Planning the adventure of a lifetime in the Amazon Rainforest in Peru? The Amazon is known around the world for it’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. I had the most incredible 4 days exploring the Amazon, but there were a few things I wish I had known beforehand. In this blog post, I’ll share useful information and practical travel advice some of which include:
- Vaccines and medications you should get before you visit
- Useful information about the weather and essentials you should definitely pack
- Accommodation recommendations and which area you should visit
Before you set off to experience the lush jungles and amazing wildlife the Amazon has to offer, here is some advice to prepare you for your journey ahead!
1) Plan Enough Time
Not only is there plenty to see and do in the Amazon, but it’s also quite a trek to get there. Allow 3-4 days at least for your Amazon trip. Anything less will leave you feeling rushed and exhausted from travel.
There are two popular areas to visit in the Peruvian Amazon: Peurto Maldonado and Iqutios. Iqutios has less of a variety of wildlife, but offers the chance to see pink river dolphins and experience a luxurious river cruise. Iquitos is also unique because it is the largest city in the world that is inaccessible by road; you can only travel there by boat or plane. Puerto Maldonado offer more variety of wildlife including monkeys, caimans, sloths; you may even spot a jaguar or anaconda!
If you are pinched for time, Puerto Maldonado fits more smoothly into a Cusco/ Machu Picchu trip because it avoids the extra flight into Lima which is required to get to Iquitos. Posados Amazonas, the lodge I stayed at, required a 30 minute bus ride followed by an hour long boat ride before we arrived.
2) Expect Rain
It’s best to avoid the Amazon during the winter months which bring heavy rain; however, even if you are going during the dry season, there is a good chance you will still encounter some rain during your trip. May through October are the drier months, while you will see the heavy rain November through April.
Since there’s a good chance you could see some rain no matter what month you go, it’s best to pack to prepare for it. Bring a dry bag for your phone, camera, and any other electronics that you don’t want ruined if you get caught in the rain. You should also bring a poncho that you could easily throw in your bag or a light rain coat. Waterproof hiking boots are also a must especially with the mud in the rainforest.
Keep in mind that the rain can cancel certain activities planned for the day so stay flexible with the schedule and activities.
2) Use Insect Repellent
If there is one thing you should bring during your trip to the Amazon, it’s insect repellent (and lots of it). You will need a good quality insect repellent that contains DEET. For extra protection, you should also consider buying Permetherin to spray on your clothes.
Apply insect repellent regularly to avoid bites from mosquitos which can carry diseases such as yellow fever, malaria, and dengue fever.
You should buy insect repellent before you arrive to the Amazon. Even if your lodge sells insect repellent, most locations will require a boat ride to reach the lodge and maybe even a trek through the rainforest before you settle at your destination.
This high deet insect repellent does the job and is the correct size to fit in your carry on.
3) Travel With an Eco Friendly Company
When planning your trip to the Amazon, one of the most important things that you should consider is staying with a sustainable, eco-friendly lodge. By doing this you, you are ensuring that your visit does not contribute to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and you are supporting sustainable tourism to the area.
In the Puerto Maldonado area, there are so many highly rated eco-friendly lodges to choose from. I stayed with Posadas Amazonas and had the most amazing experience! Each bedroom is open to the jungle with mosquito nets around the beds to keep you protected from the bugs.
Each day with Posadas Amazonas was filled with adventurous activities from start to finish which included fishing for piranhas, a bike tour through the jungle, early morning boat rides, bird watching, night hikes, and a tour of a local fruit farm (with tasting of all many of the different fruit).
If you were wanting more of a relaxed day, the lodge was filled with hammocks and comfy seating to sit back and read or take in the peaceful environment. If you are interested in booking this lodge (it is a pricier lodge option, but one I believe is definitely worth the splurge), follow this link!
Keep in mind that by staying at an eco-friendly lodge, you may not have access to the internet or may be restricted from using electricity past a certain time.
4)Visit A Travel Clinic For Medications And Vaccinations
About 2-3 months before your trip, it’s a good idea to visit a travel clinic to get and get recommended vaccinations and medications for virus that are home to the area. There are no mandatory vaccines you will need to visit the Amazon in Peru; all of these are only advised for your safety.
Get:
- Yellow Fever Vaccine: Yellow fever is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The symptoms can range. It typically appears as flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle-aches, and nausea. Yellow fever has a high fatality rate which is why the vaccine is strongly encouraged (see source here). The vaccine for yellow fever is a single shot and gives you lifetime immunity.
Strongly Consider:
- The Rabies Vaccine: Rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. While Peru does not have a high rate of rabies, the disease is highly fatal unless treated immediately. Coming into contact with wild animals puts you at a higher risk of contracting Rabies.
- Typhoid Vaccine: Typhoid is spread through contaminated food and water and the vaccine is generally recommended when traveling anywhere south of the equator.
- Hepatitis A vaccine: Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and drink. The vaccine is now commonly given to most children in the United States, but many adults have not received it (see source here)
- Malaria Pills: Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquitos. There is no vaccine for malaria, but it can be prevented by taking a medication in pill form. Malaria is not a huge risk in Peru, but prophylatic medication is recommended by the CDC (see source here).
Check with your health care provider or a provider from a travel clinic to determine which vaccinations and medications are right for you. It is also a good idea to call the lodge you are staying at to ask what they typically recommend.
5) Pack Light Layers
Packing for the Amazon can be tricky because it is so hot and humid, yet you need to cover in head to toe to avoid mosquito bites which can transmit diseases.
You’ll want lightweight and breathable clothing that covers your skin to protect you from mosquito bites and the sun. You will also want to wear a fast-drying material because of the hot and humid environment of the Amazon. I would recommend bringing a few pairs of trousers and long-sleeve athletic shirts during the day and a comfortable outfit to lounge in at the lodge.
You’ll also want to pack a poncho or a light rain jacket (even if you’re traveling during the dry season).
6) Manage Your Expectations
The Amazon is home to an incredible diversity of animals ranging from jaguars, monkeys, caimans, anacondas, and huge variety of bird species.
The animals you can expect to see can differ based of weather conditions, the time of year you visited, and the region you stay in. The best way is to no go into your trip with any preconceived notions of what you’ll see and enjoy the entire experience. You might get lucky and see a jaguar, but you might not. You might spot an anaconda, but you might not.
Regardless, you’ll see an incredible variety of animal species and plant life. Keep an open mind and embrace the unpredictability of the rainforest!
7) Buy A Pair Of Binoculars
If there is one thing that I wish I had packed for the Amazon, it would be a pair of binoculars. The binoculars were especially helpful for spotting different species of monkeys, which could be very high up in the trees.
Although our tour guide had a pair of binoculars that he let each of us use, with 8 others in the tour group, there was a limited amount of time each of us could use them.
We’d Like To Hear From You
I hope this blog post provided you with some useful information to help prepare you for the trip of a lifetime!
Have you visited the Amazon Rainforest in Peru? Do you have any other advice or useful information to share?
