The Amazon Rainforest, the “Lung of our Planet,” covers 6,438 kilometers or 4,000 miles across South America, houses 10% of the world’s biodiversity, and produces 20% of its oxygen.
The Amazon River starts as a trickle in the Peruvian Andes and grows with every drop. As it passes Machu Picchu, it slowly becomes a torrent and flows for hundreds of miles across South America before merging with the Atlantic Ocean.
Under the dense jungle canopies, endless tributaries, and countless species are uncharted territories where humans have never set foot. These remote tribes live off the jungle with no outside contact, many still undiscovered. Intrigue and mysticism add to the appeal and adventure of this unknown world, drawing people from around the globe.
The number of activities and excursions in the jungle can be as overwhelming as its size. To make things easier, we’ve selected the most thrilling, memorable, and must-do jungle adventures.
1. Piranha Fishing
Sharks and piranhas suffered from Hollywood portrayals. As man-eating monsters, they bite, but we’re entering their territory!
Fishing for these ferocious little creatures in the Amazon River is thrilling and adventurous due to their fame. Piranha fishing basics are simpler than you think. You only need a long wooden stick, fishing line, raw meat, and gnarly-teethed piranhas. When above a school of piranhas, drop and wiggle your bait. Once they bite, they nip with surprising force.
Be careful where you drop the little fishy into the boat when you pull it out of the water. Any nearby unfortunate family member will likely jump over your flimsy wooden canoe. You don’t want to capsize into the water with hundreds of razor-sharp teeth!
2. Swimming with Pink Dolphins
Inquisitive, playful and adorable, pink dolphins are intelligent creatures native to the Amazon River in Peru. Sadly, the continued decimation of their natural habitat is causing numbers to decline in some areas. Mercury leaks in the river poison dolphins due to goldmine greed and disregard for nature. Thank goodness global campaigns and tourism are raising awareness of the environmental issue and teaching us how to respect and interact with these creatures sustainably.
Dolphins stay in the tributaries during the dry season (June to December), but when the amazon swells and rain pours (January to May), they explore and hunt the flooded jungles and grasslands. Their pinkish skin, extended beaks, massive flippers, and small bump instead of a dorsal fin make them famous. Blood flow near their skin causes the unusual color, but this decreases with age. While best seen up close, dolphins are surprisingly boisterous and friendly and will often paddle by to say hello and see who has come to play with them today.
3. Night Spotting for Caimans
As the bright yellow sun sets, the Amazon becomes a new ecosystem of animals, insects, and nocturnal creatures that wake up. High-pitched birds and insects contrast with deep grunts of canopy-dwelling mammals. To maximize your jungle adventure and see the amazon rainforest from a different perspective, a nite walk or boat ride is required.
Caimans, which average one to two meters long, feed and hunt at nite. In a skiff or canoe, paddle stealthily through the starlit waters with a flashlight to see them in their natural habitat. Their eyes reflect white light, so tiny red dots will appear on the riverbanks soon. Caimans! If you get close, your guide may be able to gently grab one for a closer look before releasing the little nipper to resume his nite duties.
4. Kayaking at Lake Sandoval
Lake Sandoval is one of the most beautiful lakes and jungle settings in Tambopata National Reserve, if not the Peruvian Amazon. You can reach the wildlife mecca two hours down the Madre de Dios River from Puerto Maldonado by a 3.5-kilometer or 2.2-mile trail through secondary rainforest with rich amazon flora and fauna.
A short hike leads to the horseshoe-shaped lake, whose clear waters reflect the towering palms and Brazil nut trees. The tree canopy shelters parrots, macaws, monkeys, black caimans, tortoises, butterflies, and, if lucky, giant otters. Kayak across the tranquil waters before sunset to see the idyllic landscapes and natural wonders. This adventure is perfect for families or kids who want to explore nature at their own pace.
5. Float & Soak in Iquitos
The world’s largest city without a road or car, Iquitos is surrounded by water and thick amazon rainforest and can only be reached by air. The “Gateway to the Jungle” is hot, humid, and full of three-wheeled tuk-tuks and motorbikes.
Most visitors go on exotic river cruises and jungle excursions to discover the rich rainforests, biodiversity, and unknown territory. If you have time to play, visit the floating “Al Frio y al Fuego” restaurant at the mouth of the Rio Itaya to experience Amazonian culture and the city’s best river fish and local cuisine. Doncella or Paiche are local favorites, and the grill has many options.
Build Your Private Journey With Enigma
Peru rewards travelers who go further than the headline. Enigma has designed private, tailor-made journeys across the country since 2002, from Cusco to the northern cloud forest. Our team builds each itinerary around your pace, your interests and the access we have spent two decades earning.
Let us design a private Peru journey in which every transfer, stay and experience belongs to the story of the trip.
