The Amazon can have a mysterious nature for first-time visitors. We’ve made this Amazon Rainforest travel guide to help you find the best areas to visit. The guide will help you make the most of your experience.
We will cover the best areas to visit for deep rainforest adventures and where to go on short tours of 3-days.
We will also mention areas of the Amazon better for certain animals and plants. For example, clay licks provide fantastic places to see macaws and other parrots. These are only found in certain regions.
The different rainforest lodges and cruises also offer different activities. To jump straight to our recommended experiences, click the button below.
Jump straight to our selection of the top Amazon Rainforest Tours
First, let’s have an introduction to the incredible forest.
Rainforests contain impressive animals and plants. In total, the world’s rainforests cover only 7% of the Earth’s surface but contain 50% of all land-living species.
And the Amazon is the world’s largest container of wildlife.
The Amazon Rainforest covers 40% of the South American continent. This vast forest contains some of the world’s most untouched tropical wilderness.
The next largest rainforests of the Congo in Africa and the island of New Guinea can fit comfortably inside the vast expanse of Amazonia.
Within the Amazon Rainforest, you can find an incredible diversity of animals and plants. There are also wildlife-rich oxbow lakes and beautiful scenery to enjoy.
For example, the Manu National Park in southern Peru contains 10% of all the world’s bird species. It’s usual for national parks and reserves in the Amazon Rainforest to have more species of birds and other animals than entire countries.
For nature lovers, adventure seekers, or simply people looking for a different vacation, this makes the Amazon a perfect place to visit.
The Amazon also makes a great add-on to other South American attractions, such as the Galapagos Islands or Machu Picchu.
Countries in the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest crosses nine nations and covers 40% of South America.
The majority of the rainforest is within Brazil and Peru. However, the rainforest also crosses Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia and Colombia. There is also a section crossing French Guiana, Guyana and Suriname.
The most bio-diverse area of rainforest is consistently found on the western side. This is the rainforest of Ecuador, Peru and western Brazil.
The protected areas in Peru and Ecuador especially set records for species diversity. The reason for this is thought to be the closeness to the Andes mountains. Another theory is that these were the refuges that remained forested during the last ice age.
There are some fantastic Amazon tours in Peru and in Ecuador's rainforest.
The tributaries that start on the Andes trickle down to form the Amazon River. These tributaries provide nutrients and water to feed this incredible tropical forest.
Amazon Gateway Towns
The gateways where you enter the Amazon are towns and cities within the rainforest. A few main gateways are Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado and Manaus. These are inside the rainforest where you will arrive to begin your tour. They have the most options for higher quality Amazon tours, cruises and lodges.
The gateway cities were grown in size during the rubber boom. This is a period when the rise of the bicycle and automobile caused a massive demand for rubber. The rubber was sourced naturally from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber trees found in Amazonia.
The general rule for rainforest gateways is that the larger the town or city, the farther you have to travel from the gateway to find less disturbed rainforest.
The main gateways in Peru for the Amazon Rainforest are Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos. Puerto Maldonado is for the southern Amazon. Iquitos is for northern rainforest surrounding the Amazon River.
Iquitos is an especially good area to visit if you’re interested in a cruise. There are also fantastic deep Amazon experiences. Puerto Maldonado then has one of the most developed tourism industries in Amazonia. There are various rainforest lodges to discover.
Manaus in Brazil is the largest city in the Amazon Rainforest. This is another choice for visitors interested in an Amazon cruise. You can also visit from the southern Brazilian city of Alta Floresta or Tefe for wildlife-rich central rainforest.
In Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest, the main rainforest gateway is Puerto Francisco de Orellana, which is also known as ‘El Coca’. Coca is another port of the Amazon River. And this is where you can enjoy Amazon cruises and lodges. From here, explore the protected areas of the famous Yasuni National Park and Cuyabeno Reserve.
Amazon Rainforest Attractions
There are some fascinating attractions in the Amazon Rainforest. You can find oxbow lakes, clay licks, canopy towers and tall emergent trees.
Not limited to the lowland rainforest, you can also explore the mysterious cloud forests on the side of the Andes. Differing in altitude and climate, these forests are home to a completely new set of animals and plants.
The Amazon River
The Amazon River itself is a main attraction of the region. The river is between El Coca in Ecuador and Belem in Brazil where the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
The ports you can visit along the Amazon River include El Coca, Iquitos, Leticia, Tefe, Manaus and Belem. The Amazon River is best explore on an Amazon Rainforest cruise from these port cities.
