Peruvian Amazon Tours and Tickets

The best time of year to visit the Peruvian Amazon is between June and November, when there’s less chance of rain. If you want to go on an Amazon River cruise, you can go pretty much at any time of year. If visiting during the dry season, however, be aware that some parts of the jungle may be inaccessible by boat if smaller streams have dried up.

Pack solid hiking shoes or boots that cover your ankles. You’ll also want to wear long socks and trousers to protect your legs from insects and scratches. Breathable, UV-protective clothing will help keep you comfortable on hot, muggy days. A hat with a wide brim is also recommended.

Yes, there are specific safety precautions you should take in the Amazon. The most important thing is to always explore with a qualified guide and follow his or her advice. The Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest rainforest, and it’s home to plenty of things that can hurt, or even kill, you. Stay on marked trails and never go swimming alone, and be sure not to touch plants or wildlife without permission from your guide.

No, you cannot drink the water in the Peruvian Amazon, but lodges and tour operators will supply drinking water. Bring a reusable bottle that you can refill, and choose insulated metal if you want to keep your water cool. Be careful of drinks with ice, too. As refreshing as they are, these drinks often feature ice cubes made from unsafe tap water.

Most visitors to the Peruvian Amazon stay in a jungle lodge. Many multi-night tours to the rainforest typically include accommodation, along with meals and guided activities. Many lodge rooms have private bathrooms and are semi open air. They offer the fun experience of sleeping beneath the jungle canopy.

Lodges like Tahuayo Lodge, owned by Amazonia Expeditions, feature Wi-Fi and electricity, however it’s often limited due to solar power being the energy source. Still, most people who visit the Amazon are nature lovers, not travelers looking for five-star accommodations. That said, if you’re the type of traveler who appreciates the finer things in life, consider booking this 4 Day Amazon River Luxury Cruise from Iquitos on the 'Delfin II' boat tour or something similar.

There are many activities in the Peruvian Amazon, from visiting clay licks—where parrots congregate to eat—to learning about medicinal plants that have been used for generations to heal the sick. Hiking is also very popular, but it’s best not to venture far from your lodge without a guide.

If you really want to go off the beaten path and have a unique cultural experience, meet with the indigenous tribes who call the Peruvian Amazon home. But again, you’ll need to go with a guide and probably an interpreter. If you prefer water-based activities, book a fishing tour or kayaking tour. There are also several “survival training” tours where you can learn how to build a shelter, navigate without GPS, and find food and water.