What it’s really like to go on an Amazon rainforest tour
From gliding through misty jungle backwaters in a canoe at dawn while a troop of howler monkeys roars somewhere overhead, to being woken up by the natural alarm of birds greeting the day. This is not a nature documentary—it’s just Tuesday in the Amazon.
If you're curious about booking Amazon rainforest tours, Peru is one of the best places to start. It’s wild, biodiverse, and surprisingly accessible.
Whether you want to hike beneath towering ceiba trees, spot giant otters in oxbow lakes, or learn from local Indigenous communities, this is the kind of trip that rewires how you see the world.
Where to go for Amazon rainforest tours in Peru
The Peruvian Amazon covers over half the country, but most travellers head to one of two hubs: Puerto Maldonado in the south or Iquitos in the north. Both offer unforgettable Amazon rainforest tour packages, but each has its own personality.
Puerto Maldonado—Your launchpad into the Tambopata jungle
This jungle town in southeastern Peru is the jumping-off point for the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the most wildlife-rich places in the Amazon.
- Highlights: Watching scarlet macaws crowd the clay licks, drifting across still oxbow lakes, and nighttime jungle walks with headlamps and expert guides.
- Who it’s for: Bird lovers, wildlife photographers, and travellers who want an authentic jungle trip without going too far off-grid.
- Getting there: Daily flights from Cusco and Lima make it easy to reach.
Tambopata is also known for its network of eco-lodges, where you can stay in open-air bungalows, fall asleep to the sound of frogs, and still enjoy mosquito nets, three-course meals, and hot showers.
Iquitos—Deeper into the Amazon
Want to get further into the jungle? Iquitos is the largest city in the world with no roads in or out—just rivers and airstrips. Getting here means flying from Lima, then heading upriver by boat to your lodge or cruise.
- Highlights: spotting pink river dolphins, exploring flooded forests by canoe, visiting local communities
- Best for: Longer, immersive tours to the Amazon rainforest that blend wildlife with culture
- Access: Flights from Lima, plus riverboat transfers into the surrounding jungle
Iquitos is also your launch point for luxury Amazon rainforest tours in Brazil if you're continuing your journey east. But in Peru, you’ll find a more off-the-beaten-track feel—less crowds, more connection.
How to choose the right Amazon rainforest tour package
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Amazon rainforest tour packages—and that’s part of the fun. Some travellers want a soft adventure with hammocks and cocktails; others want muddy boots and sunrise hikes.
Before you book, ask yourself: How many days do you have? How much do you want to rough it? And how close do you want to get to the jungle’s weird and wonderful residents?
The most popular types of Amazon tours in Peru
Here’s how most travellers explore the jungle:
1. Lodge-based tours
Stay at an eco-lodge tucked deep in the rainforest. Each day, you’ll head out with naturalist guides for jungle walks, boat rides, and wildlife spotting. Lodges like those in Tambopata strike a great balance between comfort and immersion.
2. River cruises
Want to see more in less time? River cruises out of Iquitos let you drift through remote sections of the Amazon in style. Think air-conditioned cabins, gourmet meals, and ever-changing scenery.
3. Adventure-focused tours
These are for travellers who want to tour the Amazon rainforest on foot, by kayak, or even on a zipline. Expect early mornings, muddy boots, and plenty of wow moments.
What’s typically included in Amazon rainforest tours?
The best Amazon rainforest tours Peru offers tend to bundle everything so you can focus on the experience, not logistics. Most packages include:
- Transfers from Lima or Cusco
- Bilingual naturalist guides
- Accommodation (eco-lodge or riverboat)
- All meals, with regional flavours and ingredients
- Daily excursions like canopy walks, night hikes, and wildlife viewing trips
Higher-end Amazon rainforest tour packages might also include private excursions, spa treatments, or even a personal chef. But even the more budget-friendly options provide the essentials—and the magic of the jungle doesn’t require five stars.
For more info on how money works in Peru, click here. It’s always wise to know what you’re facing when you’re conquering on a budget.
The Follow Alice Peru Amazon rainforest tours
Ready to swap WiFi for wildlife? Our Peru Amazon rainforest tours let you step into the raw, unfiltered heart of the jungle—comfortably. Whether you’re craving a quick escape, a deeper dive into the wild, or a full-on immersion, Follow Alice has curated Amazon rainforest tour packages that blend adventure, nature, and sustainability.
