![](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/GGSEC.jpg\")
Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure<\/a><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/GGYPC.jpg\")
Epic South America<\/a><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/GLFA.jpg\")
Ecuador Family Holiday<\/a><\/div>The best time to go to the Amazon<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Intrepid-Travel-ecuador_amazon-jungle-river.jpg\")
Fotos593\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
In truth, the Amazon jungle can be explored all year round. Even in spite of its enormity, the weather conditions here don\u2019t really vary between seasons \u2013 expect it to be warm, rainy and humid.<\/p>\n
January to June marks the wet season, with temperatures sitting between 23 and 30\u00baC (that\u2019s 73 to 86\u00baF). Throughout this half of the year, daily showers are common and can sometimes be heavy. Increased rainfall makes the rain forest feel cooler and the river levels higher. This makes accessing the river easier and swimming more plausible. It\u2019s also worth mentioning that the greater humidity means there are more mosquitos about.<\/p>\n
The second half of the year, July to December, marks the dry season. During this time temperatures average around 26 to 40\u00baC (or 78 to 104\u00baF) and although there\u2019s less rain, heavy showers are still not unheard of. Decreased rainfall makes jungle feel drier and the river levels lower. This makes exploring on foot easier and offers a great opportunity to spot caimans as they compete for shorter food supplies.<\/p>\n
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR OUR LATEST NEWS, OFFERS AND COMPETITIONS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nGetting there<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/2018-09-16_15-21-33-020-002.jpg-1.png\")
Photo captured by Eduardo Mora<\/p><\/div>\n
The vast rainforest spans nine different South American countries including Peru<\/a>, Colombia<\/a>, Ecuador<\/a> and Bolivia<\/a> \u2013 although it\u2019s most prominent in Brazil<\/a>.<\/p>\nPlanning to visit the Peruvian Amazon? Flights can be arranged into Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado from Cusco. Hoping to experience the Brazilian Amazon? Flying into Manaus in the north is your best option. If it\u2019s the Ecuadorian Amazon you\u2019re after, then you can take a bus from Quito into Tena City (five hours) where you can hop in a pickup truck. Or, if you\u2019re eager to explore the Bolivian Amazon, fly from La Paz to Rurrenabaque (around 45 minutes) and then ride a motor-boat upriver to Madidi.<\/p>\n
Joining a short, escorted, group tour is an easy way to escape the trouble of organisation!<\/p>\n
Intrepid trips to the Amazon:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- 4-day Peru Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n
- 4-day Ecuador Amazon Jungle<\/a><\/li>\n
- 12-day Inca Trail & Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What you can see<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Tucked](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/shutterstock_144765049.jpg\")
Will Howe\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
Fauna<\/h3>\n
The Amazon Rainforest houses 10% of the planet\u2019s known species, so there\u2019s plenty for wildlife enthusiasts to get excited about. Hiding high in the canopy you might spot slow-moving sloths and all manner of monkeys including howler, spider, tamarin, capuchin and squirrel \u2013 to name but a few. Bring along your binoculars too for a closer look at brightly-billed toucans and scarlet macaws.<\/p>\n
Lurking on the rainforest floor and on the leaves of lower lying plants you might see sinister-looking snakes such as green anacondas, boa constrictors and eyelash vipers. Also, look out for tiny poisonous dart frogs and cleverly camouflaged insects like the leaf-mimic katydid and moss-mimic stick insect.<\/p>\n
Living on the river banks you might find capybara families playing, caimans looking for their next meal and tapirs nibbling on low-hanging branches. Whilst in its murky waters, you may see pink river dolphins coming up for air and giant otters tucking into their fish suppers.<\/p>\n
LOVE WILDLIFE? CHECK OUT INTREPID TRAVEL’S FULL RANGE OF ANIMAL-FILLED TOURS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/shutterstock_1114284395-1.jpg\")
Nowaczyk\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
