The Amazon River and its surrounding rainforest are amongst the world's most mysterious areas. Being the world's largest river and largest rainforest, the Amazon lends itself as a perfect nature getaway. It also helps that this general area holds more than a third of the world's species of flora and fauna. The Amazon is a haven for a variety of mammals, reptiles and fish. Exotic plant life also lines the forest's thick brush.

It can be explored either of two ways. One is with an expedition-style ship. The other is with an easy going ocean-liner cruise ship. So the Amazon is fairly accessible to both adventurous and leisurely types.

Generally, expedition ships are smaller and have a shallower draft. They may travel on the Lower Amazon in Brazil or the Upper Amazon tributaries in Peru. Many of these expedition cruises offer side trips on smaller boats to the remote reaches of the Amazon. And sometimes they even dock you on the rainforest itself for further exploration.

Ocean-liner cruise ships, on the other hand, visit the Amazon as part of longer, multi-country journey. Due to their deep draft, ocean-liner ships can only travel the Lower Amazon from the mouth of the river on the Atlantic Ocean.

Flexible itineraries allow reaching the best trails depending on time of the year and wildlife sightings. So every day, you get to experience a different part of the river, and a different set of plants and animals.

It is also home to several aboriginal people, who live near the river. Some groups make handicrafts to sell to the boatloads of tourists that pass through. Others make routine trips to the city to bring foods and wares to market. Getting to experience their village life and culture is definitely a highlight of any Amazon trip.

This region of South America has enticed some of the most daring explorers of previous generations. Its biodiversity has made it the subject of various biological studies. A cruise through the river gives you a front row seat to one of the last bastions of natural wonder.