A Complete Guide to Visiting the Amazon in Peru
Amazon in Peru is a vast and diverse region, and planning the trip is challenging. We've put together this travel guide on the Peruvian Amazon, including things to know, how to get, when to visit, which area to choose, what to pack, and what to expect.
The Peruvian Amazon is a special and magical place. For a long time, we were attracted by the Amazon rainforest because of the diversity, incredible flora, and our photographer's hearts were longing to take awesome photos of abundant wildlife.
Sure, our ideas were a bit naive and romantic in the beginning, but when looking at our trip retrospectively, this was exactly what we got, although there were a few things we were not ready for, and we wished we knew before the trip.
Things we learned during one-week camping in the Amazon, things we would like to share with you now in the post dedicated to visiting Amazon, specifically in Peru. It is a truth that Peru is not the only country in South America where a traveler can get the jungle experience.
For sure, Brazil is a renowned country for visiting Amazonia, the same as Colombia, Ecuador, or even Bolivia and other countries, that have only a small share, though.
Because we traveled for a year on a shoestring, we knew that we must choose only one country where we visit the Amazon, and Peru just seemed perfect.
PERUVIAN AMAZON
The Amazon basis covers 7,000,000 km²; out of it, 5,500,000 km² is a rainforest, and 13% of this square footage belongs to Peru, which is in the second place right after Brazil.
Peru is a large country that offers a lot in terms of nature and history, but it is quite cool to see how all the top attractions are spread across the country.
We actually realized it only after we pinned on a map all the places we wanted to visit. There's a coastal strip on the west, then the topography rises to plateaus and eventually to the Andes mountains, and then the mountains suddenly drop to the Amazonas region.
If you think of Peru as a country of Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines or Andes, you might want to revisit your opinion.
Despite the fact, that the Peruvian rainforest area comprises 60% of the entire country, only 5% of people live there. To say that the Peruvian Amazon is scarcely populated is an understatement.
The cultural aspect and indigenous people are actually another reason why you should put Peruvian Amazon in your travel itinerary.
This Peruvian Amazon travel guide is for all travelers - for those who are still wondering whether this is a suitable adventure for their travel style and those who have already decided, are in the process of planning the trip and only need to figure out how to fit this journey into Peru itinerary.
As the term Peruvian Amazon is a bit abstract, we'll outline your options on where to go, when is the best time to visit, or how many days you need, and overall what to expect from this remarkable travel destination.
WHERE TO GO & HOW TO GET THERE
Peruvian Amazon is a vast area that is often not that easily accessible; that's why you need to take some time to figure out where you want to go and how to get there.
There's no rule on how to choose the best destination, but you should certainly take into account your itinerary.
If you plan to stay the majority of your time around Cusco, then it does not make sense to travel to Iquitos, when Manu National Park or Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, is much closer.
The next thing you should consider is the activities you want to do and how you want to enjoy your stay.
On the other hand, we think that nowadays, majority of destinations has the infrastructure for both adventurers and luxury travelers, so you should always be able to book a service that suits your budget and travel style.
When planning your trip, it might be helpful to know that the word selva is commonly used - it means jungle.
We've handpicked the most common places travelers usually choose for their jungle experience. They differ by accessibility and location, but flora and fauna will be very similar everywhere - wonderful.
PACAYA SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE
Peru's largest reserve is usually the destination we have a personal experience with. This place offers a lot to day-trippers and multi-day visitors, but it is necessary to say that you should plan this journey only if you have more time for several reasons.
First of all, if you want to get deeper into the Amazon and not only scratch the surface, you'll need more than two days.
Secondly, Pacaya Samiria is accessible from Iquitos, the world's largest city that is not accessible by road, so getting to the destination requires a flight. We searched for last-minute flights from Lima to Iquitos, and were able to get a good deal.
We made a seven-day camping trip, but there are also lodges from where you can take day trips to the jungle.
