The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Amazon Rainforest in Peru (2025)

Peru’s Amazon Rainforest

This complete travel guide to The Amazon Rainforest in Peru will tell you everything you need to know including how to get there, when to go, best things to do, and more!

Spanning nine countries, the Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest rainforest and covers 40% of the South American continent. It is home to more life than anywhere else on Earth and is one of the world’s most biodiverse and awe-inspiring ecosystems. Peru contains the second highest amount of Amazon Rainforest after Brazil.

This lush tropical wilderness spans a staggering 60% of Peru, offering travelers a gateway into a land of untrammeled natural wonders. Two-thirds of the world’s plant and animal species make their home in the rainforest, and new species are always being discovered.

The two major gateways for the Amazon Rainforest in Peru are Puerto Maldonado in the south and Iquitos in the north.

Peru’s Amazon Rainforest
Puerto Maldonado
The Tambopata National Reserve
- Best Things to Do and See
Manu National Park
Iquitos
Travel Tips for the Amazon Rainforest in Peru
What to Pack
Conclusion
Other Resources for Peru

Puerto Maldonado

Puerto Maldonado is the southern gateway to the Amazon Jungle in Peru. A visit to this region affords visitors with easy access to Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park. This part of the Amazon has Bolivia just to the east and Cusco to the west.

By day, enjoy excursions along jungle trails, to the tops of canopy towers, and into the corners of hidden lagoons where caimans and otters and sometimes jaguars bathe in the sun. After dark, listen to the cacophony of insects and marvel at the mysteries of the rainforest’s nocturnal world.

Best Time to Visit: Climate & Weather

The southern Peruvian Amazon rainforest has two seasons: a dry season and a wet season. However, being that it is a tropical rainforest, even the dry season tends to have some rain.

The climate in Puerto Maldonado is hot and mostly cloudy. Year round, the temperatures typically vary from 64°F to 90°F and is rarely below 56°F or above 96°F.

Month	Min (F)	Max (F)	Min (C)	Max (C)
January	72	88	22	31
February	72	88	22	31
March	72	89	22	31
Apri	71	88	21	30
May	68	86	20	29
June	67	85	19	29
July	65	86	18	30
August	67	90	19	32
September	70	91	20	32
October	72	91	22	33
November	73	90	22	32
December	73	89	22	31

Puerto Maldonado Average Temperatures

Rain is abundant, amounting to 85 inches (2,165 millimeters) per year. It ranges from 2 inches (55 mm) in the driest month (July) to 14 inches (345 mm) in the wettest month (January).

Month	Inches	Millimeters	Days
January	14	345	18
February	13	335	18
March	11	275	17
Apri	6	155	13
May	4	105	12
June	2	60	8
July	2	55	6
August	3	65	6
September	4	100	9
October	6	165	13
November	9	235	15
December	11	280	17

Puerto Maldonado Average Rainfall

Dry season: May-October

May through October are usually the driest months in the Amazon. Between June and September, there are periodic cold spells from Patagonia that can drop the temperature to 50°F (10°C) for a couple days at a time.

The dry season means that trails are less muddy. Plus, there is a higher probability of seeing parrots and macaws at the clay licks, which are places where the birds hang out and eat clay from the river banks.

The downsides of visiting during the dry season are hotter temperatures. These hot sunny days mean that you will see less bird activity, and amphibians can be harder to spot.

Wet Season: November-April

The more constant rains that define the region’s wet season occur from November to April. November and December usually receive the most rainfall. However, the Amazon is a rainforest, so there’s a chance of rain throughout the year.

During the rainy season, it is easier to see reptiles and amphibians because of the cooler temperature and abundant water. The downsides are that the trails are muddy and visitors are less likely to see birds at the claylicks. Plus, there’s a higher chance of flight delays.

How to Get to Puerto Maldonado

bus cruz del sur amazon rainforest peru puerto maldonado

By Air: Several airlines offer daily flights to the small airport. A nonstop flight to Puerto Maldonado from Lima is 1.5 hours, and 55 minutes from Cusco. While convenient, this is the most expensive option.
By Road: Taking the bus from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado is a good option for travelers on a budget. The journey takes about 10 hours, usually driving through the night. The buses are nice and comfortable, and some even provide a small meal. The seats are better than any airline seat, and there are bathrooms. Overall, the bus is actually a pretty enjoyable way to get there.
By Boat: Once you arrive in Puerto Maldonado, the waterways provide access to jungle lodges and remote indigenous communities. Your tour guide will pick you up and take you to the dock to board the open air boat to your accommodation. It takes between 1-3 hours to reach jungle lodges near Puerto Maldonado.

