The Amazon Rainforest, often called the Amazon Jungle, is the largest rainforest on Earth.
It spans multiple countries in South America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
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Visiting the Amazon Jungle had been on our bucket list for quite some time, so after spending the best 2 days in Lima, we arranged a side trip to the Amazon Jungle Peru.
To help you plan a visit to the Amazon, I’ve compiled this guide that includes our best travel tips, prices and details on visiting the Amazon Jungle in Peru.
The Best Time to Go
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest is a year-round possibility, given its consistent weather conditions throughout the seasons. Anticipate warm, rainy, and humid weather, regardless of the time of year.
The wet season spans from January to June, featuring temperatures ranging from 23 to 30ºC (73 to 86ºF). Daily showers are a common occurrence, sometimes with substantial intensity.
However, it’s important to note that the higher humidity during this period results in more mosquitoes.
The dry season, from July to December, includes the latter half of the year. During this period, temperatures average around 26 to 40ºC (78 to 104ºF). While there is less rain, occasional heavy showers can still occur. Reduced rainfall results in a drier atmosphere in the jungle and lower river levels.
This creates advantageous conditions for exploration on foot and provides an excellent chance to spot caimans as they contend for diminished food supplies.
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 higher chance of spotting more wildlife.
Where to Go And How to Get There
Two notable areas in the Peruvian Amazon jungle are popular for ecotourism and wildlife experiences.
- Iquitos, the largest city along the Amazon River in the Peru jungle, is the northern gateway to the Peruvian Amazon basin.
- Puerto Maldonado is a city in southeastern Peru in the Madre de Dios region, part of the Amazon rainforest. It serves as a gateway to the Tambopata and Manu National Reserves, two of the most biodiverse areas in the Amazon rainforest.
When planning your journey, there’s no rule on choosing the best area of the Amazon to visit, but you should consider your itinerary.
For instance, diverting to Iquitos might be impractical if you travel to Cusco or Lima. Instead, destinations like Manu National Park or Puerto Maldonado, the entry point to the Amazon rainforest, are closer and logistically make sense.
You can book a flight to Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado from Lima or Cusco. You can also take a bus from Cusco to reach these cities to begin your Amazon Jungle experience; this is the most affordable option.
While visiting Lima, we booked this 3 Day Jungle Tour to explore the Tambopata National Reserve.
We started our Amazon Jungle trip by booking a flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado on Skyscanner and found the price of flights to be very reasonable.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Amazon Jungle Peru
We’d recommend setting aside a minimum of three days to visit the Amazon Jungle in Peru.
In this timeframe, you can embark on several excursions that provide a glimpse into the captivating offerings of this region.
The most popular Amazon Jungle packages are 3 or 4 nights
Book A Tour or Travel Independently
We usually travel independently and book logistics as we go; however, after crunching numbers and working out the logistics of getting around in the Amazon Jungle in Peru, we found that it was much easier and more economical for us to book a packaged tour.
There are many tour operators to choose from online. After comparing many options, we decided to book this 3 Day/2 Night Amazon Jungle trip as it’s a Peruvian-owned company with excellent reviews from past guests.
For this complete package, including airport transfers, 2 nights’ accommodation in a bungalow Garden Lodge (with private ensuite facilities), all meals, drinking water, activities and a local guide, we paid approximately USD 350 per person, as we booked a nicer room with private facilities.
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Where To Stay
The overall accommodation style in the Amazon Jungle Peru is typically jungle lodges in various regions.
The choice is up to you whether you opt for a remarkably luxurious or more basic option. You can expect comfortable accommodations in these lodges, usually in twin-share or double cabins with attached ensuite bathrooms.
It’s important to remember that your lodge is in a remote location, so electricity may only be available for specific hours during the day. This was the case with our lodge, so whenever electricity was available, take the opportunity to charge your phone, cameras etc.
The rooms have mosquito nets and fans to ensure a cool and protected night’s sleep.
You may choose a bungalow accommodation with shared bathroom facilities for those travelling on a budget.
Most of the lodges are within a 1-1.5 hour boat ride from Puerto Maldonado Boat Pier.
Accommodation providers usually offer all-inclusive packages that include transfers from Puerto Maldonado airport, accommodation, all meals, and several daily excursions.
Amazon Jungle Lodges in Peru
Numerous jungle lodges are situated along the river, ranging from inexpensive ones with very basic amenities to more stylish lodges with comfortable bungalows.
Here are my top picks for Amazon jungle lodges for varying budgets:
BUDGET: Hacienda Herrera Tambopata – Offering garden views, this property provides accommodation, a garden and a terrace. Pick up and drop off from airport or bus station is provided for free, has to contact property for arrengments. Is a 20 min boat ride from El Triunfo Port to the lodge.
MID-RANGE: Amazon Planet – A true ecolodge within a protected area surrounded by rainforest and wild animals in their natural habitat. Free airport transfers, river transfers, all meals are included. Jungle excursions and adventure activities in the area such as treking, biking, fishing, and boat rides can be arranged.
