Know Before You Go: Amazon Tours
Why Should I Visit the Amazon Rainforest?
The Amazon is Earth’s largest and most biodiverse rainforest, stretching across nine South American countries and producing roughly 20% of the planet’s oxygen. It's a place of near-mythical abundance—home to rare wildlife, dense jungles and intricate river systems that form the life source of the entire region. For nature travelers, this vast green world offers something extraordinary: an opportunity to witness the planet's richest concentration of life in its wildest form.
The Peruvian Amazon is the headwaters of the Amazon River and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. This rainforest region in Peru is known for its protected reserves, Indigenous Amazon communities and exceptional wildlife viewing. Travelers can explore the river by small boat or skiff to spot pink river dolphins, macaws, sloths, tree frogs and more. The Peruvian Amazon is ideal for Amazon River cruises, wildlife tours and immersive cultural experiences in remote rainforest lodges.
Amazon Fast Facts: Biodiversity at a Glance
Known for its extraordinary biodiversity, cultural richness and conservation value, the Amazon Rainforest is a top destination for travelers who want to experience nature at its most powerful.
Did you know that the Amazon Rainforest...
Covers 40% of South America, spanning 2.1 million square miles
Contains more than 400 mammal species, 1,300+ birds and over 40,000 plant species
Hosts the Amazon River's headwaters in Peru, home to Pacaya Samiria—a pristine biodiversity hotspot
Is inhabited by hundreds of Indigenous groups with deep ecological knowledge
Offers extraordinary opportunities for conservation-focused exploration and wildlife photography
Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Amazon
See pink river dolphins, sloths, macaws and caiman up close
Explore remote tributaries of the Amazon River by skiff and kayak
Support rainforest conservation through Nat Hab’s WWF partnership
Travel in comfort aboard a luxury riverboat with expert guides
Discover Indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions in remote villages
Why Should I Travel to the Amazon with Natural Habitat Adventures?
A Nat Hab expedition to the Amazon goes far beyond the ordinary cruise or jungle tour. With exclusive access to Peru’s Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, our itinerary is specifically designed for travelers seeking intimate, conservation-based wildlife experiences. This 5-million-acre reserve is the most biologically rich protected area in Peru, offering one of the best chances to see pink river dolphins, monk saki monkeys, sloths, macaws, hoatzins, tree frogs, bats and more. We travel aboard a luxury riverboat designed for wildlife viewing and comfort, complete with panoramic windows, gourmet Peruvian cuisine and access to small skiffs and kayaks that bring you close to elusive species. Every trip is led by seasoned naturalist guides and Nat Hab Expedition Leaders, whose knowledge of jungle ecology transforms each encounter into a learning experience. Plus, our partnership with World Wildlife Fund ensures that your journey directly supports rainforest protection and local communities. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a seasoned traveler, this is the most immersive, responsible and enriching way to experience the Amazon.
“A partnership between Natural Habitat Adventures, a leading conservation travel company, and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) takes eco-conscious travelers to locations threatened by climate change while allowing them to offset their carbon footprint for an entire year...Explore the river’s headwaters in the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, a 5-million-acre wildlife sanctuary on the eastern flank of the Andes that is home to pink river dolphins, scarlet macaws, sloths and monk saki monkeys.” —Travel+Leisure
Why Choose Nat Hab for an Amazon Tour?
Nat Hab leads small-group journeys into Peru’s Pacaya Samiria Reserve, navigating the Amazon’s headwaters to discover extraordinary biodiversity, remote waterways and meaningful exchanges with local communities.
Nat Hab limits its Amazon River cruises to 28 guests, ensuring personal attention, access to smaller river channels and more intimate wildlife encounters inside Peru’s remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve.
Nat Habs’ small expedition riverboats offer refined comfort in Peru’s Amazon—panoramic suites, open decks, and boutique design crafted for immersive exploration through the wildlife-rich Pacaya Samiria Reserve.
Nat Habs’ Amazon Expedition Leaders are expert field naturalists who interpret the rainforest with insight, leading small groups into Pacaya Samiria Reserve’s wildlife-rich habitats with purpose and care.
Through our WWF partnership, Nat Hab journeys protect communities, wildlife and habitats—advancing global conservation via sustainable, life-affirming adventures.
Amazon Tour Guide
Where Should I Go on an Amazon Tour?
Peru offers the most accessible, biodiverse Amazon experience—explore Pacaya Samiria and Tambopata reserves for remarkable wildlife, rainforest research and sustainable travel in one of Earth’s richest ecosystems.
When Should I Go to the Amazon?
The Amazon is a year-round wildlife destination. In Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, animals thrive in both wet and dry seasons, offering rewarding sightings and experiences in every month.
What Wildlife Will I See on an Amazon Tour?
The Amazon Rainforest holds over 400 mammal and 1,300 bird species. In Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, travelers often see monkeys, sloths, macaws, caimans, pink river dolphins and more.
