Know Before You Go: Amazon Tours

Riverboats

On Nat Hab’s Amazon adventures, you'll stay aboard a luxury riverboat, blending comfort and mobility in one of the world’s wildest places. These sustainably built vessels are designed for remote wildlife viewing, with air-conditioned suites, gourmet cuisine and panoramic river views. 

“A narrow vessel with reclaimed-wood facings, Natural Habitat Adventures’ Delfin II looked like it belonged in Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile. During our round-trip-from-Lima, eight-night cruise through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve aboard the 30-passenger ship, my fellow river cruisers and I witnessed the wildlife of Peru’s second-largest natural protected area, home to more than 1,000 animal species and nearly as many wild plant varieties. Against this backdrop, Nat Hab’s tour is purposeful, intimate and modern: a carbon-neutral journey created in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund to protect the places it visits.” —Virtuoso  

Why Should I Stay on a Riverboat with Nat Hab?  

Traveling by riverboat with Nat Hab offers an immersive, comfortable way to explore the Amazon—accessing remote tributaries by skiff and kayak, staying in air-conditioned cabins and traveling in small groups aboard sustainable ships that support conservation and local communities.  

What Amenities Are Included Onboard Nat Hab’s Riverboats? 

You may be deep in the rainforest, but life aboard a Nat Hab ship feels unexpectedly comfortable. Every vessel is designed for immersive exploration and relaxed luxury, with thoughtful amenities to enhance your Amazon experience: 

• Gourmet cuisine featuring fresh Amazonian ingredients and Peruvian dishes 

• Private en suite bathrooms with hot showers and eco-friendly toiletries 

• Air-conditioned guest cabins with large windows and premium bedding 

• Observation deck and top-deck bar for panoramic views and wildlife watching 

• Daily housekeeping and attentive onboard staff trained in hospitality and nature interpretation 

• Lounge and library areas for evening presentations, music and conversation 

Nat Hab’s hand-picked ships—including the Delfin II, Delfin III and Zafiro—combine sustainability, comfort and access to the wildest corners of the Amazon. 

Ecolodges

Land-based ecolodges in Peru offer travelers an immersive way to experience the country’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions without sacrificing comfort. In the Peruvian Amazon, these lodges are typically located within or near protected reserves such as Tambopata or Pacaya Samiria, surrounded by rainforest alive with birds, monkeys, and butterflies. They’re designed to minimize environmental impact—built from locally sourced materials, powered partly by solar energy, and often managed in collaboration with nearby communities. Guests can explore forest trails, visit canopy towers, and learn about local conservation projects before returning to thoughtfully designed accommodations with screened verandas, fresh regional cuisine, and quiet spaces to observe the sounds of the forest.

Does Nat Hab Stay in Amazon Rainforest Ecolodges?

No. Natural Habitat Adventures does not stay in land-based ecolodges within the Amazon rainforest. Instead, our Peru itineraries explore the region aboard a small, upscale riverboat that serves as a mobile base for daily excursions. This allows travelers to reach remote wildlife areas accessible only by water while maintaining a light environmental footprint. Guests enjoy comfortable cabins, excellent meals, and guided outings by skiff to see pink river dolphins, monkeys, and colorful birdlife.

Where Does Nat Hab Stay in Ecolodges in Peru?

In the Andes, Nat Hab travelers stay in sustainable ecolodges near Machu Picchu and throughout the Sacred Valley. These properties reflect local architecture and culture, using renewable materials and supporting community-based tourism. They provide easy access to mountain trails, Inca ruins, and traditional villages while ensuring comfort and responsible travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat comfortable in hot and humid weather? 

Yes. The riverboat used for Natural Habitat Adventures’ Amazon expeditions is fully air-conditioned, providing a cool and comfortable retreat from the tropical heat. All guest cabins and indoor lounge areas maintain a pleasant temperature, while ceiling fans and shaded decks offer breezy spots to relax between excursions. Travelers can enjoy the sounds of the rainforest without discomfort from humidity. 

Will I have Wi-Fi or phone service? 

No. Our Amazon river cruises travel deep into remote rainforest regions where Wi-Fi and phone signals are unavailable. This makes it a rare opportunity to disconnect completely and experience the jungle without digital distractions. Guests often describe it as a rejuvenating “digital detox.” The ship maintains emergency communication systems for safety, but otherwise you’ll be free to focus on nature and the moment. 

How do I get from Lima to the ship? 

Your journey begins with a 1.5-hour flight from Lima to the city of Iquitos, the main gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. From there, you’ll drive about two hours through the rainforest to the port town of Nauta, where you’ll board your riverboat. This combination of flight, road, and river travel marks your transition from Peru’s coast to its vast Amazon Basin. 

Can I visit Machu Picchu after my Amazon cruise? 

Yes! Many travelers combine an Amazon cruise with a visit to Machu Picchu on our Discover Amazon & Machu Picchu itinerary. After disembarking, you’ll return to Lima and fly to Cusco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley. From there, you can explore Inca heritage sites and the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, creating a seamless adventure that connects two of Peru’s most iconic landscapes..