amazon rainforest school trips

School tours

Our 50-minute guided tours ensure an engaging & immersive experience for all pupils. We provide a timetable to help you plan your day, tour notes and worksheets are available to pre-print online. Our education team are here to answer all your questions and to help you make the most of your day.

Amazing Adaptations

Our most popular tour, Amazing Adaptations focuses on how plants and animals have adapted to living in a rainforest environment. Students will learn about the different layers of the rainforest.

Sustainable Future

Especially suited to secondary school children, this tour helps students to explore threats to rainforest ecosystems and encourages students to explore sustainable development through practical examples.

Indoor space

We have a great learning environment indoors with an allocated area for your group.

This Earth Day, Join Us on a Virtual Field Trip to the Amazon

On Friday, April 22, at 1 p.m. ET, join National Geographic for a 35-minute Virtual Field Trip! Three National Geographic Explorers are helping us better understand and protect the Amazon rainforest. We’ll hike through the cloud forests of Peru, where an Indigenous biologist is studying the movement of Andean bears. Next, we’ll wend our way through the mangrove forests of Brazil with a marine ecologist. And finally, we’ll bird-watch in southern Brazil and discover an intricate web of rainforest fauna.

• Ruthmery “Ruth” Pillco : Ruth is a Peruvian biologist, expert tree climber, and high-mountain adventurer. As a native of the Amazon Basin, she brings unique insights to her conservation work and has a deep connection with local communities and Andean bears.
• Angelo Bernardino : Angelo knows how to work in tough conditions. As a marine ecologist in the Brazilian Amazon, Angelo spends weeks at a time living on boats and sampling mangrove forests. He also communicates with coastal communities in an effort to understand the importance of mangroves to their way of life.
• Lorena Patrício Silva : Lorena is a 19-year-old Young Explorer and bird enthusiast from Brazil. She brings her love of birds into her studies at Cornell University, where she is pursuing a degree in environment and sustainability to help educate local communities.

We will also honor the legacy of the late National Geographic Explorer at Large Thomas Lovejoy. Tom was an environmentalist, conservationist, and field biologist who was dedicated to conserving and protecting the Amazon rainforest for over 50 years.

Subjects : geography, social studies, history, conservation Content recommended for : grades 4-8

For more Earth Day resources, visit natgeo.org/amazonrainforest .

This Virtual Field Trip is hosted by Krista Strahan and is presented in partnership with the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative .

Photos comprising featured image by Rocio Vega, Lorena Patrício Silva, Mark Thiessen, and Charlie Hamilton James

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9-day Amazon Discovery Trip

Amazon rainforest, tropical ecology and cultural immersion.

On the Amazon Discovery trip, the opportunity to learn will surround you – over your head, beneath your feet and everywhere you look.  You’ll experience one of the world’s most astonishing and important ecosystems – the tropical rainforest!   Unrivaled in its scale and complexity, the Amazon harbors at least 10% of the world’s known biodiversity, accounts for 20% of the world’s fresh water and shelters 350 ethnic groups. Students will have a chance to experience this firsthand as they explore Amazon biodiversity, indigenous cultures and spend a day of service in an Amazon village.

Read the full 9-day Amazon Discovery itinerary.

The Highlights:

• Explore the Amazon on a 1/4-mile Rainforest Canopy Walkway at the Amazon Conservatory for Tropical studies.
• Participate in a Village Service Day and collaborate with local community members on sustainable development and community improvement projects.
• Join the Yagua people as they teach their age-old cultural traditions and ceremonies.
• Work on your bartering skills when you trade items such as t-shirts and fish hooks for Yagua handicrafts, such as blow guns, paddles, necklaces, and woven baskets.
• Hike along jungle trails and boat down Amazon tributaries in search of Amazon birds, monkeys, insects and plants.
• Meet with a local shaman and learn about medicinal plants and traditional rainforest medicines from the Amazon.
• Fish for Piranha in the flooded forest.

