The word “Amazon” conjures images of lush, thick jungle, wild animals, exotic plants, and a massive river winding its way through it all. The Amazon occupies a near-mythic place in the mind as a vast wilderness, far away from modern civilization.
All these images are true, but they still don’t capture the true reality of the Amazon. For that, you have to go there. A trip to the Amazon is on many people’s bucket lists—it represents a once-in-a-lifetime journey to a region unlike any other on Earth. Here’s what you should know as you begin to plan your own adventure there.
Get to Know the Amazon
Taking its name from the river that flows through it, the Amazon rainforest is an area covered by 1.4 billion acres of thick, humid, tropical forests. It is also made up of floodplain forests, savannas, and rivers. It stretches roughly 2,300,000 square miles, mostly within eight countries. The Amazon is the largest river in South America and the biggest drainage system in the world. Though the river is shorter than the Nile, it still runs for about 4,000 miles.
The Amazon River was discovered by Spanish soldier and explorer Francisco de Orellana in 1541. He encountered indigenous tribes led by women, which reminded him of the Amazons in Greek mythology (a group of women warriors), or so the story goes.
An estimated 16,000 different types of trees, 40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish, over 370 reptiles, 2.5 million kinds of insects, and 350 indigenous groups call the Amazon home. The people that inhabit this incredibly biodiverse region rely on the rainforest and river for food, shelter, clothing, and medicine.
Where to Begin Your Trip
The Amazon covers a large area of South America, roughly two-thirds the size of the United States. The forest crosses the national boundaries of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. Since the forest sprawls across such a large territory, there are many access points and gateways where travelers can begin their trips.
In Brazil, the city of Manaus is considered a starting point for trips into the Amazon. In Bolivia, the town of Rurrenabaque is a similar embarkation point for travelers. In Peru, the rainforest comprises about 60% of the country and is often explored via the city of Iquitos.
The cities of Tena, Nueva Loja, and Coca in Ecuador offer the best access to the Amazon, while in Colombia, the gateway into the rainforest is Leticia. In Guyana, the city of Kurupukari will give you the easiest access to the rainforest in that country.
Climate and Weather
The Amazon rainforest is aptly named—the climate is hot and humid year-round, which is why so many plants thrive here. The first half of the year can present temperatures ranging between 73°F and 86°F. In the second half of the year, temperatures are slightly higher and vary between 78°F and 104°F. Depending on the exact location, between 60 to 120 inches of rain inundates the Amazon every year.
Keep in mind, that when it rains, it will generally only rain for about an hour or two per day. This can change depending on the region and local microclimate. It’s best to always have rain gear available.
When to Visit
To avoid the rainiest months, July through December is the best time to visit the Amazon. They are considered the drier months, and with less rain, hiking is more manageable. For a higher chance of spotting wildlife, the rainiest season, January through June, is your best bet.
Important Items to Pack
If you plan to spend any amount of time in the rainforest, the following items are essential:
- Rain jacket or poncho.
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or boots.
- Hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Sturdy backpack.
- Sunscreen.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Loose-fitting pants and long-sleeved shirts made of synthetic, quick-dry fabrics that wick away moisture. Cotton takes a long time to dry in the damp heat.
- Swimsuit.
- Flashlight and/or head lamp.
- Plenty of socks, since your feet will get wet.
Planning
To get started with planning your trip, consider your budget, how many days you have, whether you want to rough it or enjoy a little luxury, and which activities are the most important to you. There are a number of jungle lodges in the Amazon that range in accommodations and amenities from luxurious to basic. These lodges usually employ guides who lead hikes and excursions into the surrounding jungle; some lodges are located on private nature reserves, which boosts your chances of seeing animals. Other activities often available at lodges include canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, stargazing, fishing, and visiting local communities.
Another option is an Amazon River cruise, where you stay on board a riverboat. In Peru, most cruises embark from Iquitos, on the Ucayali River, and explore tributaries of the Amazon. Most Brazilian cruises depart from Manaus or Rio de Janeiro.
To get the most out of your Amazon adventure, get a head start on your planning well in advance of your trip. Do your research and make sure to pack your camera—you’ll want to remember every moment of this bucket list trip!