The Amazon Rainforest in Peru is one of the top travel destinations for nature lovers. Covering almost 60% of the country, it is considered one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Why Should I Visit the Amazon Rainforest in Peru? If you are planning a trip to South America and wondering whether the Peruvian Amazon is worth visiting, the answer is yes. From incredible wildlife encounters to unique cultural experiences, Peru’s Amazon is a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
View of the Amazon Rainforest in Tambopata, Peru, photo by Marlon del Aguila at Posada Amazonas
1. The Peruvian Amazon Is One of the Most Biodiverse Places on Earth
Peru’s Amazon Rainforest is home to over 1,800 species of birds, 500 mammals, and countless reptiles, amphibians, and plants. This extraordinary diversity makes it one of the best places in the world for wildlife observation. Travelers often spot scarlet macaws, giant river otters, capybaras, howler monkeys, and even jaguars. For birdwatchers and photographers, the Amazon in Peru is an unparalleled paradise.
One of the best places to see capybaras in the Peruvian Amazon is undoubtedly Tambopata.
2. Easy Access to World-Famous Rainforest Destinations
When people search “Where can I visit the Amazon in Peru?”, two main gateways appear: Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado.
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Iquitos is known for Amazon River cruises and the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Since Iquitos is not connected by road to the rest of Peru, the only way to arrive is by direct flight from Lima (about 2 hours). Once there, travelers can embark on river cruises or reach jungle lodges by boat along the Amazon and its tributaries.
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Puerto Maldonado in the Madre de Dios region is the entry point to the Tambopata National Reserve and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park. Getting there is simple: there are daily flights from Lima (1.5 hours) and Cusco (1 hour). Once in Puerto Maldonado, travelers can enjoy all-inclusive experiences in ecolodges, which typically cover guided excursions, meals, and river transport, ensuring a seamless and immersive stay in the heart of the rainforest.
Both destinations offer unique ways to explore the rainforest, from canopy towers to river expeditions, making them the best choices for travelers depending on whether they prefer river cruises or deep jungle stays. But if you ask me, the best option is Tambopata in the Madre de Dios region due to its unmatched biodiversity and the complete immersion it offers into the Amazon experience.
Tambopata in Madre de Dios is well known for its famous Macaw Clay Licks, which you can see along the Tambopata River.
3. Unique Experiences You Can Only Have in the Amazon
A top question travelers ask is “What can I do in the Peruvian Amazon?”. The list is endless:
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Watching hundreds of parrots and macaws at the Macaw clay licks in Tambopata.
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Hiking jungle trails surrounded by giant ceiba trees.
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Spotting monkeys and caimans during night walks.
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Canoeing along oxbow lakes while searching for giant river otters.
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Learning about medicinal plants with local communities.
These activities make every visit unique and unforgettable.
One of the iconic species, the Black Spider monkey in the Tambopata region, Madre de Dios – Peru
4. Meet Indigenous Communities and Local Cultures
The Amazon is not only about wildlife; it is also about people. In Tambopata, the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno welcomes travelers to learn about their traditions, knowledge of medicinal plants, and deep connection to the forest. Many eco-lodges in Tambopata work closely with local families, giving travelers the chance to experience authentic cultural exchange while supporting community-led conservation. Discover Nature and Local Culture
5. Ecotourism Supports Conservation of the Amazon
Another common question is “Why is it important to visit the Amazon?”. Beyond the adventure, your visit directly supports conservation. Ecotourism in Peru helps protect fragile ecosystems and provides economic opportunities for local communities. By choosing sustainable lodges and tours, travelers contribute to preserving the Amazon and ensuring future generations can continue to experience its incredible biodiversity.
One of the most inspiring examples is Wired Amazon, a citizen science initiative developed in Tambopata at Refugio Amazonas. This project allows travelers to actively participate in scientific research by helping identify species through camera trap images, monitoring wildlife, and contributing to real conservation data. It’s a unique way for visitors to go beyond tourism and become part of the Amazon’s protection.
Study and monitoring of jaguars using camera traps in the AmazonCam project by Wired Amazon in Tambopata, Peru.
Final Thoughts
So, why should you visit the Amazon Rainforest in Peru? Because it is one of the most unique and important ecosystems on the planet. From extraordinary wildlife and unforgettable adventures to cultural immersion and conservation, every trip to the Peruvian Amazon is an experience that leaves a lasting impact.
If you are a traveler searching for the best place to see the Amazon Rainforest, Peru offers everything you need for a journey into the heart of nature.
By Emperatriz Ayala – Travel Advisor