Amazon Tours

ben on 7th July 2010 | 1 comment |

The Amazon Rainforest needs no introduction, but how to experience it? An area covering a fifth of the South American continent is pretty hard to encapsulate as a travel experience. And excepting biology and anthropology PHDs, in reality most of us are going to be looking at a fairly short encounter. Our collection of Amazon tours covers Ecuador and Peru, offering an opportunity to stay at sustainable lodges that support and are often owned by indigenous tribes, paddle deep into the tributaries of the Amazon, and learn about the incredible biodiversity of this fascinating region.

The Amazon River is the largest in the world by a country mile with an immense drainage basin that covers 40% of the South American Continent. From its source high in the Andes, the Amazon flows for most of its length through tropical Amazon rainforest (also known as Amazonia and The Amazon Jungle) before reaching its source on the Brazilian Atlantic Coast. The Amazon Rainforest's biodiversity is simply without equal. Amazonia represents over half of the world's rainforests reserves and unsurprisingly hosts the largest collection of living plants and species in the world. This diversity isn't just a result of its immense size either, the jungle is dense and this diversity is represented within small areas - one square kilometer there may be over 75,000 types of trees and 150,000 species of higher plants.

Beyond the mystique, flora and fauna, a highlight of any visit to the Amazon Rainforest is meeting and learning about the indigenous groups living in the area. There are still over 200 indigenous groups in the Rainforest speaking around 170 languages, with varying levels of integration with the outside world. Whilst some tribes live very modern lives, many have still had little or no contact with the outside world. Hunting, gathering, small scale agriculture and a deep spiritual connection with nature and rainforest are commonplace. Cultural tourism of this nature is always dangerous (in terms of its negative influences on the cultures it lauds) but where done right it can serve to sustain and support traditional cultures and knowledge banks and teach visitors about a different way of seeing the world.

Our Amazon Tours:

For a full listing of our tours in and around the Amazon, check our collection of Amazon rainforest tours in Peru and rainforest tours in Ecuador.

Adventure in the Ecuadorian Rainforest.

The Amazon can be done in comfort, but part of the great appeal of the rainforest is the thought of experiencing pristine rainforest well away from tourist comforts and convenient board walks. You need to be willing to put up with a little discomfort along the way, but the rewards are immense. We'd recommend combining one of these tours with a visit to the Galapagos, making sure you have a little time scheduled in for some beach relaxation along the way.

Canoe Expedition on the Aguas Negras
Perhaps the ultimate Amazon adventure, spend 8 days paddling deep into the Cuyabeno reserve on the Aguas Negras river. This is not a trip for the feint hearted, expect long days paddling, very little comfort but expect a true insight into pristine rainforest on this expedition.

Cuyabeno River Canoeing
Our shorter, more accessible five day expedition on the Cuyabeno River in North East Ecuador. Hike in the jungle, paddle through flooded forests and visit local indigenous communities

Rafting on The Amazon
Three day trip rafting the Amazon in Ecuador. World-class white water awaits you, as do jungle canyons, thermal pools and a visit to a local indigenous community. Evenings are spent relaxing in a river side jungle lodge surrounded by excellent wildlife.

Kayaking the Amazon
Spend six days kayaking the Amazon deep into the rainforest to visit a local Huaroni community. Paddling through flooded forests, local guides will introduce you to the Amazon’s magnificent plant and wildlife as well as teaching you about their exceptional heritage.

Andes & Amazon trekking tour
Spend 7 days hiking along some of Ecuador’s most interesting and isolated nature trails, explore archaeological sites, encounter indigenous communities & stay in fine historic haciendas and jungle lodges.

Experience the unique cultures of the Amazon Rainforest

Gaining an insight into the lives of the indigenous tribes of the Amazon is no simple task. The Huaorani Eco Lodge is a unique sustainable tourism project that takes you deep into the Huaorani territory. The lodge and programs were developed by the Huaroni communities, with the majority of development decisions and employment taken by the Huaorani. This tour would make a perfect counterpart to a visit to the Galapagos for those with an interest in cultural and eco tourism.

Huaroni Amazon Eco Lodge
Part of a unique project of sustainable tourism, this five-day tour takes you to the heart of the Huaorani territory for a fascinating insight into daily life whilst staying in a beautiful Amazon Eco Lodge.

Amazon Tours: Explore the Peruvian Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is a must do for most visitors to Peru. The rainforest here is probably as pristine as you can get. Put simply there are two regions to explore, Tambopata is easier to get to, whilst the Manu reserved zone offers a pristine rainforest experience for more adventurous travellers.

Explore Manu National Park
For a true slice of undisturbed rainforest, Manu's reserved zone is hard to beat. Expert guides lead you on a nine day journey staying at simple traditional lodges and camping along the way. This is not one for those looking for a boutique luxury lodge!

Rainforest adventure in Tambopata
Tambopata offers a bite sized slice of rainforest for less hardy visitors, the comfort is dialled up here, staying in a beautiful eco-lodge situated in the Tambopata Reserve. The highlight for most is the amazing sight of Macaws gathering at a clay lick.

Family Rainforest adventure in Tambopata
Take the family for a 5-day educational Rainforest expedition in Peru. This trip has been put together specifically with children in mind. Hike through the jungle, spot caiman in the river and learn about how the fruits of the forest are used by the local tribes.

When is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest?

The Amazon Rainforest is necessarily hot and humid. There isn't really such a thing as a dry season, as it is wet year round, but December to March is wettest. If you are planning a canoe trip, this is the best time as the rivers run higher, meaning you can penetrate further into the jungle on small tributaries. There is also more chance of seeing birds and monkeys by the river. The 'dry' season offers more comfort (less rain) and the chance to see caimans and migratory fish in the shallows. Bugs are an ever present feature of the rainforest and strong insect repellent, malaria tablets and yellow fever injections are usually necessary evils.

Inspiration and Resources

Anybody planning a trip to the Amazon simply must get hold of a copy of Bruce Parry's excellent Amazon series for the BBC. The series traces a route from the source all the way to the mouth in the Atlantic and is fascinating watching.

Comments (1)

1. The peruvian rainforest has a lot to show, but it needs to be taken care of and respected. Here is an interesting article about the jungle in Peru: http://jungleperu.wordpress.com/2010/10/27/la-selva-peruana-y-su-gente/

   Annie 5th November 2010

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