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The Best Way to Visit the Peruvian Amazon
The Peruvian Amazon has something for everyone. For the nature lover it is a must see and should be part of any adventure in Peru. A trip to the jungle is a trip to visit mother nature.
By planning carefully and respecting the local environment and the many cultures in the different parts of the Amazon you can have a rewarding and memorable adventure in the Peruvian Amazon.
Peru has 2 main gateways to the Peruvian Amazon, so from here you will have to choose. The first is from Puerto Maldonado, which is reachable by road from Cusco and by air from both Cusco and Lima. The second is Iquitos in the north of Peru which is only accessible by air or by boat.
Air Travel
If you are in Lima or in Cusco you can go to Puerto Maldonado by air. The one company that is the most reliable is LATAM. This company has regular departures from both cities to Puerto Maldonado daily. To get to Iquitos again LATAM offers regulars services to Iquitos daily.
Lodges
On arrival into Puerto Maldondo most travel to the port and take a journey down the Madre de Dios River, to one of the many wonderful lodges. These lodges range from budget to five star and offer many different tours of the jungle. You will find lodges with islands where you can see many different varieties of monkeys. Some have research centers which study the life in the jungle. Most take you on expeditions through the jungle to learn from the knowledgeable guides about the plant and animal life that exist there.
From Iquitos you can also travel down the Nanay and Itaya rivers to experience some of the best jungle lodges in Peru. See different wildlife than you would experience in Puerto Maldonado. The city of Iquitos is a hive of tourism and most stay a night to experience it.
River Cruises.
The largest companies in the Iquitos area for river cruising are Aqua Aura and Defin Cruises, these cross the waterways of the Amazon, Ucayali and Maranon rivers. Experience the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve featuring an abundance of wildlife and shore excursions to experience the northern Peruvian Amazon jungle.
Independent Travel.
Some who are on a budget or prefer to travel solo can do tours and trip to the jungle. This however will require thorough planning. It is however recommended that you hire a guide to do your tour through the jungle as you will learn about the jungle and also you will not get lost.
Tours
Jungle tours are a great way to experience the jungle. The are a safe, knowledgeable and you can gain access to unknown remote areas. It is a great idea to look for tours that are led by local experts to help support the local community and get the best information about the area.
Respect the Environment
Practice responsible tourism by minimizing waste, not disturbing the wildlife and respecting local customs and communities.
Plan you trip by season
The dry season in the Peruvian Amazon is from June to November, this season offers, easier access to wildlife and the wet season from December to May offers lush landscapes and high-water levels for river travel. Which do you prefer? A visit to the jungle can take place all year round.
Packing
Bring lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, waterproof gear and sturdy shoes. Don’t forget a good camera and a pair of binoculars (the wildlife photography is just amazing).
Some recommendations for Jungle Lodges in Puerto Maldonado
- Rainforest Expeditions, this is an eco friendly lodge, in the pristine Amazon rainforest jungle, in one of the best locations in Puerto Maldonado.
- Inka Terra Hacienda Concepcion, specialized guides to take you through the jungle. Excellent jungle bungalows, eco-friendly building with 5-star luxury.
- Tambopata Research Center, the best lodge for wildlife, see the clay lick located close to the lodge. See hundreds of Macaws who gather at the lick every morning.
Some recommendations for Jungle Lodges in Iquitos
- The Tahuayo Lodge and Research Center, this wildlife rich reserve is a protected area of the Amazon Rainforest. Enjoy itineraries customed to your interests.
- The Otorongo Lodge, there are plenty of animals and plants to see. The lodge is involved in the restoration of the surrounding forest.
- The Muyuna Lodge, offering tours of 3 to 5 days, this lodge is perfect for those who want a taste of the rainforest with a chance to see a wide variety of animals.
History of Puerto Maldonado
Puerto Maldonado was founded in 1902 by explorer Faustino Maldonado. The town was developed as a rubber boomtown in the early 20th century, attracting many for rubber extraction. After rubber the region successfully diversified into timber and gold mining. Today it attracts tourists for the rich biodiversity.
History of Iquitos
Iquitos was founded in the mid-18th century and at its height was a major producer of rubber in South America, which bought much wealth to the town. When the rubber trade declined the city went through challenges. Today the Amazon River and Rainforest draw thousands every year to region.
Although not the most popular region of Peru for tourists, the Peruvian Amazon is home to one of the worlds most bio diverse areas. The area is home to some of the friendliest people on the planet. Book with SAM Travel Peru for the adventure of a lifetime to the Amazon Rainforest and all the other attractions that Peru has on offer. Talk to our friendly staff today.
