The Peruvian Amazon Region, Peru

Southern Amazon (Madre de Dios — Manu & Tambopata)

Northern Amazon (Loreto — Iquitos)

Peru's Amazon region plays an important role in the overall biodiversity statistics of the country:

• Bird diversity — Peru has about 20% of the total number of bird species known in the world, while Manu National Park features more than 1,000 bird species alone.
• Mammal diversity — the country is home to approximately 10% of all known mammal species in the world, and they can mostly be found in the Amazon lowlands.
• Regional accessibility — Puerto Maldonado has a short flight to Cusco, Iquitos can be accessed through Lima and, subsequently, through river transportation up north.
• Cultural implications — Indigenous tribes inhabit certain areas of the Peruvian Amazon, including undiscovered tribes. All the community visits require their approval and respect for their rights.

Most people picture the Amazon as one uniform stretch of rainforest. In Peru, that's not quite accurate Manu's cloud forest, Tambopata's clay licks and Iquitos's flooded forest are three distinct environments within the same river system.
— VA Expeditions Peru travel specialists

Manu National Park

Manu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve which occupies almost 1.7 million hectares of area from the Andean cloud forest down to the lowland Amazon floodplain. The diversity of species found in the park includes:

• More than 1,000 types of birds have been recorded.
• 13 different species of monkeys
• Over 200 species of mammals have been registered including jaguar, giant otter and giant armadillo.

Reachability to Manu includes both land and river travel, on the basis of visitor zone and travel route, as well as season. Since traveling to Tambopata is more time consuming, the park has lower tourism rates although this does not resolve the issue of wildlife spotting while visiting.

Tambopata & Puerto Maldonado

Puerto Maldonado is located at the meeting point of the Tambopata and the Madre de Dios rivers. The journey from Cusco takes about 35 to 40 minutes by plane. From Puerto Maldonado, it is possible to travel by boat to the Tambopata National Reserve. This reserve is huge, with an area of 274,690 hectares that includes:

• a clay lick for macaws, where many macaws and parrots assemble each day
• oxbow lakes inhabited by the giant otter (however, no guarantees in this regard)
• many different rainforest paths of different lengths and levels of difficulty that depend on the lodge chosen, the route followed, the water level and the traveler’s ability

Iquitos

Iquitos is considered the entrance point to the northern Amazon of Peru. The majority of people arrive in Iquitos first and then move on to Nauta, and continue their journey by boat to a lodge or a cruise. The city is sometimes called the biggest city in the world that does not have roads leading to it. 

The options available from Iquitos often include:

• Amazon river cruises
• Trips to various indigenous communities approved and led by local people
• The canopy walk and forest excursions

Manu & Tambopata (Southern Amazon)

Iquitos & Loreto (Northern Amazon)

Loreto operates on the high water/low water river cycle instead of simply having a dry/wet season. High water occurs from approx. December to May and is best for river travel and canopy access, whereas low water occurs from approx. June to November and is better for beach and trail access.

There are trade-offs for trail access versus water access. Heat, humidity, rain and possible disturbances due to the weather are seasonal and regional in nature and so there is no “best” time in the whole Peruvian Amazon.

Suggested Ways to Experience the Amazon

Puerto Maldonado is very close to Cusco by air and one can do Amazon days when visiting Machu Picchu or Sacred Valley. Based on the advice above on how many nights are required, the recommended minimum for a combined trip is 3 to 4 nights (Tambopata) or 5 or more (Manu) at the Amazon before heading to Cusco/Machu Picchu. All connections should be checked with the product team.

Planning Your Trip: What to Know Before You Go

• Packing: lightweight long sleeves, insect repellent, waterproof bag, binoculars & sturdy closed toe shoes
• Health: requirements vary by traveler and specific itinerary/area visited. US travelers should check current CDC guidance and official Peru entry requirements and consult a travel clinic or physician well before departure.
• Travel insurance: recommended for remote lodge based itineraries.
• Connectivity: limited or no signal at remote lodges is typical though this varies by property
• Climate: heat, humidity and rainfall vary significantly by season and region, pack accordingly
• Logistics: boat and luggage limits, lodge electricity/charging availability and booking lead times vary by property.
• Lodges: advance booking is recommended particularly in peak dry season months, given limited capacity across the reserve system