Accommodation in Iquitos: Budget: Hospedaje Neydita | Mid-range: Central Bed and Breakfast | Luxury: Doubletree by Hilton Iquitos
CHACHAPOYAS
Northern Peru is still a bit overlooked by international travelers, but according to us, the area has an incredible number of attractions. Pre-Incan Kuelap ruins, Gocta Waterfall, Sonche canyon, or numerous burial sites.
The gateway to the region is Chachapoyas, a city that is also often considered sitting on the Amazonas region's edge.
The truth is that humidity and abundant flora and fauna are very jungle-like, but if you're looking for a more in-depth experience, you would have to venture deeper inland and take a trip to a town called Tarapoto, which would take you all day, but it is certainly an option.
Accommodation in Tarapoto: Budget: Zygo Bed and Breakfast | Mid-range: Tucan Suites Aparthotel Tarapoto | Luxury: Canto del Rio Lodge
CENTRAL SELVA
The advantage of visiting the jungle in central Peru is that the region is well-connected from the capital city of Peru, Lima.
It does not mean you do not have to undergo a tiring journey, but the roads are better and the wildlife, especially birdwatching, is by no means worse.
You can consider for your adventure Chanchamayo Province, which to us resembled just an average cloud forest we'd seen before, for example, in Mindo, Ecuador.
Still, you can look further and plan your trip around visiting Oxapampa, Pozuzo, or Pucallpa.
Accommodation: Oxapampa: Fundo Hassinger | Pozuzo: Ecotours Pozuzo | Pucallpa: Costa del Sol Wyndham Pucallpa
MANU NATIONAL PARK
Manu National Park is in UNESCO; it is usually visited from Cusco, this is why it is often the first choice for Peru visitors. You will certainly make no mistake if you decide to learn more about Peruvian Amazon via getting the experience in Manu National Park.
The area is not that vast, but the diversity on such a 'small' space is beyond understanding.
When you decide to book a tour, always make sure you are explicit about what you want to see. The park is divided into three zones.
We do not want to say that the cultural zone is not interesting - it is where local communities live, and a chance of wildlife spotting is also pretty high, but we would opt for the reserved zone that will allow you to go deeper.
Not all travel agents have permission to get to the reserved zone; this is why it is so important to choose wisely.
The last, most protected area is a core zone, but this one is accessible only to researchers.
Accommodation: Manu Rescue Center is the nearest accommodation, otherwise, search for hotels in Cusco and let the agency arrange your stay.
PUERTO MALDONADO
Puerto Maldonado can be reached either by plane from Lima or Cusco, but the most common (understand cheaper) way is to take a bus or a tour from Cusco.
Puerto Maldonado is a gateway to a very diverse region that is most popular by travelers who prefer staying in the lodge, but it is also possible to arrange a tour that offers more adventurous activities.
You can get to several reserves from the town, but the most famed one is Reserva Nacional Tambopata.
Accommodation in Puerto Maldonado: Budget: Hostal Tropical Inn | Mid-range: Wasai Puerto Maldonado Eco Lodge | Luxury: Hotel Enai
IS TRAVELING TO AMAZON WORTH IT?
In short, traveling to Amazon is definitely worth it, but now we mean whether the price/what you get ratio is well balanced. Rule number one is to choose a reliable travel agency with a knowledgeable guide - once you nail it, your trip will be unforgettable.
We are very well aware that the trip to the jungle is not a budget-friendly activity.
Yes, you can find a one-day trip that is reasonably priced, but on the other hand, this is not exactly the jungle experience we think is what you are looking for.
Our seven-day camping trip from Iquitos to Pacaya Samiria cost us roughly $1000 for both, including flight tickets, which is not cheap.
It was actually a holiday within our long term trip around South America, and we are aware that there's a lot to think about.
But once you find a great guide, agree on exact terms, Amazon will pay you back big time. The uniqueness of the environment is hard to get anywhere else in the world.
