Tag: Amazon Rainforest

Enjoy an exceptional ecotourism experience with the best river tours in the Amazon, comfortable onboard accommodations and wonderful activities in the forest

Cruise ships are loved by many people, but did you know you can cruise on rivers? Better yet, did you know you can sail across the rivers of the Amazon Rainforest, like Negro River, Tapajós and the all-powerful Amazon River?

Aboard comfortable vessels, passengers indulge in high-quality services provided by attentive crews, premium accommodations, and itineraries perfect for tourists who are looking for the best river cruises in the Amazon.

PlanetaEXO, an expert in ecotourism and Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, has curated a fantastic river cruise selection for all types of travelers. Working alongside the most reputable local operators in the region, we offer only the best experiences. Check it out below!

1 – Katerre

Katerre has some of the best Amazon cruises in Brazil. Aboard Jacaré-Açu, a beautiful wooden boat with three floors and eight cabins, up to sixteen guests can enjoy the wonders of the forest in the most authentic way. 

Gliding across the Negro River, being amazed by the beauty of the forest is inevitable. The sky is clear, orange-tinted in the early morning and blue when the sun is at its brightest. The trees are vibrant and green. The water is dark, but still peaceful and welcoming, allowing for a more profound experience in nature.

For The New York Times, journalist Seth Kugel said he “traded infinity pools for infinite waterscapes” when he decided to choose a cruise instead of an Amazon jungle lodge. 

Outdoor activities include hiking, visiting local communities, boat rides, wildlife watching, fishing, swimming, relaxing on river beaches, etc.

Furthermore, visitors also have a great stay experience in cozy cabins with double or bunk beds, air-conditioning, private bathrooms, hot shower, and fresh sheets and towels.

Common areas include a dining room, a living room, a bar and a solarium with chairs, tables, hammocks, sun loungers and a powerful sound system to play music. Feeling hungry? This Amazon river boat cruise offers delicious local cuisine dishes — three meals a day and snacks!

Available in 4-day, 5-day or 7-day tours. Learn more about this adventure.

2 – Kaiara

Kaiara stands out for being one of the only Amazon cruises in Brazil to depart from Belém, capital of Pará. With three different vessels (Amazon Dolphin, Belle Amazon and Tupaiú), travelers have the unmissable chance of sailing in Alter do Chão, a small town on the riverbanks of the Tapajós River.

Custom itineraries include hiking, swimming in igarapés (water courses), visiting river beaches and local communities, handicraft lessons, recreational fishing, night spotting, sunrise contemplation, etc.

Considered a food-centric experience, the incredible dishes lovingly made by a talented mother-daughter duo are one of the highlights, according to the Financial Times.

The boats also feature comfortable cabins — with double, single or bunk beds, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms —, dining rooms, living rooms, balconies and sun decks with beautiful panoramic views. Learn more about this adventure. 

3 – La Jangada

Inspired by Jules Verne’s Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon, La Jangada’s name comes from the original French title of this iconic novel, La Jangada: Huit Cents lieues sur l’Amazone. 

Modern and aesthetically pleasing, this chic catamaran pampers passengers with its spacious decks, refined design and twelve air-conditioned ensuite cabins.

This luxury river cruise in the Brazilian Amazon is the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Multiple day trips include a vast list of activities, such as hiking, boat trips, animal spotting, hiking, fishing, visiting waterfalls and natural pools, camping in the forest, exploring the Anavilhanas and Jaú National Park, engaging with indigenous and riverside communities, etc.

Common areas feature a charming terrace with tables and chairs, two lounges with couches and TVs, a restaurant that serves delicious Amazonian and Brazilian food, a bar with classic and signature drinks, a lecture room and a theater room. 

La Jangada is one of the best Amazon river cruises in Brazil, but it’s only available for chartering. Talk to our team to learn information.

4 – Untamed Amazon

The Untamed Amazon riverboat is described as the ultimate sustainable cruise experience. Partially powered by solar energy, it also has an advanced water treatment system and fuel-efficient engines that follow international environmental standards.

This five-star stay includes eight spacious ensuite cabins — six of them with floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure the most stunning views of the forest —, high quality amenities, local cuisine restaurant, a bar, a dining room, a living room, sun decks and entertainment areas.

Eight different itineraries — in addition to New Year cruises, corporate events and tailor-made trips — include canoeing, photo safaris, evening sightseeing, jungle hiking, and much more. Learn more about this adventure

👉 Read more: How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?

5 – Amazon Clipper Premium Cruise

One of the longest-running ecotourism options in the area, going strong for 35 years, Amazon Clipper offers the best Amazon river cruises in Brazil in the small-ship category. The MV Premium is the most luxurious vessel of their fleet, perfect for people who desire a high-end stay.