Trip Details

• Where: Peruvian Amazon
• Trip Length: 9 days / 8 nights
• Available Trip Dates: Year round (ideal for Winter term and Spring break)
• 2024 Program Fee: From $2395 land
• 2025 Program Fee: From $2495
• Program Fee Includes: Accommodations (based on double occupancy), meals as outlined and purified water at the lodges, private in-country transportation (bus, boat), naturalist guides, tips for staff and guides, activities and entrance fees for activities listed.
• Free Travel for Trip Leaders: Free trip leader travel includes both land and air.

Amazonia Expeditions

Established 1981, let the adventure begin, peruvian amazon rainforest tours.

Since 1981, we have been delivering spectacular tours in the Amazon rainforest of Peru as the region’s leading ecotourism operator. Join us at our two award-winning lodges, the Amazonia Expeditions Tahuayo Lodge and Amazon Research Center Lodge to experience the most biodiverse region yet studied. Your highly trained private guide and customized itinerary will deliver an unforgettable experience.

Socially Responsible | Customized Adventures

Why amazonia expeditions is the best choice for your tour of the amazon rainforest….

Our two lodges with different levels of access to the protected ACRCTT Reserve provide the comforts of home and tranquil time in nature

Customized Itinerary

Explore with your private native guide trained by field biologists on excursions chosen for the weather and recent animal sightings.

With regular staff training sessions and investments in local infrastructure, safety is always our top concern for our guests and families.

Leading Biodiversity

More species of monkey than any reserve in the world. Endangered species such as pink dolphins, giant river otters and more.

Canopy Zipline Experience

The only Canopy Zipline system in Peru. 6 canopy platforms and 4 ziplines more than 100 ft (30 m) above the rainforest floor.

Social Responsibility

Winner of the Presidential award for contributions to the environment, healthcare, & education in regional communities.

Science & Conservation

Amazonia Expeditions is the only lodge with facilities registered by CONCYTEC as a formal Research Station.

Authentic Experience | Comfortable Amenities 

Amazonian rainforest lodges.

Amazonia Expeditions prides itself on delivering an authentic experience in the Amazon Jungle while providing the best quality of service, food, and amenities possible in such a remote location. We also pride ourselves on fair/equal treatment of workers and our efforts to protect the environment around us. Choose from our two lodges below and learn more about our services.

The Main Lodge

Our Main Lodge is 4 hours from Iquitos up the Amazon River and has access to a wide range of excursions and cultural experiences. With a comfortable hammock room, electricity powered by solar panels, wi-fi on-site, and modern plumbing, you'll have a relaxing hub for all of your Amazonian adventures.

The ARC Lodge

The Amazon Research Center Lodge, or ARC, is nestled in the heart of the ACRCTT reserve and is a serene environment to experience the biodiversity of the rainforest. With access to our trail grid, the largest of its kind in the Amazon, you'll have the best chance of spotting unique wildlife.

Exhilarating Canopy Flights

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience exploring high in the treetops. Located in the pristine forest near our Tahuayo Lodge, our zipline system is located entirely within the rainforest canopy. It is the only one of its kind in the Amazon. It is truly an amazing experience ascending into the treetops. Once at the top the adventure begins!

Breathtaking Biodiversity

Amazonia Expeditions has exclusive access to the Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve (ACRCTT), which provides you with the opportunity to experience an unmatched variety of wildlife in pristine wilderness during your Amazon Rainforest Tour.

The Reserve

Arc trail grid, biodiversity, tropical disease free, more than just tourism, about amazonia expeditions.

Although we focus on offering the best experience for tourists in the Amazon, our true mission is the preservation of the region around us. In order to protect the immense biodiversity contained within this area, our efforts are geared both towards the aid of indigenous and ecological communities. Learn about our efforts below before you embark on your tour of the Amazon Rainforest.

