Calling Peru Amazon travel an exotic holiday would be a gross understatement. It is the ultimate outdoor adventure, leading the traveler into pristine and otherwise inaccessible rainforests where there are no signs of mankind or modernity. This world belongs entirely to giant anteaters, pink dolphins and thousands of similarly stunning reptiles and bird species.
Most international travelers enter and leave Peru through the capital city of Lima. Unfortunately, Lima is long way from the main starting points for most Amazonian tours. The two most popular cities where a majority of these tours begin and end are Iquitos (Loreto Region) and Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios Region).
Iquitos can serve as a base for visitors planning to visit the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Puerto Maldonado is a gateway into the Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park, along with other popular destinations in the vicinity such as Sandoval Lake. Travelers interested in an Amazon River cruise should probably stick with Iquitos.
One thing to keep in mind is that around 65 percent of land in the country is given over to the rainforests, so most of the land is completely inaccessible by road. The only way to explore the jungle and follow the river is to fly in or drive as far as possible and then take a boat. Also, the vast distance between Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado makes it well nigh impossible to cover both areas in a limited timeframe. It's best to plan for an eight or ten day tour that covers just one of these two regions.
Iquitos is much less demanding physically. The cruise will allow travelers to embark on an exploration of the mighty Amazon and the rainforests along the way from the comfort of a riverboat. A visit to Pacaya-Samiria is likewise not too strenuous because the 114-mile trip from Iquitos involves just a short drive followed by a quick boat ride. At the end of it lies Peru's largest reserve, teeming with all kinds of exotic life forms, including 330 bird species, 130 mammals and an unknown number of strange reptiles which can rarely be found anywhere else.
Puerto Maldonado's wildlife cadre is just as diverse and exotic, but this region is more popular for entirely different reasons. One of the main draws is the proximity to Machu Picchu and Cuzco, which means that visitors can combine an Amazonian adventure with some traditional Sacred Valley sightseeing or a hike on the Inca Trail. The Tambopata National Reserve is also better suited for bird-watching, with tour operators offering birding expeditions led by expert local ornithologists.
Other destinations that can be included in a tour starting from Puerto Maldonado include Manu National Park and Bahuaja Sonene National Park. Sandoval Lake is also within easy reach. Another reason for choosing Puerto Maldonado is the wide choice in tourist facilities such as Amazon lodges.
For a lot of people, Peru Amazon travel is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make the most of it by choosing the right destinations to visit. More importantly, do it with the help of the right tour operator who knows how to make the trip memorable and hassle-free for travelers.
Most international travelers enter and leave Peru through the capital city of Lima. Unfortunately, Lima is long way from the main starting points for most Amazonian tours. The two most popular cities where a majority of these tours begin and end are Iquitos (Loreto Region) and Puerto Maldonado (Madre de Dios Region).
Iquitos can serve as a base for visitors planning to visit the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Puerto Maldonado is a gateway into the Tambopata National Reserve and Manu National Park, along with other popular destinations in the vicinity such as Sandoval Lake. Travelers interested in an Amazon River cruise should probably stick with Iquitos.
One thing to keep in mind is that around 65 percent of land in the country is given over to the rainforests, so most of the land is completely inaccessible by road. The only way to explore the jungle and follow the river is to fly in or drive as far as possible and then take a boat. Also, the vast distance between Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado makes it well nigh impossible to cover both areas in a limited timeframe. It's best to plan for an eight or ten day tour that covers just one of these two regions.
Iquitos is much less demanding physically. The cruise will allow travelers to embark on an exploration of the mighty Amazon and the rainforests along the way from the comfort of a riverboat. A visit to Pacaya-Samiria is likewise not too strenuous because the 114-mile trip from Iquitos involves just a short drive followed by a quick boat ride. At the end of it lies Peru's largest reserve, teeming with all kinds of exotic life forms, including 330 bird species, 130 mammals and an unknown number of strange reptiles which can rarely be found anywhere else.
Puerto Maldonado's wildlife cadre is just as diverse and exotic, but this region is more popular for entirely different reasons. One of the main draws is the proximity to Machu Picchu and Cuzco, which means that visitors can combine an Amazonian adventure with some traditional Sacred Valley sightseeing or a hike on the Inca Trail. The Tambopata National Reserve is also better suited for bird-watching, with tour operators offering birding expeditions led by expert local ornithologists.
Other destinations that can be included in a tour starting from Puerto Maldonado include Manu National Park and Bahuaja Sonene National Park. Sandoval Lake is also within easy reach. Another reason for choosing Puerto Maldonado is the wide choice in tourist facilities such as Amazon lodges.
For a lot of people, Peru Amazon travel is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make the most of it by choosing the right destinations to visit. More importantly, do it with the help of the right tour operator who knows how to make the trip memorable and hassle-free for travelers.
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Find a summary of the benefits you get when you book Manu tours and more information about Tambo Blanquillo Lodge at tamboblanquillo.com/suggested-itineraries now.
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