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HOW TO EXPLORE THE PERUVIAN AMAZON FROM IQUITOS: A WILD ADVENTURE

June 23, 2026 | Raihne Cosmopoulos
Destinations+ Peru+ South America

This is the ultimate guide to exploring the Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos: How to get there, an Iquitos travel guide, where to stay, the best immersive Amazon tours and itinerary, how to visit the rainforest ethically and travel essentials for surviving the jungle. This is everything you need to know to have the wildest, most unforgettable Amazon adventure.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commision if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

How to visit and ethically explore the Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos, Peru

THE BEAUTY OF THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

The ultimate guide to exploring the Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos
The beautiful Amazon River. Photo by @homeless.backpacker.

Picture lush green abundance and ancient trees, meandering rivers with lilies and greenery, bright rainbows radiating over the Amazon, bird life all around you, nature sounds, pink dolphins popping their heads out the water and village life in the rainforest. Imagine fishing in a canoe on the Amazon River. Or exploring the rainforest by foot and encountering wild monkeys and sloths along the way. Imagine night walks and seeing the weird and wonderful nocturnal wildlife.

Being in the Peruvian Amazon is like a sensory overload. It feels like at any moment you could experience something unexpected or see an animal you have dreamed of seeing. There are so many wild adventures to experience in the jungle that will allow you to experience all aspects of life in the rainforest. From the Amazonian culture and village life, to insects, reptiles, birds and mammals, to fishing, boat rides and forest walks, you will be able to experience the Amazon in a way that will leave you with a whole new appreciation for nature and the essential eco-systems that all life on Earth literally cannot survive without.

LET NATURE TEACH YOU…

I believe that visiting the Amazon is not just a travel bucket-list destination or a nature lover’s paradise. But a way to learn about life in the Amazon and to truly understand how connected we all are to nature. It is a journey that opens your eyes to how devastating the destruction of the Amazon is to all life on Earth and the habitats of native wildlife and the indigenous people. If you visit the Peruvian Amazon with open eyes and a willingness to learn about this natural world, you will feel a connection to the Amazon and understand why people fight to protect it at all costs.

WILDLIFE WE SAW ON OUR TOUR IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON:

wild anaconda sighting in the Amazon, Peru
Wild Anaconda sighting on one of our walks!

It’s always exciting seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. Exploring the Peruvian Amazon comes with many unbelievable wildlife encounters – some more rare than others. Everyone’s experience will be different and you can never predict nature and expect to see everything. But if you spend a few days in the jungle, you will come across amazing animals, big and small, and have some really unique encounters that you can’t just find anywhere in the world.

We spent 4 days in the Peruvian Amazon and here are a few of our favorite wildlife encounters:

  • Anaconda. We got so lucky to see one at a village we visited with the giant lilies. He was curled up by a tree and our guide spotted it! This is a very rare encounter to have. The guides will even tell you that they do not see Anacondas often.
  • Sloths.
  • Caymans.
  • A variety of snakes on our night walk.
  • Tarantula.
  • Pootoo Bird.
  • Pirañas
  • Cat Fish
  • Pink Dolphins.
  • Pre-historic birds.
  • Spider Monkey.
  • Woolly monkeys.
  • Toucans.
  • Fish Eagle.
  • Macaws.
  • Different frogs.
  • A bunch of interesting insects.
  • And a lot of bird life!
butterflies in the jungle of Peru
The most beautiful butterfly sighting. Photo by @homeless.backpacker.

Everything we saw in this list was completely in the wild. We didn’t need to go to a sanctuary or unethical animal enclosures to have these encounters. Some adventures took patience and time to see these animals. But our guides were absolutely fantastic and gifted us the best wildlife experiences through their knowledge of the rainforest.

IQUITOS, PERU – HOW TO GET THERE & AN HONEST REVIEW

Views from the river banks in Iquitos, Peru
Views from the river banks in Iquitos.

The only way to get to Iquitos is by flight or by the over landing and river route.