Some of the favorite cruises include the Amazon River tours from Iquitos in northern Peru. These take you into the incredible flooded forest of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. You are not simply restricted to the vessel. You will enjoy guided skiff expeditions and forest walks for incredible wildlife experiences.
Oxbow Lakes
Oxbow lakes are areas where tributaries of the Amazon River once flowed but have since changed direction. This sometimes leaves behind oxbow-shaped bodies of water known as oxbow lakes. The lakes become very attractive for variety of animals and plants drawn by the water.
On tours of oxbow lakes, you can find many different animals. These often include the favorites Amazon animals. You can see giant river otters, black caiman, water birds, giant Arapaima fish and lake-visiting animals. These include many different monkeys, which feed from trees around the lake.
One of the most common animals around the oxbow lakes are the strange hoatzin birds. These are a chicken-sized bird that digest food by fermentation in a similar way to cows. Strangely, young hoatzins are born with a claw. This is used to cut through the shell of the egg but also to climb their way through the thick lake-side vegetation.
The lakes are also often surrounded by palms. And these are ideal nesting habitat for scarlet macaws and other parrots. This means you can often see different macaw parrots on short walks around the lakes.
Some great lodges in Peru to visit oxbow lakes include the Posada Amazonas Lodge, Refugio Amazonas Lodge and Tahuayo Lodge.
Clay Licks
Clay licks are areas of exposed river bank where different animals come to feed on the clay itself. Over 50 different animals worldwide are known to use the licks. And the clay not only contains much needed salt, but also neutralizes toxins found in unripe fruits and seeds.
In South America and the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most iconic animals that visits the clay licks are the fantastic macaws.
Hundreds of macaws gather at the clay at one time and they present visitors with a fantastic display of sound and color. You can see all types of birds at different clay licks. Some of the licks are best for seeing scarlet macaws and other for the blue and gold macaws for example.
The rainforest of Puerto Maldonado in southern Peru is fortunate to contain the most clay licks of anywhere in Amazonia. This has created one of the most developed tourism industries in Amazonia.
Clay licks can be found throughout the Puerto Maldonado rainforest and the different protected areas. For example, for macaw clay licks, one of the best to see is the Chuncho clay lick in Peru’s southern Amazon. This is accessible from both the Tambopata Research Center and the Refugio Amazonas Lodge.
Nearby, there are also smaller clay licks for mammals, which you can also see from the Refugio Amazonas Lodge. Parakeet clay licks for small parrots can be been from the Posada Amazonas Lodge.
On cruises and lodge tours in Ecuador’s Amazon, you can also visit the small parakeet clay lick in the Yasuni National Park. You can visit the lick on tours from La Selva Lodge.
In the Brazilian side, you can see a mammal clay lick with a hide from the Cristalino Lodge.
In Peru, here’s a graph showing the different lodges and the most common mammals that visit the nearby clay licks.
Some of the lodges mentioned in the above table include:
The Cloud Forest
Cloud forests are defined as tropical forests at altitude dispersed with cloud cover. The Andean forests are home to one of the highest levels of species on Earth. And they are abundant with birds, including the world’s highest diversity of hummingbirds.
On tours of the cloud forest, you can find many different weird and wonderful animals and plants. As well as birds, see one of the highest diversities of orchids and epiphytes. Watch the different hummingbirds and visit the dancing ground of cock of the rocks. You can also see different mammals, including woolly monkeys, capuchins and even spectacled bears.
To visit the cloud forest, some fantastic tours are found in Ecuador and Peru. In Peru, you can visit the cloud forest of the incredible Manu National Park accessible from Cusco.
Protected Areas of Amazon Rainforest
There are some fantastic protected areas in the Amazon Rainforest. These areas have helped reduce rainforest deforestation. With this, they have helped protect many animals and plants. In and around these areas you have a higher chance of spotting iconic and famous species. They are also home to a higher level of biodiversity.
Some of the most accessible and diverse protected areas in the Amazon Rainforest include:
The Yasuni National Park, Ecuador
The Yasuni National Park is one of the most famous protected areas in the Amazon Rainforest. Protecting an astounding diversity of species, Yasuni has won world records for species richness.
Yasuni National Park is found in western Ecuador. And it is accessible from the rainforest gateway town of El Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana).
The park covers 1 million hectares of lowland tropical rainforest. And this protects many different animals and plants, including Amazon icons. Because of its ecological significance, the park is recognized by UNESCO as the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve.
There are fantastic rainforest lodges around the Yasuni National Park. Amazon River cruises also lead expeditions deep into the protected area. Two recommended lodges in surrounding rainforest are La Selva Lodge and the Sacha Lodge. We will mention more about these later.
