Incredible Wildlife Safaris in the Amazon Rainforest, Peru

The pristine reserve of Pacaya Samiria that surrounds the mighty Amazon River is reached by speedboat from the northern city of Iquitos, and the wildlife spotting here is superb. There are some good lodges within easy access of Iquitos but, as with all rainforest environments where the ecological balance is fragile, the further you travel from the city itself, the better your encounters with the rich diversity of flora and fauna will be.

Lodges in the heart of Samiria are rustic in this area and bay far the most comfortable way to both travel in style and head into the further reaches of the river is by beautiful small river cruise vessel. Early morning canoe rides are for spotting the fascinating pink river dolphins particular to the Amazon, as well as a myriad of birds, sloths and monkeys. Night walks or boat rides will take you looking for the insects, reptiles and caiman of the tributary rivers, from your expedition cruise vessel. You can even go fishing for piranha or try spotting the enormous paiche, a living fossil and one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. Visit local communities where the villagers will show you how to paint your face with the achiote plant.

If you want a taste of the jungle but don’t have as much time or are travelling with children, there are some easier ways to visit this fascinating vast swathe of tropical rainforest. Fly instead directly from either Lima or Cusco, arriving in Puerto Maldonado on the edge of Tambopata and Manu Reserves to find yourself within an hour or two in a beautiful comfortable lodge on the edges of the riverbank, from which you can explore the surrounding environment. Visit Sandoval Lake and its usually resident family of giant river otters and enjoy observing the innumerable species of birds and monkeys you can spot from a treetop canopy walkway. Families in particular with children 6 years or older will love the spacious accommodations, special menus and children’s games packs as you all discover the incredible creatures of the jungle on shorter jungle hikes and visit the Butterfly House and local native communities.

Whether you want to meet scientific researchers at a remote jungle lodge or glide downriver in elegant style, past tributaries of Victoria Regia lilies and amid beautiful sunsets, contact us to arrange your bespoke adventures in the Amazon rainforest.