The Amazon rainforest is the largest in the world, covering around 40% of the entire South American continent. This vast land mass is home to three million species, hundreds of Indigenous tribes, and the second-longest river in the world. There’s so much to learn — let’s explore the most crucial must-know travel formalities for all your Latin American rainforest adventures.
What Are Latin American Rainforests?
The Amazon rainforest represents around half of all the rainforest on the planet. Most of it is in Brazil, but it spreads across nine different countries — the other eight are Venezuela, Colombia, Suriname, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, French Guiana, and Guyana. Despite the Amazon’s overwhelming size, it’s not the only rainforest in Latin America. There are the Andean Cloud Forests and the Chóco coastal rainforest in northern Ecuador and Colombia, home of the Golden Poison Frog.
While the climates of each region vary considerably, they all remain largely unexplored. They are home to innumerable poisonous and venomous species, all of which deserve respect and consideration when being traversed. Most of the must-know travel formalities revealed here will focus on the Amazon, but you can use these tips across the rainforests of Latin America.
How To Access Latin American Rainforests
Manaus is the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon. It is home to nearly two million people and a gateway to the world’s largest rainforest.
You can fly directly to Manaus from Orlando or Miami and get a connecting flight via Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. Several commercial companies offer these routes, but you can arrange private jet services for more flexibility and access. From Manaus, you can take a taxi to the port and embark on one of the many Amazon river cruises.
It’s imperative to understand the seasons of the Amazon before you travel there. The wet season runs from December to May. During this time, you will experience cooler temperatures and, because the water levels are higher, you will gain better wildlife and birdlife sightings. The downsides to visiting during the wet season are more mosquitoes and, of course, rain and mud. As a result, some trails will be inaccessible, so you’ll likely spend more time aboard or undercover.
If you visit during the dry season (June – November), you’ll have more hiking opportunities and better conditions to fish in the famous Amazon River. But don’t be surprised if you get a few downpours in this time; this is a rainforest, after all.
Alternative Options
While Manaus is the Brazilian Amazon gateway, other options exist. You can also enjoy river cruises that charter from Iquitos in Peru and the Napo River in Ecuador.
If you go from Peru, expect smaller boats and more untouched landscapes, where you can explore the surrounding tributaries on small skiffs. If you head down the Napo River in Ecuador, you can experience rare natural wonders like the Pink River Dolphin or creeping Caiman crocodiles.
Things To Do in Latin American Rainforests
If you decide to kick off your Latin American rainforest adventure in Manaus, prepare for a world of once-in-a-lifetime activities.
For starters, you can witness the ‘Meeting of the Waters,’ which is the point at which the dark Rio Negro and sandy Rio Solimões meet and run alongside each other without mixing. If you travel there during the dry season and relish a challenge, embark on a trek through Jaú National Park, the largest area of protected rainforest in the Americas. Night safaris offer a rare opportunity to see macaws, rare frog species, and maybe even a tarantula.
Beginning your Latin American adventure in Peru means exploring the incredible Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. You can spot up to 500 bird species, jaguars, and even the elusive pink dolphins. One place to add to your bucket list is Iquitos, the world’s biggest city, which is unreachable by road. Home to nearly half a million people, Iquitos has the Floating Belén Neighborhood, where the homes are balanced on stilts above the water.
More mind-blowing wildlife awaits you in Ecuador, and we recommend experiencing it in Yasuni National Park and sustainable eco-lodges, where you can sleep under the stars and enjoy modern luxuries in the world’s most remote environment.
In keeping with becoming more eco-friendly, there are plans to have more solar-powered boats in the Ecuadorian Amazon. These would replace the noisy gasoline-guzzling ships that pollute the waters, creating a more serene and environmentally friendly rainforest adventure.
How To Prepare for Your Latin American Rainforest Adventures
You can’t be too careful when visiting Latin American rainforests. There are so many variables and unknowns that you should always come prepared for anything.
Bug spray and after-bite creams are essential, while long-sleeve shirts and a sarong/scarf will help keep your skin covered in the dense foliage. Bring a sunhat to protect from the sun and a waterproof coat — even in the dry season. If you think, “Maybe that could come in handy,” it’s probably worth packing.
Waterproof duffel bags or dry bags are also crucial due to the amount of time you’ll spend on the river and onboard boats. For those less steady on their feet, walking poles will prove pivotal as you navigate rocky terrain and uneven ground on your Amazon treks.
Finally, some countries require you to have your Yellow Fever vaccination card, so make sure to check the requirements of the countries you plan on visiting.
Ready for the Rainforest
It’s time to book your tickets and kick off the trip of a lifetime now that you are equipped with these must-knows for your Latin American rainforest adventure. Prepare to witness nature’s rarest wonders, dive into awe-inspiring experiences, and wear plenty of bug spray. What are you waiting for?