One of the longest-running ecotourism options in the area, going strong for over 35 years, Amazon Clipper offers some of the best Amazon cruises in Brazil in the small-ship category. The MV Premium is the most luxurious vessel of their fleet, perfect for people who desire a high-end stay.

There are sixteen air-conditioned ensuite cabins with twin or queen-size beds, excellent amenities, lecture room, swimming pool, jacuzzi, a leisure deck, gourmet area, a dining room, a lounge, a sun deck and a large observation deck with a fantastic 360 view.

Wonderful activities await on 6-day trips across the waters of the Amazon and Negro rivers: stargazing, aquatic trails, night tours, swimming, boat tours, visiting native communities, etc.

👉 Read more: When is the Best Time to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil

6 – Tucano Amazon River Cruise

Another great small ship is the Tucano, a modest-sized motor yacht with a fast engine. This design helps it reach places other riverboats can’t, making it the only vessel to explore the deepest parts of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex alongside crew members with more than 30 years of experience.

Another great small ship is the Tucano, a modest size motor yacht with a fast engine. This design helps it reach places other boats can’t, making it the only vessel able to explore the deepest parts of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex, in Novo Airão, a small town 195 km away from Manaus.

This is why this Amazon cruise in Brazil is the perfect option for those who wish to take wildlife watching to the next level, as the noise pollution control system is efficient to prevent scaring animals away. Activities also include guided hikes, night tours, skiff safaris, kayaking, etc.

Sixteen guests can comfortably rest in eight different air-conditioned ensuite cabins (single, twin, queen-sized, and bunk beds), and relax in the dining room, lounge or observation deck.

Available in 5 to 7-day tours. See more details about the Tucano Amazon River Cruise.

How much does an Amazon river cruise cost?

Considering accommodation, services, diverse itineraries, and infrastructure of the vessels, Amazon cruises costs an average of US$ 3,462 per person. Prices vary according to cabin category, season, trip duration, etc.

Check out the prices and other information below:

*Per person, based on double occupancy in group departures. Prices may vary depending on season and availability. Exchange rate as of February 10th, 2026; subject to change.

Amazon cruises in Brazil: customer reviews

By partnering with the most reliable local operators, PlanetaEXO has helped numerous travelers from all over to world to join incredible river boat cruises in the Amazon Rainforest.

See what our customers think about these experiences!

Everything you should know about river cruises in the Amazon

When is the best time to enjoy Amazon Rainforest cruises?

River cruises operate throughout the entire year, but itineraries vary according to the seasons. 

See more information: What’s the best time of the year for Amazon River Cruises in Brazil?

Are Amazon river cruises safe?

Yes, Amazon river cruises are safe. The vessels follow strict safety protocols and there are first responders among crew members to offer assistance if needed. In case of emergency, a speedboat is ready to rescue passengers and bring them to the nearest city.

How long do river cruises in the Amazon take?

River cruises are multiple-day experiences. PlanetaEXO offers tours lasting from 4 to 7 days, but it’s possible to extend your trip.

What should I pack for an Amazon river cruise?

Light clothes, comfortable shoes, hats or caps, sunglasses, raincoat, a flashlight, sunscreen, insect repellent, travel essentials (documents, cash, debit/credit card, medication), powerbank and chargers (phones, cameras, laptops, tablets).

What to expect on an Amazon river cruise?

Expect to be awed by the beauty of the Amazon Rainforest. Sailing across the rivers allows you to explore nature from a whole new perspective to admire the fauna and flora of the richest ecosystem in the world.

Meanwhile, elegant accommodations and premium services guarantee a high-stay experience for couples and families alike. 

Are Amazon cruises worth it?

More than worth it! River cruises are some of the most fascinating activities in the Amazon because they present the perfect fusion of ecotourism and comfort: connection with nature, responsible travel, and exclusivity. It truly is an unforgettable experience.

Ready to plan your Amazon river cruise in Brazil?

Now that you know everything about the best Amazon river cruises, shall we start planning your next vacation?

As an expert in Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform that works with the finest local operators to offer unforgettable experiences for all travelers. Contact us now!

As deforestation threatens the Amazon, ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest emerges as a key solution, with startups like PlanetaEXO leading the way in supporting Conservation and Local Communities.

The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is facing one of its most critical challenges in decades. Deforestation rates have skyrocketed, with over 10,000 square kilometers of forest being cleared annually, driven by illegal logging, mining, and land conversion for agriculture. In addition, record-breaking wildfires and persistent droughts are worsening the situation, with over 50,000 active fires across Brazil.

Sustainable tourism to the Amazon Rainforest is emerging as a viable strategy to combat this environmental crisis while supporting local communities.

PlanetaEXO, a startup dedicated to eco-friendly travel, has been working closely with these communities to offer tours in the Amazon in Brazil that prioritize both environmental conservation and community empowerment. “We’ve seen firsthand how ecolodges and locally guided tours help shift the focus away from destructive practices,” says Lucas Ribeiro, founder of PlanetaEXO.