Our History

Our mission, what our guests are saying, “our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to peru truly amazing …again, we had the most wonderful time. almost more than words can say. the jungle and the tahuayo lodge hold very special places in our hearts and can not wait to return. thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.”, “ i saw tons of wildlife and it was fantastic being able to customize my experience with my private guide. a big thanks for all the work you do to benefit the community and the rainforest and for being an ethical tour company that doesn’t allow tourists to fondle captive wildlife. ”, “all the staff were so friendly and helpful. we appreciated that the staff is well paid with full social benefits (health, retirement, paid vacation)”, “ our trip was incredible. the lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. we loved our stays at the b&b, the main lodge, and the arc. ”, don't miss your next adventure.

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Amazonia itinerary – 4 days 3 nights – amazonia’s mini experience, day 1 – arrival to iquitos & transfer to tahuayo lodge.

Important: You can arrive to Iquitos in the morning or early afternoon (before 2pm); we start when you arrive.

• Airport or hotel pickup -   Our staff will pick you up on arrival from the Iquitos Airport or directly from your hotel in Iquitos City. Land transfer from airport (30 min) to our office/dock complex in Iquitos City.   Note:   If you will be staying in Iquitos before/after your trip we also offer accommodations in Iquitos city. See:   Vista Amazonica
• Transfer to Tahuayo Lodge -   speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) up the Amazon River, then the Tahuayo tributary to our lodge.
• Arrival to Tahuayo Lodge   -   Arrive to the Tahuayo Lodge. Lodge orientation & meet with guides. Afternoon excursion (if morning arrival) and evening excursion of your choice.

Days 2, 3  at the Tahuayo Lodge

Amazonia’s main lodge on the Tahuayo River is not a resort, nor a hotel, but a rustic lodge, comfortable for adventurous travelers. Cabins are private, and all have private bathrooms. Explore from the lodge with your private guide in and around the Tahuayo Reserve. We offer fully customizable itineraries and excursions day and night. To get you started, here is a list of some of our more popular activities:

• The Canopy Experience   – Experience the Tree Giants & Canopy of the Amazon Rainforest. Completely rebuilt in 2019, our   NEW Canopy Experience   allows you to explore 6 canopy platforms and zoom through the rainforest on 4 ziplines more than 100 ft above the rainforest floor.
• Igapo/varzea Forest Exploration   – Explore the Igapo forest with your guide in search of wildlife. Search for beautiful birds, primates such as pygmy marmosets, night monkeys, howler monkeys, and other wildlife.
• Tahuayo River Exploration –   Go by boat with your private guide to explore the Tahuayo River. Here you can spot colorful birds (macaws, tanagers, hawks) sloths, neotropical river otters and monkeys along the riverbank.
• Cultural Visit   –Learn about life in the local communities and about the work of our nonprofit organization   Angels of the Amazon .   You can visit the Hospital we built and support or the schools we built (and are continuing to build) .
• Tahuampa (flooded forest) Excursion –   Canoe in and around permanently flooded forest around either Tabano Lake or Traves Lake, with a vast diversity of wildlife. Search for the spectacular hoatzin (one of the world’s most interesting and unique birds), black caiman, horned screamers, wattled jacana, giant fishing spiders, giant ficus fig trees and much more.
• Frog Valley (Terra Firme) –   For this full-day excursion, you will   ride a motorboat up the Rio Blanco to visit terra firme (never flooding) ecosystem. Hike through the dense forest searching for beautiful little   poison dart frogs , harlequin toads, marmosets, leaf cutter ants and more.
• Dolphin Search –   Explore nearby oxbow lakes searching for the incredible Pink Dolphins of the Amazon Rainforest. Swimming is possible in some lakes.   Note:   we do NOT feed or disturb the dolphins in anyway.
• Birding   – early morning birding along the Tahuayo River. With over 600 species, our region has a higher count of bird species of any site in lowland Amazon Forest.
• Fishing –   Head by boat early in the morning or late afternoon to fish for the Piranha, Pacu, Vampire Fish, and other species.
• Night Excursions –   Go for a night hike to search for scorpions, tarantulas, snakes, and other nocturnal wildlife. Explore by boat on the Tahuayo or Blanco River; here you can search for caimans, snakes, and frogs. If you are in the mood to relax….enjoy the constellations while you listen to the jungle symphony all around you.
• Anything else you want to see or do?   Just ask. Your trip is fully customizable.