The visit is raw and honest, and the combination of cultural and natural richness is incredible.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PERUVIAN AMAZON
Peruvian Amazon is a place that can be visited all-year-round, but it is necessary to know there are two distinct seasons. Both of them bring a slightly different experience, including different wildlife spotting.
The only thing that does not change (or very little) is the temperature and humidity.
In general, same as the whole country, Amazon sees two seasons, dry and rainy.
The dry season lasts from May to October, and the rainy season is between November to April, while the rainiest months are January, February, and March.
Of course, we're talking here about the rainforest, which means it can be rainy any time, and it does not start raining the first day of the official rainy season, but every year is more or less the same.
When November is getting closer, afternoons usually bring rain and the period stretches, and on the other hand, in April, the periods of rainy slowly cease down.
During the rainy season, the water culminates, which means the highest level of water in the river is in May, and it slowly ebbs away during the dry season.
We were in the Amazon on the brink of the dry and rainy season in late October, and we still could see marks on trees showing how high was the water last year - more than 3 to 5 meters higher than when we visited the area!
We chose late October and the beginning of November because we were traveling long term and were not that flexible, but we actually found the offseason great because of the lack of travelers, and the weather was still stable.
The most popular time to visit the Amazon is in July and August. The height of water in the jungle is reasonable, and you have a high chance of spotting wildlife.
The advantage of traveling in the dry season is many hiking trails that are not underwater; on the other hand, some river parts do not have to be passable. If the water level is low, consider hiring a smaller boat.
Traveling in the rainy season is possible but more demanding. Hiking can be limited to a smaller area on the hills, and you must be prepared for the mud.
It can be a bit harder to spot some animal species (although sometimes you might find a spot where animals gather because there are fewer places for them to hide), but you will be closer to birds and monkeys hiding on treetops.
You will spend more time on the boat than on land. The biggest downside can be annoying mosquitoes, but this is an all-year-round phenomenon.
WILDLIFE
For many, the wildlife is the main reason to travel to the Amazon. The truth is you could hardly choose a better place than the Peruvian Amazon as the region is incredibly bio-diverse.
It is a paradise for bird watchers, enthusiast photographers, and all nature lovers. It is possible to spot rare species here, but it is also important to realize this is not a zoo or amusement park, so no wildlife spotting is guaranteed.
We came with open minds and hoped for the best. Again, once you choose a reputable travel company, their guide will do his best to show you as much as possible.
Our naturalist guides went the extra mile, and we had a feeling they were as excited as us when they spotted an animal in the wild.
Peruvian Amazon is home to almost 1900 bird species and about 500 mammal species. Some animals are cute to see, such as iconic pink dolphins; some are scary, such as caimans or snakes, while some are like a jaguar, almost mystical and very hard to spot.
As first-time visitors, we could not be happier with what we saw.
The best time to see wildlife is even early in the morning or later in the afternoon, or even at night, so be prepared for long days.
What did we see, and what you can look forward to?
Right after entering the reserve, we could spot several sloths on the tree. We spent the first night in the village where our guide was from, and he was excited to show us his backyard that also included tarantulas, scorpions, and other spider species, the same as an interesting insect, colorful lizards, and frogs.
A few days later, we finally found a home to pink dolphins that make funny puffing noises.
Other animal species we saw were various snakes, large ants, common squirrel monkeys, black tamarin monkeys, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, butterflies, parrots, Amazon hawks, and other species of birds (such as camungo, macaws, hoatzins), fishes (piranhas, black armor fish or small arapaima), giant otters, caimans, jaguar footprints (maybe), turtles, bats.
As you can clearly see, the list of animals we saw in Amazon rainforest is pretty long, and we certainly are not able to name all of them.
Of course, when you walk in the jungle, it is worth paying attention to plants and trees as they are unique as well.
What's more important, many of them have a medical use, and we loved these walks as our guide always told us a story about how his grandmother cured him and his family by brews from various plants.