1. Express Amazon Escape—3 Days
A bite-sized Amazon rainforest tour for the curious and time-crunched
Short on time but big on adventure? This compact trip is the perfect intro to Amazon rainforest tours, Peru style. From Puerto Maldonado, you’ll cruise downriver into a pristine private reserve bordering Tambopata National Reserve. Within hours, you’re deep in the jungle—no roughing it required.
Itinerary highlights:
- Climb a canopy tower for treetop views of scarlet macaws and toucans.
- Walk jungle trails with expert naturalists.
- Witness the electric energy of a clay lick as parrots gather in the hundreds.
- Hike around Lake Condenado, home to giant otters, capybaras, and hoatzins.
Who it’s for: Curious couples, bird lovers, or side-trippers with a tight schedule
Where you’ll stay: A cosy eco-lodge tucked into a chestnut forest with private rooms and tranquil jungle views
See the tour here: Express Amazon Escape—3 Days
2. Classic Tambopata Lodge Experience—4 Days
The Amazon rainforest tour that checks all the boxes
Looking for the quintessential Amazon rainforest tour in Peru? This one's it. You’ll explore one of the most biodiverse corners of the world with time to slow down and take it all in—without leaving behind hot showers or screened windows.
Itinerary highlights:
- Greet the sunrise at a world-famous clay lick—bring your camera!
- Paddle across Lake Condenado to find caimans and bizarre-looking hoatzins.
- Walk with a local guide to learn about medicinal plants used for generations.
- Visit a nearby farm and sample freshly picked Amazonian fruits.
Who it’s for: First-time jungle-goers, nature photographers, culture seekers
Where you’ll stay: A sustainable lodge with comfortable private cabins and modern amenities—designed to keep you close to nature, not bugs.
See the tour here: Classic Tambopata Lodge Experience—4 Days
3. Ultimate Jungle Immersion—5 Days
An in-depth Amazon rainforest tour for serious explorers
If you’re the kind of traveller who wants to know, see, and experience everything, this deep-dive itinerary is for you. Over five immersive days, you’ll join researchers, learn from locals, and see wildlife few ever get the chance to encounter.
Itinerary highlights:
- Climb high into the canopy at dawn to catch jungle birds waking up.
- Hike to a secluded clay lick to spot peccaries, monkeys, and maybe a jaguar print.
- Bike an optional jungle trail—yes, bikes in the Amazon
- Visit a working Brazil nut camp to understand sustainable rainforest economies.
- Learn the secrets of the forest on a medicinal plant walk.
- Join a conservation talk with local researchers—real stories, real science.
Who it’s for: Passionate nature lovers, families with teens, and eco-travellers who want more than a photo op
Where you’ll stay: A jungle lodge within a private conservation reserve—comfortable, off-grid, and dedicated to preserving the Amazon.
See the tour here: Ultimate Jungle Immersion—5 Days
Planning your trip: What to expect
Each of our Amazon rainforest tour packages includes everything you need for an unforgettable journey:
- Local expert guides and naturalists
- Small-group jungle excursions
- Comfortable eco-lodges with private rooms
- Fresh, local meals
- Boat and ground transport from Puerto Maldonado
We also tailor each experience based on the season, weather, and wildlife activity. Whether you’re joining us during the dry season for peak wildlife watching or coming during the wet season for lush scenery and fewer visitors, you’re in for an unforgettable ride.
Unique experiences during your Amazon rainforest tour
The Amazon isn’t just a place you visit—it’s one you feel. It hums. It breathes. And it offers the kind of raw, unpredictable moments you’ll still be talking about years from now. Whether you're paddling through misty creeks at dawn or sharing lunch with a remote community, Amazon rainforest tours are full of moments that don’t show up in brochures.
1. Wildlife encounters you’ll never forget
Peru’s slice of the Amazon is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. But this isn’t a zoo. On any given day, your tour of the Amazon Rainforest might put you face-to-face with animals you didn’t even know existed.
Here’s just a taste of what shows up (usually when you least expect it):
- Macaws and parrots — especially in Tambopata, where they crowd the clay licks in noisy, dazzling groups
- Monkeys — including howlers, squirrel monkeys, capuchins, and tamarins—swinging through the canopy overhead.
- Caimans—best spotted after dark, glowing eyes and all
- Giant river otters — rare, endangered, and often seen fishing in Lake Sandoval
- Sloths — slow-moving and perfectly camouflaged, but your guide knows the signs.
