Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has launched its Amazon expedition season for 2026, with expedition ship HANSEATIC spirit departing Belém, Brazil on an 18-day journey deep into the rainforest to the remote city of Iquitos in Peru.
The Amazon voyage follows one of the world’s most iconic expedition cruise routes, travelling approximately 4,000 kilometres along the river and offering access to remote regions rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is among only a handful of operators navigating the Amazon with small expedition vessels and the only cruise line sailing the complete route from Belém upstream to Iquitos and back.
Nearly three decades of Amazon expeditions
The German luxury expedition brand has been operating Amazon voyages for almost 30 years, with just two sailings offered each year – one upstream and one downstream.
The limited departures have made the journeys among the most sought-after expeditions in the line’s global programme.
“The Amazon is one of the most captivating natural and cultural regions on earth,” said Isolde Susset, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
“Our expeditions allow guests to experience the river intensively while respecting the region’s ecosystems and communities.”
Small ships enable deeper exploration
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition ships are specifically designed for challenging environments, with shallow drafts allowing them to navigate smaller tributaries that are inaccessible to larger vessels.
With fewer than 230 guests on board, travellers can explore the rainforest in greater depth through:
- Zodiac excursions into remote waterways
- Observation decks designed for wildlife spotting
- Expert-led lectures and enrichment through the Ocean Academy
- Local wildlife spotters assisting with nature encounters
Encounters with riverside communities also form part of the experience, with many Amazon villages accessible only by water.
Amazon voyages planned for 2027 and 2028
The Amazon expedition route will continue in the coming years, with HANSEATIC inspiration scheduled to operate the voyage in both 2027 and 2028.
Planned itineraries include:
2027 – Amazon expeditions
- Belém, Brazil to Iquitos, Peru
11–29 April 2027 (18 days)
From €19,190 per person (PLATINUM fare, double occupancy including charter flight) - Iquitos, Peru to Belém, Brazil
29 April – 17 May 2027 (18 days)
From €22,370 per person (PLATINUM fare, double occupancy including charter flight)
2028 – Amazon expeditions
- Belém to Iquitos
2–20 April 2028 (18 days)
From €17,840 per person with early booking discount available until 31 May 2027 - Iquitos to Belém
29 April – 17 May 2028 (18 days)
From €22,370 per person with early booking discount available until 31 May 2027
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises said availability on upcoming Amazon voyages is already limited due to strong demand for the expedition programme.