BY FLIGHT:

The simplest and fastest way to reach Iquitos is by flying from Lima on one of the daily direct flights. The flight is about 1.5 hours. When you land at the Iquitos Airport, you can take a 20 minute taxi or local transport into the city. You can search for the most affordable (and direct) flights to Iquitos through SkyScanner or Trip.com. You can easily compare the different flight prices and find which one suits your itinerary the best.

There are also specific flights from cities like Cusco, Tarapoto and Pucallpa. These flights are season dependent. It is best to check availability from these airports if you do not plan to fly from Lima.

BY BOAT:

Getting to Iquitos via the river route is a whole adventurous experience! If you have time, don’t mind being uncomfortable for the sake of the adventure and love being surrounded by livestock for days then this is a budget route you can take.

The most affordable boats are the large traditional cargo boats that carry hundreds of locals, livestock and cargo up the Amazon river for 3-5 days. Although we heard from some people that it can even take 6 or 7 days if there are any delays. This boat is also known as the “slow boat”. You will be sleeping in a hammock in the open air, eating rice, porridge and chicken and have shared bathrooms that use water from the river for showering. The slow boats start from either Yurimaguas (3 days) or from Pacullpa (5 days). When you arrive at either of the docks, you can locate a boat captain and pay for your ticket once you board.

PRO-TIP FOR THE SLOW BOATS: You need to bring your own hammock and blanket, toilet paper, eating utensils and it is wise to also pack your own food for meals that aren’t always provided/guaranteed. Also bring cash for any snacks or drinks you might need along the way.

IS IQUITOS SAFE FOR TOURISTS?

A guide to visiting Iquitos, Peru
The boat dock right by Dream Hostel.

I am going to be completely honest so that you as my readers can fully understand the extent of what to expect when visiting Iquitos. I also want to say that this should not stop you from visiting the Amazon. Iquitos is a gateway to an amazing adventure in the rainforest and if you are able to take precautions, book reliable tours and keep your awareness when in Iquitos, you can avoid anything unwanted happening. This should not stop you from visiting this region of Peru. It should help you to feel prepared and not have any unexpected surprises when visiting Iquitos specifically. Please remember that I can only speak from our own experience there. Although we had other travelers tell us the same things happened to them and it was an on-going daily occurrence.

Iquitos is the one place in all of my years of full-time travel that I ever felt truly unsafe. To be honest, Iquitos is not a safe place and I would not recommend walking around alone. I traveled with my partner there but both of us walked around Iquitos alone at times. I did not feel safe walking alone as a woman, was cat-called and made to feel really uncomfortable. And even my partner walking alone as a man did not feel safe and even got threatened in a shop. We had some dodgy experiences in our days in Iquitos that made us both extremely aware of where we are. We never walked around with too much money or any of our valuables, not even our phones. And we wouldn’t leave our bags on restaurant tables that someone could easily snatch and run away with.

TAKE PRECAUTIONS…

We made sure not to walk around late at night or go off on unknown paths to explore. We also got a guide when visiting the surrounding areas to ensure we weren’t going anywhere we weren’t meant to be. Our guide would even warn us that these areas are not safe for tourists to explore without a guide. I will share more about this under the things to do in Iquitos.

I know this all sounds really doom and gloom. But this is only to share my honest opinion and not sugar coat experiences. Iquitos is still a city that tourists visit all the time. If you feel uneasy about staying over in the actual Iquitos city, you can find villages and smaller towns outside of Iquitos or book a tour that picks you up from the airport and takes you straight to the jungle. And if you want to experience Iquitos, you can book a stay close to the restaurants/cafes and just be careful when you are out and about.

WHERE TO STAY IN IQUITOS:

where to stay and things to do in Iquitos, Peru
Scenes from Iquitos.

There is a variety of hotels and accommodations within walking distance of the cafes and the walking strip.

The first place we stayed in before our tour was a more budget friendly hostel called Amazon Dream Hostel. Although it is budget friendly, it has working Wi-Fi, AC and a pretty view of the river. The owner was also so lovely and so helpful! The only downside to this stay was that it is an extra few minutes walk to where most of the restaurants are – and at night time this could make you feel uncomfortable when walking to and from dinner.

