The Peruvian Southern Amazon is wild and abundant. With 670 bird species, 174 different mammals, 100 species of reptiles and amphibians and around 20,000 different plant species, this is an idyllic location for anyone wishing to be enthralled by Mother Nature.
Ideal as a family holiday, the forests of the Amazon are so rich in flora and fauna that they are one of the most biodiverse pockets of planet Earth. We recommend that you delve into this dense and beautiful jungle and discover the magic for yourself!
During your stay in the rainforest, you will be looked after by a highly knowledgeable local naturalist guide who is based at your lodge. Excursions depend on weather conditions and recent wildlife viewings.
Typically, you might go on an early morning birdwatching trip, an afternoon paddle around the waterways and in the evening you may take to the waterways in search of caiman and all sorts of nocturnal creatures.
Other activities include taking a short motor canoe to Tambopata for great wildlife viewing, winding through Gamitana Creek sneaking peaks at piranhas and turtles. You might choose to go exploring high treetop canopy walkways, or to float around Lake Sandoval trying to glimpse the rare giant river otter. In the evening, if you can take any more, then take a nocturnal wildlife twilight river cruise.
You certainly can. There are a number of luxury boats that cruise down the Amazon in the north of Peru. In this case, you will fly to Iquitos instead of Puerto Maldonado. Have a look at our page on Iquitos and the boats that we recommend.
If you are going to the southern Amazon (Tambopata National Park) then you catch 1 hour flight from Cusco, or a 1.5 hour flight from Lima. You then take a short transfer to the dock to catch a small motor boat that will take you to your lodge deep in the jungle.
Lodges are built from local materials and rooms are spacious, clean and practical. There are a couple of lodges offering a more luxurious services (Reserva Amazonica), but it is worth bearing in mind that the more basic and remote lodges tend to have better wildlife viewing.
A stay in an Amazon lodge is a great way to add variety to your Peru experience. Location is the most important aspect to consider to ensure your wildlife viewing opportunities and experience is maximised.
We highly recommend taking a post-supper stroll around the lodge; this is wonderful time to appreciate the vastness of the starry sky while enjoying the unfamiliar sounds of the forest at night.
The Peruvian Amazon - Things to do
During your stay in the rainforest, you will be looked after by a highly knowledgeable local naturalist guide who is based at your lodge. Excursions depend on weather conditions and recent wildlife viewings.
Typically, you might go on an early morning birdwatching trip, an afternoon paddle around the waterways and in the evening you may take to the waterways in search of caiman and all sorts of nocturnal creatures.
Other activities include taking a short motor canoe to Tambopata for great wildlife viewing, winding through Gamitana Creek sneaking peaks at piranhas and turtles. You might choose to go exploring high treetop canopy walkways, or to float around Lake Sandoval trying to glimpse the rare giant river otter. In the evening, if you can take any more, then take a nocturnal wildlife twilight river cruise.
Can I cruise down the Amazon?
You certainly can. There are a number of luxury boats that cruise down the Amazon in the north of Peru. In this case, you will fly to Iquitos instead of Puerto Maldonado. Have a look at our page on Iquitos and the boats that we recommend.
How do you get to the Jungle?
If you are going to the southern Amazon (Tambopata National Park) then you catch 1 hour flight from Cusco, or a 1.5 hour flight from Lima. You then take a short transfer to the dock to catch a small motor boat that will take you to your lodge deep in the jungle.
The Peruvian Amazon - Where to stay
Lodges are built from local materials and rooms are spacious, clean and practical. There are a couple of lodges offering a more luxurious services (Reserva Amazonica), but it is worth bearing in mind that the more basic and remote lodges tend to have better wildlife viewing.
The Peruvian Amazon - Our opinion
A stay in an Amazon lodge is a great way to add variety to your Peru experience. Location is the most important aspect to consider to ensure your wildlife viewing opportunities and experience is maximised.
The Peruvian Amazon - Top Tip
We highly recommend taking a post-supper stroll around the lodge; this is wonderful time to appreciate the vastness of the starry sky while enjoying the unfamiliar sounds of the forest at night.