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru
A fantastic section of flooded Amazon forest, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve covers 2 million hectares of rainforest. You can find all the iconic animals and plants within the reserve. The wildlife includes pink river dolphins, different monkeys, sloths, toucans, parrots, anaconda and black caiman. There are also impressive plants like the giant water lilies and towering rainforest trees.
Full of beautiful scenery, the Pacaya is known as the forest of mirrors. The near perfect reflections in the water create stunning scenery. The reflections are caused by the Pacaya Samiria’s almost black nutrient-filled water. This also provides nourishment for the incredible diversity of animals and plants.
As this is such a large reserve of flooded rainforest, the best way to experience the Pacaya Samiria is on a cruise. There are some excellent Amazon River tours from Iquitos you can consider.
The cruise vessels take you on relaxing cruises up the Amazon and tributaries. And they also take you on guided tours through the forest.
Explore the forest and waterways on rainforest walks and guided skiff expeditions. Find several different monkeys, colorful birds and a high diversity of other animals and plants.
Recommended cruises include the fantastic Delfin vessels, such as the Delfin I, Delfin II and Delfin III.
Iquitos, Peru
The Delfin I
Iquitos, PeruOffering an on-board experience second to none, the Delfin I Luxury Cruise begins in Iquitos, north Peru, and takes you on a cruise of the flooded tro...
- Luxury Cruise, Pacaya Samiria
From $ 4,600
/ person
The Delfin II
Iquitos, PeruThe Delfin II Luxury Amazon Cruise begins near Iquitos from the small town of Nauta. You will be transported in our comfortable coach from Iquitos air...
- Luxury Cruise, Pacaya Samiria
From $ 3,500
/ person
The Delfin III
Iquitos, PeruThe Delfin III provides a luxury cruise of the Amazon River. The vessel features hardwood floors, designer furniture and is dotted with handmade P...
- Luxury Cruise, Pacaya Samiria
From $ 3,700
/ personThe Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve, Peru
The Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve is a section of Amazon Rainforest in northern Peru. And this is connected to the above mentioned Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
However, the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo contains some more accessible higher ground forest. This means more opportunities for rainforest walks. This is an especially great place to find the iconic poison dart frogs.
The Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve contains an impressive diversity of animals and plants. Home to over 600 bird species, the reserve provides a draw for birdwatchers the world over. Spot different toucans, macaws, parrots, tanagers, cotingas and more. In addition to birds and poison dart frogs, see many different monkeys and other wildlife. You can also find sloths, tree-living anteaters, orchids, epiphytes and tall emergent trees
Iquitos, Peru
To explore the Tahuayo Reserve, you can stay at the Tahuayo Lodge. This is the only lodge within the reserve and you receive a private guide and custom itinerary as standard.
In addition to the main Tahuayo Lodge, you will also visit the Tahuayo Amazon Research Center. This has a 1,000 acre primate research grid to find many different monkeys and more.
The Tahuayo Lodge
Iquitos, PeruFrom the Tahuayo Lodge, you will explore the Amazon Rainforest’s wildlife-rich Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve with a private guide on a custom itinerary. ...
- Private Guide, Custom Itinerary
From $ 1,295
/ personThe Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
The Tambopata National Reserve is found in southern Peru. This can be reached after only 30 minutes of travel time from the rainforest gateway town of Puerto Maldonado.
This section of Peru contains the most clay licks in the Amazon. These are fantastic places to see colorful macaw parrots gathered at the clay. You can also find beautiful oxbow lakes, which are sometimes home to giant river otters.
The Tambopata National Reserve covers around 274,690 hectares of lowland Amazon Rainforest. This protects the lower section of the Tambopata River following its descent from Lake Titicaca down the Andes.
The reserve contains some fantastic animals and plants. These include the tall emergent trees of Brazil nuts, mahogany, and cedar.
Spot various toucans, macaws and other parrots flying over the forest. These are best seen at clay licks and canopy towers, which you can find at certain Tambopata Rainforest lodges.
Puerto Maldonado, Peru
The lodges in the Tambopata rainforest provide some fantastic trails, lakes and clay licks. And you can find a variety of rainforest animals. Enjoy seeing herds of peccary, several different monkeys and giant river otters. You even have a chance of spotting jaguar from deep lodges. Our favorite Tambopata lodge is the Tambopata Research Center. This lodge even offers a 20% chance of spotting wild jaguar.
