South America River Cruises
The Amazon, the Pantanal and the Magdalena — choose the river that fits you.
Get Free South America River Cruise QuotesMore Than One Great River
Say “South America river cruises” and most people picture the Amazon — and rightly so, because no river on earth carries more water. But the continent offers more than one way to travel by river: the wide Brazilian Amazon around Manaus, the narrower upper Amazon in Peru, the jaguar country of the Pantanal, and Colombia’s Magdalena, which has gained its first international river cruise ship. South America River Cruises lays them side by side so you can choose the trip that fits you.
We keep to facts we can check. Ships, routes and seasons change, so we name the lines and itineraries that have been announced, explain how each trip works, and leave fares to a real quote from our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise.
Four ways to cruise South America’s rivers
- Brazilian Amazon from Manaus — the Rio Negro, Anavilhanas islands and the Meeting of the Waters. More
- Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos — small expedition ships in the Pacaya-Samiria reserve, covered by our sister site Amazon River Cruising.
- The Pantanal — boat-based wildlife trips in the world’s largest tropical wetland. More
- Colombia’s Magdalena — a week between Barranquilla and Cartagena via colonial Mompox. More
Plan Your Trip
Amazon River Cruise Brazil
Manaus, the Rio Negro, Jau National Park and the Anavilhanas archipelago — and who sails there.
Amazon River Cruises 2027
A new river ship based in Manaus from February 2027, plus the other options for next year.
Pantanal River Cruise
Jaguars, caimans and giant storks: boat trips from Porto Jofre and multi-night trips on the Paraguay River.
Ocean Ships to Manaus
Big-ship voyages that cross the Amazon bar and sail about a thousand miles inland.
Best South America River Cruises
Our side-by-side comparison of every river trip on the continent, by traveler type.
High and Low Water
Why the Amazon rises and falls by many feet a year, and what each season means on board.
What a Day on a South American River Looks Like
River days in South America are built around the wildlife timetable, not the clock. Expect an early skiff outing at first light, when birds and monkeys are most active; a mid-morning walk in the forest or a visit to a riverside community; a long, hot middle of the day spent on board; and another skiff trip in the late afternoon, sometimes staying out after dark to look for caimans by flashlight. Naturalist guides lead every outing, and groups are small. In the Pantanal the rhythm is similar, but the focus narrows to jaguars along the riverbanks.
| Brazilian Amazon | Peruvian Amazon | Pantanal | Magdalena | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway | Manaus | Iquitos (via Lima) | Cuiaba or Corumba | Barranquilla / Cartagena |
| Vessels | Small river ships and regional boats | Small expedition ships | Small boats and boat hotels | One 60-guest river ship |
| Main draw | Scale, black-water rivers, islands | Wildlife, reserve access | Jaguars and wetland birds | Colonial towns, music, culture |
| Typical length | About 3–10 nights | About 3–7 nights | Day trips to about a week | 7 nights |
How This Site Fits Our Network
Our sister site Amazon River Cruising is the place for the Peruvian Amazon and the expedition ships that sail from Iquitos. If you prefer an ocean ship — Cape Horn, Patagonia, Buenos Aires or Rio — see Cruising South America and the port-by-port tours on South America Shore Excursions. For the islands off Ecuador, visit Galapagos Adventure Cruises. And River Cruise Expeditions compares South America with expedition rivers in Asia and Africa. The Official River Cruise Directory lists every river site we run.
Who Is Behind This Site
South America River Cruises is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
South American river trips involve long flights, regional connections and remote lodges. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise build the whole journey and stay with you until you are home. Meet Mister Cruise →
South America River Cruise Questions
What are the main South America river cruises?
The Amazon, sailed from Iquitos in Peru or from Manaus in Brazil; the Pantanal wetlands of western Brazil, explored by small boats; and Colombia’s Magdalena River between Barranquilla and Cartagena. Some ocean cruise ships also sail far up the Amazon to Manaus.
Is the Amazon in Peru or Brazil better for a cruise?
They are different trips. The upper Amazon in Peru is narrower, with small expedition ships based at Iquitos and the Pacaya-Samiria reserve. The Brazilian Amazon around Manaus is vast, with the Rio Negro, the Meeting of the Waters and the Anavilhanas islands. Our sister site Amazon River Cruising covers the Peru side in depth.
Do I need vaccinations for an Amazon river cruise?
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many Amazon areas, and malaria precautions may apply depending on the route. Check the CDC Travelers’ Health page for each country and see a travel clinic well before departure.
Are South America river cruises good for first-timers?
Yes, if you like nature and do not mind heat and humidity. Ships are small, guides lead every outing, and days are built around skiff trips, forest walks and village visits rather than city sightseeing.
Plan Your South America River Cruise
Amazon, Pantanal or Magdalena — tell us what you want to see. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will line up the ships and departure dates for your river and send free quotes.
Get Free River Cruise QuotesMore From Our Cruise Network
For first word on new South America departures, join the Mister Cruise cruise-offers newsletter; for the year’s big promotions, watch Wave Season. Want to sell trips like these? Visit Be a Travel Agent. More travel ideas: Official Travel Directory and Best of the USA.