Our second stay after our tour, we chose to stay a little closer to all of the shops and restaurants to avoid walking further distances at night time. We stayed at La Posada del Cauchero Hotel & Suites. They have a pool which is nice for cooling down in the Amazon heat. You can also enjoy their restaurant and they have rooms with some beautiful views and a balcony.

These are just the 2 accommodations that we stayed at. There are so many more options on Booking.com around the centre and along the banks of the river that are more private and have nature views of the Amazon. I highly recommend staying within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Unless you have your own transport then it is much easier and safer to get around from where ever you choose to stay.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PERUVIan AMAZON IN IQUITOS:

the best season to visit the Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos.
Stunning cloud reflections on one of our boat rides on the Amazon.

First things first, the Amazon is hot and humid all-year round! And when I say it is hot, is it HOT! Prepare to be sweaty and uncomfortable for a couple of days – but don’t worry, it is so worth dealing with the insane humidity.

HIGH-SEASON:

The best time to visit the Amazon in Iquitos is from May to October. This is when the river levels are lower and you can embark on hiking in the jungle and encountering wildlife. This is also when it rains less which means less mosquitos. Please note that even though there are less mosquitos, there are still A LOT of them. So be prepared with mosquito repellant and full-coverage clothing.

A lot of the wildlife gather along the river banks and around pools of water during these months because of less rainfall inland. So your chances of seeing something amazing is higher during this time.

This is also the high season so hotels, lodges and activities are generally more expensive and you need to plan your Amazon adventure ahead of time.

LOW-SEASON:

The high-level river season in the Peruvian Amazon is from December to May. Our guide told us that the water levels rise all the way up to his village which is why their homes are built on stilts to avoid flooding and damage. Continuous rainfall in these months can cause the river levels to rise by 12 meters! This makes jungle trekking more difficult and many places inaccessible/dangerous to explore in these months. But the upside to visiting the Amazon in these months is that new water channels are created which allow you to go deeper into the jungle by boat or canoe. You just need to be flexible and have time to play with because heavy rains are frequent in these months.

THINGS TO DO IN IQUITOS BEFORE YOUR AMAZON ADVENTURE:

exploring the Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos
The boat ride from Iquitos to Belen.

If you choose to stay in Iquitos for a few days before wandering into the jungle, there are a few amazing activities you can do from the city to get you into the vibe of the Amazon. You can also expect to experience quite the culture shock at the local markets.

1. VISIT BELéN & THE MARKET

Belen village in Iquitos, Peru
Belen Village.

If there is one thing you take from this list of things to do in Iquitos, it is to not visit the Belen Market on your own. This should be done with a local guide who is knowledgable about the ins and outs of this village and market area. Even with our guide right by our side, my partner’s backpack was sneakily opened and he almost had his camera and phone stolen right off his back without even noticing. Thankfully one of the stall owners who saw this happening shouted just in time and the thief aborted his mission of stealing our belongings. The owner at Dream Hostel also told us not to go to the market alone because it is just too risky for tourists.

With that being said, this experience is one-of-a-kind. It is a complete culture shock and an experience you won’t forget. You start the tour by going on a boat through the local houses built on stilts. You’re immediately greeted by pollution and litter and you truly understand how this essential eco-system is being destroyed in so many terrible ways. I know this sounds horrible and you’re probably asking why would you go on this tour? But this is an eye-opening cultural experience. And I feel like experiences such as this raise so much awareness to the realities of the world that we do not often see with our own eyes. And when we experience it first hand, we also tend to share the awareness with others and hopefully it causes a ripple effect to take better care of this beautiful planet.

SUPPORT THE LOCAL MARKET IN THE RIGHT WAY…

edible worms from the Belen Market in Iquitos, Peru
Edible worms you can try from the market!

After the boat ride you will walk through the market where local people are selling all sorts of plant medicines, exotic foods, questionable artifacts and most definitely illegally poached animals. We saw a boy holding a baby ant-eater and offering for people to either hold it for money or buy it off of him. Ant-eaters are vulnerable to extinction and should not be poached or held at markets for any reason. I understand the depths of needing to make a livelihood, struggling to put food on the table and that there is little education in the conservation of animals and protecting endangered species. There are so many levels to this issue. But by no means should we as tourists play a part in supporting this behavior. It only puts more wildlife at risk in the future.