The Tambopata Research Center
Puerto Maldonado, PeruPositioned in the middle of the wildlife-rich Tambopata National Reserve, near one of the largest macaw clay licks in the Amazon Rainforest, you will ...
- Deep Rainforest Lodge, Access to Tambopata's Macaw Claylicks
From $ 1,296
/ personFor another favorite animal to find, a great lodge for seeing giant river otters is the community-owned Posada Amazonas Lodge. This is located in connected rainforest next to the reserve.
The Posada Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado, PeruAt the Posada Amazonas Lodge, enjoy a comfortable experience of Peru’s Amazon Rainforest from Puerto Maldonado. Because of the position inside the Es...
- Comfort Lodge, Short Travel Time
From $ 760
/ personTo give an example of the Tambopata Reserve and surrounding rainforest, here's a table to show the chances of seeing different Amazon Rainforest animals.
As recommended lodges to provide examples, the table contains information for:
The Manu National Park, Peru
The Manu National Park covers an impressive 1.5 million hectares. The area protects the entirety of the Manu River. Manu continues to set records for wildlife richness. This is not only because of its large area, but also because it includes lowland rainforest and forest on the Andes.
Although not permitted in the national park itself, visitors can visit connected rainforest. This is the rainforest surrounding the park known as the Reserved Zone. Enjoy some large macaw clay licks where hundreds of colorful macaw gather at the clay. You can also see a beautiful lake with giant river otters and different monkeys.
The Anavilhanas National Park, Brazil
The Anavilhanas Reserve is found in Brazil’s central Amazon Rainforest. This is a section of flooded Amazon forest. A fantastic region in its own right, this reserve is part of the UNESCO listed Central Amazon Ecological Corridor. This is the largest section of protected Amazon Rainforest. It was formed by joining different reserves and national parks together.
The Anavilhanas National Park section covers 350,470 hectares of mostly flooded rainforest. And the main feature iconic to the area are the 400 different islands.
With the large amount of water, the reserve is home to a high number of electric fish and other aquatic animals. The surrounding forest is then home to iconic and rarely seen wildlife, such as jaguar, river otters and giant anteaters.
To visit the Anavilhanas National Park and surrounding rainforest, you can enjoy the Tucano Expedition Cruise. Styled as a steam boat, enjoy getting deeper into the rainforest than other vessels. You will then enjoy expertly guided forest expeditions.
The Cristalino Reserve, Brazil
A smaller protected area than the other on the list, the Cristalino Reserve is no less fascinating to visit in terms of wildlife. Within the reserve, you can find many animals. Find several different monkeys, fascinating reptiles and amphibians, and hundreds of birds. Many of the species here are found nowhere else.
The reserve is at the meeting of the Amazon Rainforest and the Pantanal Wetlands. Because of this, it has created some fascinating areas to see a range of species. From the Cristalino lodge in the reserve, explore the forest to see some of the iconic Amazonian animals and plants.
The Cristalino Reserve is relatively small at 11,400 hectares. However, it is connected to the neighboring 184,900 hectare Cristalino State Park as well as other protected areas. Many different reserves, national parks and conservation forests are connected. In total, they cover over 2 million hectares of Amazon Rainforest.
You can see several different monkeys, peccary and giant river otters. The big cats of puma and jaguar are also found within the reserve. In addition to the fantastic mammals, 586 bird species can be seen. This represents 50% of all the birds in Brazil. Because of this, the reserve is a much-loved destination for birdwatchers.
Amazon Rainforest Tours
To enjoy the Amazon Rainforest, you can stay at a variety of fantastic rainforest lodges. These offer guided excursions into Amazonia to find the wildlife. You can also choose a river cruise. Luxury cruises offer a little more comfort as you're transported deep into the rainforest. You will will then enjoy guided skiff expeditions looking for rainforest wildlife.
We will go over some of the top recommendations to experience the Amazon.
Amazon Rainforest Lodges
Here is our selection of recommended Amazon Rainforest lodges. The deeper rainforest lodges for the best wildlife experiences will be mentioned first. All include accommodation, guided tours, meals and transfers from the nearest jungle town or city.
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The Tambopata Research Center, Peru
The Tambopata Research Center is in the middle of the wildlife-rich Tambopata Reserve. This is in southern Peru and accessed from Puerto Maldonado. Because this is a deep Amazon Rainforest lodge, the surrounding rainforest is at carrying capacity for wildlife. This means you have a higher chance of spotting abundant, rare and iconic animals. For example, 20% of guests to the Tambopata Research Center are lucky enough to see wild jaguar.
