Amazon

The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demands for its sustenance and extends generously the products of its life activity; it affords protection to all beings, offering shade even to the axe-man who destroys it.

Gautama Buddha

The Amazon. Whether you’re talking about the river, or the forest, there’s no denying that this is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Certainly somewhere that should be on any adventure lover’s bucket list.

The Amazon Rainforest spans 9 different South American countries so wherever you’re planning to travel to it’s fairly easy to incorporate an Amazon experience.

How to visit the Amazon

It’s important to do your research if you want to get the best possible Amazon experience. Firstly, what else do you want to see/do in South America other than going to the Amazon? Use that to decide where your base country/city will be. Secondly, how will you get there? Is it easily accessible from your base and what mode of transport will you use?

Then you’ll need to look for accommodation during your stay in the Amazon. What level of comfort are you happy with? The deeper you go into the rainforest the more basic the facilities are likely to be. It’s also really important to think about sustainability – we should be making responsible choices to ensure the natural wonders we’re visiting are protected for future generations. Luckily, it’s not difficult to come across a range of eco options in this part of the world, but it’s always worth researching an accommodation’s credentials before you book.

When to visit the Amazon? This is something you can do all year round but it’s worth considering the type of experience you want. In July to December you’ll get less rain with hotter weather and it’s a better time to experience the region on land. January to June is the wetter season but you have better river accessibility and navigation, and tourist resorts will be less crowded.

Finally, the most crucial part of your planning – how will you actually experience the Amazon? It’s no use rocking up to a beautiful eco lodge but then spending all your time lazing in the freshwater pool and drinking cocktails. You want to get out and come face to face with the incredible wildlife on offer. Most accommodation providers will offer guided tours but if you’re going for this option check it thoroughly before you book. What is actually included in the tour, how big will the group be etc? These details will really make a difference to your overall Amazon experience.

Bolivian Amazon

Bolivia is one of the best countries in which to experience the Amazon. Think winding rivers populated by pink dolphins, alligators and piranha fish. You can witness exotic birds, monkeys, sloths and capybara; explore sandy beaches where turtles lay their eggs; be amazed at ancient trees towering over thousands of plant varieties and meet isolated communities of people that make their living along the riverbanks.

Stay at the Chalalan Ecolodge (accessed via a 45 minute flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque and then a 5 hour boat trip to the lodge)

Peruvian Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon offers the chance to explore some of the world’s most spectacular and lush rainforest environments. You can tour the forest, rivers and lakes, on foot and in both motorised and paddle canoes. In this part of the Amazon you can expect to see a wide variety of birds as well as several species of monkey, reptiles and insects and maybe even giant otters.

Stay at the Cayman Lodge (accessed via a flight from other key destinations in Peru such as Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, then a 2 hour boat trip to the lodge)

Brazilian Amazon

The Brazilian Amazon is less visited as wildlife enthusiasts tend to focus on the richly biodiverse Pantanal regions instead. But in the Brazilian Amazon there are a whole host of animal highlights to discover including Uakari monkeys, three toed sloths, red howler monkeys and caimans.

Stay at the Uakari Floating Lodge (accessed via a flight to Manaus city, followed by a flight to Tefe and then a 1 hour boat transfer to the lodge)

Ecuadorian Amazon

The Amazon in Ecuador is more easily accessible than other countries but there are likely to be fewer wildlife encounters and you may not feel you’ve had the true Amazon experience.

Stay at the Hakuna Matata Ecolodge (accessed via car or coach from Quito, approximately 4 hours drive)