Matthew Barker

Tips for visiting the Peruvian Amazon Basin

Top tips for visiting the Peruvian Amazon from a locally based Peru Travel expert.

So you are thinking about visiting the jungle… However, you have no idea about what to do and how to do it. It can be a pretty daunting task trying to work it out and where to go.

What makes visits to the jungle different to other destinations, is that it requires planning. I have back packed all around the world, and turning up was just how I used to do it. But planning is essential for many of the big destinations for Peru, including the Jungle region.

This is because many of the refuges and lodges are in protected zone areas, so you need to get a permit for entrance. There are also a limited number of lodges and refuges that are available for visit; this is not to restrict supply and increase prices, but to ensure that development is controlled to protect the delicate jungle ecosystem.

In Peru you have a choice of destinations that you can visit; access is through the main port cities such as Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos and Manu.

By booking a lodge you will have more choice about where you are staying and will be met at the airport or bus station for direct transport to the lodges by river boat.

You will also have the chance to put your excess luggage from treks such as the Inca trail in secure storage at the port city, so as not to weigh you down while on your adventure.

Each of the lodges offers different activities and facilities. Some have lodges, some have ancient ceremonies and some are run by indigenous communities.

Most of the lodges are accessible by boat and so offer trips to surrounding areas accessible by boat. This is the best way to see nature at its wildest. Keep your eyes peeled while on the boat for rare animals like Pumas drinking water from the river banks.

It should also be noted that many of the lodges do not have electricity access, with much of the lighting only with Kerosene lamps and electricity from solar panels or a generator when needed. This also means that most also do not have any hot water. Check with each lodge.

You should also try to secure any metallic or shiny objects in your room. This is because many of the lodges rooms are open, giving you a real jungle experience, however it means that many of the animals and birds can enter your room. So unless you want to contribute to the richness of the jungle, secure your items.

The best time to visit is the dry season. Mosquitoes are less active at this time and you can spend time exploring the jungle rather than being restricted to the lodge in the rain.

However, because of the dryness, the river flows much slower. This means that river transport is much slower than in the wet season. The journey is so relaxing though, you may not be bothered!

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