Peruvian Amazon
Back
As you travel east of the Andes, Peru's landscape drops sharply and dramatically to the greatest rainforest on earth - the Amazon. This area is remote, to say the least, and vast areas of pristine jungle provide habitat for a remarkable diversity of life. There are two particularly stunning areas to visit down here: Manu Biosphere Reserve & Tambopata National Reserve. Some of the most spectacular sights are the famous macaw licks, where hundreds of rainbow coloured macaws fly in to nibble at the clay on the riverbank. There are mammal licks as well, where animals like the tapir can often be seen. Rare Giant River Otters live in the oxbow lakes - these have to be seen to be believed! It almost goes without saying that there are numerous species of monkey in the jungle and that the bird life is without parallel. It is a real experience just to be in a rainforest like this; you are in the domain of the plants, walking beneath a canopy of giant trees where plants that we know as houseplants at home grow naturally to vast proportions.
Highlights
- Macaw and parrot clay licks
- Oxbow lakes with Giant Otters
- Canopy towers
- Comfortable rainforest lodges and tented camps
- Interaction with native communities
- Large bird list
- Up to 13 species of monkeys
Situation
Eastern Peru.
Activities
Guided rainforest hikes with naturalist and native guides, excursions by dug out canoe, canopy exploration.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination and malaria prophylactics are recommended.
Best times to go
It is usually best to avoid the heaviest rains (from Jan to Mar). Macaw clay licks are most active from August to October.
Getting there
Manu can be reached by road or light aircraft from Cusco. There are daily flights from Lima and Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and the Tambopata National Reserve.