Flora<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re more of a plant person, the Amazon offers up lots for green-fingered explorers too. Some of the most fascinating and unusual species include giant water lilies (or Victoria Amazonica), spaghetti passion flowers and monkey brush vines. It\u2019s a brilliant destination for tree lovers too. You won\u2019t be able to walk through the jungle without coming across the humungous roots of the kapok tree. These giants can reach over 60 metres in height!<\/p>\n
And, for the foodies amongst us, you\u2019ll also be able to spot the plants that some of our favourite foodstuffs come from including coffee, cacao and bananas.<\/p>\n
Where you\u2019ll stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Comfortable](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Intrepid-Travel-peru_amazon_accommodation.jpg\")
Photo captured by Barbara Glanz<\/p><\/div>\n
The most prominent style of accommodation you\u2019ll come across in the Amazon is jungle lodges, regardless of which section you\u2019re visiting. And whilst you can get some incredibly luxury or extremely basic ones, most sit around the 3-star mark. In these lodges, you\u2019ll usually stay in a comfortable twin share or double cabin with an ensuite bathroom. Rooms will be kitted out with mosquito nets and a fan to keep you cool and protected at night.<\/p>\n
Activities on offer<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Jungle](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Intrepid-Travel-peru_amazon-jungle_DSC03655.jpg\")
Photo captured by Stephen Parry<\/p><\/div>\n
During your time in the Amazon, the days will be filled by jungle walks and river cruises. These will likely happen at varying times each day to give you an insight into how your surroundings can change. On some nights you\u2019ll have the option to take part in an after-dark jungle walk, offering you the opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals. But if you\u2019re not keen, no worries, you can choose to simply kick back in a hammock. Bear in mind that the day\u2019s schedule can change depending on the weather. Other activities that are sometimes available include rafting, canoeing and swimming.<\/p>\n
BOOK NOW: CHOOSE FROM 30+ INTREPID TRAVEL ITINERARIES FEATURING THE AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nPacking essentials<\/strong><\/h2>\nAside from lightweight, waterproof and moisture-wicking clothing, here are a few more items to pop on your packing list:<\/p>\n
\n- A head torch for night walks through the jungle.<\/li>\n
- A pair of binoculars so you can get a closer look at the amazing Amazonian animals.<\/li>\n
- Mosquito spray regardless of whether you\u2019re travelling in the wet or dry season.<\/li>\n
- Sensible walking shoes, although rubber boots will be provided in most cases.<\/li>\n
- A hat to protect your head from the sun when cruising down the river.<\/li>\n
- High factor sun cream as you don\u2019t want sunburn putting a downer on your experience.<\/li>\n
- A camera as you\u2019ll be presented with an abundance of photo opportunities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Fotos593\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n
In truth, the Amazon jungle can be explored all year round. Even in spite of its enormity, the weather conditions here don\u2019t really vary between seasons \u2013 expect it to be warm, rainy and humid.<\/p>\n
January to June marks the wet season, with temperatures sitting between 23 and 30\u00baC (that\u2019s 73 to 86\u00baF). Throughout this half of the year, daily showers are common and can sometimes be heavy. Increased rainfall makes the rain forest feel cooler and the river levels higher. This makes accessing the river easier and swimming more plausible. It\u2019s also worth mentioning that the greater humidity means there are more mosquitos about.<\/p>\n
The second half of the year, July to December, marks the dry season. During this time temperatures average around 26 to 40\u00baC (or 78 to 104\u00baF) and although there\u2019s less rain, heavy showers are still not unheard of. Decreased rainfall makes jungle feel drier and the river levels lower. This makes exploring on foot easier and offers a great opportunity to spot caimans as they compete for shorter food supplies.<\/p>\n
