The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth as it is spreading over nine countries in South America. It is home to many plant and animal species, with more being discovered each year. The most popular part, however, is the Peruvian Amazon with the city of Iquitos providing the gateway into the lush-green jungles.
This comprehensive planning guide for the Peru Amazon jungle will include everything you need to know before your trip, including what to see, the best times to visit, what to pack, and much more.
The Peru Amazon is the second-largest part of the Amazon after the Brazilian one. It spreads over 60% of Peru and provides a safe home for more than 12,000 plant and animal species.
It is also home to many indigenous communities; you will be able to learn more about their lifestyles when you are there.
The Peruvian Amazon spreads over a vast area so there are many things you can do there, depending on the part of the Peruvian Amazon you plan to visit.
You will go on for day walks to explore everything that the Peruvian Amazon has to offer, including watching wildlife like red howler monkeys, spider monkeys, jaguars, and much more. However, the night walks are the most exciting because it is a different world out there with many nocturnal species.
Canopy Tower rises 60 meters above ground level to give you a bird’s eye view of the forest! You will be able to see exotic and gigantic trees that dominate the forest canopy as well as monkeys and birds like toucans, macaws, and parrots.
Macaw Clay Licks are another one of the best places to see birds in the Peruvian Amazon. Every day lots of macaws and parrots come to the Macaw Clay Licks to feed on the clay so that they can flush out toxins from the food they eat. The best place in the Peruvian Amazon to see macaws and parrots is Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick in Tambopata.
One of the most unique ways to see the wildlife in the Peru Amazon is by arranging a boat ride in the Oxbow Lakes. You will be able to see giant river otters, black caimans, alligators, and water birds.
The best time to visit the Peruvian Amazon jungles is in the low-water season (December to May) when there is significantly low rainfall and the hiking trails are easily reachable. Arranging for river cruises during this season will give you a unique experience to see river wildlife like pink dolphins!
You must pack all the essentials for this trip such as warm comfortable clothing (including long-sleeved tops, pants, and sweaters), good hiking shoes, socks, raincoats, sunglasses, sunscreen, first-aid kit (along with any medications you are taking), cameras, passport, other travel documents, cash, headlamps, and insect repellants.
Planning a trip to the Peru Amazon Jungles can seem like an exhausting job, especially if you are a first timer there. Make sure to do your research and pack everything you need to make this an amazing wildlife experience!
Wondering on choosing between Manu and Tambopata? Check out our article.
Also, check our popular tours: