The Amazon is one of Mother Nature's greatest works of art. The river is ever-changing its course. New islands are forming all the time, with new forests and new inhabitants.The river will eventually swallow the islands whole and even newer ones will arise. Sixtyfive million years ago (give or take) the Amazon River actually flowed into the Atlantic, but the rise of the Andes cut off the flow of the river, causing it to turn eastward into the Pacific.The Amazon River was "discovered" by a group of Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco de Orellana on February 12, 1542 at the confluence of the Napo River. Yet, we are only beginning to understand how important this area is for the well-being of the planet.
The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest on earth. With the Brazilian Amazon being cut down at an ever-increasing rate to make room for cow pastures, Peru's portion of the forest is still relatively wild (although, also disappearing at far too great a rate). Some government officials would like to expand logging operations in the area, so much of the forest could be destroyed in the near future.
The Peruvian Amazon is losing roughly 750,000 acres of forest annually to logging, mining, oil drilling and other multinational business ventures. More than 90% of the indigenous populations have disappeared, along with two-thirds of the languages they spoke. Many tribes are on the verge of extinction and survive only in extreme parts of the forest.
The Amazon River and Rainforest
The Amazon river and rainforest is so large that it covers part of South America. It is also home to an incredible variety of animal fauna which can not be found anywhere else on the PLANET. The Amazon forest has been the target of countless documentaries and television programs. The Amazon is one of the most important areas of the Earth, and although deforestation has affected much of this, it is still one of the most fascinating forests given its variety and uniqueness of plants and animals that inhabit it.
The Amazon forest is so large that it extends into nine nations. Brazil, which is home to 30% of tropical rain forests that remain on Earth, has most of the Amazon, with 60%.
The Amazon river and rainforest is not only home to numerous plants and animals, it is also home to wild tribes which have no contact with the outside world. Some have come to light in search of help from authorities to stop the illegal accommodation of some companies, but it is estimated that there are still more than 100 tribes of which nothing is known. The Amazon is home to the largest number of animal and plant species in the world. It is home to numerous dangerous species such as jaguars and electric eels.
The Amazon is so big that if it were a country it would be considered the ninth largest in terms of size. The Amazon produces more than 20% of the oxygen in the earth. The rest of the rainforests produce a total of 10-15%. The Amazon has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid throughout the year, with an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.
Hundreds of new animal and plant species have recently been discovered. In 2009, new species of monkey, called Mura tamarin, were found in a remote area of the Amazon. Estimates say there are a total of 390 billion trees in the Amazon. This is impressive given the fact that hundreds of hectares have been lost due to deforestation over the years, but even so it remains the largest rainforest in the entire planet.- In 2010, various reports and testimonies indicated the existence of a man living alone in the Amazon. He is believed to be the last survivor of one of the tribes mentioned above, which have not yet had any contact with the outside world. Different organizations are working to protect endangered animals that only exist in the Amazon. Animals like, the South American Tapir, giant otters and jaguars.
Top Amazon Tourist Attractions
Pacaya Samiria National Reserve - The 8,100-square-mile park is Peru's largest single reserve and the best place to see wildlife and isolated tribes in the Northern Amazon region.
Canopy Walkway - Near Explorama's ExplorNapo Lodge. One of the most renowned wildlife viewing platforms in the world.
Belen Floating City - A wooden shantytown that rises and falls with the river. See one of the most unusual communities in the Americas.
Exotic Dining - Will it be a tapir steak tonight or curried alligator? How about roasted monkey?
Lake Yarinacocha - Search for pink river dolphins and then take part in a shamanic ceremony.
The Amazon River
The Amazon River is considered the longest and most abundant river in the world that is born in the snowy peaks of the province of Caylloma, in the department of Arequipa. Its hydrographic basin is the largest in the world and brings life to the Amazon, the most extensive tropical forest on the planet and one of the main lungs of the Earth. Its waters pour 170 thousand cubic meters per second into the sea and houses more than 2,000 species of fish. In addition, it is the means of communication for the millions of people living in the jungle who sail on its waters, whether in small boats called small boats.
Tourists nowadays enjoy traveling through this deep river with the best comforts, while knowing more about Peruvian biodiversity. They enjoy the luxurious cruises that sail the Amazon River and the amazing Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, located in the region of Loreto. The city of Iquitos is the main starting point for touring the Amazon River and visiting the national reserves or tourist lodges where day and night walks are scheduled, boat rides, visits to Bora ethnic communities, Yahuas and Witotos. You can also cross the hanging bridges from the top of trees, climb tourist lookouts and floating platforms to have a better panoramic view of the place.
Animals of the Amazon
The fauna in the tropical forests is as extensive as varied. Some species can only be observed in certain areas, they are limited to only one or some types of tropical forest.
However, there may also be animals that are found in all regions, such as parrots, pigeons and weevils that eat seeds. Among the most common animals are the monkey, spider monkey, anteater, squirrel, motorcycle, porcupine, eagle, tapir, iguanas, crocodiles, snakes, a wide variety of spiders and insects, mammals of different sizes such as hares, rats or larger than coyote, deer, cougar, field mice, quail pigeon, mountain hen and jaguar.The group of birds in tropical forests is also very extensive.
Highlights include the Monera eagle, the spectacled owl, the scarlet macaw, the parrots and the toucan. The tropical forests group reptile species such as the iguana, the boa rattlesnake and several species of frogs, toads and salamanders. They also live there a great diversity of amphibians and insects, particularly beetles, ants, butterflies, bees and other invertebrates.
When is the best season to visit the Amazon?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can enjoy the Amazon and find Machu Picchu clearly of clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2020 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Hiking tours in the Amazon
Many are the routes that pass through the Amazon, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
