Aerial view of a dark river winding through the Amazon rainforest

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!

Google ★★★★★ 5.0 · 601 reviews
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! &lt;3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! &lt;3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.

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 cruiseManu
Getting thereShort flight from Cusco or Lima, then a boat to your lodgeFlight from Lima. Iquitos can’t be reached by roadLong overland journey or charter flight from Cusco
StyleEco-lodges, from rustic-chic to luxuriousSmall luxury riverboats with suites and fine diningRemote lodges and camps
HighlightsMacaw clay licks, canopy walkways, giant ottersPink river dolphins, Pacaya-Samiria reserve, river lifePristine wilderness and huge biodiversity
Ideal stay3–4 nights3–7 nights5+ nights
Pairs withMachu Picchu and Cusco (easy flight)Lima and the northAdventurous Andes itineraries
A waterfall tumbling through lush green rainforest

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
Add the Amazon to My Trip

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

Tambopata

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica

Stilted cabañas on the Madre de Dios River, with a canopy walkway and a long history in ecotourism.

Tambopata

Posada Amazonas

A community-owned lodge run in partnership with the local Ese’Eja people, close to a parrot clay lick.

Tambopata

Tambopata Research Center

Deep in the reserve near one of the largest macaw clay licks, for travelers who want true wilderness.

Iquitos

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.

Machu Picchu glowing in golden morning light

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!

Cusco’s Plaza de Armas at dusk, framed by a colonial archway

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!

Reed boats at the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca

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.

Begin your journey

Your Dream Peru Getaway

Peru is a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Peru specialists will start designing it with you.

  • A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
  • Machu Picchu tickets, trains and permits handled
  • Hand-picked hotels with exclusive perks
  • Support before, during and after your trip

Complimentary consultation

Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Peru Specialists

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