The Amazon is one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth, home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and plant species. Spanning nine countries and following the course of one of the world’s longest rivers, it supports an estimated 10 million species of animals, insects, and plants. Often called “the lungs of the planet,” its vast rainforest produces over 20% of the world’s oxygen. Travellers can experience this remarkable region through eco-lodges, guided expeditions, or luxury river cruises, each offering an unforgettable way to explore the heart of the Amazon.
Connect with Community and Indigenous Tribes: The Amazon is home to hundreds of Indigenous tribes, each with their own rich cultures, languages, and traditions. Visiting local communities offers meaningful and respectful encounters that reveal their deep connection to the land, providing a heartfelt glimpse into daily life in this extraordinary environment.
Embrace the Heart of the Amazon with Eco-Lodges: Staying at an eco-lodge is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the rainforest. Ecuador’s renowned Sacha Lodge combines comfort with conservation, offering guided forest walks, canoe excursions, and treetop views from suspension bridges 30 metres above the canopy.
Explore the Lush National Parks: The Amazon is dotted with national parks that showcase its immense biodiversity. Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park, Peru’s Manu National Park, and Bolivia’s Madidi National Park are among the most celebrated, each offering pristine jungle, remote waterways, and extraordinary opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Marvel at the Amazon’s Diverse Wildlife: The rainforest is a living tapestry of colour and sound, home to pink river dolphins, caimans, giant river otters, monkeys, and countless bird species. Every moment spent in the Amazon brings new discoveries, from the rustle of treetops to the calls of exotic wildlife echoing through the jungle.
Amazon River Cruises: Exploring by river offers a unique perspective of the rainforest. Cruises range from eco-expeditions to luxury journeys, gliding past remote villages, national parks, and ever-changing landscapes that reveal the true scale and beauty of the Amazon Basin.
The Amazon experiences two main seasons, each offering unique ways to explore the rainforest.
From May to November, during the dry (low-water) season, rainfall decreases and river levels drop, revealing jungle trails ideal for walking safaris and deeper forest exploration. This period is also excellent for birdwatching, with many migratory species visible.
From December to April, the flooded (high-water) season brings cooler, wetter conditions, with water levels rising by up to seven metres. Rivers and tributaries become fully navigable, making it easy to reach remote areas by boat and enjoy a different view of the rainforest canopy and its wildlife.
Currency: The Brazilian Real (BRL) is the primary currency for most Amazon travel. U.S. dollars are widely accepted for exchange and often receive better rates than euros or other currencies.
Language: Portuguese is spoken in the Brazilian Amazon, while Spanish is common across Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Hundreds of Indigenous languages are still used throughout the region, including Tupian, Arawakan, Panoan, and Cariban, reflecting the Amazon’s extraordinary cultural diversity.
What Makes it Special: Covering more than five million square kilometres and spanning nine countries, the Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and one of its most vital ecosystems. It’s home to 10% of all known species on Earth and around 400 Indigenous tribes, some still uncontacted by the outside world. Beyond its staggering biodiversity, the Amazon is a living network of cultures and traditions that connect people to the natural world.
