Top 10 Amazon Tour Companies

The beautiful Amazon rainforest has an aura of mystery unlike many other places on earth. The jungle atmosphere is dense with humidity as partial sunlight filters through, due to the heavy canopy which hides thousands of fascinating creatures. This all combines to create an otherworldly landscape.

How to visit a place like this? More and more tour companies are traveling to the Amazon, making it easy, fun, and comfortable for visitors.

The ones on this list stand out above the rest for their commitment to responsible tourism and sustainability (especially important for travel to the Amazon), positive customer reviews, and unique itinerary design.

Here are the top 10 tour companies for traveling to the Amazon:

The Top 3

1. Jacada Travel

What is your most popular trip to the Amazon and why is it special? - Our Amazon Cruise in Peru - it's an amazing, luxury in-depth cruise.

Do you have any new or upcoming trips? - Not at the moment

What sets you apart from other tour operators offering trips to the Amazon? - We not only have a very broad offering, but we have also personally been to and explored every place that we sell, so we really know our stuff well. We have many, many options for Amazon trips - from luxury lodges in Ecuador to private chartered cruises in Brazil.

Most of the lodges we work with are incredibly eco-friendly, as well. We place a huge emphasis on responsible travel and giving back, supporting local charities in the areas that we sell trips to. There’s nothing that we can’t do for our travellers, be it organising a private boat for a few days to arranging for a special tour based on a client’s individual preferences. Everything we do is 100% bespoke and tailor-made - we don’t sell cookie-cutter trips.

2. International Expeditions

What is your most popular trip to the Amazon and why is it special? - 10-Amazon Voyage. The voyage has been IE's flagship program for decades... traveling aboard a luxury riverboat; a seven-night itinerary delving further into the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve; five-star service from an IE Expedition Leader who is with guests from the time they set foot in Lima until they board their return flight home; and an unmatched combination of activities that link our guests to the cultures, current events, daily lives, foods, wildlife and environment.

Do you have any new or upcoming trips? - A 10 Day Amazon Voyage

What sets you apart from other tour operators offering trips to the Amazon? - International Expeditions has spent almost four decades traveling specifically to the Peruvian Amazon Basin near Iquitos. The expertise and relationships we've built over that time translate into an incredibly deep and enriching experience for guests, where they are welcomed into reserves and villages like family instead of mere tourists.

3. Matuete Brazil

What is your most popular trip to the Amazon and why is it special? - Our most popular is the Tapajós Private Yacht charter trip. It’s also the most unique. Its special because we are the only operator working in this region which is the most beautiful region of the entire Amazon.

It’s the only region where in a short distance you can navigate through the three kinds of waterways of the Amazon - the murky waters of the Amazon, the black waters of the Arapiuns and the rare blue water rivers of the Tapajos river.  

When French Explorer Jacques Cousteau visited the Amazon - he named this the Caribbean of the Amazon, because of its beauty.

Do you have any new or upcoming trips? - Yes, our combined Amazon and Fernando de Noronha trip

What sets you apart from other tour operators offering trips to the Amazon? - Most companies on the list are based outside the Amazon. Which means that what they are effectively doing is transforming a local product into their own brand. But none of the operation is theirs.

On the other hand, what truly sets us apart is that we own the entire operation of the Amazon.  i.e. the boat is ours exclusively - the guides are employed by us, the itineraries are designed by us. Effectively we control the entire operation, rather than simply putting our brand into someone's white labeled product.

The Runners Up

4. Southern Explorations

What is your most popular trip to the Amazon and why is it special? - Our trips into the Peruvian Tambopata National Reserve (like our nine-day Amazon & Machu Picchu tour) tend to be the most popular.

This region offers spectacular wildlife viewing due to incredible conservation efforts and several unique geographic features that concentrate wildlife. Also, the lodge-based excursions allow travelers to be more active and feel more connected to this special place.

Do you have any new or upcoming trips? - We have developed a series of stand up paddle board trips, including one in the Amazon.

What sets you apart from other tour operators offering trips to the Amazon? - Since we are solely focused on Latin America we spend a lot of time learning the nuances of the region. Our staff has traveled extensively through the Amazon and can tailor trip suggestions to a group's specific needs.

5. Vaya Adventures

What is your most popular trip to the Amazon and why is it special? - Luxury Amazon cruises to the Iquitos region of Peru; these trips are special because they allow people to experience the Amazon in relative comfort and in the company of superb naturalist guides.  

Do you have any new or upcoming trips? - Highlights of Chilean and Argentine Patagonia

What sets you apart from other tour operators offering trips to the Amazon? - Variety. We offer the top quality options in Peru, Ecuador and Brazil, whether lodge-based or small ship cruising.

6. Amazon Nature Tours

With a heavy interest in conservation, their tagline is “go where the wild things are.” Traveling with them you’ll know you’re contributing to a company dedicated to keeping the pristine nature of the Amazon intact.

Their primary mode of travel is via River Cruise.

7. Cox & Kings

Cox & Kings has been a leader in experiential travel since the 1700s - they are the oldest established tour company in the world. So they know a thing or two about how to expertly craft an itinerary!

Their Amazon tours focus on cultural experiences, history, and helping your spot the most amazing wildlife. Numerous kinds of tour are available, from Private Guided to Small Group.

8. KE Adventure Travel

With a focus on active travel, you will head deep into the rainforest along jungle trails with KE. This is one of the best ways to experience the Amazon for those who enjoy long hikes, being outdoors and among nature.

9. Wild Frontiers

Wild Frontiers is known for traveling to far flung destinations - their expert guides helping travelers stretch their comfort zones. Their Amazon tours will introduce a different side of the region, featuring some lesser known highlights, while also including classic activities and destinations.

10. South America Travel

Their name says it all, and as their tagline reiterates “our name is our passion”. When you visit the Amazon with them, you know you’re getting an insider local view and experience. They offer a lot of trip options, including customizing your itinerary to your interests. Let them help you craft the perfect Amazon tour.