You can eat some of the local Peruvian Amazon cuisines at the market (like worms!) and support the local artisans by buying some beautiful handmade souvenirs and crafts. I know this experience sounds chaotic and a bit crazy. But it was a highlight of experiencing the Amazon and the depths of the different ways of life that exist here.

Tour recommendation for visiting Belen with a guide: Iquitos: Belén Market Tour with Boat Ride.

2. WALK AROUND THE PLAZA DE ARMAS & ALONG THE BOULEVARD

beautiful nature views from the riverside boulevard in Iquitos, Peru
Beautiful views from the riverside boulevard. Photo by @homeless.backpacker.

You can wander the city centre of Iquitos and walk along the boulevard that overlooks the Itaya River with the Amazon rainforest in the background. There are lovely restaurants, cafes and local artisan shops along the boulevard.

There is also a beautiful Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas to admire along your walks in Iquitos. It is called The St. John the Baptist Cathedral.

3. VISIT LA ISLA DE LOS MONOS (MONKEY ISLAND)

La isla de los monos, Amazon, Peru

La Isla De Los Monos is a rehabilitation centre for monkeys that are rescued from illegal pet trades, poaching and abuse. They rescue these beautiful animals, rehabilitate them and release the ones into the wild who are strong enough to survive. Monkey Island is completely open and cage-free, except for the monkeys who are being rehabilitated and need extra care.

This 450 hectare island is nearby Iquitos. You just take a local boat to the island and hop off at the dock stop. An abundance of plants and trees were planted on the island for the first 8 years since it was started in 1997 in preparation for the rescued wildlife to have sufficient space and food.

You can visit this island independently by taking one of the local boats at the dock in Iquitos to Monkey Island. Please make sure that you are visiting the correct rescue centre: LA ISLA DE LOS MONOS. There are so many zoo-like “sanctuaries” in and around Iquitos that are not committed to rescuing and releasing the monkeys but rather profiting off keeping them enclosed/feeding them/caging them in. The monkeys at La Isla De Los Monos might jump on you and play around you out of their own free will. You can embrace the experience respectfully, not forcefully.

By visiting the real Monkey Island in the Peruvian Amazon you are supporting their mission to rescue these monkeys and put them back into the wild where they belong.

4. VISIT THE BELLAVISTA NANAY PORT AND MARKET

The Bellavista Nanay Port is an authentic local market located at the point where the Amazon and Nanay Rivers meet. If you would like to try some deliciously made local cuisines and traditional Amazonian flavors, then visiting this market is a must. You can taste fresh fish caught straight from the river and buy a variety of yummy fruits and veggies here.

IS THE PERUVIAN AMAZON SAFE FOR TOURISTS?

magical rainbows in the Amazon rainforest
Magical rainbows in the Amazon. Photo by @homeless.backpacker.

It is important to distinguish the difference between being in Iquitos and being in the actual rainforest for your tour/jungle stay. Once we left Iquitos we felt completely safe. The village we stayed in in the jungle was very safe and we never felt in danger. The danger that you need to look out for is stepping on a snake or getting stung by wasps, not danger within the community. Especially if you are on a tour, you will have your guide/s with you at all times. They are masters of the jungle so you will be taken care of every step of the way.

THE BEST ETHICAL AMAZON ADVENTURE TOURS FROM IQUITOS

beautiful rainforest landscapes in the Amazon
Lush landscapes along the river banks.

There are so many amazing Amazon adventure tours you can do from Iquitos. But as with so many wildlife and nature tours, not all of them are curated the same. It is really important to do in depth research about the tour and the activities on the itinerary to ensure an ethical experience.

We booked our 4-day tour through Howlanders: 4-Day Iquitos Jungle Tour. It was AMAZING! We absolutely loved every single day from start to finish. Each day was packed with activities and exploration. What we loved about this tour was that the guides give you a whole list of activities to choose from and you can decide on each day what you want to do. You sort of create your own itinerary with the guides. And if you really enjoyed an activity you can do it again the next day!