ACTIVITIES
There are plenty of activities you can do in the Amazon. It is worth it to make sure your itinerary includes the combination of several of them because every activity is special and offers a different experience and, more importantly, more wildlife watching.
The most popular way how to explore the Peruvian Amazon is on foot. Jungle walks are very popular, but certainly do not expect leisure strolls; some of them can be pretty demanding.
If you're visiting a lodge that has its own reserve, most of the trails will be well-maintained, but we were deeper in the jungle where our guide often had to use a machete so we could be able to pass through. I do not know how many times we tripped over a log or fell in the mud, it was more times than I appreciated.
Add the high temperature and humidity while wearing long-sleeved clothes and gum boots, and you are about to experience a real adventure. Walking the same as other activities are perfect for wildlife spotting because you get deeper into the rainforest, where it's tranquil except for natural noises.
Another activity can be visiting an indigenous village. Villages are scattered around the Amazon, and to get the authentic interaction, you should always be with your guide. We were lucky enough that there was a celebration in the village we visited and the atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed.
Our favorite activity was night canoeing. Although we spent quite a lot of time on a small boat traveling from one spot to another, canoeing was different.
It was our common daily activity, but every day we even set off after the dark, so it was just us, darkness, bright stars above us, and scary jungle noises everywhere around.
It was the ultimate way how to connect with the environment, and if you have this option, always look for tours that offer this activity.
We also enjoyed fishing, but it is necessary to say we always released fish back in the river.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WAYS OF SPENDING YOUR TIME IN THE AMAZON
Same as the Amazon in Peru is diverse; there are also multiple ways to plan your trip. First of all, it is necessary to know that many places are accessible only with a guide.
No matter how we like to travel independently, we did not see it as a disadvantage here.
First of all, we would not be able to get that deep in the jungle without a boat driver as we mostly navigated on the river. Secondly, the presence of the guide was very enriching thanks to his knowledge. And lastly, local guides are essential for safety reasons.
It is possible to plan your journey in advance, but it is always cheaper to arrive in the city that serves as a gateway to the area (for Pacaya Samiria, it was Iquitos) and search for the tour on the spot.
Of course, it is possible when you are on a loose schedule and not pressed for time.
STAYING AT THE LODGE
The most common way of spending time in the Amazon is to book a lodge and make one-day trips from here. As usual, this alternative has pros and cons.
Lodges are quite expensive and luxurious, and it was not exactly what we were looking for in the jungle.
Meals are arranged, and you can later sign up for trips and walks with naturalist guides.
It is necessary to know that not all lodges are located in designated reserves; they are usually on the reserve's borders, so our only concern would be whether you actually get to the jungle or you'll be only scratching the surface.
Of course, these areas also have a lot to offer in terms of flora and fauna, but it is important to know what you paid for.
CAMPING
Another alternative is either a camping trip or a trip to the jungle that includes staying in the villages. These options are a bit more rustic, but we found them perfect as we received exactly what we wanted - a closer connection with the rainforest.
We were waking up with the sound of howler monkeys, had lunch accompanied by bird songs, and went to bed when the jungle was almost silent.
Sure, sometimes was nature closer to us than we wanted, for example, when we discovered a snake in front of our tent when we wanted to brush teeth, but on the other hand, it was part of the experience.
We were moving around by boat and slept every day on a different spot. We would say that five to seven days are quite enough, though, because this form is not very comfortable.
CRUISES
The Amazon is best navigable by boat, that's why it is also possible to book a cruise that will take you there. These cruises are often luxurious, and they are usually prohibited from entering the most protected areas.
The visit is very similar to staying in the lodge, but you'll spend the night in the cabin and then take day trips on a smaller boat.
Every option has pros and cons, and you just need to consider your travel budget, travel style, and required level of comfort.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Visiting the Amazon is like entering an entirely different world where different rules apply. You should be ready for the ultimate adventure and the fact the time flies here differently, and you cannot expect the same level of comfort, even if you booked an expensive lodge.
