Award-winning and unrivalled, this route is a pure expedition far into the upper reaches of the Amazon
One cruise, two options: upstream (SPI2604) and downstream (SPI2605)
Expedition destinations where only a small ship can go
Zodiac rides on small tributaries deep into nature
Exotic flora and fauna by day and by night
Insights into life against the green backdrop of the jungle
At anchor
Further information
If nature's orchestra has created a masterpiece, it is undoubtedly the Amazon. The very name evokes temptation, daring, and the longing for adventure, while also highlighting the need to protect its unique ecosystems. How does it feel when you actually hear, see, and sense the Amazon? Discover this onboard the intimate HANSEATIC spirit. Over approximately 4,000 km, you'll experience exotic animals, traditional habitats, and tropical plants from both the deck and Zodiac, depending on the weather and currents. Even during a daytime journey through the Breves Channels, the fantastic creations of nature start to reveal themselves. Accompanied by the calls of toucans, yellow-headed caracaras, and saffron finches, you venture all the way to the Peruvian town of Iquitos.
Your onboard experts continually sharpen your perception and awareness of this delicate biotope. They provide insightful commentary on observations and deepen your knowledge through engaging lectures.
To date, approximately 40,000 plant species, around 1,300 birds, and more than 400 mammals have been documented in the Amazon region. Which species will you discover? With luck, you might spot pink river dolphins from the Zodiac near Guajara. These juvenile dolphins start off grey and turn pink only after about two years. In the small riverside settlement of Virassaia, keep an eye out for a truly unique bird: the ancient-looking Hoatzin. On Zodiac excursions through biodiverse floodplains, you may also observe herons and cormorants. Every turn of the river brings new surprises.
In Alter do Chao, along the emerald Rio Tapajós, you will come across a beach reminiscent of the Caribbean, inviting you to relax and take a refreshing dip. This is a perfect introduction to the Brazilian lifestyle, which you'll experience even more vividly in Parintins. In addition to the impressive cathedral, the local delicacies will delight your senses.
In Canacari, you’ll explore a different kind of natural treasure. As you navigate through grassy wetlands by Zodiac, you'll search for the world’s largest water lilies, which have a jaw-dropping leaf diameter of nearly 3 meters. Your journey will continually lead you to hidden paradises, where you will marvel at exotic plants and animals. These experiences are enriched by the expertise of the onboard specialists, who will delve into how economic interests threaten this natural treasure trove, but also highlight global initiatives dedicated to its conservation and reforestation.
On the Rio Negro, you will witness the legendary "Encontro das Águas." This is the spectacular confluence of the dark Rio Negro with the light, muddy-brown Rio Solimões, as the Amazon River is known at this point.
In Manaus, the intricate intertwining of nature and culture along the Amazon's banks becomes distinctly evident. This jungle metropolis is a place where colonial history meets global modernity. The city's history and its famous opera house stand as testaments to the era when the former rubber capital amassed great wealth, with modern glass facades intermingling with classical and Art Nouveau architecture. These impressions are further intensified by a scenic flight over Manaus, showcasing the vivid interplay between the rainforest and the bustling city.
Your journey continues to Badajos. In the Zodiac, you venture deeper through narrow channels. The water's surface is adorned with the impressive Victoria amazonica water lilies, and the lush greenery along the banks is accented by the red blooms of bromeliads and passion flowers. Will you catch sight of playful capuchin monkeys or sloths in the trees?
An exciting nocturnal Zodiac excursion near Cuxiu Muni awaits you, where the eyes of caimans may pierce through the darkness. This unique journey is a continuous invitation to wonder – such as on the Rio Jutai, where the calls of tropical birds echo across the water.
Leticia's markets offer a vibrant and lively spectacle: the fragrant spices and exotic fruits awaken the senses. In Pevas, the stilt houses of the Peruvian indigenous village provide insight into living in the wilderness.
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 | optionally bookable
Mon, 09.03.2026
Scheduled flight from Germany to Sao Paulo
Tue, 10.03.2026
City tour Overnight stay with breakfast
Wed, 11.03.2026
Flight to Belem
Sun, 29.03.2026
Charter flight to Lima Overnight stay with breakfast
Mon, 30.03.2026
Scheduled flight from Lima to Germany
Tue, 31.03.2026
Arrival in Germany
Extend your trip
Our popular before and after programmes 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.
Levels of difficulty
The organized land activities that we have planned for you place different demands on your physical fitness. So that you can see at a glance whether the requirement profile of your desired excursion matches your expectations, we have classified the activities in our excursion program into three levels:
easy
These programmes do not place any particular demands on your physical condition. Walks or tours take you along easy footpaths and any stairs are easy to negotiate.
moderat
These programmes place moderate demands on your physical condition. Walking for up to 2 hours (including on cobblestones) and climbing stairs should not cause you any problems. Programmes that include off-road vehicle rides on partially uneven and bumpy roads are not recommended for guests with back problems.
demanding
These programmes require a good level of physical fitness, dexterity and sure-footedness, e.g. for extended tours or city walks (sometimes on uneven surfaces and with many steps) or sporty, active hikes and kayak tours.
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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 yourself.
Price special
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the previous cruise SPI2603 and save € 1,200 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare).
Included Services
Expedition and knowledge
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)
For all cases
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 PLATINUM and GOLD fares
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)