Day 4 - Return to Tahuayo Lodge & Return to Iquitos

• Depart the Amazon Research Center in the morning en route to the Tahuayo Lodge. Search for wildlife along the way.
• Speedboat transfer (note--is up to 4 hours) back to Iquitos.
• Arrival back to Iquitos – transfer to airport or hotel

(Note:  Your flight should depart Iquitos appx. 5:00 pm or  later this day. If you have an earlier flight we can usually be flexible, but please ask us first).

End of the Trip.

__________________________________________________________

Total Cost for the above itinerary 4 days 3 nights:   USD $895.00   per person

Includes all costs in Amazon

• All land and water transfers
• Buffet meals
• Private guide
• Canopy Experience
• Private guided excursions customized to your needs and interests
• Gear such as jungle boots
• Unlimited purified drinking water
• * New * hot water is available for showering. Remember we must generate all our own electricity with solar panels. We do usually have hot (or warm) water available, however, if we have too many consecutive rainy days… hot water may be limited.
• *New*   fans are available for all cabins
• Free Wi-Fi is available (StarLink Internet)
• All fees and taxes, such as: entrance fees, conservation fees, port taxes, etc.

Optional expenses only : soda, beer and alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, tips, laundry, camping not included unless otherwise noted.

Reserve now

Reservation is confirmed with a deposit of USD $100.00   per person.

Payment can be made using any Credit Card or PayPal (we cover the 3% service charge).

• Click on this link:   Book your trip now
• Once you have reviewed our terms & conditions page click the blue PayPal button to proceed.
• Enter your name into the description.
• Enter total payment amount (ignore quantity).
• Once payment is complete we will send you a confirmation email, preparation list and more information.

>>> 

GUEST CODE OF CONDUCT : Guests are expected to abide by a code of conduct that shows respect to indigenous people, the environment, wildlife, staff, and fellow guests. Please note the five bullet points below.

• The staff of Amazonia Expeditions treats all guests with respect and kindness and management expects that guests will also treat all staff, native people and fellow guests with appropriate respect and will not tolerate abusive behavior on the part of its guests.
• Although raising one’s voice, or yelling, may be considered the norm in some cultures, it can be perceived to be very rude by local standards. Raising one’s voice in anger may result in your guide or other staff members feeling uncomfortable in your presence and may affect the overall quality of your trip. In Peru using vulgar, abusive language is a criminal misdemeanor. We reserve the right to remove you without refund if you engage in abusive behavior.
• It is part of our ethical mission to not handle or disturb wildlife in their natural setting. If you are looking for a selfie holding wildlife, then this is not the trip for you!
• Soliciting drugs or sex or any other unethical demands from the staff or indigenous people will result in arrest and criminal charges.
• Inappropriate behavior may result in the guest being directed to leave without refund or if deemed excessive, with forced removal by local police and a criminal complaint.

Traveler understands that wilderness travel has inherent risks and agrees to hold Amazonia Expeditions and all its employees harmless and free of liability for any harm, injury, illness, or death. Traveler further agrees that any disputes arising from the trip must be resolved through binding arbitration handled by the Better Business Bureau of West Florida.

Amazonia Itinerary – 6 days 5 nights – Amazonia’s EcoTour

Days 4, 5 at the amazon research center.

