The Amazon Rainforest is a wildlife-lovers paradise with animals and plants to find at every step. The forest itself crosses nine nations and covers 40% of the South American continent.
We will mention a select group of Amazon tours that are in keeping with the Nature Conservancy’s definition of ecotourism: “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”
For the list, we will prioritise certification from the reputable environmental organizations.
So let’s get started with the Top 5 Amazon Eco Tours.
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The Tahuayo Lodge
The Tahuayo Lodge is an award-winning lodge to experience the wildlife-rich Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve section of Amazon Rainforest in northern Peru.
From the Tahuayo Lodge, you can experience the Amazon on a customised tour with a private guide to choose what you would like to do. Explore the extensive trail network scouting for many different monkeys, including capuchins, tamarins, squirrel monkeys, sakis, and howler monkeys. Recent research has found this region has one of the highest diversities of primates of the entire Amazon Basin. There are many other animals and plants to find, including the 600 bird species making the lodge a favourite choice among bird watchers.
There is also a fantastic conservation area for bright and colorful poison dart frogs known as Frog Valley. Here you can find a number of different species.
If you choose to stay for 6-days or more, you can experience both the main Tahuayo Lodge and the Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center, which is located in even more pristine rainforest.
The Tahuayo Lodge is particularly popular with wildlife photographers, nature lovers and guests wanting a little more adventure or a more authentic experience of Amazonia.
Environmental Commitment- Rainforest Alliance Certified making it the only lodge from Iquitos to be certified by Rainforest Alliance.
- Awarded the Antonio Brack Egg Award, which is Peru’s highest award for outstanding commitment to environmental protection, sustainable management of natural resources, and environmental conservation.
- Granted the TraveLife Sustainability in Tourism Gold award.
- The lodge’s Tahuayo River Amazon Research Center is used for research on the forest by Yale University.
- The lodge employs staff from the surrounding region as well as from Iquitos city helping to spread the benefit of ecotourism to the community. In addition, the lodge has an associated charity to benefit Amazon communities helping to provide schooling, education supplies, and medical care.
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 Posada Amazonas
The Posada Amazonas is a community-owned lodge situated in Peru’s southern Amazon Rainforest from Puerto Maldonado.
Because the lodge is located fairly close to the small jungle gateway town of Puerto Maldonado, this is an excellent choice for tours of 3 or 4 days.
After only 45 minutes traveling from Puerto Maldonado by boat, you will arrive at the Posada Amazonas near the beautiful lake Tres Chimbadas.
In the surrounding rainforest, your local guide will help you spot the different monkeys, birds, giant trees, and interesting plants. You will then tour the lake to find the resident family of endangered giant river otters.
In addition to wildlife, you will enjoy some community experiences as well, including visiting an ethnobotanical trail to learn about medicinal plants and a working jungle farm to learn about life in the rainforest.
The lodge offers a choice of comfortable room options and serves delicious meals in the dining room. There is also a small spa to enjoy a relaxing massage after your walks in the rainforest.
Environmental Commitment- Energy from a mix of solar panels and a first-generation generator housed in a soundproof house (allows 24 hour electricity).
- 100% carbon neutral lodge
- Single use plastics are prohibited
- Locally sourced building materials
- Winner of World’s Responsible Tourism Award 2020
- Trip Advisor’s Green Leaders Platinum Award
- The lodge is community-owned, staff are employed from the surrounding region, and 75% of profits are returned to the community.
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 -
The Tambopata Research Center
The Tambopata Research Center offers a deep experience of the Amazon Rainforest and is positioned in the middle of the incredible Tambopata National Reserve of southern Peru.
View The Tambopata Research Center video
Puerto Maldonado, Peru
The lodge is located next to one of the largest macaw clay licks in Amazonia. The region of rainforest from Puerto Maldonado has one of the highest concentrations of claylicks in the entire Amazon Basin due to a variety of factors, including proximity to the Andes.
Enjoy watching hundreds of brightly colored macaws and other parrots feeding from the salt-rich and medicinal clay.
Explore the surrounding rainforest with you knowledgeable guide to find many different Amazon animals, such as capuchins, tamarins, agouti, tamandua tree-living anteaters, owl monkeys, spider monkeys (the largest monkeys in Amazonia), and many others. Guests at the Tambopata Research Center are even treated to a 20% chance of seeing wild jaguar, which is one of the highest chances of anywhere in the Amazon.
The lodge offers a comfortable experience with a choice of suite and room options, including the luxury suites with their spacious lounge area.
Environmental Commitment- Energy from a mix of solar panels and a first-generation generator housed in a soundproof house (allows 24 hour electricity).
- 100% carbon neutral lodge
- Single use plastics are prohibited
- Locally sourced building materials
- World’s Leading Green Hotel 2020: Tambopata Research Center, Peru
- The lodge employs staff from the surrounding regions as well as from Puerto Maldonado and is deeply committed to helping the surrounding communities.
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 -
La Selva Lodge & Spa
La Selva Lodge & Spa offers a very comfortable lodge located beside the world famous Yasuni National Park. With your professional guide, head out from the lodge on the extensive trail system to find rainforest animals and plants. Spot several different monkeys, many interesting birds, colorful flowers, and giant Amazonian trees.
You will explore the forest on guided walks and canoe tours exploring the waterways for rainforest life, secluded lakes, and beautiful scenery. You will also visit the Yasuni Claylick to see parrots flocking to the clay.
In addition to relaxing in your luxurious and spacious suite, you can also enjoy a massage and relaxation treatment at the inhouse spa listening to the sounds of Amazonia.
Environmental Commitment- Committed to create a sustainable high-end ecolodge
- Rainforest Alliance Certified
- Trip Advisor’s Green Leaders Gold Award
- Most of La Selva staff are from the nearby region to spread the benefits of ecotourism to local communities.
- In addition, a monthly contribution to the Pilchi community is made in return for not hunting in forest surrounding the lodge.
- Support is also providing for education, sustainable agriculture, and teaching English.
- A member of pack for a purpose so you can make donations of needed items to the community.
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 Cristalino Lodge
The Cristalino Lodge offers a luxury experience of Brazil’s rainforest at the border of the wildlife-rich Pantanal Wetlands and Brazilian Amazonia. This means you will enjoy impressive wildlife-watching opportunities.
The wildlife you can enjoy include the regions several different monkeys, over 500 different birds, and 200 different butterflies and moths.
There are different trails you can enjoy from the lodge on guided tours as well as exploring the forest on canoe trips. Your naturalist guide will help you find many of the fascinating animals and plants. You will also visit the tall canopy towers for exceptional bird watching opportunities and stunning rainforest views.
The lodge itself provides a very comfortable experience with a choice of suite options, delicious meals in the dining room, delicious drinks at the lodge bar, and a floating deck to relax taking in the sounds of Amazonia.
Environmental Commitment- Rooms powered by photovoltaic panels
- Recycling and separation of inorganic waste (aluminium, plastic, metal and paper).
- Heating water using solar energy
- The Cristalino RPPN (Private National Heritage Reserve) protects 11,399 hectares (28,167 acres) that, along with the larger Cristalino State Park, serves as a wildlife corridor for the incredible diversity of endemic species in the region.
- The Ecolodge supports a variety of regional projects, such as A Day In The Forest, Young Conservationist, as well as research and theatrical programs through the Cristalino Foundation.
The Cristalino Lodge
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For some other fantastic Amazon Rainforest tours, you can see our guides to Amazon tours in Peru and Amazon tours in Ecuador.
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.