Cruising the Mighty Amazon

Q: We will be visiting Lima in Peru later this year and would like to do a cruise on the Amazon River. Could you give us details of the companies operating cruises and prices? - Nigel Rennie

A: The starting point for most of the cruises along the mighty Amazon is Iquitos, the main port city of the river and the largest city in the Peruvian jungle. The easiest way to get there from Lima is by flying, which takes 90 minutes. One of the companies offering economical river cruises is Dawn on the Amazon. A four-day cruise would give you a good opportunity to experience river life, is listed at 756 US dollars per person. The cruise takes you deep into the forest and into nature reserves. There are also two-day cruises for as little as 169 US dollars per person. You will either sleep on board the boat on foam mattresses or hammocks, or stay in the company's Little Jungle Lodge. Check out the packages on www.dawnontheamazon.com. One of the most luxurious cruises on this stretch of the Amazon is on the Delfin Riverboat. It offers accommodation for only 14 people in comfortable cabins with private bathrooms. There is also an observation lounge, a library and an air conditioned dining room. Rates, which include meals and excursions, start from 3000 US dollars per person sharing for a three night cruise. For further information check out the www.delfinamazoncruise.com website. Another ship cruising the Amazon is the M/V Aqua, a custom-built craft which holds 24 passengers in luxurious suites with picture windows. A seven-night cruise takes in the Amazon and three powerful tributaries: the Marañón, the Ucayali, and the Puinahua. It also visits several hidden black water lakes. A seven-night cruise will cost around 5000 dollars per person, which includes all meals, beverages and excursions. For further information, visit the www.aquaexpeditions.com website. (29/1/12)