Enjoy guided expeditions in the reserve to find many animals and plants. You will find a variety of monkeys. These include capuchins, squirrel monkeys, marmosets, howler monkeys and even spider monkeys. These are the largest species in Amazonia and rarely seen at other lodges.
The Tambopata Research Center is located near a large macaw clay lick. This is a great area to watch hundreds of colorful macaw parrots. You will also explore different rainforest habitats home to their own communities of animals and plants. The Tambopata Research Center offers tours of 4 days or more in the Amazon Rainforest. Remember that the longer you spend in the rainforest, the more animals and plants you will see.
4, 5 days+The Tambopata Research Center
Puerto Maldonado, PeruPositioned in the middle of the wildlife-rich Tambopata National Reserve, near one of the largest macaw clay licks in the Amazon Rainforest, you will ...
- Deep Rainforest Lodge, Access to Tambopata's Macaw Claylicks
From $ 1,296
/ person -
The Tahuayo Lodge, Peru
The Tahuayo Lodge is deep in the rainforest. You can find the lodge about 150 km from Iquitos city in north Peru’s Amazon. The lodge is located in the fantastic Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve. And it's a great section of Amazonia to find a variety of different monkeys and other wildlife. From the Tahuayo Lodge, head out on a privately guided and custom Amazon tour. You will find many of the different monkeys. These include howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, capuchins, titi monkeys and pygmy marmosets. You will also find many of the reserve's 600 different birds. This makes it a great place to explore for birdwatchers and nature lovers. On tours of 6 days or more at the Tahuayo Lodge, you will also visit the Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center (ARC). The ARC is located in even more pristine rainforest. Surrounding the ARC is a 1,000 acre primate research grid. This grid is perfect for watching different animals displaying more normal behavior. Animals have become more accustomed to researchers and don't feel threatened when observed. From the lodge, you will also enjoy canoeing and zipping across the largest canopy zipline system in Amazonia. You can even choose to camp for one or two nights in the jungle. Because this is privately guided tour with a custom itinerary, your tour is personalized to your preferences. You can choose a pace and activities suited to your personality and interests. Enjoy wildlife watching, relaxation, adventure or photography. The Tahuayo Lodge is best experienced on tours of 6 days or more.
6 days+The Tahuayo Lodge
Iquitos, PeruFrom the Tahuayo Lodge, you will explore the Amazon Rainforest’s wildlife-rich Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve with a private guide on a custom itinerary. ...
- Private Guide, Custom Itinerary
From $ 1,295
/ person -
The Sacha Lodge, Ecuador
View The Sacha Lodge video
El Coca, Ecuador
The Sacha Lodge in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest is a great place for nature lovers. One of the main features of this particular lodge is the large canopy walkway. This stretches 940-feet (275-meters) through the rainforest. Reaching 94 feet (30 meters) above the ground, this is a fantastic place for birdwatching. Click the video above to see the walkway and for more information.
There are some fascinating species to see. Over 587 different birds have been spotted from the lodge. To put into perspective, this represents 37% of all the birds in Ecuador. In addition to the birdlife, enjoy guided expeditions in the surrounding rainforest. See many different primates, reptiles, colorful butterflies and fascinating caiman crocodilians.
The Sacha Lodge includes single, double and triple accommodation. Rooms feature private bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets. The rooms are carefully screened to help keep you comfortable in the rainforest. Meals are served in the dining room as a buffet service and there are three meals each day. At least one of your evenings will be a BBQ in the outdoor dining area. The bar then offers a range of drinks, so you can relax with a drink after your excursions.
The Sacha Lodge is best explored on tours of 4 or 5 days. Click the tour bubble below to check availability direct with the Sacha Lodge.
4, 5 days+The Sacha Lodge
El Coca, EcuadorLocated in a 5000 acre private ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge provides a safe and comfortable base for you and your family to enjoy the Ecuadorian Am...
- Luxury Lodge, Canopy Walkway
From $ 1,690
/ person -
La Selva Lodge, Ecuador • Luxury
La Selva Lodge is a fantastic rainforest lodge. This is a great choice if you're looking for a little more comfort in the Amazon Rainforest. Enjoy guided rainforest excursions in connected rainforest to Yasuni National Park. You will find a wide diversity of Amazon Rainforest animals and plants.
Enjoy the lodge’s tall canopy tower, visit the Yasuni Clay Lick and canoe the nearby Garzacocha Lagoon. You will also explore the different rainforest trails. The trails are designed to take you past the most fascinating rainforest attractions. Enjoy trails for tall strangler figs and emergent trees. See some of the oldest primary forest and the best areas for wildlife. A favorite are the small pygmy marmosets, which seem to enjoy watching you as much as you watching them.
