You can have some really great Amazon tours in Peru. Picture this an adventure with bright parrots flying around and playful monkeys checking you out. You travel through super green jungle maybe by boat led by good local guides on some top-rated Amazon tours. This includes awesome river cruises and rainforest lodges you can read about below.

Peru land of the Incas is one of the best spots to visit the Amazon Rainforest. It has the second biggest piece of the Amazon after Brazil and this part is known for having tons of wildlife maybe the most anywhere in the Amazon. That’s what makes Peru a top choice for Amazon tours.

This guide gives you the lowdown on some great Peruvian Amazon tours. We’ll cover the main areas you can visit in the Peruvian Amazon too.

Guide To Amazon Tours – Quick Intro

Peru lucked out having one of the Amazon’s best areas for animals and plants. After Brazil (which is way bigger) Peru has the most rainforest. Actually about 60% of Peru is covered in dense jungle.

There are some fantastic Amazon lodges and cruises here. They usually include knowledgeable guides comfy places to stay and tasty food. With all the wildlife Peru is seriously a great place for an Amazon trip.

Getting into the Peruvian Amazon

To explore the Amazon in Peru you’ll usually fly into either Iquitos (in the north around 348 ft / 106 m altitude) or Puerto Maldonado (in the south around 607 ft / 185 m altitude). Both are just short flights from Lima (Peru’s capital near sea level maybe 505 ft / 154 m) or Cusco (way up in the Andes at about 11,152 ft / 3,399 m). These two towns are the main gateways for Amazon adventures in Peru.

When you fly in look out the window. You’ll see this massive green carpet of jungle stretching out forever. You might even spot the Amazon River or smaller rivers winding through it all.

Starting Your Trip: Iquitos vs Puerto Maldonado

Once you land in Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado you’ll step out into warm tropical air – sunshine and humidity thats what feeds this amazing forest. Your tour guide will usually meet you right at the airport and you’ll head off into Amazonia to start your tour. We’ll talk more about specific tours from both towns further down.

Combining Amazon Tours with Cusco & Machu Picchu

Lots of travelers head to the Amazon after visiting Cusco and doing Peru Trips to Machu Picchu. Since Cusco is high in the mountains you have to fly down to the jungle gateway towns like Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. Don’t worry its a common route and the tour operators know all about it.

Most of the recommended tours can help you figure out and book the right connecting flights after you inquire about a tour.

There are also package tours designed specifically to combine Machu Picchu sights with an Amazon experience making things easier. Often these packages use the Tambopata Ecolodge for the Amazon part. For example there are 10 or 12-day tours that include Cusco the Inca Trail Machu Picchu Rainbow Mountain and the Amazon Rainforest. The main difference is just the length of the Inca Trail hike (2-day vs 4-day). A longer 15-day option might add Lake Titicaca too. Planning these combo Peru Trips to Machu Picchu can simplify logistics.

How We Picked These Amazon Tours

The tours mentioned below were chosen to give you the best Amazon experience possible. They’re located in areas known for lots of wildlife offer comfortable places to stay and have professional guides. Usually your meals and transport from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado airport are included too.

For the combo packages including Machu Picchu you’ll likely still need to book that short connecting flight from the Andes down to the jungle but they’ll help you with that info.

We’ve actually experienced these tours ourselves to compare them and make solid recommendations based on:

• Being in wildlife-rich areas
• Comfortable lodging/boats
• Professional experienced guides
• Being responsible towards the environment and local communities

Amazon Lodge or River Cruise: What’s Right for You?

The best ways to really see the Amazon jungle and make the most of your time are either staying at a jungle lodge or taking a river cruise.

Amazon Lodges in Peru:

Many lodges in Peru are considered some of the best in the whole Amazon basin. They’re usually built in locations picked after lots of searching sometimes years to be in prime spots for seeing animals. Even the cruises often follow routes designed to hit the best areas for spotting monkeys birds and other jungle critters. Staying at a lodge can feel more connected to the forest. Trails are set up to take you to key wildlife spots and you might even see monkeys or cool birds right from the lodge itself. Plus you really hear the sounds of the jungle day and night.

Amazon Cruises in Peru:

A cruise can feel more comfortable kinda like a floating hotel. The good Amazon cruises have air conditioning which is nice in the tropical heat. Cruises also move around visiting different parts of the rainforest so you get to explore a wider area. This makes them a good option if you want to see varied habitats.

Really the choice between a lodge and cruise depends on your personal style and what you want out of your Amazon trip. Both are great ways to experience it.

Amazon Tours from Iquitos (Northern Peru)

Iquitos is a pretty big city way up in Peru’s northern Amazon. It’s one of the two main choices for starting an Amazon tour. Because it’s a city you have to travel quite a distance away from it maybe a few hours by boat to find really untouched jungle packed with wildlife.

This means Iquitos is generally better suited for either a deep jungle lodge where you stay for maybe 6 days or more to make the travel time worthwhile or an Amazon River cruise. The best known deep lodge example from Iquitos is the Tahuayo Lodge.

Iquitos is definitely the place for Amazon River cruises like the Delfin boats mentioned later. Since cruises travel deep into the rainforest you can often have a good experience even with just 4 or 5 days. All proper Amazon cruises in Peru leave from Iquitos or the nearby port of Nauta because Iquitos is right on a part of the Amazon River system. It offers a different angle compared to typical Peru Trips to Machu Picchu.

Amazon Tours from Puerto Maldonado (Southern Peru)

If you have less time maybe just a few days and want a lodge experience Puerto Maldonado down south is usually the better choice.

The nearby Tambopata National Reserve is famous for incredible wildlife and it’s only a relatively short boat ride from town. Puerto Maldonado itself is much smaller than Iquitos so the surrounding rainforest is generally less disturbed closer to town.