Depart the main lodge in the morning en route to the Amazon Research Center (ARC). Search for wildlife along the way. The Research Center is more remote and about 2 hours up-river from our main lodge. It is formally recognized as a research institution by Peru’s national science council, CONCYTEC (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Tecnologia). Cabins are private, simple, and comfortable, all have shared bathrooms. Sample activities from the Research Center:

• Explore the Trail Grid   - We have over 75 km of hiking trails from the research center, most of the trails are laid out in a grid to facilitate the scientific collection of population data (In the rainy season these may become canoe trails). The trails go through several varieties of igapo ecosystems, including bajial, high and low restinga as well as palm swamp ecosystem. We can see many different species of monkeys, including brown and white capuchins,   saki monkeys,   titi monkeys, woolly monkeys, sometimes uakaris, as well as giant tayra weasels and tamandua anteaters. Data collected from   camera traps   also reveal a high density of jaguar and other predators live here, but these are rarely seen.
• Cochas   - Boating the various lakes and rivers from the research center we often see caiman, anaconda as well as the highly endangered   Giant River Otter .
• Hiking to Lake Yarina   - Full day hike where we can see hoatzins on their nests, blue and yellow macaws and caiman. One night camping may also be available (must be booked in advance)
• Citizen Conservation & Science Excursion   – Take photos of Giant River Otters and share with us so we can send to the Frankfurt Zoological Society data base, which monitors the population of these endangered species in the Amazon basin. Individuals can be identified by the unique color patterns on their necks.
• Night excursions –   Trail Grid night hike, explore Tahuayo River by canoe or boat.

Day 6 - Return to Tahuayo Lodge & Return to Iquitos

Total Cost for the above itinerary 6 days 5 nights:   USD $1295.00   per person

Amazonia Itinerary – 8 days 7 nights – Amazonia’s Classic Adventure

Days 2, 3, 4 at the tahuayo lodge, days 5, 6, 7 at the amazon research center, day 8 - return to tahuayo lodge & return to iquitos.

Total Cost for the above itinerary 8 days 7 nights:   USD $1595.00   per person

Amazonia Itinerary – 10 days 9 nights – Amazonia’s Extended Tour

Days 2, 3, 4, 5 at the tahuayo lodge, days 6, 7, 8, 9 at the amazon research center, day 10 - return to tahuayo lodge & return to iquitos.

Total Cost for the above itinerary 10 days 9 nights:   USD $1895.00   per person

Amazonia Expeditions Custom Itinerary

With amazonia expeditions - you can work with our team to build almost any custom itinerary. .

We provide support for large groups including providing a framework for volunteering in Chino Village up the river, doing citizen science work, school field trips, long-term research projects, and more. Below is a sample itinerary for a 10-day long trip that could be a baseline for other similar longer trips. Reach out to our team with your ideas for your trip and we will share how others have coordinated similar trips in the past. 

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School Workshop: Rainforest Rangers

This workshop invites students to learn what it takes to survive in the Amazon rainforest.

You may also be interested in the online version of this session, delivered live to your school by our team.

Workshop overview

What happens in the workshop.

Students must embark on a quest of discovery through the Rainforest Biome that reveals how the rainforest can provide what they need to survive. 

Surrounded by expedition survival equipment, maps and plant samples, the Education Officer assists the students in their preparation for this survival challenge. Students will undergo basic training through role play and careful examination of plant specimens to consider how they could be used.

By observing what grows in the Rainforest Biome, the students identify plants for survival. The information they gather is used to complete their Rainforest Rangers’ notebook. This activity encourages students to think about how plants are adapted for life in the tropics, how they can be used for human survival and how indigenous people have adapted them for their own everyday use. On returning to the classroom, we reflect on what’s been learnt, and why the rainforest is important for all of us.