While exploring the trails, you will be looking for the many rainforest inhabitants. Your guide will help you find different monkeys, birds, reptiles and amphibian. You will also see and learn more about the beautiful plants that surround you.
La Selva Lodge is also a rainforest spa. And this means you can enjoy a choice of relaxation treatments and massages on your stay. This is the perfect way to relax after exploring the Amazon Rainforest. The lodge then provides very comfortable suites, a restaurant serving delicious cuisine and a bar to enjoy a cocktail. There are also excellent viewing areas.
La Selva Lodge is best enjoyed on tours of 4 days or more.
4, 5 days+La Selva Lodge
El Coca, EcuadorLa Selva Lodge is an award-winning Amazon Rainforest lodge in the Ecuadorian jungle and is regarded as the premier eco-lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon....
- Luxury Lodge, Canopy Tower
From $ 1,570
/ person -
The Refugio Amazonas Lodge, Puerto Maldonado, Peru
View The Refugio Amazonas Lodge video
Puerto Maldonado, Peru
The Refugio Amazonas Lodge is located in the buffer zone of Tambopata National Reserve. At the lodge, you can enjoy a tall canopy tower to spot toucans and parrots over the rainforest. Explore the rainforest on guided expeditions to find a diversity of wildlife. You will see colorful birds, several different monkeys and other Amazon wildlife. Recently, guests at the Refugio Amazonas have been lucky to see the famous harpy eagles. The eagles nest in the surrounding forest. You can also visit a small parrot clay lick and a small mammal clay lick. This means you can see some fascinating wildlife. In addition, you can visit the large Chuncho clay lick. This is a fantastic place for you to spot hundreds of colorful macaws visiting the clay. You can choose from different activities. These include jungle mountain biking, night walks, wildlife walks and lake visits. There are also science and community activities. The Refugio Amazonas Lodge also offers a spa for a range of relaxation and aromatherapy treatments. After your tours, you can relax with a massage listening to the sounds of Amazonia. The Refugio Amazonas is a great choice for families. The lodge is unique for Amazon lodges as it offers a children’s trail. The trail is specifically designed to teach young children about the Amazon Rainforest in a relatable way.
4, 5 days+The Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado, PeruThe Refugio Amazonas Lodge & Spa is an Amazon Rainforest lodge located in the buffer zone of Tambopata National Reserve. Explore the surrounding rainf...
- Comfort Lodge, Short Travel Time
From $ 760
/ person -
The Amazon Villa, Peru • Luxury
The Amazon Villa provides an exclusive stay at a very comfortable rainforest bungalow. The villa is found in the buffer zone of Tambopata National Reserve. You will be assigned a private guide to explore the surrounding rainforest. Visit the large Chuncho clay lick to see hundreds of macaws gathered at the clay. You will also visit some smaller clay licks to see different animals. Explore the rainforest to find colorful birds and several different monkeys. These include capuchins, squirrel monkeys, titi monkeys and howler monkeys. The Amazon Villa is equipped with comfortable amenities. These include a hot water bath, Wifi internet and a television to watch nature documentaries. You also have electricity in the rainforest, a refrigerator and microwave. There is also a place for your laptop to catch up on work and view your photos.
From the Amazon Villa, you can also enjoy a choice of jungle activities. These include jungle mountain biking, wildlife walks, night walks and visiting a jungle farm.
You can also climb a tall canopy tower to look out over the Tambopata rainforest. Spot colorful toucans, parrots and even mixed species flocks. You can also choose from a number of options exclusive to this particular lodge.
The Amazon Villa is best enjoyed on tours of 3 days or more.
The Amazon Villa
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
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The Posada Amazonas Lodge, Puerto Maldonado, Peru
The Posada Amazonas Lodge is a community-owned rainforest lodge. And it is positioned in the forest surrounding Puerto Maldonado, southern Peru. From the Posada Amazonas Lodge, enjoy a fantastic Amazon Rainforest tour. You will see a wide diversity of Amazonian animals and plants. Explore the nearby oxbow lake to find giant river otters. See a small parrot clay lick. And you can also climb a tall canopy tower to spot parrots, toucans and mixed species flocks. You will also explore the rainforest find different monkeys and colorful birds. From the Posada Amazonas Lodge, you can choose from a range of activities. These include wildlife walks, jungle mountain biking, visiting a jungle farm and more. At the lodge itself, you can choose from different suites and comfort levels. The Posada Amazonas also offers a small spa where you can enjoy a massage and relaxation treatment surrounded by rainforest.