The Tambopata National Reserve

Tambopata National Reserve encompasses 680,000 acres (275,000 hectares) of protected Amazon rainforest in the southern part of Peru. The reserve features numerous clay licks along exposed riverbanks where macaws and parrots congregate. Plus, there are more than 670 bird and 1,200 butterfly species.

Because of its close location to Puerto Maldonado, this is often the best choice for a short 2 or 3-day trip. Visitors can witness an abundance of wildlife, including many tropical birds, several different monkeys, and amazingly tall trees and many different flowers.

To experience the rainforest, there are accommodations in Puerto Maldonado ranging from hostels to hotels. Additionally, within the park itself, there are some lodges which offer professionally guided rainforest tours and accommodation in the jungle. The Tambopata Research Center is a great option for jungle adventures and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Best Things to Do and See

amazon rainforest peru blue yellow macaw bird

Clay Licks

Groups of macaws and parrots gather around exposed sections of riverbeds, called clay licks, to eat the clay and socialize. Scientists speculate that the clay contains beneficial minerals, and that ingesting the clay helps neutralize any toxins they eat from certain plants.

These clay licks can be spotted along the river while traveling in a boat. Some guides will also take visitors to a camouflage area to watch the birds.

Guided tours of Tambopata’s claylicks are offered by Tambopata Research Center and Refugio Amazonas Lodge.

Oxbow Lakes

Unique to Peru’s southern Amazon basin region, these lakes are formed as bends in the river are slowly cut off from the main water flow over hundreds of years. These lakes can be explored aboard a paddle-driven boat. There are a lot of wildlife viewing opportunities at these lakes, including caimans, many species of birds, and families of giant otters.

Canopy Tour

There’s an amazing difference between the jungle floor and the canopy. The diversity in flora and fauna changes as you ascend up the trees away from the rainforest floor. The canopy bridge at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica jungle lodge spans 103 feet (31 meters) above the rainforest floor.

amazon rainforest peru jungle path vines trees

Jungle Walk

Guided or independent jungle walks are a chance to fully immerse yourself in the bustling rainforest metropolis. Some trails meander around towering trees, others explore the banks of the rivers. If you go with a guide, they will point out hard-to-see wildlife and share knowledge about the Amazon rainforest. If you go independently, don’t touch anything and keep your eyes open! Look everywhere, from around your feet, beneath leaves, and up in the canopy. There is abundant life and interesting things to see in every nook and cranny of the jungle.

Local Community Visit

Many jungle lodges work closely with local communities. Visiting with and engaging with the local communities offers great insight to how people live in harmony with the Amazon. Plus, you can learn about the medicinal qualities of a lot of plants, as well as how the ecosystem works to sustain such an abundant amount of plant and animal species.

Manu National Park

Accessible from Cusco and Puerto Maldonado, Manu National Park provides a chance to experience an array of diverse habitats. With elevations spanning between sea level and nearly 14,000 feet (4,200 meters), Manu National Park encompasses unique landscapes from cloud forest to lowland rainforest. The variable elevation creates an astounding variety of climates and an incredible number of plant and animal species. The different biospheres, created where the Andes and the Amazon meet, range from the forest floors to the mountain peaks.

In Manu National Park, there are literally several thousand species of plants, including 250 species of trees. There are 200 species of mammals, 850 species of birds, 68 species of reptiles, 77 species of amphibians, 1,300 recorded species of butterflies, and 13 species of primates.

Additionally, there are several rare species, such as the giant otter, giant armadillo, jaguars, puma, and the Andean mountain cat

Best Time to Visit: Climate & Weather

Manu’s extreme topography creates multiple microclimates. The lower elevations are hotter with average temperatures ranging from 95 F (35 C) during the day to 77 F (25 C) at night. In the higher elevations, the temperatures are generally cooler, especially at night, but the days are still warm.

After heavy rains, the temperature can drop as low as 50 F (10 C). When the cold fronts blow up from Patagonia, temperatures can be as low as 46 F (8 C).

