The Amazon is one of the few rivers in the world that still promises extraordinary discoveries and unexplored spots along a captivating expedition route. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the only operator to navigate the river from Belém upstream to the remote rainforest city of Iquitos, and back downstream again. The itineraries for the coming years have been published and rank among the most popular in Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition program.
For nearly 30 years, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been taking guests on this adventure of approximately 4,000 kilometers (2,385 mi.) through the heart of the Amazon – from Belém in the mouth delta upstream deep into the Peruvian rainforest and back. The cruise line is the only provider of expedition cruises to offer this passage annually, both upstream and downstream, along one of the most fascinating river routes in the world. For Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Amazon cruises have been an integral part of the expedition program for decades.
“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 this river intensively – with time and expertise, as well as a deep respect for the region and its inhabitants.”
Current Expedition on the Amazon
At this moment, HANSEATIC spirit is navigating this extraordinary and nautically demanding route. The expedition ship recently departed from Belém for an 18-day journey upstream, deep into the rainforest. This voyage marks the start of the current adventure along one of the most fascinating river routes in the world, where guests receive the unique opportunity to experience the Amazon in its purest form.
Expertise and Local Experts
The small, agile expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are purpose-built for challenging routes. With their shallow draft, they can reach parts of the river that remain inaccessible to larger ships. At the same time, with space for a maximum of 230 guests and spacious open decks, they offer ideal conditions for impressive observations of nature and wildlife. Up to 17 Zodiacs on board enable excursions and landings in remote side arms of the river – independent of ports and piers. This allows guests to reach places where the rainforest extends to the water’s edge and wildlife is particularly active.
The expeditions are accompanied by an experienced team of onboard experts and local spotters. They have known the Amazon for years, spotting animals in the dense greenery and sharing their knowledge about nature and life along the river. The expedition experience is complemented by lectures and background information in the HanseAtrium and a wealth of knowledge in the Ocean Academy on board, where guests can deepen their impressions.
Encounters Along the River
Many places along the Amazon are only accessible by water. When one of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition ships docks there, encounters arise with people whose daily lives are closely connected to the river. Over the years, a bond of trust has grown; the ship, the crew, and even the guests often bring items that are difficult to obtain in remote regions, such as school supplies or hygiene products.
The Amazon expeditions are among the most tradition-steeped cruises in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises program and are usually fully booked far in advance. HANSEATIC inspiration will sail the legendary route in 2027 and 2028.
Sample Cruises for 2027
– Expedition Amazon (Upstream) – A Special Legendary Route
On board HANSEATIC inspiration and the Zodiacs, it becomes clear why the Amazon is a jewel of nature worth protecting. From the river delta in Belém (Brazil), the route goes upstream – with numerous expedition activities, Zodiac landings, and stops on the Rio Negro and in Manaus (Brazil) to Iquitos (Peru), from April 9 to May 1, 2027 (21 days). This journey is bookable at the PLATINUM rate from €22,670 per person (based on double occupancy), including charter flight and travel package to and from the departure and arrival points.
– Expedition Amazon (Downstream) – The Archetypal River Adventure
HANSEATIC inspiration sails this intensive expedition route from the remote upper reaches far beyond Manaus to the delta. Guests unravel the secrets of an almost untouched world together with the experts on board. From Iquitos (Peru), downstream via the Rio Negro and Manaus to Belém (Brazilië), from April 28 to May 19, 2027 (21 days). This route is bookable at the PLATINUM rate from €25,540 per person (based on double occupancy), including charter flight and travel package to and from the departure and arrival points.
Already Bookable for 2028
The two Amazon expeditions are also back on the program for HANSEATIC inspiration in 2028:
- Expedition Amazon (Upstream) – From Belém (Brazil) to Iquitos (Peru), from March 31 to April 22, 2028 (22 days), from €21,410 per person.
- Expedition Amazon (Downstream) – From Iquitos (Peru) to Belém (Brazil), from April 19 to May 10, 2028 (21 days), from €21,190 per person.
The prices for these routes include charter flight, travel package to and from the departure and arrival points, and an early booking discount until May 31, 2027.
Photo credit: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
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