One cruise, two options in 2025: upstream (NAT2506) and downstream (NAT2507) with the upper reaches of the Amazon
Expedition in the purest sense: numerous Zodiac rides take you deep into the labyrinth of spellbinding tributaries
Beauty that demands protection: see the exotic flora and fauna by day and by night
People on the river: small settlements provide insights into life against the green backdrop of the jungle
Form your own impressions of the sensitive biotope as you reflect on the economic interests, conservation and politics
At anchor
Further informations
The Amazon, or “Rio Mar” (sea river) as it’s known by the locals, is both a global symbol of the need to protect our nature and a wondrous, record-holding waterway. It is the setting for thrilling natural spectacles that you will experience respectfully and in the company of experts on the small, manoeuvrable HANSEATIC nature and its Zodiacs, weather and currents permitting. Your first destination is Pevas, one of the oldest Peruvian settlements on the Amazon, which still features traditional stilt buildings. The markets of Leticia are a vibrant example of a culture that lives in harmony with nature. Tropical fruits and fresh spices will enrapture your senses, while the hoots and calls of the parrots provide the soundtrack. Keep watch for exotic species on the Rio Jutai. When the Zodiacs sail through the night-time jungle of Cuxiu Muni, look out for the eyes of caimans shining through the darkness. Since 2001 alone, more than 1,200 previously unrecorded animal and plant species have been discovered in the Amazon region – another sign of how unique and precious this ecosystem. A Zodiac ride off Badajos will raise your awareness of how special this place is. Huge water lilies – the Victoria amazonica – adorn the water surface. Discover giant Brazil nut trees and the red flowers of bromeliads and passion flowers while the experts enhance your perspective on the fascinating undergrowth – for example, to help you marvel at the sloths or the capuchin monkeys doing gymnastics in the trees.
See the legendary “Meeting of Waters” on the Rio Negro, where its black waters converge with the light-brown Rio Solimoes. Its shores will lead you to the “Paris of the Tropics”.
Find out how the Brazilian metropolis of Manaus (Amazon) earned this nickname on a tour of the city’s history and opera house1. Its vibrant mosaic of culture and wilderness stretches out beneath you on a scenic flight above Manaus (Amazon)1.
In Canacari, your focus will be on searching for the world’s largest water lilies and other exotic species. By contrast, flourishing city life is waiting to be discovered in Parintins on the middle course of the Amazon. On Alter do Chao beach, the waves exude an almost Caribbean flair. Find a kindred spirit in the sloth, and enjoy simply doing nothing. The indigenous hoatzin also likes to take things easy and prefers sitting in the trees to flying. With a little luck, you will be able to see this bird around the small riverside settlement of Virassaia. Over 1,000 species of bird live in the Amazon region. You might even spot herons and cormorants as you enjoy Zodiac rides through the floodplain areas. If you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to the sight of pink river dolphins surfacing nearby in Guajara. The young are grey at first and only take on the unusual colouring from the age of two.
The daytime passage through the Breves Channels once again demonstrates the advantages of the small HANSEATIC nature. The lush vegetation on the shore comes closer and closer to the ship as it confidently negotiates the challenging changes in direction – to the great delight of the locals, the caboclos, who can be seen along your route in boats large and small. Enjoy the legend of the Amazon with all your senses. As your expedition slowly draws to a close, the experts on board will once again quench your thirst for knowledge and shed light on the tensions between the region’s unspoilt nature and global economic interests.
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
The itinerary depends on official approval and the weather conditions. The natural experiences and wildlife sightings described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.
At anchor
When the ship is anchored, there is no pier and the ship anchors in open water. The transfer to land is carried out using tender boats or zodiacs.
Golf
You head for the best and most beautiful greens in the world and are looked after by a PGA golf professional
Zodiac
Where even our small and few ships can't get any further, you can continue your adventures safely in robust inflatable boats (weather permitting).
Music
In an almost private atmosphere you can experience artists up close on the high seas or in front of the most beautiful places in the world.
Arrival and departure options
Thu, 24.04.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Lima Overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Fri, 25.04.2025
Charter flight to Iquitos
Optionally bookable
Tue, 13.05.2025
Flight to Sao Paulo Overnight stay with breakfast
Optionally bookable
Wed, 14.05.2025
City tour Scheduled flight from Sao Paulo to Germany
Optionally bookable
Thu, 15.05.2025
Arrival in Germany
Optionally bookable
Extend your trip
Our popular before and after programs include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
Here you will find a video from YouTube that complements the article. You can view it with one click. I agree that external content is displayed to me. This means that personal data can be transmitted to third-party platforms. You can find out more about this in our privacy policy.
Pure expedition adventure – along thousands of kilometres
amazonas
Seemingly endless, the lush green of the tropical rainforest lines the Amazon, the world’s second-longest river and its richest water source. Large sections of its drainage basin remain unexplored – the last blank spots on our all-too-familiar map. Come on board our expedition ships and unravel the secrets of an almost untouched world together with our team of experts. And, who knows, maybe you might actually set foot on unexplored terrain.
Price special
Extend & Save
After your expedition to the Amazon, treat yourself to another eleven days of fascinating ocean moments: cross the Atlantic on board the HANSEATIC nature at an attractive rate in the cabin you booked.
Experience the adventure of crossing the Atlantic with all the comfort and conveniences of the HANSEATIC nature. (Travel package from cruise arrival point bookable separately)Stay in the same cabin you booked and benefit from the exclusive savings for combination travellers. (Valid for double and single occupancy)Only € 1,390 (extension price for NAT2508, cruise only, applies to GOLD fare, categories 1-8)
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
All around carefree
German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
Harbour and airport fees
Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the fares PLATINUM and GOLD
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