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR OUR LATEST NEWS, OFFERS AND COMPETITIONS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Photo captured by Eduardo Mora<\/p><\/div>\n The vast rainforest spans nine different South American countries including Peru<\/a>, Colombia<\/a>, Ecuador<\/a> and Bolivia<\/a> \u2013 although it\u2019s most prominent in Brazil<\/a>.<\/p>\n Planning to visit the Peruvian Amazon? Flights can be arranged into Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado from Cusco. Hoping to experience the Brazilian Amazon? Flying into Manaus in the north is your best option. If it\u2019s the Ecuadorian Amazon you\u2019re after, then you can take a bus from Quito into Tena City (five hours) where you can hop in a pickup truck. Or, if you\u2019re eager to explore the Bolivian Amazon, fly from La Paz to Rurrenabaque (around 45 minutes) and then ride a motor-boat upriver to Madidi.<\/p>\n Joining a short, escorted, group tour is an easy way to escape the trouble of organisation!<\/p>\n Will Howe\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n The Amazon Rainforest houses 10% of the planet\u2019s known species, so there\u2019s plenty for wildlife enthusiasts to get excited about. Hiding high in the canopy you might spot slow-moving sloths and all manner of monkeys including howler, spider, tamarin, capuchin and squirrel \u2013 to name but a few. Bring along your binoculars too for a closer look at brightly-billed toucans and scarlet macaws.<\/p>\n Lurking on the rainforest floor and on the leaves of lower lying plants you might see sinister-looking snakes such as green anacondas, boa constrictors and eyelash vipers. Also, look out for tiny poisonous dart frogs and cleverly camouflaged insects like the leaf-mimic katydid and moss-mimic stick insect.<\/p>\n Living on the river banks you might find capybara families playing, caimans looking for their next meal and tapirs nibbling on low-hanging branches. Whilst in its murky waters, you may see pink river dolphins coming up for air and giant otters tucking into their fish suppers.<\/p>\n LOVE WILDLIFE? CHECK OUT INTREPID TRAVEL’S FULL RANGE OF ANIMAL-FILLED TOURS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Nowaczyk\/Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n If you\u2019re more of a plant person, the Amazon offers up lots for green-fingered explorers too. Some of the most fascinating and unusual species include giant water lilies (or Victoria Amazonica), spaghetti passion flowers and monkey brush vines. It\u2019s a brilliant destination for tree lovers too. You won\u2019t be able to walk through the jungle without coming across the humungous roots of the kapok tree. These giants can reach over 60 metres in height!<\/p>\n And, for the foodies amongst us, you\u2019ll also be able to spot the plants that some of our favourite foodstuffs come from including coffee, cacao and bananas.<\/p>\n Photo captured by Barbara Glanz<\/p><\/div>\n The most prominent style of accommodation you\u2019ll come across in the Amazon is jungle lodges, regardless of which section you\u2019re visiting. And whilst you can get some incredibly luxury or extremely basic ones, most sit around the 3-star mark. In these lodges, you\u2019ll usually stay in a comfortable twin share or double cabin with an ensuite bathroom. Rooms will be kitted out with mosquito nets and a fan to keep you cool and protected at night.<\/p>\n Photo captured by Stephen Parry<\/p><\/div>\n During your time in the Amazon, the days will be filled by jungle walks and river cruises. These will likely happen at varying times each day to give you an insight into how your surroundings can change. On some nights you\u2019ll have the option to take part in an after-dark jungle walk, offering you the opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals. But if you\u2019re not keen, no worries, you can choose to simply kick back in a hammock. Bear in mind that the day\u2019s schedule can change depending on the weather. Other activities that are sometimes available include rafting, canoeing and swimming.<\/p>\n BOOK NOW: CHOOSE FROM 30+ INTREPID TRAVEL ITINERARIES FEATURING THE AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Aside from lightweight, waterproof and moisture-wicking clothing, here are a few more items to pop on your packing list:<\/p>\nGetting there<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Intrepid trips to the Amazon:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
What you can see<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Fauna<\/h3>\n
Flora<\/h3>\n
Where you\u2019ll stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Activities on offer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Packing essentials<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Capybara](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/shutterstock_756918892.jpg\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/GGSQ.jpg\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/GGSUC.jpg\")
![](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/GGPEC.jpg\")