THE AMAZON RAINFOREST - YOUR JUNGLE ADVENTURE

The last great wilderness

The Amazon basin covers nearly two-thirds of Peru and is home to a bewildering array of people, birds, wildlife and plants. This vast rainforest has been called the "lungs of the planet" as it is the primary generator of oxygen for the whole world. Unfortunately, the jungle includes other natural resources such as oil, gas and gold; this has led to a large degree of exploitation and damage but thankfully, the Peruvian Amazon and its denizens are now largely well-protected by law.

And what denizens they are! The Amazon basin in Peru alone is home to 8,000 unique animal species, 280 unique species of birds, 700 classes of butterflies and 64 recognised tribes of people, with more of everything being discovered every year. Now you too can explore this last great wilderness!

A holiday in the Amazon jungle

Iquitos: the jungle jump-off

Most Peru holidays in the Amazon begin in the city of Iquitos. The city was originally founded in 1864 but experienced its first real growth at the turn of the last century when the rubber and gold of the Amazon began to be seriously exported. For a long time, Iquitos had closer links with Europe than with Lima as communications all the way down the Amazon and across the Atlantic were actually quicker than getting through the jungle and over the Andes to the capital! Today you can see the physical proof of these contacts in sights such as the Casa Fierro, or 'Iron House' of Iquitos: an early 'kit' house made entirely of iron designed by Gustav Eiffel (of Tower fame) and shipped all the way from Paris to Iquitos! This and other houses built by the rubber barons line the sides of the main square of Iquitos to this day.

The life of Iquitos is still inextricably connected to the river Amazon today and the only way to get to and from the city is either by air or by river. While there, you can visit the suburb of Belen - the Venice of Peru - where all the houses are built on stilts out into the river, or enjoy a meal on the Malecon Tarapaca - a pier built right out into the Amazon originally constructed for the rubber ships but now the centre of Iquitos nightlife. People in Iquitos tend to be incredibly friendly and it's a great night out - just make sure you pack your dancing shoes!

Holidays in the Amazon rainforest

Of course, the main reason for visiting Iquitos is to use it as a base for a journey into the jungle! We offer a variety of trips to the northern Amazon which we hope will meet all your expectations. Most are based in one of our jungle lodges, but you won't be spending much time there! We'll take you to see the pink dolphins and the albino monkeys, of course (and yes, this is before you've had any ayahuasca!), but then are trips to visit local villages and meet members of the tribes, night excursions by canoe out onto the Amazon, guided tours out into the forest... and then there are the piranhas! Now, depending on how you feel about our razor-toothed friends you can either fish for them or... go swimming with them! Forget swimming with sharks - this is the one that will really worry your mum!

If you'd prefer a real deep rainforest experience, then have a look at our Deepest, Darkest Peru holiday, trekking and camping out in the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. The accommodation might be a little rough and ready but it just can't be beaten for opportunities to see some of the rainforest's more reclusive residents.

Either way, spending quality time in the Amazon is an unbelievable experience - it's really something to know that you are surrounded by an environment which hasn't changed in 10,000 years and it is humbling to know that your time there is just the blink of an eye to this vast rainforest.

The southern Amazon basin

The only disadvantage of the northern Amazon rainforest is logistical. Flights to and from Iquitos are only available from Lima, so it doesn't necesarily tie in all that well to some of Peru's other must-see attractions. For this reason, it's also worth having a look at the southern Amazon basinand in particular at the Tambopata and Manu national parks. Although you don't get to see the actual Amazon river in these areas, they also offer a stupendous array of wildlife, and the improved access to transport from Cusco makes them an excellent option.

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