3, 4 days+The Posada Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado, PeruAt the Posada Amazonas Lodge, enjoy a comfortable experience of Peru’s Amazon Rainforest from Puerto Maldonado. Because of the position inside the Es...
- Comfort Lodge, Short Travel Time
From $ 760
/ person
Amazon River Cruises
Another way to experience the Amazon Rainforest is on an Amazon River cruise.
Aboard the following cruises, you will head down tributaries of the Amazon River and into incredible protected areas. Led by expert guides, enjoy skiff expeditions and forest walks. Your guide will help you find a great many animals and plants. You will also enjoy beautiful scenery in some of the most untouched areas of rainforest.
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The Delfin I Cruise, Peru
The Delfin I offers the most exclusive luxury cruise on the Amazon River. With only 4 oversized suites, the Delfin I is more akin to a floating luxury boutique hotel than a cruise vessel. From the Delfin I, enjoy fantastic expeditions into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. You will find some incredible sights. See different types of curious monkeys, playful pink river dolphins and hundreds of colorful birds. You will explore the forest on guided expeditions in modern skiffs. These are motorized boats that allow you to get deeper into the rainforest. Aboard the vessel itself, you can enjoy the Delfin I facilities. Two of the four oversized suites have their own private whirlpool. Here, you can cool off from the tropical climate with a drink from the cruise bar. Your bed then offers supreme comfort. Enjoy watching the rainforest pass your floor-to-ceiling glass windows. This is a great place to relax as you spot toucans, parrots, and kingfishers from the comfort of your suite. The Delfin I offers 3 night and 4 night cruises from Iquitos, Peru.
4, 5 daysThe Delfin I
Iquitos, PeruOffering an on-board experience second to none, the Delfin I Luxury Cruise begins in Iquitos, north Peru, and takes you on a cruise of the flooded tro...
- Luxury Cruise, Pacaya Samiria
From $ 4,600
/ person -
The Delfin II Cruise, Peru
The Delfin II Cruise is a luxury cruise from Iquitos in northern Peru. Aboard the Delfin II, enjoy luxury suites, first-class service and gourmet cuisine. Your meals are then accompanied with a selection of fine wines.
You will then explore the rainforest with some of the best naturalist guides in the Amazon. This means you won’t simply be confined to your luxury suite and facilities. Although, you’re more than welcome to simply relax on some days if you choose. Instead, you will head out each day on guided skiff expeditions. You will head out from the main vessel to explore the incredible Pacaya Samiria Reserve. You will be scouting for the incredible diversity of Amazonian animals and plants.
The Pacaya Samiria scenery can also be quite breathtaking.
This vast flooded forest is known as the forest of mirrors because of its reflective beauty. On Delfin II expeditions, enjoy find a variety of Amazon Rainforest animals and plants. See delicate orchids and bromeliads clinging to the tall rainforest trees. Spot the several different monkeys moving through the canopy. You can even watch pink river dolphins playing in the water.
The monkey are one of the favorite sights in the Amazon. From the Delfin II, you can see howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, capuchins, titi monkeys and pygmy marmosets. As well as the monkeys, enjoy spotting two species of sloth, tree-living anteaters, and many frogs and lizards.
In addition to day excursions, you will head out at night to spotlight for nocturnal wildlife. You may see different caiman, various nocturnal birds and more.
The Delfin II offers 3 night and 4 night cruises from Iquitos, Peru.
4, 5 daysThe Delfin II
Iquitos, PeruThe Delfin II Luxury Amazon Cruise begins near Iquitos from the small town of Nauta. You will be transported in our comfortable coach from Iquitos air...
- Luxury Cruise, Pacaya Samiria
From $ 3,500
/ person -
The Delfin III, Peru
The Delfin III is the larger sister vessel of the Delfin I and Delfin II. From Iquitos in northern Peru, the cruise offers one of the most affordable luxury vessels on the Amazon River. There are different suite options to choose from depending on your preferences. From the Delfin III, you will explore the rainforest of the Pacaya Samiria and Tahuayo Reserve. Your itinerary will depend on how many days you have available for the cruise.
Enjoy guided expeditions to see fantastic rainforest animals and plants. See bromeliads, orchids and many different monkeys. You can also see hundreds of colorful birds, including parrots, toucans, cotingers and tanagers. Find sloths, colorful frogs and fascinating reptiles.
The Delfin III offers cruise itineraries of 3 and 6 nights from Iquitos, Peru.
