The Amazon is the greatest rainforest on the planet. Covering vast swathes of South America, it is the guardian of so much of importance to our world. It is also a bucket list destination! Spend a few days immersed in the beauty of the magnificent rainforest, soaking up the spirit of the jungle and the river.
For wildlife, the jungle hides many treasures. The animals are not always easy to spot but the rewards are well worth it for the sights you see from birds and monkeys to sloths, reptiles and the famous pink river dolphins.
The wonder starts on the journey into the Amazon as many lodges takes guests over the spectacular Meeting of the Waters near Manaus. Here, the waters of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes run alongside, the two different colours not mixing for several miles.
Humboldt Travel offers stays in the Amazon as part of tailor-made trips in South America. Read on for our favourite luxury stays in the Amazon.
Cristalino Jungle Lodge
Cristalino Lodge, a family-owned and operated retreat, offers an exceptional experience for nature enthusiasts. Nestled sustainably within a private reserve and bordering the expansive Cristalino State Park, a crucial conservation area in the southern Amazon, the lodge is an ideal destination. Spanning 11,399 hectares, this biodiversity hotspot is classified as an ecotone, meaning it hosts an extraordinary variety of wildlife. With over 600 bird species, including the harpy eagle and black-girdled barbet, 2,000 butterfly species, and more than 40 mammal species like tapirs, monkeys, and a resident family of giant river otters (featured in the BBC documentary Earth’s Great Rivers: The Amazon), Cristalino is a birding haven in the Brazilian Amazon. The area’s rich biodiversity is also influenced by variations in altitude, ranging up to 450 meters above sea level, and its six distinct rainforest types: evergreen, deciduous, semi-deciduous, riparian, campinarana, and floodplain.
As one of Brazil’s pioneering eco-lodges, Cristalino remains one of the top lodges in Latin America, with architecture that blends seamlessly into the surrounding primary rainforest. The stylish and luxurious rooms and bungalows are equipped with solar energy, photovoltaic panels, and smart design to keep the rooms cool and water warm. Guests can enjoy candlelit Brazilian cuisine, inspired by regional recipes and seasonal organic ingredients. The floating bar-deck, situated beside the pristine River Cristalino, is the perfect spot to relax during the day while listening to the sounds of birdsong, and to gather around the firepit in the evening as the rainforest comes alive under the starry sky.
Guests can immerse themselves in a variety of adventures, including rainforest hikes with passionate nature guides and botanists, who expertly highlight the well-camouflaged wildlife and diverse vegetation, including numerous tree species and wild orchids. Observation towers provide sweeping views of the lush canopy, offering prime opportunities to spot macaws, parrots, tanagers, cotingas, the white-nosed saki, and the endemic white-whiskered spider monkey. Additional activities include year-round access to an extensive network of trails and excursions by kayak and boat, such as the spectacular Sunset Tour.
The founders of Cristalino Lodge are deeply committed to preserving this fragile ecosystem. Through the Cristalino Foundation, they promote the protection of the region’s natural resources and support a variety of important research projects and educational programs. A portion of the lodge’s rates goes towards funding the foundation’s efforts.
Anavilhanas Lodge
Anavilhanas is a stunning lodge on the Anavilhanas archipelago, around three hours upriver from Manaus in the Brazilian Amazon. This is one of the first luxury eco lodges in the Brazilian Amazon and it offers a wonderful experience for guests wanting to experience all that the jungle and the river have to offer.
The accommodation here is certainly luxurious. The lodge’s design is based on the local traditional caboclo architecture to ensure that it blends harmoniously in with its surroundings. Rooms are spread amongst the greenery and guests can choose from cottages, bungalows or panoramic rooms and even a complete luxury villa for larger groups. The main lodge welcomes guests into an open-air lounge with a thatched roof with rattan shades and polished, local wood.
As a jungle hotel, immersed in the forest, sustainability is at the heart of everything at Anavilhanas. This embraces more tangible initiatives, such as the efficient use of energy, and goes further to put the local community at the forefront. They are certified B Corp and work hard to maintain this status, investing in forest preservation, scientific research, work with the local community, farm to table food, renewable energy, and much more.
Guests at Anavilhanas can embrace the sense of adventure, enjoying the best of the jungle and the river and life in the Amazon in comfort and safety. Head out at sunrise to enjoy the forest waking up and then again after dark to experience it at the opposite end of the day. Guides accompany you on a walk through the forest, encountering the plants and insects that inhabit the Amazon and giving you an insight into the inner workings of the forest. Visit a local community and experience a little of daily life in the Amazon. Travel by canoe as you explore the forest from the river or go in search of pink river dolphins in the lodge’s own boat. You even have the chance to get in the water and encourage these curious creatures to come a little closer.
Returning to the lodge after each excursion, guests are greeted with fresh drinks and snacks at the waterside bar. There is plenty of relaxation time each day whether it be taking a dip in the pool, heading out on a kayak or paddleboard across the river or simply swaying in your hammock listening to the sounds of the jungle.
