Let It Rain: The Ultimate Guide to Amazon Rainforest Trips

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Would you like to tour the world’s largest tropical rainforest?

If so, an Amazon jungle tour belongs at the top of your bucket list. Covering 2.1 million square miles, this rainforest is so huge that the entire UK could fit inside it 17 times!

From towering trees to the mighty Amazon river, experts estimate that this rainforest could contain as much as 75% of the planet’s plants and animals.

For these and many other reasons, Amazon rainforest trips are exploding in popularity. If you’re ready to travel to the Amazon and experiences its wonders for yourself, read on for our all-inclusive guide.

The Best Time to Visit

Before you start planning your Amazon tour, you first need to decide what time of year to go.

The rainy season in the Amazon runs from December to June, while July to November is hotter and drier. Many visitors schedule their trips towards the end of the rainy period or the beginning of the dry period, from May to August.

An advantage to visiting at this time of year is that the river’s water levels are at their peak. With water levels often rising 30 feet or more, the surrounding forests are flooded at this time. Imagine cruising along in a canoe past half-submerged trees!

Of course, not everyone wants to see the Amazon under that much water. If you’re more interested in hiking or trekking, you may choose to visit during the drier months when water levels drop and the skies are clear.

Choose Your Accommodation

Once you’ve figured out what time of year you want to visit, your next step is deciding what type of Amazon experience you want to have.

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Do you dream of cruising along in a luxury (or rustic) riverboat? Would you like to sleep onboard, wake up in a new location each day, and pick fun excursions into the rainforest?

If you tend to get seasick, a land-based Amazon tour from a lodge or camp might be the right choice for you. Again, options range from primitive sites with no electricity or running water to five-star luxury lodges.

Another population option is ecotourism, which combines travel with the chance to help the local ecology or economy. These tours also focus on minimizing the impact on the fragile environment.

Select Your Activities

Depending on the time of year you visit and the accommodation you choose, you’re sure to have an endless array of activities open to you.

Hiking and boating are among the first that come to mind, but the fun doesn’t end there. The river is the perfect place for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Would you like to go fishing for piranha or swim with the region’s famous pink river dolphins? These are just a few of the experiences that are totally unique to this part of the world.

If you prefer to stay dry, you might try ziplining, tree climbing or a jungle canopy walk high above the ground. There’s no shortage of places to trek and explore — but be sure to venture out with a knowledgeable guide!

Culture vultures might enjoy visiting local villages to see how the natives live and work. Many tour companies offer the option of spending a night in a riverside village or even volunteering in the local communities.

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Of course, no visit to the Amazon is complete without a few wildlife tours too. Sign up for a nighttime tour to spot caimans and other nocturnal animals in their native habitat.

What to Pack (And Other Practical Tips)

If you’re coming from a cooler, drier climate, you might be at a loss as to what to pack for a vacation in the hot, steamy tropics.

The most important tip is to select clothes and shoes that are lightweight and fast-drying. Between the river and the high humidity levels, you’re going to get wet — so make sure everything you pack is waterproof.

Bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots for your jungle treks, but also include a pair of sandals or flip-flops to wear on the boat or around the lodge.

You’ll also want a lightweight, water-resistant jacket for the jungle’s frequent downpours. If you’re traveling during the wet season, you might also include a rain poncho.

Be sure to pack a swimsuit so you can jump in the river and cool off. A mix of pants and shorts, as well as short and long-sleeved shirts, will ensure you’re prepared for any variation in weather.

Of course, be sure to bring all your personal medications along, as you could be many miles from the nearest pharmacy. You should also have a healthy supply of sunblock, hand sanitizer, and insect repellent.

Many visitors to the Amazon begin their trip from Manaus, Brazil. It’s serviced by direct flights to and from Miami and offers many different types of tours into the rainforest.

It’s also possible to visit the Amazon via a tour from Ecuador or Peru. This gives you the chance to combine your rainforest tour with other great activities in Ecuador or a trek to Macchu Picchu.

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Final Thoughts on Amazon Rainforest Trips

Whether you travel there to volunteer or simply want a relaxing vacation, your visit to the Amazon is one you’ll never forget.

Amazon rainforest trips have so much to offer the discerning traveler. So what are you waiting for?

Put these tips into practice and book your Amazon jungle tour today!

Once your plans are in place, it’s time to get packing. Click here for our expert tips on practical yet stylish fashion for your travels.