4, 5 daysThe Delfin III
Iquitos, PeruThe Delfin III provides a luxury cruise of the Amazon River. The vessel features hardwood floors, designer furniture and is dotted with handmade P...
- Luxury Cruise, Pacaya Samiria
From $ 3,700
/ person -
The Tucano Expedition Cruise, Brazil
The Tucano Expeditions Cruises travels deep into the Amazon of the Rio Negro. You will embark and disembark the vessel from Manaus, Brazil. The Rio Negro is the Amazon’s largest tributary and is home to a fantastic section of tropical wilderness. The Tucano vessel is styled as a traditional 19th Century steamship. And you will journey into areas of Amazonia unreachable by most other vessels. Enjoy different expeditions into the rainforest led by some exceptional rainforest guides. Head out aboard skiff expeditions, forest walks and even kayaking tours. The Tucano offers nine comfortable cabins. Most of these have individual beds and some contain above and below bunk beds. All of the cabins have private bathrooms with hot water shower, toilet and a sink. There are 76 windows throughout the vessel to see the forest and each one can open and close to allow ventilation. All the cabins and the salon are then air conditioned to keep you comfortable on your cruise. The walls of the suites and salon are solid wood with raised and varnished paneling. The Tucano offers cruises of 4 and 6 nights from Manaus, Brazil.
The Tucano Expedition Cruise
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
Unavailable
Recommended Rainforest Lodges - Summary
Here is our summary of recommended rainforest lodges to experience the Amazon Rainforest.
-
4, 5 days+
The Tambopata Research Center
Puerto Maldonado, PeruPositioned in the middle of the wildlife-rich Tambopata National Reserve, near one of the largest macaw clay licks in the Amazon Rainforest, you will ...
- Deep Rainforest Lodge, Access to Tambopata's Macaw Claylicks
From $ 1,296
/ person -
6 days+
The Tahuayo Lodge
Iquitos, PeruFrom the Tahuayo Lodge, you will explore the Amazon Rainforest’s wildlife-rich Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve with a private guide on a custom itinerary. ...
- Private Guide, Custom Itinerary
From $ 1,295
/ person -
4, 5 days+
The Sacha Lodge
El Coca, EcuadorLocated in a 5000 acre private ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge provides a safe and comfortable base for you and your family to enjoy the Ecuadorian Am...
- Luxury Lodge, Canopy Walkway
From $ 1,690
/ person -
4, 5 days+
La Selva Lodge
El Coca, EcuadorLa Selva Lodge is an award-winning Amazon Rainforest lodge in the Ecuadorian jungle and is regarded as the premier eco-lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon....
- Luxury Lodge, Canopy Tower
From $ 1,570
/ person -
4, 5 days+
The Refugio Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado, PeruThe Refugio Amazonas Lodge & Spa is an Amazon Rainforest lodge located in the buffer zone of Tambopata National Reserve. Explore the surrounding rainf...
- Comfort Lodge, Short Travel Time
From $ 760
/ person -
The Amazon Villa
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
Unavailable -
3, 4 days+
The Posada Amazonas Lodge
Puerto Maldonado, PeruAt the Posada Amazonas Lodge, enjoy a comfortable experience of Peru’s Amazon Rainforest from Puerto Maldonado. Because of the position inside the Es...
- Comfort Lodge, Short Travel Time
From $ 760
/ person
Recommended Rainforest Cruises - Summary
Here is our summary of recommended rainforest cruises to experience the Amazon Rainforest.
-
4, 5 days
The Delfin I
Iquitos, PeruOffering an on-board experience second to none, the Delfin I Luxury Cruise begins in Iquitos, north Peru, and takes you on a cruise of the flooded tro...
- Luxury Cruise, Pacaya Samiria
From $ 4,600
/ person -
4, 5 days
The Delfin II
Iquitos, PeruThe Delfin II Luxury Amazon Cruise begins near Iquitos from the small town of Nauta. You will be transported in our comfortable coach from Iquitos air...
- Luxury Cruise, Pacaya Samiria
From $ 3,500
/ person -
4, 5 days
The Delfin III
Iquitos, PeruThe Delfin III provides a luxury cruise of the Amazon River. The vessel features hardwood floors, designer furniture and is dotted with handmade P...
- Luxury Cruise, Pacaya Samiria
From $ 3,700
/ person -
The Tucano Expedition Cruise
Currently, TourTheTropics.com cannot help you book this experience.
Unavailable
Ash
Tour Advisor at TourTheTropics.comAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.