Since this is in the same region as Puerto Maldonado, the seasons are generally the same.

Dry season: May-October

During the dry season, the forest is much more accessible. Paths are clear and the river flows and navigation are more predictable.

Wildlife, especially larger animals, tend to gather around water sources making them easier to spot. This brings in more tourists, so it is recommended to book tours and accommodation in advance. With the clear skies of the dry season, this is the opportune time for forest walks and canopy exploration.

The downsides of visiting during the dry season are hotter temperatures. These hot sunny days means that you will see less bird activity, and amphibians can be harder to spot.

Rainy Season: November-April

The Rainy season is more ideal for river-based activities, such as canoeing. However, visitors should be prepared for muddy trails and potential flooding. Waterproof gear is necessary during the rainy season. With the increase of water availability, vibrant bird species and amphibians are abundant.

How to get to Manu from Puerto Maldonado

By car: Drive 87 miles (140 km) from Puerto Maldonado along the inter-oceanic highway to the Santa Rosa town center (1.5 hours). Cross the Inambari river with a boat to Puerto Carlos (5min), then drive 18 miles (30km) to the town of Boca Colorado (1h). From there, navigate the Madre de Dios River until reaching the Limonal control post on the Manu River (7hrs by motorboat).

How to get to Manu from Cusco

By car: From Cusco, you have to travel 175 miles (280 km) along the Cusco-Paucartambo highway, which takes approximately 12 hours, to the town of Atalaya. From there, continue by river to the town of Boca Manu (12 hours by boat), to enter again by the Madre de Dios River to the park.

It is also possible to get to the town of Boca Manu by a small plane from the city of Cusco (30 minutes). From there, take the route described above.

Best Things to Do and See

Wildlife Spotting

The Amazon Rainforest is the most ecologically diverse place on Earth. A guided tour or trek through the jungle provides the opportunity to see monkeys, insects, and reptiles. If you’re lucky, you might also see capybara, tapir, jaguar, or a black panther. The best place to spot large wildlife are along forest trails and at cochas, which are secluded lagoons.

Bird Watching

Manu is one of the best places in the Amazon for birdwatching, boasting one of the largest bird lists in the world. Among the 850 species of birds, visitors can see the harpy eagle, jabiru, roseate spoonbill, and the cock of the rock.

Clay Licks

Groups of macaws, parrots, and parakeets flock by the thousands to exposed sections of riverbeds, called clay licks, to eat the clay and socialize. Scientists speculate that the clay contains beneficial minerals, and that ingesting the clay helps neutralize any toxins they eat from certain plants.

Canopy Towers

Manu has several tree towers ranging in height from 100-130 feet (30-40 meters). Being high up in the canopy on a platform reveals an alternate perspective of the rainforest that can’t be seen from the forest floor. There are several species that spend their lives in the canopy, which are not able to be observed any other way. Plus, the view is amazing.

Iquitos

In the northeast of the country, the remote city of Iquitos sits deep in the rainforest, and is only accessible by flight. If you want to see the Amazon river, visiting Iquitos is the easiest place to do that in Peru. The city is also the gateway to the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, which is Peru’s largest natural protected area. Visitors can see sloths, monkeys, and pink river dolphins.

Within the city itself, there are a lot of things to do and see, such as the local floating market at Belen or check out the architectural legacy of the early 20th century rubber boom. Outside the city, there are several jungle lodges located up and down the river.

Best Time to Visit: Climate & Weather

The Amazon is a year round destination, with rainfall expected throughout the year. Iquitos is located close to the equator, which means that the climate is hot, humid and rainy all year round. Despite the fact that there is no dry season, the rains decrease somewhat from June to September. However, there are two seasons: high water and lower water. The water level of the rivers can fluctuate as much as 40 feet (12 meters).

July is the coldest month in Iquitos, with an average temperature of 79 F (26 C). The warmest month is November, with an average temperature of 82 F (27 C).

