so book in advance as a single traveler.
Cons: No connected cabins so more difficult for families with young kids. This vessel has the highest guide to passenger ratio at max 15 passengers to 1 guide (Delfin II has a 1:10 ratio and Delfin I has a 1:8 ratio).
DELFIN II With 14 cabins on board, Delfin II is great for those looking for more amenities than what Delfin I offers, yet still a small & intimate experience. With several interconnected cabins and triples, they are a great option for families traveling with kids. There are also 4 spacious Master Suites with 180-degree panoramic windows for those looking for an upgrade option.
- Size: 14 suites / Up to 30 passengers
- Price Range*: $1,267 to $1,300 per person per night, depending on duration, cabin type, and time of year
- Itineraries: 3 & 4 night itineraries (or combine them for 7 nights)
Pros: Relais & Châteaux property, like all Delfin vessels. The only one of Delfin’s vessels to have interconnected cabins. Small exercise room and massage room. Will also waive the single supplement for up to 2 passengers on each departure (for specific cabins, excluding holidays, subject to availability), so book in advance as a single traveler. Delfin I & II offer stand-up paddleboards.
Cons: Can fill up far in advance as it’s a common choice for large companies’ group trips where they charter out the whole vessel.
DELFIN I Delfin I offers the most intimate experience of the Peruvian Amazon River cruises, with only 4 oversized suites, making it a perfect option as a charter for a family, a group of friends, or a couple looking for a more exclusive experience. All suites have spacious terraces, which make for the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee while listening to the birds and sounds of the jungle waking up, or to take in the colorful Amazon sunset, as you watch pink river dolphins jump out of the water around you. Two of the suites even boast private cold water whirlpools on the terrace for a refreshing dip after a hot afternoon exploring the depths of the jungle.
- Size: 4 suites / Up to 12 passengers
- Price Range*: $1,667 to $1,825 per person per night, depending on duration, cabin type, and time of year
- Itineraries: 3 & 4 night itineraries (or combine them for 7 nights)
Pros: The most personalized experience with the fewest number of guests on board of the Delfin options. All of Delfin’s boats are Relais & Châteaux properties, but the Delfin I is the only cruise with private whirlpools in 2 of the cabins and a canopy walkway excursion. Delfin I & II offer stand-up paddleboards.
Cons: As a smaller vessel, it lacks some of the amenities of a larger ship like a gym space, massages or large common spaces. One of the two most expensive vessels for the Peruvian Amazon river cruises.
AQUA EXPEDITIONS Peruvian AMAZON River CRUISES
ARIA Amazon Aqua’s Aria Amazon offers a very nice luxury cruise and experience, with some added amenities, that is similar to the price range of Delfin II. Like Delfin II, Aria offers massages and a small exercise room, but also a refreshing jacuzzi on the sun deck. With space for 32 passengers, its 16 suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for viewing the jungle from the comfort of your air-conditioned cabin. Aria combines some of the amenities of Delfin III with the more intimate size of Delfin II. It’s also a great option for families with triple rooms available, as well as connected cabins. World-renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino created the menu for both the Aria & Aqua Nera. Schiaffino’s speciality is creating unique dishes with ingredients from the Amazon jungle.
- Size: 16 suites / Up to 32 passengers
- Price Range*: $1,140 to $1,370 per person per night, depending on duration, cabin type, and time of year
- Itineraries: 3, 4, and 7 night itineraries
Pros: Most amenities for its size and price. Guide to passenger ratio is 1:12.
Cons: Along with Delfin II, one of the older vessels (built in 2010).
AQUA NERA Aqua Nera is the newest, and arguably most luxurious, of the vessels offering Peruvian Amazon River cruises, with amenities and common spaces that surpass its competition. Its sleek, modern design spreads through 20 Design Suites, as well as a spacious indoor bar and lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, a screening room with theater-style seating, an outdoor observation deck under the stars, a game room with a pool table, an outdoor plunge pool with private cabanas and an outdoor bar, two spa treatment rooms, and a small gym overlooking the river. Like the Aria, the menu was crafted by chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino for a guaranteed exceptional dining experience.
- Size: 20 suites / up to 40 passengers
- Price Range*: $1,640 to $1,920 per person per night, depending on duration, cabin type, and time of year
- Itineraries: 3, 4, and 7 night itineraries
Pros: Newest and most design-forward facilities and cabins; triples and connecting suites available; most common spaces and amenities, as well as a free laundry service. Additionally, the Aqua Nera is the only vessel to offer biking on land as an activity during their itineraries. Guide to passenger ratio is 1:10.
Cons: This level of amenities doesn’t come free, making Aqua Nera the most expensive along with the Delfin I.
*All costs are subject to seasonality and room category. We guarantee same or better pricing than booking directly with the cruises. All Knowmad trips are custom and exact pricing is provided in your trip proposal.
If you’re interested in crafting an adventure combining several regions in South America, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Trip Specialists at 612-315-2894 or [email protected] to begin planning your trip today!
Some Final INSIDER TIPS
- If pairing your trip to the Amazon with a Machu Picchu trip, I suggest a minimum duration of 10 days, but ideally more to do both destinations justice.
- While the Amazon can work nicely on the front or back end of the trip, I tend to prefer it on the back end as it’s a more relaxing way to end your Peru vacation, cruising down the Amazon river from the comforts of a luxury boat.
- Because of limited flight schedules most of the year and most days, we recommend spending the night in Lima before flying to Iquitos the next day. This way you can enjoy a bit of time in Lima, perhaps dining at one of its world-renowned restaurants, to really round out your amazing Machu Picchu & Amazon trip.
- Next, take a look here at some of our favorite Machu Picchu itineraries to compliment your Amazon & Machu Picchu vacation.
The bottom line is that all of these Peruvian Amazon River cruises are amazing. I hope this helps some out there wrestling with choosing the perfect luxury cruise for their ideal Amazon adventure vacation!
It is always Knowmad’s goal that our travelers feel prepared for and excited about their adventure to Peru and South America. If you have any questions we can help answer, or if you’d like to discuss planning your own adventure to Peru, give one of our Trip Specialists a call today at at 612-315-2894, or fill out the short form below to begin planning your personalized Peru itinerary.
Saludos, Renee
Renee is a Trip Specialist at Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to creating unique, private and custom trips in South America. She lived in Mexico for over 3 years and is excited to help Knowmad travelers discover the wonderful impact not just travel, but really experiencing a different country and culture can have on your life. Read Renee’s biography and more about the Knowmad team.
