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Amazon River Cruises from Nauta
The Gateway to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve and the Upper Amazon
Information about Nauta
Nauta is the primary operational hub for expedition cruising in the Peruvian Amazon. Located approximately 100 kilometers south of Iquitos, this port town sits near the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, the geographical birthplace of the Amazon River proper. Unlike the bustling, larger port of Iquitos, embarking on Amazon River cruises from Nauta allows immediate access to the pristine wilderness of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. This strategic location eliminates long transit times, maximizing your immersion in the rainforest from the moment you step aboard.
The cruising experience here differs significantly from European river voyages. The landscape is a dense, ever-changing corridor of primary rainforest, blackwater creeks, and seasonally flooded forests known as varzea. There are no medieval castles or vineyards; instead, the focus is entirely on biodiversity, indigenous communities, and wildlife spotting. Guests can expect to see pink river dolphins, sloths, primates, and varied birdlife. Vessels in this region are typically small, intimate expedition ships carrying between 16 and 40 passengers, designed with shallow drafts to navigate the complex tributaries. We help you compare these specialized vessels to find the right balance of adventure and comfort for your Amazonian journey.
Interesting facts about Nauta
Getting there: The gateway for all cruises starting in Nauta is Iquitos (IQT). You will typically fly from Lima (LIM) to Iquitos (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes). From Iquitos airport, operators provide a private coach transfer to Nauta, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the paved Iquitos-Nauta road.
Best time to visit the Amazon: The Amazon is a year-round destination divided by water levels rather than temperature. The High Water Season (December–May) allows skiffs to navigate deep into the flooded forest canopy for closer wildlife viewing. The Low Water Season (June–November) exposes hiking trails for jungle treks and concentrates migratory birds and fish, attracting larger predators.
Cruising Conditions: This is an expedition-style experience. The pace is active, centered around twice-daily excursions on small motorized skiffs (pangas) rather than the main vessel. There are no locks, but the river channels shift constantly. Physical requirements are moderate; guests must be able to embark/disembark skiffs frequently, sometimes on uneven riverbanks.
Our river cruises: We feature a curated selection of small expedition vessels departing from Nauta. Itineraries are generally shorter than European cruises, typically 3, 4, or 7 nights. Many travelers combine a 4-night cruise with a trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu for a complete Peruvian itinerary.
A little known fact: Nauta is technically the oldest town in the Peruvian Amazon, founded in 1830, predating Iquitos. Its location at the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers allows travelers to physically witness the exact point where the Amazon River officially begins its journey to the Atlantic.
Pictures of Nauta
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