Full program itineraries are available for an add-on rate. The rooms in Amazon Planet feature private bathrooms and terraces. Breakfast is served daily. The on-site restaurant offers a daily menu and can cater to special diets upon request.
LUXURY: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica – Located in the Peru Amazon Jungle, this hotel features tours to the rainforest, a massage spa overlooking the Madre de Dios forest and rooms with hammocks and balconies. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the rates.
There are eco-friendly bathroom amenities and private bathrooms. The hotel is a 45-minute boat ride from Puerto Maldonado. Cusco is a 25-minute flight away.
View ALL Lodge Accommodation in Tambopata National Reserve
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What You Can See in the Amazon Jungle in Peru
Flora
The Amazon jungle in Peru is like a vast garden with many plants. You’ll find towering trees, like the Ceiba and Kapok, that stand really tall. Some trees, like the rubber tree, have been essential for making rubber.
There are plants that people have used for medicine for a long time, like the Cinchona tree, which helps treat malaria, and the Cat’s Claw, which indigenous communities have used traditionally.
On the trees, you’ll see colourful plants called bromeliads and orchids. Palms, like the Açaí and Assai, give us tasty fruits.
Vines and climbers, such as the vanilla orchid and passionflower, make the forest look even more beautiful. All these plants create a rich and amazing environment in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.
Fauna
The most commonly seen animals in the Amazon jungle are monkeys (squirrel monkeys and howler monkeys), caimans, sloths, frogs, tarantulas, piranhas, and birds such as herons, and the hoatzin (stink bird).
If you’re fortunate, you may see the endangered giant otter.
Of course, the frequency and proximity of wildlife sightings often depend on luck when exploring the Amazon Jungle.
Nonetheless, it remains a fantastic destination with ample opportunities to encounter and observe various forms of wildlife.
Activities in the Peruvian Amazon Jungle
With its distinctive geography and captivating flora and fauna, the Amazon Jungle in Peru offers some incredible places to visit and activities to engage in.
Here are some of the best ways to explore and appreciate this region and its wonders.
Jungle Walk: Take a trek through the rainforest accompanied by your guide, who will showcase and educate you about a diverse array of exotic plants and wildlife.
Go Kayaking on the River: Explore the calm waters of small rivers and lakes with a kayak, offering opportunities to observe caimans and various birds.
Go Fishing: Drop in a line and see if you can catch dinner! Don’t expect to catch a large fish, but it’s a fun activity, and you can enjoy a spot of birdwatching at the same time.
Discover Lake Sandoval: Visit Lake Sandoval, which is located in the Tambopata National Reserve. Hike 3 km through the park to reach the shores of Lake Sandoval.
Ride on a paddle boat on the lake and look for birds such as hoatzins, monkeys, and various flora. This activity was a real highlight of our trip to the Amazon Jungle in Peru.
What to Pack for Amazon Jungle in Peru
We recommend packing some lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, and you will need a waterproof jacket (or poncho); plus, it’s worth considering waterproof pants.
TIP: Dress in light, neutral colours to avoid mosquitoes.
Trousers and long sleeves are necessary when taking jungle walks to protect yourself from mosquitoes and spikey plants.
Add the following items to your packing list:
- A head torch for night walks through the jungle.
- Binoculars for a closer look at the Amazon wildlife.
- A good power bank to charge your electronics, as electricity is limited.
- Mosquito repellent is essential whether you travel in the wet or dry season.
- Practical walking or trekking shoes, although rubber gumboots are usually provided.
- A wide-brimmed hat to protect your head from the sun during river cruises.
- Sunscreen – it gets scorching in the Amazon Jungle.
- A camera
- A reusable water bottle to keep hydrated. Your accommodation provider will provide drinking water during your stay.
- A good book – View our recommendations for great travel books.
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Recommended Tours to the Amazon Jungle in Peru
Check out these top-rated tours below for those who prefer to reserve everything in advance.
We hope you enjoyed reading more about how to visit the Amazon Jungle in Peru. Have you visited the Peruvian Amazon? Would you add any tips to this guide? Please let us know in the comments below.
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Don’t forget to check out these 16 Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires; what an excellent food city!
Travel Tips for South America
We have many travel guides and tips for South America—a colourful and vibrant continent!
We believe these are the 15 best places to visit in South America.
Are you travelling on a budget? These five cheapest countries in South America will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible.
Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.
Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across South America. There’s Colombian cuisine, Venezuelan food, the food in the Dominican Republic, and even Guyanese cuisine to inspire you on your culinary journey.
For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for food.
Do you want some suggestions for packing for your South American adventure? Our ultimate packing list for travellers has you covered for the essentials.
These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels, try these 5 popular foods in South America; they’re very tasty!
You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in South America. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Latin America (which covers 19 countries).
If your travels in Latin America are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.
If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. View the best deals on group tours in Latin America.
Finally, check out our travel resources page for the best websites, tools and products we use to travel the world.
View the travel gear we use on the road, and don’t miss our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.
Travel Planning Resources
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