- Pink river dolphins — especially common on Iquitos-based Amazon River cruises
Most guides are locals who grew up here. They know the forest by heart. A rustle in the trees to you is a whole story to them. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned naturalist, their knowledge brings the rainforest to life in a way no textbook ever could.
2. Cultural immersion with local communities
Amazon rainforest tours in Peru aren’t just about spotting wildlife—they’re about understanding the people who’ve called this forest home for generations.
Many Peru Amazon tours include visits to Indigenous villages, where the pace slows and the forest feels different—less wild, more lived-in. This isn’t a staged performance. It’s a chance to learn, listen, and connect.
You might:
- Be welcomed with music and dance.
- Watch artisans weave baskets or craft tools from jungle plants.
- Share traditional dishes like juane—rice, meat, and spices wrapped in bijao leaves.
- Talk with community leaders about local conservation work and sustainable tourism.
These moments are quiet but powerful. They ground your Amazon rainforest tour in real people, real stories, and real purpose.
3. Adventure activities in the jungle
Not every moment in the rainforest is serene. Some get your heart pounding. Amazon rainforest tour packages often come with a mix of calm exploration and unexpected thrills.
Depending on where you go, you might:
- Walk across hanging bridges high above the canopy.
- Paddle a kayak through narrow, hidden waterways.
- Set out on a night trek to see insects and nocturnal animals you’ve only seen in documentaries.
- Try piranha fishing (yes, they bite—but not hard).
- Zip-line through sections of the forest near Puerto Maldonado.
If it sounds intense, don’t worry—guides tailor the experience to your pace.
Planning your adventure
Before you dive into the jungle, timing matters. The best time to book Amazon rainforest tours in Peru depends entirely on what you want to do and see. The region is divided into two seasons—but both offer incredible experiences.
Wet season (November to April)
- Rivers are higher, opening up access to flooded forest areas.
- Wildlife tends to be more active.
- Mosquitoes love it too (bring the good repellent).
- Best for: river-based Amazon rainforest tours in Brazil and Peru
Dry season (May to October)
- Trails are easier to hike.
- Temperatures are cooler (but still warm).
- Canopy walkways and jungle lodges are at their best.
- Best for: lodge stays and family-friendly itineraries
If you’re planning to travel between June and August, book early—this is the peak season for tours to the Amazon Rainforest.
What to pack for your Amazon rainforest tour
Packing for the jungle isn’t about looking good—it’s about staying dry, comfortable, and bite-free. Whether you're heading out on one of our Amazon rainforest tours in Peru or deeper into Brazil, here’s what actually makes a difference out there.
Bring these
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants—Keeps bugs and sun off, dries fast, and won’t weigh you down.
- Waterproof boots or solid hiking shoes—Jungle trails get slick, even in the dry season.
- Strong insect repellent—DEET-based is best, but natural options work too if you reapply often.
- Headlamp or flashlight—For night hikes, early mornings, and late-night lodge trips.
- Reusable water bottle with a filter—Clean water access isn’t always a given.
- Compact rain jacket or poncho—it’s the rainforest. Even the dry season isn’t dry-dry.
- Binoculars—Essential for spotting toucans, monkeys, and other hard-to-see wildlife.
- Personal meds—especially prescriptions. If you're flying through Cusco, altitude pills might be worth packing.
Skip these
- Hard-shell luggage—Go soft and squishable. Duffels are easier in boats and jeeps.
- Jeans—Too hot, too heavy, and they never dry.
- Nice clothes—The jungle doesn’t care how you look, and mud definitely doesn’t.
Smart packing makes the difference between a rough trip and a great one—so keep it simple and jungle-ready. We recommended finding the necessities on Amazon or REI.
Read more on how to stay healthy and safe while travelling in Peru before your epic departure.
Step into the wild—your Amazon adventure starts here
Amazon rainforest tours aren’t about ticking boxes—they’re about slowing down, tuning in, and stepping into a world where nature calls the shots.
Every experience is different. Maybe you’ll spot a jaguar print on a riverbank. Maybe you’ll trade stories with a village elder over a bowl of yuca stew. That’s the magic of the rainforest—it unfolds in real-time.
Ready to plan your tour of the Amazon Rainforest? Find the perfect tour for you and step into a different world. Who knows? You might just feel at home.
