Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launches Amazon season 2026 with expeditions to Iquitos

International

Expedition ships sail deep into the rainforest along one of the world’s most demanding river routes

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has launched its Amazon expedition season 2026, sending the expedition ship HANSEATIC spirit on an 18-day voyage from Belém upstream to Iquitos. The Amazon is one of the few rivers in the world whose vast catchment area still promises unknown discoveries and largely unexplored regions.

Each year, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers two Amazon expeditions and is the only operator to sail the full route between Belém and Iquitos both upstream and downstream. The itineraries for the next two years have already been released, with only a limited number of cabins still available.

Three decades of Amazon expeditions

For nearly 30 years, the company has been taking guests on a roughly 4,000-kilometre journey through the heart of the Amazon, travelling from the river delta in Belém deep into the Peruvian rainforest and back again. These expeditions have long been a central part of the cruise line’s programme.

Isolde Susset said:

“The Amazon is one of the most captivating natural and cultural regions on earth. Our expeditions allow guests to experience this river intensively – with time and experience as well as a deep respect for the region and its people.”

Small expedition ships for remote regions

The expedition ships in the fleet are designed for demanding routes and shallow waters. With a limited capacity of about 230 guests and spacious open decks, they offer favourable conditions for observing wildlife and landscapes along the river.

Up to 17 onboard Zodiacs enable landings in remote tributaries and excursions to areas where the rainforest reaches directly to the riverbanks. The voyages are accompanied by expedition experts and local spotters who help identify wildlife and share insights into life along the river.

Lectures and presentations in the HanseAtrium, together with educational programmes in the Ocean Academy, provide additional background on the region’s ecosystems and cultures.

Encounters with communities along the river

Many settlements along the Amazon can only be reached by water. When expedition ships call at these remote locations, guests often meet local communities whose daily life is closely connected to the river.

Over time, a trusting exchange has developed, with crew members and guests often bringing items such as school supplies or hygiene products that are difficult to obtain in remote areas.

The Amazon voyages are among the most traditional expeditions in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises programme and are typically booked well in advance. In 2027 and 2028, the expedition ship HANSEATIC inspiration will operate the legendary route between Belém and Iquitos.