2 Weeks in Amazon River

What You Should Know Before Going On A Amazon River Tour

Since many of Amazon cruises are Peru based, most of this section will focus on Peru itineraries, but much of the information is applicable to all Amazon tours. Regardless of which port you enter through, you’ll be met with beautiful scenery.

How to get to the Amazon River

Peru is a popular country for people who want to visit the Amazon River. Many tours include a combination tour of cities and the Amazon. Tours often fly into either Lima or Iquitos airports, and then take a flight to Cusco (if flying into Lima). Once you arrive into Lima, most tours stay overnight, and fly into Cusco the following afternoon for a tour of Machu Picchu, or Iquitos to start your Amazon tour.

If you’re starting your Amazon River cruise from Iquitos, Peru, you’re starting from a popular section. Because this port is close to a city, you’ll have to travel further away from the city to see a lot of animal wildlife. Don’t let this discourage you, the sights are still incredible and worth seeing, they are just further in than if you entered from Coca, Ecuador.

If you’re starting your adventure from Manaus, Brazil, you’re starting at the largest city in the Amazon Rainforest. Because of this, you have to travel pretty far to see the various plants and animals found in the Amazon. This is a fun option for people who want to combine city and nature travel.

If you’re starting your Amazon River Adventure from Coca, Ecuador, you’ll experience a less popular entry point, meaning less degradation by human activity. You’ll commonly spend time in Yasuni National Park, where you can climb above the rainforest on the canopy towers to admire the colorful birds and butterflies. Hike through the protected areas to get a glimpse at various Amazon Rainforest species.

Wildlife in the Amazon

For those who have ever been on a safari, you know no two safaris will ever be the same. The time of day, the weather, and pure luck will play into what animals you see. Wildlife sightings along the Amazon are the same. That’s what makes multi-day adventures exciting. There is always a new opportunity to see different animals.

Being in one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the world, each day will bring new plants, new fish, and new mammals. That’s the fun of looking for wildlife: you never know what you’re going to see, so every spotting brings excitement, even if you’ve seen it before.

Top animal sightings in the Amazon River

1. Anaconda
2. Macaw parrots
3. Pink River Dolphins
4. Rainforest monkeys
5. Toucans

Weather on the Amazon River

The weather for your Amazon river cruise will depend on the season. June through October is known as the “low water” season, you’ll be able to get out into the forest via walking. In the rainier season, November-May, most of the touring will be done via a skiff, which is a small boat. The amazon river is hot and humid. Being a tropical region, the temperature doesn’t vary much between months.

What should I pack for the Amazon River?

Despite the hot and humid weather, it’s smart to bring long, breathable clothing that you can layer. Most of the time, long pants will be needed to protect the body from bug bites, so consider bringing zippable pants that can be turned into shorts when needed.

Sunburns and mosquito bites are some of the last things anyone wants to deal with while traveling. Protect yourself from that summer heat and bites with a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray.

When you sign up for a trip to the Amazon, you’re more than likely to be active and on the go. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, and even hiking boots. The rainforest is true to its name, so a lightweight rain jacket will help keep you dry.

Despite the overall warm temperatures year round, there is a chance it can get a bit cold at night, so a jacket can help keep you warm. Don’t forget your camera so you can photograph the amazing scenery!