Peru · The Amazon
Amazon Rainforest
Over half of Peru is rainforest. Wake to macaws, paddle silent oxbow lakes and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle, in a beautiful eco-lodge or aboard a small luxury river cruise.
- 60% of Peru is rainforest
- 1,800+ bird species in Peru
- <1 hr flight from Cusco
Hassle-Free Dream Travel!
Choose your rainforest
Two Ways Into the Peruvian Amazon
Peru’s Amazon is vast, but most journeys begin in one of two places. Here’s how they compare.
| Tambopata (Puerto Maldonado) | Iquitos river cruise | Manu | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getting there | Short flight from Cusco or Lima, then a boat to your lodge | Flight from Lima. Iquitos can’t be reached by road | Long overland journey or charter flight from Cusco |
| Style | Eco-lodges, from rustic-chic to luxurious | Small luxury riverboats with suites and fine dining | Remote lodges and camps |
| Highlights | Macaw clay licks, canopy walkways, giant otters | Pink river dolphins, Pacaya-Samiria reserve, river life | Pristine wilderness and huge biodiversity |
| Ideal stay | 3–4 nights | 3–7 nights | 5+ nights |
| Pairs with | Machu Picchu and Cusco (easy flight) | Lima and the north | Adventurous Andes itineraries |

Rainforest and ruins in one trip
The flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado takes less than an hour, so it’s easy to add three or four nights in the Amazon to a Machu Picchu itinerary. You’ll trade cool mountain air for warm, humid rainforest in an afternoon.
We recommend ending with the Amazon: after the altitude of the Andes, the lowland air and slower pace feel wonderfully restorative.
- Under an hour from Cusco by air
- Lodge transfers by riverboat
- Naturalist guides included
Dawn to after dark
Unforgettable Amazon Experiences
Every day in the rainforest is led by expert naturalist guides. These are the moments travelers remember most.
Macaw clay licks
At dawn, hundreds of scarlet macaws and parrots gather on riverbank clay cliffs in Tambopata, a spectacle of color and noise.
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The licks are most active in the drier months. Your guide will set up a hide with a spotting scope so you can watch without disturbing the birds.
Canopy walkways & towers
Climb above the forest floor on suspended bridges and observation towers to see monkeys, toucans and the treetop world.
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Sunrise from a canopy tower, with mist rising off the forest, is one of the most magical experiences in Peru.
Giant river otters
Paddle across oxbow lakes like Lake Sandoval looking for families of endangered giant otters fishing and calling to each other.
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These lakes are also home to caimans, hoatzins and turtles basking on fallen logs.
Pink river dolphins
On an Iquitos river cruise, skiff excursions into the Pacaya-Samiria reserve often meet pink river dolphins surfacing alongside.
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Small-ship cruises pair excursions with suites that have floor-to-ceiling windows, fine Amazonian cuisine and lectures from naturalists.
Night walks
After dark the rainforest comes alive. Torch-lit walks reveal tree frogs, tarantulas, stick insects and sleeping birds.
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Night caiman spotting by boat is another favorite, especially with kids who love a little adventure.
Plants, people & cacao
Learn how local communities use rainforest plants for food and medicine, and taste fresh cacao and Amazonian fruits.
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Many lodges partner with nearby communities, so your stay directly supports conservation and local livelihoods.
Exceptional places to stay
Amazon Lodges & River Cruises
Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica
Stilted cabañas on the Madre de Dios River, with a canopy walkway and a long history in ecotourism.
Posada Amazonas
A community-owned lodge run in partnership with the local Ese’Eja people, close to a parrot clay lick.
Tambopata Research Center
Deep in the reserve near one of the largest macaw clay licks, for travelers who want true wilderness.
Luxury river cruises
Small expedition ships, such as those of Aqua Expeditions and Delfin, combine elegant suites with daily skiff excursions.
Work with One of Our Travel Experts
The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.
After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!
You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!
Good to know
Amazon Rainforest FAQs
When is the best time to visit the Peruvian Amazon?
The Amazon is warm and humid all year. May to October is drier, which is great for walking trails and clay licks. December to April brings more rain and high water, which is ideal for exploring flooded forest by boat on Iquitos cruises.
Do I need vaccinations for the Amazon?
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for some Amazon areas, and some travelers take malaria prevention. Please see a travel health clinic or your doctor several weeks before you go for advice specific to your itinerary.
How many nights should I spend in the Amazon?
Three nights is a good minimum for Tambopata, as travel days are short but wildlife needs time. River cruises from Iquitos typically run three, four or seven nights.
Is the Amazon good for families?
Yes. Many lodges welcome children, with shorter walks, canoe trips and night walks that kids adore. We’ll choose a lodge and room setup that suits your family.
What should I pack?
Lightweight long sleeves and trousers, insect repellent, a light rain jacket, binoculars and a headlamp. Lodges usually provide rubber boots, and we’ll send you a full packing list.
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