The food at Anavilhanas is excellent. Each meal is served a la carte and prepared using the freshest local ingredients. Fish caught in the river, fresh vegetables and delicious tropical fruits. Soon, the lodge will have completed their organic farm, continuing to promote organic and regenerative agriculture.
Anavilhanas is a slice of jungle paradise in a unique and beautiful location.
Anakonda Cruises
Ecuador, though small in size, holds 2% of the entire Amazon and is home to some of the world’s most diverse and untouched ecosystems, including Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Yasuní alone is a treasure trove of biodiversity, with over 200 species of butterflies, 596 bird species, 150 amphibians, 121 reptiles, and 200 mammals, alongside indigenous ethnic groups like the Secoya and Cofan, who maintain unique ways of life.
The Anakonda and Manatee, sister boats designed with a draft of just one meter, navigate through these remote areas, taking guests to places few others can reach. On an 8-day journey, visitors can explore four protected areas—Yasuní, Cuyabeno Reserve, Limoncocha, and the Pañacocha Biological Corridor. The trip also connects guests with the local communities of the Napo region, allowing them to engage with the Kichwa, Secoya, and Cofan cultures while exploring both wildlife and human habitats.
Throughout the adventure, guests enjoy exceptional comfort and style, with small groups, expert naturalist guides, and gourmet meals ensuring a memorable experience.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2024
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Delfin Cruises
The first cruise company to become part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group, Delfin cruises operates luxury cruises in the Peruvian Amazon. Starting from Iquitos, they sail along the river, giving guests a full immersion into river life.
There are three vessels in the Delfin fleet accommodating from 8 to 44 guests, depending on the boat. Their smallest, the Delfin I is the most exclusive luxury river boat in the Peruvian Amazon. Suites feature private panoramic terraces, perfect for those seeking privacy and luxury. Some suites also feature private jacuzzis. Floor to ceiling windows in each suite provide an up-close view of the surrounding nature.
An observation deck, lounge, bar, and lecture room, all create the perfect balance of comfort, casual elegance, and world-class amenities. These are the ideal spaces to unwind and reflect after a day of jungle exploration.
Days aboard the Delfin boats are spent exploring the Amazon in skiffs, travelling through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve (the size of New Jersey) enjoying a range of activities from bird-watching to piranha fishing, jungle walks, visiting local communities, and searching for the the iconic Amazonian pink dolphins.
Delfin Cruises offer a truly luxurious yet authentic way to explore the Peruvian Amazon.
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Once selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world’s 25 best eco-lodges, Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica remains one of Peru’s best luxury jungle lodges. Part of the renowned Inkaterra group, it brings its signature style and service to the banks of the Madre de Dios river. The lodge sits adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve at the heart of a 17,000 hectare (42,008-acre) private ecological reserve.
The accommodation comprises high thatched roof wooden cabañas in the style of the local Ese’Eja community. The décor echoes the simple style of Amazonian houses but with luxurious touches such as 100% cotton sheets and Amazon rubber slippers. Each room has a screened siesta area complete with hammock for full jungle relaxation.
The lodges offers a full menu of excursions designed to showcase the best the Amazon has to offer. From exploring the lodge’s rainforest garden to venturing on treks and exploring by boat and canoe, there is so much to choose from. See the transition of the forest ecosystem from dry to marshlands, and observe the various species of amphibians, reptiles, snakes, birds and mammals that inhabit them. Get to know the lush flora and trees, how they adapt to the wetland ecosystem, their benefits and uses.
Guests can make use of the ENA Spa is located on the banks of the Madre de Dios River, facing Rolin Island, providing a great spot for watching Amazonian sunsets, adding to the relaxation of your experience. Bask in the spa’s signature fragrance of Amazonia which represents the wellbeing of the untouched rainforest. Prepared by the combination of local essences, that represent the rainforest: Sangapia, palm trees, ferns and ficus.
Reserva Amazonica is an authentic and comfortable lodge from which to experience the Peruvian Amazon.
Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions is known for its luxury cruises in several destinations including the Mekong River and the Galapagos Islands. They also operate two vessels in the Peruvian Amazon: the 20-suite Aqua Nera, a state-of-the-art river ship which draws inspiration from the region’s black water lagoons, and the 16-suite Aria Amazon, a classic explorer custom-built for comfort and luxury.
Guests will enjoy twice-daily excursions led by expert guides to spot rare and endemic wildlife including pink dolphins, spider monkeys, caiman, sloths, and anacondas. Hop ashore for guided walks through the forest, go biking through charming riverside communities, skiff rides along the river or canoeing and kayaking for the more adventurous.
While on board, relax in a luxurious suite or enjoy social spaces such as the spa, plunge pool, jacuzzi, gym, or movie room. The vessels take guests up the river accompanied by the culinary genius of celebrated chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. The suites feature premium fittings and bedding, as well as central air-conditioning and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows to admire the endless beauty of the Amazon river and rainforest.
For a luxurious journey into the depths of the Peruvian Amazon, Aqua Expeditions is a fine choice.
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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