International Peru Trains, Ferries and Boats

PERU BOATS

Many travelers dream of sojourning up the Amazon and its tributaries by boat, from one country to another. Although not as common as it once was, you can still choose this adventure. It’s a slow journey, stopping at villages along the way to drop off, pick up passengers and cargo.

FERRIES FROM ECUADOR TO PERU

Twice a week, motorized canoes ply the Napo River from Coca to Nuevo Rocafuerte, Ecuador (full day, $30). Ecuadorian immigration is in Nuevo Rocafuerte, and Peruvian in Pantoja. Another canoe takes you to Pantoja, Peru (two hours, $10 per person). Irregular boats go to Iquitos (four to five days, $20). Check in Coca for immigration and boat details before beginning this journey.

FERRIES FROM COLOMBIA TO PERU

In the middle of the Amazon jungle is a triple border—Leticia, Colombia; Tabatinga, Brazil; and Santa Rosa, Peru—where the respective countries’ immigration formalities are performed. Take a boat across the Amazon from Leticia to Santa Rosa ($1). Vessels leave the Peruvian port for Iquitos (speedboat, 11-12 hours, $50; slow launch, two days, $20 hammock, $30 cabin; buy your ticket the day before).

FERRIES FROM BRAZIL TO PERU

Many boats make the long journey up the golden Amazon River from Manaus to Benjamin Constant and Tabatinga. (It may be quicker to take the boat just to Benjamin Constant, then a fast local ferry to Tabatinga, 2 hours, $1.50.) This route takes seven to eight days upriver and costs $60 for hammock and $120 for a double cabin. For immigration information, please see above.

FERRIES FROM BOLIVIA TO PERU

This sojourn is only for the most hardy (and patient) of souls. Three days or more can pass between boats. From Riberalta, Bolivia, you take a boat to Puerto Heath (three days, $15-20), and from there a canoe to Puerto Pardo, Peru (five hours, $5) and then to Puerto Maldonado. Check locally for the most accurate information, as it is quite scarce from the outside.

TIPS FOR TRAVELING VIA RIVER IN PERU

• Speak only with the captain of the boat; confirm departure date and time, and prices.
• Compare prices with different boats; inspect the vessel for cleanliness. Pay only the captain or another authorized person, and obtain a receipt.
• Larger boats have cabins (some even with air conditioning); however, these are more expensive than hammock space on the deck, and tend to be hot and stuffy. If you opt to travel swinging along in your hammock, be sure to choose a spot away from the fumes and noise of the engines, the insect-attracting lights and the bathrooms. Have rope not only to hang you hamaca, but also to hang cloth for privacy. Board early (often it is possible to do so the night before) to land a choice spot.
• Use a mosquito net and repellent, and don’t forget to take your malaria medication.
• Be sure secure your belongings very well; lock your berth or bags, and always keep the key with you.
• Food will be provided, as will drink (often made with river water). Bring along some fresh fruits and comfort foods—and purified water. Have your own cup, as well—and some diarrhea medication, just in case.
• It gets remarkably cool at night on the river; light, warm clothing and a blanket (or cloth hammock) will keep you warm.