Expeditions Deep into the Rainforest to Iquitos
The Amazon remains one of the world’s most extraordinary expedition routes, offering access to remote regions and remarkable biodiversity. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is among the few operators navigating the river with small expedition ships and the only cruise line sailing the full route from Belém, Brazil, upstream to the remote rainforest city of Iquitos, Peru, and back.
This week, the HANSEATIC spirit departed Belém on an 18-day upstream expedition along the legendary river route. For nearly 30 years, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has taken guests on this approximately 4,000 km (2,385 mi.) journey deep into the heart of the Amazon. Each year, just two voyages, one upstream and one downstream are offered, making them among the most sought-after expeditions in the company’s program.
“The Amazon is one of the most captivating natural and cultural regions on earth,” says Isolde Susset, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Our expeditions allow guests to experience the river intensively while respecting the region’s ecosystems and communities.”
The line’s small expedition ships, designed for challenging routes, feature shallow drafts that allow them to reach remote tributaries inaccessible to larger vessels. With fewer than 230 guests, spacious observation decks, Zodiac excursions, and a team of experts and local wildlife spotters, travelers can explore the rainforest up close and gain deeper insight through onboard lectures and the Ocean Academy. Encounters with riverside communities are also part of the journey, as many villages along the Amazon are accessible only by water.
Amazon expeditions have long been among the most popular voyages in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises program. The HANSEATIC inspiration will sail the iconic route again in 2027 and 2028, with limited availability already remaining.
2027 – Amazon Cruises
Expedition Amazon (upstream)
From Belém, Brazil to Iquitos, Peru aboard HANSEATIC inspiration, April 11 –29, 2027 (18 days).
PLATINUM fare from €19,190 per person (double occupancy), including charter flight
More information: www.hl-cruises.com/ins2706
Expedition Amazon (downstream)
From Iquitos, Peru to Belém, Brazil aboard HANSEATIC inspiration, April 29 – May 17, 2027 (18 days).
PLATINUM fare from €22,370 per person (double occupancy), including charter flight More information: www.hl-cruises.com/ins2707
Also available for 2028
Expedition Amazon (upstream)
Belém to Iquitos, April 2 – April 20, 2028 (18 days).
From €17,840 per person with early booking discount available until May 31, 2027
More information: www.hl-cruises.com/ins2806
Expedition Amazon (downstream)
Iquitos to Belém, April 29 – May 17, 2028 (18 days).
From €22,370 per person with early booking discount available until May 31, 2027.
More information: www.hl-cruises.com/ins2707
About Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the leading luxury and expedition cruise brand in German-speaking markets. Its five small ships are the only fleet worldwide awarded the highest five-star rating by Insight Guides 2025. Since 2020, the brand has been part of TUI Cruises GmbH, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The entire fleet is now bilingual, offering all sailings, on all ships, in both English and German.
More information: www.hl-cruises.com
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