The village that we stayed in on this tour was also so beautiful. We had the most fun guides embarking on all the adventures with us. They went above and beyond to make sure we experienced everything to the fullest. When you look at all of the options to choose from when creating your itinerary, you will see that searching for wildlife is all done in the wild. Either by foot or the canoe. You are not going to caged “sanctuaries” to see sloths, monkeys and birds. Everything that we saw during our time in the village was wild and free. It is makes it even more rewarding when you finally spot the animal you’ve been searching for.

OTHER NOTABLE ETHICAL TOURS:

I did some research and found 2 other tours on GetYourGuide that follow a more ethical itinerary, searching for wildlife in the open jungle with overnight stays in authentic local villages or setting up camp in the wild! These tours are a little different to the one that we did in that you stay at a different lodge or in tents:

Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve: Multi Day jungle expedition
From Iquitos: 3-Day Ecolodge Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve

Please remember that if there are any unexpected itinerary changes or surprise wildlife visits that weren’t initially mentioned, you can always speak up and ask to skip the activity. The guides in Peru are so sweet and so understanding. They want to give you the best experience in their village. So you can simply ask to not take part in anything that feels unethical to you in the moment.

OUR peruvian AMAZON ITINERARY THAT WE DID AND WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING:

villages in the Peruvian Amazon
The lovely village we stayed in for our 4-day tour.

We had a guide and a boatman who took care of us for the entire 4 days. Every adventure was the 4 of us together and it was the most fun and exciting 4 day stretch in our South America trip.

DAY 1:

Piranha fishing!
  • We got picked up from the hotel at about 8am.
  • Around one hour drive to Nauta where we hopped on a boat to reach the village.
  • After reaching the village and settling in, we took a boat ride to a beautiful spot in one of the water channels for Piranha fishing.
  • A couple hours later we took the boat back into the open Amazon River for Cat fishing at sunset.
  • We enjoyed the sunset on the river before embarking back to the village and enjoying our dinner and fresh juice. Our dinner was all of the fish we caught that day accompanied by food made by the lodge.
  • Then we got ready for our first night-time activity: searching for Caimans. SUCCESS!

DAY 2:

giant lilies in the jungle, rainforest fauna and flora, Amazon, Peru
Giant lilies. They are so beautiful!
  • After breakfast in the morning we took our boat to a stunning spot in the jungle for a walk through the rainforest. We learned all about the trees, medicinal plants and paying attention to the bug life of the Amazon. We saw hundreds of years’ old trees, ate edible worms straight from the forest, admired beautiful bird life and stumbled upon cute Woolly Monkeys.
  • We then visited another village where you can see the giant lilies.
  • Our last activity for the day-time was canoeing on the Amazon River at sunset and listening to the jungle come alive.
  • After dinner we set out on a night-walk and saw amazing creatures like tarantulas, snakes and different frogs.

DAY 3:

pink dolphins peaking their heads out the Amazon river in Peru
Pink dolphins peaking their heads out the Amazon River.
  • Our morning started with a breathtaking sunrise on the water, seeing Pink Dolphins, Fish Eagles and Sloths.
  • We loved the fishing activity so much that we decided to do Piranha and Cat fishing again for the day.
  • In the late afternoon we swam NEAR Pink Dolphins. Please note that I say “near” because we didn’t actually swim WITH them. They stay in the distance and you cannot see them under the water. I feel like you need to get really lucky to swim close by the Pink Dolphins as they are wild and we did not feed them to bring them closer to us. You do not need to feed them. You will see the dolphins jumping out the river all the time during your tour which is a magical way to appreciate them. It was just awesome to swim in the Amazon river and to see them jumping out in the distance.
  • At sunset, our guides took us to this awesome sinking mud spot where we bathed in mud. I know this sounds icky but it felt so good!
  • We ate dinner and then went out on the boat for a night ride on the river and saw the amazing Potoo bird.
mud bathing in the Amazon, Peru
Mud bathing at sunset!

