Its surroundings covering nearly half of the territory of Peru, the Amazon is the mightiest river in the world, flanked by vast stretches of lush rainforest. Those interested in Amazon River travel have been visiting these waters for all of our 31 years of existence, and we continue to be amazed at the natural wonders we find on our 10-day Amazon River cruise.
The rainforest canopy shelters the richest and most diverse ecosystem on Earth, making it the perfect adventure trip for anyone who cares about nature. Trust the experts at International Expeditions to provide a comprehensive look at the landscapes, wildlife and current conservations issues facing the Amazon River travel. Small-ship cruise enthusiasts can also find insider’s tips, as well as photography and stories from past IE guests.
Travelers interested in Amazon River cruises will also enjoy expedition videos and the latest in travel news from IE’s knowledgeable Amazon naturalist travel guides.
![]() | New Rodent Fossils in Amazon Area Confirm Hypotheses Researchers from Case Western Reserve University recently found the oldest fossils on the South American continent along the banks of the Ucayali River, an offshoot of the Amazon River. Read more >> |
![]() | Amazon River Cruises Offer Piranha Sightings and Fishing Travelers who venture into a tributary with slower-moving waters on our Amazon cruise will likely find red-bellied, white or black piranhas. Read more >> |
![]() | Nature Lovers Will Find a Wealth of Diversity in the Peruvian Amazon Travelers exploring the Peruvian Amazon will find a stunning array of animals, including the world's largest collection of bird species and the third largest assortment of mammals. Read more >> |
![]() | Amazon Travelers Can Hear Red Howlers From Miles Away Travelers need not listen closely to hear the low, rumbling growl of red howler monkeys—these primates can be heard up to three miles away. Read more >> |
![]() | Happy Anniversary to our Amazon Partner WWF Protecting and conserving the Amazon, a place two-thirds the size of the U.S., is a big job. We’re thrilled to have teamed up with WWF for years to provide conservation focused nature travel to this precious region – and to other destinations within Peru. Read more >> |
![]() | Amazon River Birding Species List Are you an avid birder? Guests on our Amazon River cruise compiled this impressive list of species. Read more >> |
![]() | Amazon River Marsh Birds Although the Amazon River basin boasts more than 1,500 unique species of birds (roughly one-third of the world's population), many travelers have become entranced by the vast collection of marsh birds that have been known to populate the region. Read more >> |
![]() | See 13 Species of Primate in Pacaya-Samiria Reserve The Pacaya-Samiria Reserve in northern Peru is home to one of the richest collections of animals on the planet, with more than 520 species of bird, 65 reptiles and 260 varieties of fish, among others. Read more >> |
![]() | James Cameron Fights to Stop Amazon River Dam James Cameron is returning to Brazil to film a 3D movie highlighting the plight of the indigenous people who will be uprooted by the construction of a dam on the Amazon river. Read more >> |
![]() | New Catfish Species Discovered in Amazon Jungle A new species of armoured catfish that eats wood with spoon-shaped teeth has been discovered in a remote area of the Amazonian jungle in Peru. Read more >> |
![]() | Amazon's Seeds Spread Best by Fish Poop As loggers, farmers and builders clear more and more patches of forest, the reproductive efforts of trees in the Amazon rainforest are being helped out by tambaqui, a fruit-eating species of fish. Read more >> |
![]() | An Amazon Shaman Experience Day 6 of our own Amazon River trip includes a visit to a well-respected Amazon village shaman, and is always considered a highlight by guests. Read more >> |
![]() | Ecuador Agrees Not to Exploit Amazon Oil Ecuador signed a recent deal with the United Nations not to exploit its oil-rich Amazon reserves. This should help to protect some 675 sq miles of the Amazon. Read more >> |
| Fresh Water Stingrays Discovered in Amazon Scientists have just discovered two new species of fresh water stingrays in the Amazon rainforest near the port city of Iquitos, Peru. These two stingray species both look like pancakes with noses... Read more >> | |
![]() | Amazon Medical Project: Fall Update "When I first came to Peru to work in mid-1990, I brought with me a straw bag holding a microscope, a few pills, and a book or two, along with my doctor’s “black bag” containing very basic medical instruments ..." Read more >> |
![]() | Happy Anniversary to our Amazon Partner WWF Protecting and conserving the Amazon, a place two-thirds the size of the U.S., is a big job. We’re thrilled to have teamed up with WWF for years to provide conservation focused nature travel to this precious region – and to other destinations within Peru. Read more >> |
![]() | Amazon River Tour Stargazing |
![]() | Does the Rest of the World Trick-or-Treat? |
![]() | Subterranean River Found Under the Amazon Basin |
![]() | Previously Unknown Tribe Discovered in the Amazon Satellite images and flights over the western Amazon recently revealed the existence of a previously unknown indigenous group. Read more >> |
![]() | When Is the Best Time to Travel to the Amazon? A quick survey of our Travel Planners has uncovered the most popular question they get about our Amazon tour: When is the best time to go? Read more >> |
| Discovering Pharmacy & Modern Medicine in the Rainforest While sometimes overlooked by those studying modern medicine, the Amazon’s medicinal plants and Shamans provide a vital link between nature’s ecosystems, ancient medicine and modern cures. Read more >> | |
![]() | Rare Chocolate Rediscovered in Peru A variety of the cacao plant, thought to have been wiped out, has been rediscovered in Peru's Maranon Canyon. Read more >> |
![]() | Nature Lovers Will Find a Wealth of Diversity in the Peruvian Amazon Travelers exploring the Peruvian Amazon will find a stunning array of animals, including the world's largest collection of bird species and the third largest assortment of mammals. Read more >> |
![]() | Insider’s Travel Tip: Fog-Free Photographs How to keep your camera and glasses from fogging up. Read more >> |
![]() | Insider’s Travel Tip: Morning Walk Through Pre-Inca History Do you need a suggestion for stretching your legs in Lima? Just blocks from our Lima accommodations at the Swissôtel is the Huaca Huallamarca, a pre-Inca tomb where more than 50 mummies were found... Read more >> |
![]() | Tips for a Productive Amazon Photo Workshop George Ritchey tips for how to capture, preserve and enhance their memories while exploring the narrow tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon. Read more >> |
![]() | Anaconda Sighting on the Peruvian Amazon What happens when Amazon cruise naturalists spot an anaconda along the riverbanks? An IE guest found out when he got an up-close and personal meeting with a female anaconda during an excursion! Read more >> |
![]() | Authentic Pisco Sour Recipe Be sure to check out this Pisco Sour recipe sent in by our own Amazon River tour Expedition Leader, Jorge Salas. The frozen Pisco Sour is a happy hour staple on our Amazon River cruise aboard, La Amatista! Read more >> |
![]() | My "Amazon Moment" IE employees LOVE getting out of the office and traveling. Creative Services Editor Emily Harley shares memories from her Amazon River expedition aboard La Amatista. Read more >> |
![]() | Guest Poem: The Amazon - Up Close & Personal "We’ve had a week of wondrous sights On Amatista with her crew. Exciting days and peaceful nights, And friendships made with all of you..." Read more >> |
![]() | A Second Home in Earth's Greatest Wilderness When International Expeditions' founders Richard Ryel and Steve Cox first dreamed of bringing curious wildlife enthusiasts to the Peruvian Amazon more than 30 years ago, they had no idea that their company would establish such deep roots in this remote corner of the Earth. Read more >> |
![]() | More Photo Tips for Your Amazon Voyage We’re sharing veteran wildlife and nature photographer George Ritchey’s tips for getting the most out of your equipment and experience on his April 22 Amazon Voyage photo workshop. Read more >> |





































