Amazon expedition: into the heart of a green world

An expedition on the Amazon across the South American continent and up to Iquitos is a journey deep into a fascinating world where the river is both a lifeline and a waterway. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the leading provider of expedition and luxury cruises in the German-speaking markets, shows how tourism can be much more than mere amazement and observation. 

It is one of the few remaining adventures of our age. Where the Amazon winds its way deep into Peru, to the remote rainforest city of Iquitos. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the only provider of expedition cruises, that travels both upstream and downstream every year. The HANSEATIC nature is currently celebrating its premiere on the Amazon. It is expected back in Belem on May 13. Its’ sister ships, the HANSEATIC spirit and the HANSEATIC inspiration, sailed this route from the remote upper reaches to the delta for the first time in 2023 and 2024.

The river sets the pace

Anyone braving the mightiest river on earth must proceed slowly and carefully. The Breves channels, narrow tributaries of the river, are challenging to navigate. People live close to the banks between banana trees and fishing boats. The current requires special attention and an experienced crew, like that of the HANSEATIC nature, which can master the river with their extensive expertise.

An adventure with true insiders

The HANSEATIC nature, one of the three structurally identical expedition ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, is small, but has many Zodiacs on board. The small expedition rubber boats set off on adventures almost every day. At dawn, in the afternoon and often even at night when the light softens, the fog rises, and the sounds of the jungle intensify. On board the HANSEATIC nature are locals, known as spotters, who know the Amazon like the back of their hand. They recognise the call of the stinkbird and the bubbles of river dolphins. Their eyes see more, their knowledge fascinates. The guests on board listen attentively to their stories, whether on Zodiac excursions or during the precaps and recaps in the HanseAtrium on board.

More than just a visit

The people along the river live in open wooden houses. They welcome guests with open arms, with music, dance and, above all, curiosity. Some encounters resonate for a long time afterwards. On one of the previous cruises, a group of guests came across a broken water 

filter in a school. Instead of moving on, they downloaded instructions from the internet with the crew, repaired the device in the on-board workshop and bring clean drinking water back to the children. Later, the guests donated portable water filters, known as “PAULs”, for other villages.

Small gestures with a big impact 

Whether it’s school supplies for children, toothbrushes, or medicine, when the HANSEATIC nature cruises on the Amazon, the locals look forward to the ship bringing rare goods to the remote region. “The Amazon is a world unto itself,” says Isolde Susset, Managing Director Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “Our route to Iquitos is an immersion in this world, full of respect, full of wonder and always in dialogue with the people who live there.”

Sample cruise: 

Expedition Amazon (upstream) – unique legendary route

On board the HANSEATIC spirit and the Zodiacs, it becomes clear why the Amazon is a jewel of the natural world so worthy of protection. From the river delta in Belem/Brazil, the route will continue upstream with numerous expedition activities, Zodiac landings and stops on the Rio Negro and in Manaus/Brazil – to Iquitos/Peru, March 11-29, 2026 (18 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from €19,290 per person, double occupancy, including charter flight (departure). For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/SPI2604

Expedition Amazon (downstream) – archetypal river adventure

The HANSEATIC spirit will sail this intensive expedition route from the remote upper reaches far beyond Manaus to the delta. Together with experienced experts on board, guests will unlock the secrets of an almost untouched world. From Iquitos/Peru, downstream via Rio Negro and Manaus to Belem/Brazil, from 29 Mar to 16 Apr 2026 (18 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 19,290 per person, double occupancy, including charter flight (arrival). For more information, visit: www.hl-cruises.com/SPI2605