“By connecting travelers with authentic experiences that benefit local communities, we’re promoting a model of tourism that supports both people and the planet,” he adds.

According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), ecotourism in the Amazon Rainforest could reduce deforestation in the Amazon by providing an alternative source of income to industries that exploit the rainforest.

WWF suggests that responsible tourism can help maintain over 50% of the forest’s biodiversity, while also addressing climate challenges by protecting large swaths of land from forest clearing.

Empowering Local Communities through Sustainable Tourism

The benefits of sustainable tourism are not limited to environmental protection. Ecotourism is also creating economic opportunities for local communities, including many indigenous groups, who have long acted as stewards of the Amazon.

A powerful example of this transformation, highlighted by Projeto Draft, is the story of Roberto Brito Mendonça from Iranduba, Amazonas. Like his father and grandfather before him, Roberto was a logger, using the forest to support his family. In 2008, when his land became part of the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, his livelihood was at risk. Faced with uncertainty, Roberto turned to tourism, and by 2012, he began running Pousada do Garrido, one of 24 tourism businesses in the area.

“Access to education and technology is essential for sustainability,” says Roberto. “If everyone had this opportunity, we can chart a new course for the forest. The Amazon we want is one full of life – and when I say life, I mean especially the human lives that are part of it”.

His story is a testament to how sustainable tourism can offer an alternative to extractive industries, allowing local communities to preserve both nature and their way of life.

Ecolodges Leading by Example

Lodges like Uakari Lodge in the Mamirauá Reserve, Tefé, and Cristalino Lodge, in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, are prime examples of how ecolodges play a critical role in ecotourism. Uakari, located in a semi-flooded ecosystem that represents 3% of the Amazon, aims to protect local biodiversity while supporting eleven local communities.

The lodge operates with sustainability at its core, using solar energy, collecting and storing rainwater, and treating sewage with microorganisms instead of chemicals. Even the roof tiles are made from recycled plastic bottles.

Guests are encouraged to minimize their energy usage, and all waste is treated before being returned to the river. Through its community tourism model, Uakari provides opportunities and training for local people, ensuring that the lodge’s operations have minimal impact on the environment.

Meanwhile, Cristalino Lodge stands out as an ecolodge nestled within one of the largest private reserves in the Amazon, protecting over 11,000 hectares of forest—an area nearly twice the size of Manhattan Island. This vast area is kept in pristine condition, rich in biodiversity, and supports critical conservation efforts.

The lodge adopts sustainable architecture that respects nature, with systems for effluent and wastewater treatment, solar water heating, solar energy, and recycling—all protocols designed to minimize the impact of its operations. By limiting the number of guests per guide on every tour, Cristalino ensures a low-impact experience.

Visitors to both lodges embark on guided treks and excursions, experiencing the astonishing complexity of the Amazon’s ecosystems.

Uakari Lodge serves as a sanctuary for unique species like the white-faced uakari, while Cristalino Lodge supports research that has documented over 1,356 different plant species, including six previously unknown to science.

By promoting low-impact tourism, both Uakari and Cristalino contribute to the preservation of the forest while providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Economic and Global Impact of Sustainable Tourism in the Amazon

The economic comparison between sustainable tourism and private exploitation in the Amazon highlights the importance of eco-friendly travel. According to the World Bank, sustainable tourism in the Amazon is valued at approximately US$2.3 billion annually.

Although this represents only around 5% of the US$45 billion generated by private exploitation of the forest through agriculture, timber harvesting, and mining, ecoutourism provides an essential ally in conservation efforts.

Beyond its financial value, sustainable tourism raises awareness of the Amazon’s deforestation crisis and its impact on the global climate. Tourists who witness the destruction firsthand are often inspired to support conservation projects in their home countries.

Ecotourism also contributes to environmental education, which helps fostering a deeper understanding of the need for sustainable practices worldwide.

With eco-friendly tours increasingly contributing to nature protection and restoration, ecotourism is able to shape global views on deforestation. Travelers support these efforts, creating a win-win situation where tourism funds the preservation of natural resources in the Amazon.

A Call To Action

As deforestation continues to threaten one of the world’s most important ecosystems, sustainable tourism offers a way forward. By shifting economic incentives and raising global awareness, it is possible to reduce the pressure on the Amazon and protect its biodiversity for future generations.

At PlanetaEXO, we believe that every traveler has the power to make a difference. Our eco-tours offer authentic, responsible tourism experiences that benefit both the environment and the communities that rely on the forest. By choosing sustainable tourism, we can all be part of the solution.

Read more:

• • How to visit the Amazon Rainforest- Travel Guide
  • What to do in the Amazon Rainforest?
  • How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?
  • Best Amazon Jungle Lodges in Brazil
  • When is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest?
  • How to plan your Amazon trip from the USA?