Iquitos Average Temperature

Month	Min (F)	Max (F)	Min (C)	Max (C)
January	72	90	22	32
February	72	90	22	32
March	72	90	22	32
Apri	72	90	22	32
May	72	89	22	32
June	71	88	22	31
July	70	89	21	32
August	70	90	21	32
September	71	92	22	33
October	72	92	22	33
November	72	91	22	33
December	72	90	22	32

Iquitos Average Temperature

Iquitos Average Rainfall

Month	Inches	Millimeters	Days
January	11	255	17
February	11	275	18
March	14	350	20
Apri	12	305	19
May	11	270	18
June	8	200	15
July	7	165	14
August	6	155	12
September	8	190	14
October	9	215	16
November	10	245	17
December	10	255	16

Iquitos Average Rainfall

High Water Season: December to May

During the high water seasons, boats can easily venture deeper into the remote parts of the jungle. Visitors will likely see more birds and mammals living in the canopy. The abundance of rain means that the average temperature is more comfortable in the high water season, averaging around 86 F (30 C).

The downsides are that because the rains are heavier, some of the hiking trails are muddy and unusable, and there are more mosquitos.

Low Water Season: June to November

During the low water season, there are more trails to explore on foot, fewer mosquitos, and a good time to go fishing. Plus, there’s a better chance of seeing migratory birds. The downside of the low water season is that remote lakes and small creeks that can only be accessed by boat cannot be visited. Additionally, the temperatures can be oppressive, averaging around 98 F (37 C) during the low water season.

How to Get to Iquitos

By Air: Several airlines offer daily flights to Iquitos. From Lima, the flight takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.
By Boat: If you are already in the region, the Amazon River and its waterways connect the city of Iquitos to jungle lodges and other small port towns. If you are coming from anywhere else, you will have to take an airplane.
Iquitos is not accessible by road.

Best Things to Do and See

Amazon River

One of the most iconic attractions accessible from Iquitos is the Amazon River, which is the second longest river in the world. The river winds through the rainforest in Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. This is a good location to witness wildlife from its shores or from a canoe. Additionally, visitors can take a cruise on the Amazon River or stay at a jungle lodge along its bank. Other activities include swimming with pink river dolphins, paddle boarding, and piranha fishing.

Amazon Cruise

If you have the budget for it, taking a cruise along the Amazon River is quite a memorable experience. They often have luxury facilities from which you can enjoy the endless rainforest views. Plus, you will have numerous opportunities to see all kinds of wildlife from the safety of the boat.

Experience Local Jungle Culture

Near Iquitos, deeper into the jungle, there are local communities only accessible by river boat. Local guides from the Yaguas and Bora communities offer a unique cultural experience in which they explain the local way of life and the history. Visitors will get to meet local men, women, and children and share aspects of their culture, including language and dance traditions. They also have locally made jewelry, weavings, and art pieces for sale.

Wildlife Diversity

There is an unfathomable amount of biological diversity in the Amazon Rainforest. Life can be found everywhere, from crawling on the soil, hiding behind a leaf, taking a nap in a tree, or soaring through the sky. From big-eyed monkeys rustling amid trees to the songs of colorful bird species echoing through the understory, there is always something to be discovered and amazed by. Seeing these incredible animals in their natural habitat (rather than imprisoned in a zoo) will probably be the highlight of your trip. Staying in jungle lodges surrounding Iquitos are the perfect hub for convenient access to remote jungle reserves.

Stay at a Jungle Lodge

The best way to see wildlife and be immersed in the Amazon Jungle is to stay at a remote jungle lodge accessible by river boat from Iquitos. The lodges have their own guides and our packages, so you can spend your days exploring the nearby national reserves. Plus, you can gain access to a variety of canopy, walking, cultural, and river tours.

Wander the Streets of Iquitos

The remote jungle outpost of Iquitos serves as the quintessential gateway into Peru’s Amazon basin. This ramshackle city along the banks of the Amazon River boasts a fascinating history as a 19th century rubber boom town, with vestiges of that era’s grandiose architecture still visible among the rugged riverfront buildings. Wander the historic streets and plaza areas like the Malecón Tarapacá to admire the faded colonial mansions and learn about Iquitos’ unique Jewish heritage at the majestic Barrio de Jerusalén synagogue.

