5 ways to get wild in the Amazon

Peru holds a biodiverse heart within the Amazon. Prepare to be wowed.

Thinking of Peru may bring to mind hiking Machu Picchu in the Andes, flying over the Nazca Lines, or boating between the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. As it should. Yet 60 per cent of the country is covered by the Amazon Basin – one of the planet’s most ecologically rich and biodiverse regions. Get outside the tourist hot spots and explore new and exciting things to do in Peru and the Amazon.

Where is the Peruvian Amazon?

The Amazon Basin stretches along Peru’s east side. Here, elusive jaguars roam silently through the jungle, freshwater pink dolphins play in the waters, anacondas glide through wetlands and scarlet macaws screech on the riverbanks.

If you’re in the north, the city of Iquitos in the Loreto region is ideal to start a river cruise, and for access to Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Alternatively, Puerto Maldonado in the south is the best way to reach Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park.

Take in the breathtaking views along Peru’s Amazon rivers. (Image: Getty/RM Dobson)

When is the best season to visit the Amazon?

Pick between the Wet Season (December to May) and the Dry Season (June to November), two vastly different times of the year. In the Wet Season, expect heavy rains and flooding. But it’s also easier to boat around, see wildlife like the Amazon pink river dolphin, native turtles and ultra-lush greenery. In the Dry Season, it is less sunny and wet but there are more chances to seek jaguars, sloths and monkeys.

What should you do in the Amazon in Peru?

1. Take an Amazon River Cruise in Loreto

Travelling through the protected areas of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve on a river cruise (minimum three nights), you will cross flooded woods, tropical rainforests, and humid riverscapes, see wildlife, and visit Indigenous communities.

Operators like Aqua Expeditions, Delfín and Zafiro offer luxury cruise experiences. Expect gourmet dining and comfortable suites – many that have floor-to-ceiling windows for wildlife spotting and private excursions.

Birdwatch while cruising the Amazon in Loreto. (Image: Daniela del Carpio/Promperú)

2. Visit Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

This protected area spanning 20,800 square kilometres is known as the ‘jungle of mirrors’ for its seasonal floods. Explore it by hiking into the jungle to spot animals and birds.

Enter the jungle with a guide, day or night. By the light of the moon they’ll search for nocturnal creatures like croaking tree frogs, tarantulas, musmuki and other night monkeys. When the sun is up they’ll be looking for medicinal herbs, boa snakes, macaws and toucans.

In the waters of this flooded forest, you may glimpse the stunning pink river dolphin, caiman (a small crocodile-like species), endangered giant otters, and piranhas. Through conservation efforts like the Taricaya Turtle Project who return hatchlings to their native environment, you can interact with wildlife.

Despite its remote position, hundreds of communities live here. Cruise along the Amazon’s tributaries and learn about their cultures, traditional crafts and ways of life.

Say hello to a sloth as it hangs around. (Image: Getty/Javier Dinten Fernandez)

3. Stay in tree house lodges and ecolodges

Recharge with an ecolodge stay, a low-impact accommodation option equipped with off-grid electricity, constructed from locally sourced, natural materials. Another thrilling option is a treehouse lodge, high above the jungle floor, hanging up to 24 metres above the ground. Many offer tours through the jungle and a chance to connect with local communities. Stays are from a minimum of two nights.

Live the jungle dream by staying in a treehouse lodge. (Image: Daniela del Carpio/Promperú)

4. Devour Amazonian fusion food

Prepare to have your hiking boots blown right off, with one of the most unique experiences in Peru. Amazonian fusion food combines traditional jungle cooking methods, and national and local Peruvian cooking traditions, with sustainable local foods.

On your plate, you’ll find exotic fruits, root vegetables, river fish and unheard-of spices. Paiche and other Amazonian fish – whether grilled, smoked or raw – are used in many dishes. Also try tacacho con cecina (roasted banana, bacon and dried meat) and inchicapi (traditional soup) and tropical smoothies made with cocona fruit, star fruit and berries.

Savour the flavours of Amazonian fusion cuisine. (Image: Jimena Agois/Promperú)

5. Relax with Amazonian wellness experiences

Immersing yourself in the deep greens of the Peruvian Amazon is enough to soothe your soul. But if you want to go deeper – particularly into those muscles made sore from hiking – there are plenty of other wellness experiences.

Switch your at-home rainforest soundtracks for the real thing as you meditate. Take a traditional flower bath or a massage with oils from Amazonian plants. Enjoy a wild banquet of local fruits and teas and learn about their healing properties in workshops.

Unwind and reconnect with nature. (Image: Daniela del Carpio/Promperú)

What gear do you need for Peru?

Bring layers for exploring the humid rainforest, light hiking shoes, mosquito spray, waterproof jackets, and accessories like day packs, mineral sunscreen (so it won’t damage the environment) and power packs. Binoculars will increase your chance of successful birdwatching and spotting other animals, like jaguars.

Start planning an adventure to the Peruvian slice of the Amazon at peru.travel/en