| Hear the word cruise and frequent travelers | | | | environs, consider taking a luxury class riverboat |
| automatically picture an ocean-going vessel ready to | | | | cruise where the Amazon is the only destination. |
| carry thousands of passengers along the most scenic | | | | Adventurous travelers can spend nearly two weeks |
| waters of the world. But those accustomed to luxury | | | | aboard a luxury craft exploring the remote reaches |
| travel are well aware that some of the best cruises | | | | of the exotic Amazon River amongst some 600 |
| in the world are taken on mighty rivers like the Nile, | | | | species of native birds plus all kinds of other wildlife. |
| the Danube, the Mississippi and, of course, the | | | | For those seeking eco-travel, these cruises offer |
| Amazon. The Amazon is the second longest river in | | | | unparalleled opportunities to visit the Patanal |
| the world and empties into the Atlantic Ocean along | | | | wetlands, the largest wetland in the world and home |
| the coast of Brazil. While other rivers feature cruises | | | | to the Caiman Ecological Refuge. |
| on smaller vessels, the Amazon is massive enough in | | | | For the most remote Amazon adventure, consider a |
| width and depth to support some of today's luxury | | | | luxury riverboat cruise that originates in Peru and sails |
| cruise ships. A number of cruise lines with five-star | | | | the upper Amazon. Visualize a small ship that |
| reputations, like Crystal, Holland America, and | | | | pampers just 12 passengers with a crew of 14 to |
| Silversea to name a few, provide regular itineraries | | | | see to their every need. This cruise includes the |
| that include the Amazon River. | | | | services of naturalists who are available to locate and |
| For travelers who are looking for eco-friendly ways | | | | interpret the unique ecosystem of the upper |
| to visit remote areas of the planet, what better way | | | | Amazon. Naturalists guide travelers on personal tours |
| to leave a negligible footprint than to visit pristine | | | | in small boats into the remote Amazon estuaries and |
| rainforest areas by ship? Cruise passengers | | | | the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, a protected rainforest |
| experience the jungle environment with minimal | | | | area established by the Peruvian government in 1982 |
| disruption to native habitat, while they enjoy all the | | | | with over 5 million acres. |
| first-class accommodations and amenities that the | | | | It is important to remember that cruising on the |
| best cruise ships have to offer. | | | | Amazon River takes travelers to a remote and |
| The major cruise lines that sail the Amazon River | | | | undeveloped area of the world. What are considered |
| provide unique shore activities at several local stops. | | | | luxury standards on the Amazon do not necessarily |
| Travelers can enjoy a wide variety of jungle and | | | | compare to luxury standards of major cruise lines or |
| wildlife tours either on foot or via motorized vehicles. | | | | five-star resorts. It's important to use the services of |
| These stops occur at remote native villages where | | | | a qualified and experienced travel consultant to insure |
| the ambience of the spot is truly authentic, not just | | | | that you do business with a reputable travel |
| an artificial place recreated for tourist entertainment. | | | | company in the area. Five-star luxury travel is readily |
| The Amazon rainforest is one of the few remaining | | | | available in Brazil for those who know where to find |
| places in the world to experience nature in its original | | | | it. Of course, Rio de Janeiro, the departure point for |
| form. Add this destination to your travel itinerary if | | | | some river cruises, is one of the top luxury travel |
| you wish to experience unspoiled rainforest before | | | | destinations in the world, renowned for first-class |
| civilization creeps in. | | | | shopping, dining, accommodations, culture and nightlife. |
| For an even closer view of the Amazon River and its | | | | |