Information for a trip to the Amazon rainforest
26 November 2021 (598 visits)The tropical forests of the Amazon cover almost three million square miles of South America and are home to the greatest diversity of flora and fauna on the planet. Planning a trip to the rainforest can seem as daunting as the great Amazon basin itself, but if you plan well and arrange your trip with a reputable operator, you’re sure to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
No other Amazon rainforest destination in South America offers the easy accessibility enjoyed by those who visit Tambopata. Our location means it is simple for travelers to follow their visit to Cusco and Machu Picchu, and their Inca Trail hike, with a few days spent in the Amazon.
At Tambopata Ecolodge, we offer untouched Amazon basin habitat, filled with endemic flora and fauna, just a plane ride and a boat trip from Cusco, South America’s most popular travel destination. In spite of its remote location, it only takes around 4 hours to reach our Ecolodge from Cusco, via a scheduled flight to the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado and a fascinating 3-hour river journey to one of the world’s most accessible and yet totally unspoiled rainforest destinations.
Travelers planning to include Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and the Amazon basin as part of their Peru vacation will need to be prepared for the variety of geographical settings and climate conditions they’ll experience as they tour Peru.
The climate in the Amazon rainforest is hot and humid throughout the year. It can rain at any time of year, but December through March is usually the wettest time. Wetter conditions mean this is the fruiting season for many trees, and the abundance of fruits means that some species of fauna, including monkeys and Tambopata’s famous macaws and parrots, are more active at this time of year.
On the other hand, drier conditions coincide with the summer holiday season for many travelers from the northern hemisphere, while facilitating walks into the jungle, drying out flooded areas, and encouraging rainforest fauna to gather in search of water at lakes and riverbanks, which can make animals such as jaguars easier to spot.
Pack light when you travel to the Amazon. For walks in the forest, you’ll need light clothing, long loose-fitting trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a wide-brimmed hat and walking boots. During your time down at the eco-lodge you’ll probably want to wear shorts, T-shirts and sandals. And remember that even in the Amazon it can get cold, particularly during early morning wildlife spotting excursions on the river, when you’ll need a windbreaker and maybe even a sweater.
Finally, insect repellent helps to keep the inevitable rainforest insects at bay, but before you travel, take time to consult the experts at the place you’ll be staying, and make sure you’re up to date on the usual vaccinations needed for travel to tropical forest destinations. At Tambopata Ecolodge, our service begins before you even leave home. Contact us for expert advice and we’ll be there to help you plan your dream trip to the Amazon basin!