DAY 4:

Sunrise on the Peruvian Amazon
Sunrise on the Amazon.
  • For our last day we went back to the village with the giant lilies to explore and keep our eyes open for more wildlife. We just love animals and safari vibes so we wanted to see if we get lucky with another sighting and WE DID! We stumbled upon a medium sized Anaconda curled up by a tree. Our guide told us that this is not a normal sighting. Even the villagers only see Anacondas once or twice every 6 months. Seeing Anacondas is not on the itinerary list for this very reason because it is highly. unlikely to see one. We centered our days in the Amazon mostly around wildlife sightings and it definitely paid off.
  • In the afternoon we headed back to Nauta and then to Iquitos after an unforgettable 4 days in the jungle!

As I mentioned before, we were able to mix and match activities on each day. We loved Piranha fishing so much that we chose to replace an activity the next day with fishing again. We did also have the freedom to do this because we chose a private tour for the 2 of us. So we didn’t have to make group decisions with other people who maybe would have wanted to do things differently.

WHAT TO PACK WHEN VISITING THE AMAZON?

pre-historic birds in the Amazon
Pre-historic birds we spotted on one of our boat rides.

I definitely could have been a bit more prepared for our Amazon adventure. Some gear I had with me and some gear I wished I had. brought with. So I wanted to share some tips here on what to wear and what to bring with you to make you feel prepared and more comfortable during the heat of the days.

  • Full coverage clothing: It is extremely hot, especially on the adventures. And at night time there are so many bugs and mosquitos all over the place. So you definitely want to keep your skin covered. The best clothing to wear is wool because it keeps you cool and dry. I recommend Merino Tech as we have actually used their clothing for trekking in hot places. It works really well and it is comfortable. They also have different style options for men and women.
  • Long trekking pants: Make sure they are comfortable and can keep you cool. It is best to avoid wearing leggings and jeans.
  • Mosquito repellent: Deet free spray or Repellent Balm.
  • Sun screen: I always recommend Badger because they are better for the environment than conventional sun screens.
  • Waterproof dry bag: For your gear/phone/any tech that could get damaged by unexpected rain or water splashes on the boat.
  • A good sun hat: One with a wide brim that gives you full coverage.
  • Moisture wicking socks: For your walks in the jungle. You will usually get gum boots from your guide for these walks.
  • Rain Jacket: It can pour at random times in the day so it is good to have your rain jacket on hand at all times.
  • Portable hand fan: I don’t go anywhere without this little fan. It honestly saved me at times in the middle of the heat when there was no breeze. JISULIFE has the best portable fans, I’ve been using them for about 5 years now!
  • Light weight sneakers and sandals: For village walks/being on the boat. I used waterproof sandals which was great for traversing the surrounding areas of the village.
  • Swimming gear: If you decide to jump in the Amazon River or swim NEAR Pink Dolphins.
  • Your own first aid kit: And any medication you think you might need or that you take regularly.
  • Day Backpack: For the day to day adventures so you can have all of your essentials with you.
  • Headlamp: You will need this for night walks.
  • Portable power bank: the power isn’t on 24/7 for charging. It is best to bring your own power bank with you.
  • And lastly, if you love taking photos and capturing wildlife then all of your desired camera gear! My partner and I always love taking our time photographing wildlife. We personally use the Sony A7iii and the Fuji XT4 with a 300mm zoom lens.

ETHICAL TRAVEL TIPS WHEN VISITING THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

a toucan visitor in one of the villages in the Amazon in Peru
The cutest toucan that flew onto one of the homes in the village.

As you can imagine there are so many unethical businesses, tour companies and activities that take place in the Peruvian Amazon. It is also easy to miss the signs when you are there and a lot of sanctuaries portray themselves as places that take care of the animals. But actually they have been captured from the wild for tourists to hold them for money. Taking part in such activities only promotes the exploitation of these beautiful beings and encourages the locals to continue unsustainable and unethical tourism practices.

It is important to visit reputable sanctuaries and go on tours with qualified guides who explore the Amazon with respect for all life in the rainforest.

Do not take part in any feeding of wild animals or holding sloths/monkeys/birds. This is a clear sign of a sanctuary that is unethical.