Explore the Belen Neighborhood of Iquitos

No visit to Iquitos is complete without venturing into the chaotic and fascinating Belén neighborhood. This ramshackle district along the shores of the Amazon seems to float on a tangle of rickety wooden platforms and makeshift bridges when the river is high. Wandering the labyrinthine streets and alleyways provides an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of the Ribereño people who have called this aquatic community home for generations. The bustling Belén Market forms the vibrant heart, with vendors hawking exotic Amazon fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, and handicrafts. Stop for a refreshing drink like aguajina at one of the rustic stalls as you take in the lively atmosphere and sounds of Spanish and indigenous languages surrounding you. Marvel at the resilient houses defying gravity and the elements, built on precarious stilts over the swirling brown river. While simple boats form the neighborhood’s “streets,” motor-powered canoes and sketchy wooden ferry crossings provide access deeper into this maze of wooden platforms and residences. For an immersive look at life on the fringes of the Amazon, Belén offers endless opportunities for cultural interaction and unforgettable sights.

Travel Tips for the Amazon Rainforest in Peru

To ensure your safety and enjoyment of your trip to the Amazon Rainforest in Peru, there are a few key things to be aware of:

Getting to your lodge

Many jungle lodges are only accessible by river boat. In Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, employees from the lodges meet travelers at the airport and then take them all the way into the jungle to the accommodation. River boats are open-air with a covering, much like a pontoon boat.

Safety Tips

If you are out on an excursion, stay with the group. Do not wander off on your own, especially at night. Getting lost out there would both be terrifying, and also potentially life threatening. There are a lot of creatures in the jungle, and some are poisonous, venomous, or dangerous.

Vaccines

You need to have a yellow fever vaccine to visit the Amazon Rainforest. You can obtain this in Peru for a small fraction of what you would pay in the US. However, it is important to note that you must receive the vaccine at least two weeks before your trip. If you are traveling around other parts of Peru, you can get the vaccine in many cities, such as Cusco and Lima.

It is also advised to have malaria medication. If you have questions or concerns, talk with a travel doctor about your trip.

Mosquitos

There are a number of ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes, which can carry malaria and dengue. Wear loose fitting long shirts and pants and apply insect repellant to exposed skin. When you are hanging out in your jungle lodge or accommodation, using a fan will keep them away from you (they can’t fly in the strong air current) or use those mosquito repellent coils that burn like incense. At night, use the mosquito net hanging over your bed.

Wifi Access

Not all jungle lodges have WiFi, and even if they do, it is usually spotty and slow. A visit to the Amazon is more of an “off-the-grid” kind of experience.

Drinking Water

You cannot drink tap water in Peru. Bottled water and safe filtered drinking water are provided to jungle lodge guests. Bring a reusable water bottle so you can have safe drinking water when out on excursions.

What to Pack

Clothing
- Long sleeved shirts and pants made of light, breathable, quick drying material
- Rain jacket/ poncho
- Swimsuit
- Loungewear for the lodge
Footwear
- Comfortable, closed shoes that are good for hiking or trail running

Other jungle necessities
- Daypack – carry water, poncho, and other essentials during daytime excursions
- Insect repellant
- Sun protection (hat, sunblock, sunglasses)
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp or flashlight – many lodges have no or limited lighting after dark
- Passport
- Cash – there are no ATMs in the rainforest. Bring small bills to pay for drinks, snacks, and tips to your guides
- Dry bags or ziplock bags – the humidity is unrelenting, keep your electronics and important documents dry
- Camera gear – extra batteries, lenses, memory cards
- Water-resistant binoculars for spotting wildlife and birds are a bonus

Conclusion

The Amazon Rainforest in Peru is a verdant jungle metropolis teeming with opportunities for adventure and immersion into one of the planet’s most precious ecosystems. While visiting this remarkable region requires planning and preparation, the memories and perspectives you’ll gain will last a lifetime. From navigating winding jungle rivers and hiking into the depths of protected reserves, to staying at eco-lodges and learning ancient traditions from indigenous communities, every experience connects you more profoundly to nature’s astounding power. Whether you crave rugged expeditions or prefer a few creature comforts, the Peruvian Amazon can be as wild or as tamed as you desire. Spot elusive wildlife, explore markets brimming with exotic treasures, and witness stunning landscapes that will leave you in awe of the immense biological diversity and cultural richness. With this comprehensive guide’s expert advice, you’re ready to plan your ultimate Amazon basin adventure tailored to your travel pace and spirit of exploration. Embrace the thrill of disconnecting from the modern world and losing yourself, if only temporarily, in one of our planet’s wildest remaining frontiers.