Where Will I Stay on an Amazon Tour?
Amazon accommodations range from luxury riverboats that access remote, roadless wetlands unreachable by land, and rainforest ecolodges immersed in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the Peruvian Amazon?
The best time to visit the Peruvian Amazon depends on your interests. It’s a year-round destination with active wildlife in every season. The wet season (December–May) is ideal for boating and exploring flooded forests, while the dry season (June–November) offers better hiking and birdwatching along exposed riverbanks.
What’s the weather like in the Amazon?
The Peruvian Amazon is hot, humid, and tropical year-round. Daytime highs average 80–90°F with humidity often above 80%. Rainfall occurs year-round, peaking in the wet season (December–May).
What should I pack for a trip to the Amazon?
When packing for the Peruvian Amazon, bring lightweight, quick-dry clothing, rain gear, and insect repellent. Sturdy walking shoes and waterproof layers are essential. Most Amazon riverboats provide rubber boots for excursions. Avoid bright colors—especially yellow, which attracts bees—and pack a sun hat, reusable water bottle, and waterproof daypack.
Do I need vaccines or malaria medication for the Amazon?
Travelers to the Peruvian Amazon should consult their doctor about vaccinations and malaria prevention. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended and may be required depending on your home country. Some travelers take antimalarial medication as a precaution. Make sure your routine vaccines are current.
What currency is used in the Peruvian Amazon?
The Peruvian sol (PEN) is the local currency. While U.S. dollars are accepted in cities, it’s best to carry soles for local markets and tips. Credit cards are rarely accepted in remote areas of the Amazon.
How do I get to the Peruvian Amazon?
Most Amazon adventures start in Lima, followed by a flight to Iquitos. From there, travelers drive to Nauta to board their riverboat. This route takes you from Peru’s capital over the Andes into the Amazon Basin, accessible only by air and river.
What are the lodges and boats like in the Amazon?
Nat Hab operates luxury riverboats with private cabins, air conditioning, gourmet meals, and expert naturalist guides. Elsewhere in the Amazon Basin, accommodations range from rustic ecolodges to boutique jungle retreats, often built with sustainable local materials.
What kind of wildlife will I see in the Amazon?
The Peruvian Amazon teems with wildlife—look for monkeys, pink river dolphins, macaws, sloths, caimans and colorful frogs. Wildlife is active in every season. Visit our Amazon Wildlife page to learn more about species found in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Can I combine an Amazon adventure with Machu Picchu?
Yes—you can easily combine an Amazon rainforest adventure with a visit to Machu Picchu. Our Discover Amazon & Machu Picchu itinerary showcases both Peru’s lush jungle ecosystems and the Incan wonders of the Andes for a perfect mix of nature and culture.
Amazon Tours
The Great Amazon River Expedition
Encounter rainforest wildlife from monkeys to macaws as our deluxe riverboat follows more than 400 miles of the Peruvian Amazon and its main tributaries to explore the river's remote headwaters.
Discover Amazon & Machu Picchu
A spectacular combination of nature, history and culture awaits on this jungle adventure to the famed Lost City of the Incas and the heart of the Amazon rainforest, teeming with wildlife.
Amazon Travel Stories
WEBINAR | Adventure in the Amazon: River & Rainforest
Journey into the world’s largest rainforest on our Great Amazon River Expedition with Expedition Leader Angel Cardenas. This immersive trip travels to the headwaters of the Amazon aboard a luxury riverboat. Along the way, glide by skiff into winding tributaries; scan the trees for monkeys, macaws and sloths; and search the waters for caiman, river otters and pink river dolphins. Angel also introduces Indigenous communities whose traditions are closely tied to the forest and explains how responsible travel helps protect the Amazon’s biodiversity.
WEBINAR | Photographing the Peruvian Amazon
With its lush landscapes and unsurpassed biodiversity, the Amazon is one of the most rewarding locales for nature photography. But shooting through dense rainforest can prove challenging for even experienced photographers. Photo Expedition Leader Giulia Ciampini shares expert tips for capturing the region’s untamed beauty and wildlife like sloths, monkeys and pink river dolphins. Learn how to select the right gear for shooting in humid, low-light conditions and how to manage common challenges like rain and equipment care.
WEBINAR | Get Ready for the Great Amazon River Expedition
Voyage all the way to the headwaters of the Amazon River on a luxury riverboat for just 28 guests. Expedition Leader Guillermo Knell shares everything you need to know about our Great Amazon River Expedition—an intimate immersion in Peru’s tropical wilderness as we explore the world’s largest rain forest. Follow the river’s tributaries and small creeks by skiff, looking for caiman, river otters and pink river dolphins. Ashore, walk beneath the emerald tree canopy looking for monkeys, sloths and scarlet macaws. Guillermo also introduces us to some of the local Indigenous people and shares how our presence helps protect the Amazon’s precious natural resources.