When exploring the rainforest, it is important to stay on the walking paths. The Amazon is a delicate eco-system that should be left undisturbed.

Packing eco-friendly toiletries to use when you are in the jungle helps to keep the waters clean and free of chemicals. The water from the bathroom runs back into the environment. It is best to not use mainstream products that pollute the waterways and surrounding eco-system.

LEAVE NO TRACE…

Do not leave single-use plastics behind. Taking your garbage with you back to the city where you can dispose of it carefully is better than leaving it in the villages where it is more difficult to get rid of.

Buying souvenirs and handmade crafts from local artisans is a beautiful way to support the local community. Make sure that you are buying handicrafts made from ethical materials. Many artisans use endangered wood, animal and plant materials that have a devastating effect on the Amazon.

Please do not take anything from the Amazon. If more and more people take natural “souvenirs” from the forest, it will increasingly cause imbalances in the eco-system. This sets a precedent that it is okay to take from the rainforest and ends up having a negative effect on the wildlife and fauna that exists here. It is better to take photos and appreciate the natural beauty of the lungs of the Earth than to take what is not yours.

When we respect nature, nature rewards us with the most beautiful, heart warming and unforgettable experiences.

THE PERUVIAN AMAZON IS NATURE’S PARADISE

Canoeing on the Amazon River
Canoeing on the Amazon River.

If the opportunity arises for you to visit the Amazon, it is an opportunity not to be missed. Experiencing the Peruvian Amazon was one of the most significant travel and life experiences I have ever had. I would go back in a heart beat. To be so immersed in the wilderness of the rainforest, surrounded by indigenous fauna, flora and culture and to see the natural beauty of the jungle is unmatched.

I hope that this post has helped you gain a deeper understanding into what it means to visit the Amazon Jungle and everything this journey entails. You can take information from here and use it to help you feel prepared for an experience of a lifetime in the world’s most untamed landscape.

green frogs in the Amazon
beautiful sunsets in the Peruvian Amazon
tarantula in the Amazon, Peru

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

IS THE PERUVIAN AMAZON WORTH VISITING?

Yes, the Peruvian Amazon is unlike anything you will experience anywhere in the world. The abundance of life and wildlife within the jungle are unmatched. You will get to experience wild landscapes, fauna and flora and wildlife so unique to this region of the Earth. The Amazon is known as the lungs of the Earth. To be able to experience it for yourself is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You learn so much about this essential eco-system that gives you a whole new appreciation and care for the rainforest and the people who are fighting to protect it.

DO I NEED VACCINATIONS TO VISIT THE AMAZON?

It is always best to speak to your doctor at home about necessary/recommended vaccinations before visiting the Amazon rainforest. This is by no means official medical advice, but the following vaccinations are usually recommended for your own precaution: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B.

A little side note that I dealt with when traveling in South America: If you have visited the Amazon and you plan to visit Bolivia afterwards, the immigration officers in Bolivia might ask you for your Yellow Fever vaccine if you have previously visited a high-risk Yellow Fever area within the last 6 months. It is best to do your research on this before planning your trip to ensure you have the necessary requirements to enter countries you plan to visit after the Amazon.

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I SPEND IN IQUITOS?

If you plan to do activities in and around Iquitos (excluding the rainforest multi-day tours), spending 2 to 3 days in Iquitos is enough, including the day you arrive. There are a few activities you can do from Iquitos that only take a few hours so you can do a few adventures within a day.

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD I SPEND IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST?

Anywhere from 3 to 5 days is a good amount of time to really experience the Peruvian Amazon. This will give you enough time to do the day and night walks, spot wildlife in the jungle, spend time with the local people, experience the Amazon River boat rides and explore the jungle landscapes.

WHAT IS THE MOST FAMOUS PROTECTED AREA IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON?

Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the most famous protected area in the Peruvian Amazon. You will be able to experience the natural beauty of the rainforest and an abundance of wildlife in this area.

frog species in the Amazon rainforest
beautiful sunsets and boat rides on the Peruvian Amazon River
nature reflections on the Amazon River
stunning rainbows on the Amazon

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