Amazon River Cruises - Avalon Waterways

Embark on a journey to one of the world's vastly unexplored regions, the mighty Amazon. Experience the Amazon wilderness where it originates in Peru. The Amazon Basin covers an area larger than Western Europe, but it's in Peru's Amazon where biodiversity is at its greatest and the rainforest is untamed. Avalon Waterways' Amazon River itineraries typically provide guests with more time aboard their ship, as the focus is often on the river itself, but shore-side trips are immensely rewarding. For example, Amazon tours might include bird-watching expeditions, rainforest hikes and guided tours of jungle villages.

Imagine venturing deep into the Amazon jungle in search of unique wildlife, taking a swim with pink dolphins and visiting native communities, all while returning to an air-conditioned suite, hot shower and an over-sized plush bed every evening. Now you can on one of the world's most luxurious small ships from Avalon Waterways. Each of the lucky guests aboard Avalon Waterways' river ships enjoys fine wines and tasty cuisine while surrounded by comforts equivalent to a five-star hotel.

When you aren't sailing along the Amazon, you could be exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu or hiking the Sacred Valley near Cusco. Or take some time to get acquainted with the locals in Lima, Peru, the typical start and end point for Avalon Waterways' Amazonian adventures. Continue below for a few highlights of the experiences available on an Amazon River cruise with Avalon Waterways:

• Attend a Peruvian Paso Horse Show for an up-close-and-personal lesson on the rich history of horse breeding in South America. You'll have an opportunity to ride a horse before settling down with a glass of local wine.
   
• Thank goodness that the "Lost City of the Incas" is no longer lost, because Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive sites in the world. Overnight nearby and catch a sunrise from the ruins.
   

• Float down the Amazon River while guides point out sloths, howler monkeys, iguanas and an enormous variety of birds. Take time to admire the vegetation, which is just as beautiful in its own right.
   
• Head ashore to a local village to meet the natives and learn firsthand what life is like along the Amazon. You'll learn about the different roles villagers play within the community before heading to a shaman's healing center.
   

• Before you enter the jungle or Sacred Valley of Peru, explore Lima's top attractions, including the San Francisco Monastery, Larco Herrera Museum, Government Palace and more.
   
• After a flight to Cusco, travel into the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a trip to the Temple of Sacsayhuaman to admire the ancient stonework of the Incas.
   

Take an Avalon Waterways river cruise in Peru and enter into the ecosystem and culture surrounding the Amazon River, lifeline for thousands of species in South America. Only a river cruise lets you tour the shallower, less-traversed regions of the river, and only Avalon Waterways packages such a great experience with in-depth land touring, including a trip to Machu Picchu. Call a Cruise Web consultant today at 1-800-377-9383 to book this amazing Avalon Waterways river journey / land tour into the heart of the Amazon.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Amazon River cruises from Avalon Waterways.