The Amazon River delivers 20 percent of the world’s river water to the sea. At its tributaries, it fosters a staggering biodiversity. Its vast rainforest ecosystem cradles many of the planet’s most unique creatures, from the acrobatic flight of the great spotted macaw to the slow-motion ballet of three-toed sloths. Yet there are countless secrets still waiting to be discovered in the Amazon Basin. This expedition aims to shed light on one of its most mysterious areas, from the river’s source to its mouth.

The adventure begins in Lima, the Peruvian capital of history and culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then it’s off to the Amazon Basin, where our private riverboat explores a vast swath of the Peruvian Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve—the world’s largest wetlands refuge.

Our expert naturalists are there to guide you as you observe fascinating species and discover the enduring vitality of this extraordinary place. On the boat, you’ll feel yourself slipping away from civilization as the Amazon’s rainforest expanse unfolds around you. You’ll encounter jabiru storks searching for fish in shallow waters, three-toed sloths roaming the canopy floor in a slow-motion ballet, and colorful birds in a kaleidoscope of hues.

From the glistening hardwoods of our Amazon rainforest tour riverboat to the lush flora of the rainforest, this is a journey you’ll remember forever. You’ll learn about the natural and cultural history of this iconic rainforest region with our experts as your guides. You’ll also explore the mysteries of the Amazon river’s headwaters on our excursion to Mount Mismi, a legendary source of the legendary Amazon River.

When Theodore Roosevelt enlisted George Cherrie on his 1913-14 trip to an uncharted river in the Brazilian Amazon, he knew he was getting a seasoned expedition leader. Cherrie had made dozens of trips to Central and South America, collecting specimens for major museums. He kept a meticulous diary, which has been transcribed by Joseph R. Ornig and is housed at the American Museum of Natural History.

Tom Lovejoy would have been proud of this expedition, which he helped dream into being through his years of service as a National Geographic Explorer. He invested his time and energy toward ensuring that our expeditions tell the story of our shared planet in ways that inspire people to care. This is what he lived for, and we believe that’s what our travelers deserve.