A huge draw for the Tambopata area is the number of macaw clay licks. These are spots on riverbanks where hundreds of large colorful macaws and parrots gather to eat clay which has minerals they need. Tambopata has more known clay licks than anywhere else in the Amazon. Several lodges are built specifically near these licks because seeing them is such a highlight for visitors.

Puerto Maldonado is also a great base for deep jungle lodges if you have more time. The top recommendation here is the Tambopata Research Center (TRC) which is known for maximizing wildlife sightings.

In the Tambopata forest you also find lots of giant Brazil nut trees. You can even visit a place where locals harvest Brazil nuts sustainably if you stay at the Refugio Amazonas Lodge. It’s a cool example of how protecting the forest helps local people earn a living – the trees only produce nuts if the surrounding forest is healthy. This area is easily combined with Peru Trips to Machu Picchu due to proximity to Cusco.

Good options for shorter Amazon stays near Puerto Maldonado include:

• The community-owned Posada Amazonas Lodge
• The family-friendly Refugio Amazonas Lodge

Spotlight: Tambopata Research Center (TRC) – 4 or 5-day+ Tour

The Tambopata Research Center or TRC is one of the lodges located furthest into the jungle in the Tambopata area. It offers amazing chances to see wildlife from a comfortable base.

You can choose different types of rooms from Standard Suites up to bigger Deluxe Suites.

The lodge is also used by researchers studying the rainforest and it’s right next to one of the biggest macaw clay licks in the Amazon. From TRC you have a good chance of seeing lots of different animals like spider monkeys howler monkeys capybaras (big rodent things) and peccaries (like wild pigs). Plus tons of birds including those amazing macaws.

Amazingly TRC reports guests have about a 20% chance of spotting a wild jaguar during their stay That’s one of the hardest animals to see in the Amazon and a huge thrill if you do. Other animals often seen here that are rarer elsewhere include spider monkeys and peccaries which like jaguars are signs that the forest is healthy and thriving.

TRC is known for being one of the most comfortable options for a truly deep jungle experience. It’s a favorite because of the expert guides friendly staff and incredible wildlife opportunities.

Planning Your Amazon Trip: Need-to-Knows

Okay thinking about booking an Amazon adventure? Here’s some stuff you should know.

Recommendations

• Decide: Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado? Base it on how much time you have what you most want to see (e.g. clay licks in Tambopata cruises from Iquitos) and your budget.
• Book Ahead: Especially if traveling during peak season (roughly June-August) book your lodge or cruise well in advance spaces fill up.
• Flights: Let your tour operator help coordinate your connecting flights from Lima or Cusco. Getting the timing right is important especially if combining with Peru Trips to Machu Picchu.
• Travel Time: Remember to factor in the time it takes to get from the airport town (Iquitos/Puerto Maldonado) to your actual lodge or cruise start point usually involves a boat ride sometimes a short bus trip first.

General Tips for the Amazon

• Expect Heat Humidity & Bugs: It’s the jungle! Be prepared with the right clothing and good insect repellent.
• Wildlife is Wild: Seeing specific animals is never guaranteed. It depends on luck season weather etc. But experienced guides know where to look and increase your chances massively.
• Listen to Your Guide: They know the forest safety procedures and where the cool stuff is. Follow their instructions.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water it’s hot and humid.
• Embrace It: Enjoy the sounds the remoteness maybe even the occasional rain shower. It’s part of the experience.

What to Pack for the Amazon

• Clothing: Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants (quick-dry material is great light colors may attract fewer bugs).
• Rain Gear: A good rain jacket or poncho is essential year-round.
• Bug Spray: Get something strong with DEET or Picaridin.
• Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen wide-brimmed hat sunglasses.
• Footwear: Comfortable closed-toe walking/hiking shoes (waterproof can be good). Maybe sandals or flip-flops for around the lodge/boat.
• Binoculars: Really highly recommended You’ll see so much more wildlife up close.
• Camera: Obvious but don’t forget it extra batteries/memory card too.
• Flashlight/Headlamp: For walking at night or if the power goes out.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
• Swimsuit: Some lodges have swimming areas or pools.
• Basic Meds: Pain relievers motion sickness stuff band-aids antiseptic wipes any personal meds.
• Cash: Small bills (Peruvian Soles) for tips drinks or small souvenirs.

Best Time to Visit the Peruvian Amazon

There’s really no bad time but seasons offer slightly different experiences:

• Dry Season (roughly May – October):
  • Pros: Rivers are lower exposing more beaches (good for spotting caiman turtles sunning themselves). Hiking trails are usually drier less muddy. Often hotter sunnier days.
  • Cons: Can be peak tourist season. Nights can still be cool.
• Wet Season (roughly November – April):
  • Pros: Rivers are higher allowing boats to navigate smaller streams deeper into the forest exploring more areas. Forest is often lusher greener maybe more fruit for monkeys. Fewer tourists potentially.
  • Cons: Higher chance of rain (usually short heavy showers). More mosquitoes. Some trails might be flooded or muddy.

Both seasons offer amazing wildlife viewing just maybe different species are more active or easier to spot.

Amazon Tour Costs: What to Expect

Prices vary a LOT depending on what you choose. Here’s a rough idea:

General Rule: Cruises tend to cost more than lodges. Longer trips cost more. Luxury costs more. Always check exactly what’s included in the price (meals transfers guided excursions etc).

Final Thoughts on Peru Amazon Tours

Going to the Peruvian Amazon is an incredible experience totally different from the mountains and cities. Whether you pick a lodge or a cruise head out from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado you’re bound to see amazing nature and wildlife. It’s a fantastic part of any trip to Peru.