Our Amazon camping trip was even more basic than usual. The campgrounds were just small flat places on the river shore without any facilities used mostly by the locals traveling between settlements.
For example, there was no shower, but we solved this inconvenience by swimming in the river.
Also, when nature called, we had to go to the jungle, which was quite a ritual as we did not want to get bitten by mosquitos (or any other animal) more than necessary.
Even if you stay on a boat or in the lodge, always have in mind that you're far away from the city, so the insect may get to your room - have a mosquito net hung over your bed all the time.
Even when Wi-Fi is advertised, it usually does not work or is desperately slow, but it would not surprise us much.
Simply put, more than anywhere, it is necessary to set your expectations right. If you do that, you'll enjoy your Amazon adventure many times more.
WHAT TO PACK
Although the Amazon packing list can differ slightly depending on whether you plan on staying in the lodge or tent, the environment is so challenging that you will need very similar gear in general.
We won't name here every single item you should pack with you, but only items we found essential and could not imagine our trip without them.
The idea is to protect yourself against mud, mosquitos, plants with thorns, rain, and sun.
The key to success is to have ordinary rubber boots - we used them literally all the time. If you do not have them in the backpack, you can either rent them from the travel agency or bring your tried and tested hiking boots.
Then pack long outdoor pants, a t-shirt with long-sleeves or a shirt. It will be hot, and you'll be sweating, but clothes are the only thing that can protect you from mosquitoes. It is always better when the fabric is loose.
A proper waterproof dry bag is also a must.
Sunscreen, lip balm, bug repellent, and a first-aid kit should not be missing on your packing list.
If you plan on traveling in the rainy season, you can consider buying mosquito hats. We also brought our mosquito net in case the rented one had holes.
When it comes to Amazon packing list, you should also have binoculars (guides usually have one, although it's more convenient to bring your own), a camera with a telephoto lens, and a headlamp.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
Being a responsible traveler should be a norm and equally important in any other tourist destination, but we somehow feel it is crucial in endangered places such as the Amazonia.
Amazon rainforest is a fragile area where all our actions can have immense consequences.
First of all, it is necessary to realize that the area is mostly populated by indigenous people who still live the traditional way, so everything new and modern, including tourism, can be a bit of shock, especially if you take into account the most dramatic changes happened in the past decade or so.
It should come without saying that we have to behave respectfully as privileged visitors who were allowed to spend some time here.
If you want to take a photo of a local, always ask for permission and try to be as unobtrusive as possible. Always think about the consequences of your actions.
Try not to buy bottled water to lower your plastic footprint, do not litter, and it would definitely be helpful if you used disposable soap or shampoo as everything goes to the river.
TOURS TO THE PERUVIAN AMAZON
We've handpicked several well-rated tours for those of you who prefer to arrange everything in advance.
Before you make a reservation, make sure you know the conditions, itinerary, activities you want to do, and places you want to visit are on the list.
The list consists from classic 3-day tours to luxury cruise or 15-day expedition to the native tribe.
3-Day Amazon Jungle Tour at Sinchicuy Lodge | This tour offers the airport's pick up, accommodation in the lodge, and many activities such as fishing or trips to see pink dolphins or monkeys.
4-Day Amazon River Luxury Cruise from Iquitos | If you think that a cruise that will take you to the Amazon is the best option for you, check out this offer. All services are included.
15-Day Expedition to the Amazon’s Matses tribe | If you are looking for something special, this two-week adventure might be exactly what you are looking for. This is an off the beaten adventure, so come well prepared.
3-Day Puerto Maldonado Eco Jungle Tour | This three days tour is pretty packed, so you can see the best the area has to offer in a limited time.
2-day Pacaya Samiria Expedition | If you're looking only for a brief introduction to the area, this two-day tour is perfect.
4-Day Manu Jungle Tour | This is one of the best-rated tours from Cusco to Manu National Park. It takes four days.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