Visiting teacher

A visiting teacher “ The children are so lucky to have the opportunity to touch, feel and smell the rainforest. It really helped the children appreciate how different the rainforest environment and climate is. ”

Practical information

This workshop enables students to:

• understand our basic dependence on plants for survival
• experience the rainforest environment and a sense of awe and wonder in the natural world
• begin to consider the importance of rainforest conservation

We've designed the workshop to help teachers cover the following subject areas:

In Geography, pupils should learn about the location of the Amazon Rainforest, South America as well as the physical and human characteristics of that region. They should consider the essential requirements of humans in order to survive and how they can meet those needs and use fieldwork to observe and record features of the rainforest biome.

In Science, pupils should consider ways in which the rainforest is under threat and how it can be conserved. They should be encouraged to use scientific and geographical terms correctly and report their findings giving clear oral explanations.

This takes place in a workshop room inside our purpose built education centre, The Core , and the Rainforest Biome.

The workshop costs £8.25 per pupil, with a minimum charge of £165 per group (includes VAT). Maximum group size is 35. The cost includes:

• a facilitated workshop with our Education Team
• free access to the Eden site for the day
• all equipment needed for the workshop
• free teaching resources enabling your class to prepare for the workshop and to follow up on the activity ( download a sample copy )
• a personal welcome from the Education Team at the entrance
• a base for your bags in our purpose-built education centre, The Core
• a space to eat your own lunch

The price includes free entry for accompanying adult helpers, whose participation is essential to the success of the day (please note our suggested adult/pupil ratios are as follows: Early Years Foundation Stage, 1:3; Key Stage 1, 1:6; Key Stage 2 and 3, 1:10; Key Stage 4, 1:15; Key Stage 5, 1:20). You’re welcome to bring more helpers if you’d like. Additional helpers are charged at our group booking rate . 

We also offer a free preparatory visit to Eden for teachers wanting to plan their school trip, which should be booked in advance.

Find out the steps we’ve taken to ensure that all participants on Eden Project school visits are safe, with our health and safety guidelines .

Visiting pupil

Visiting pupil “ My best part of the day was when we went into the rainforest and looked at the cocoa bean that makes chocolate. ”

Unforgettable school trips

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Faqs for school trips.

Get answers to the most commonly asked questions about our school trips to the Eden Project.

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Flexible teacher training and consultancy to help get students out of the traditional classroom setting. 

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Rainforests VR Workshop

PrimeVR School Workshop

School Workshops English Geography Environmental Geography Science Biology KS2

Why book 'Rainforests VR Workshop' with PrimeVR

What activities are available during this educational workshop?

Which curriculum subjects do you cater for, english [click to read].

Curriculum topics available: Creative writing.

Biology [click to read]

Curriculum topics available: Animals including humans, Living things and habitats, Habitats.

Environmental Geography [click to read]

Curriculum topics available: Rainforest, Climate change, Global warming, Pollution.

What size groups do you cater for?

Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities, do you cater for visitors with special educational needs (sen).

Yes. We've worked with a number of SEN schools and the response/feedback to VR has been fantastic.

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Who are PrimeVR?

PrimeVR is the UK’s leading Virtual Reality workshop provider and works with schools nationwide to help bring the curriculum to life. How does a PrimeVR day work? - Topic based VR workshops for all of KS2 - Each workshop lasts 30-45 minutes - Delivered by qualified teachers and passionate educators - Over 20 different KS2 workshops to choose from - Free world map posters If you are new to VR and you’re unsure about how it works in the classroom, check out our 5* reviews from teachers on Google, Trustpilot and Facebook.

Reviews from Schools..

★★★★★ "Our school spent the day visiting space, Egypt and the rainforest - all in the safety of the classroom. The children were entranced with what they experienced. It is such a simple and creative way to engage and enrich learning "

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Places to Visit on an Amazon Rainforest Vacation

The mighty jungle spans multiple countries, meaning there are plenty of places to visit in the Amazon Rainforest depending on the region in which you are traveling. There are areas of the Amazon in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and even Bolivia and Guyana. The Amazon River basin has an extensive network, with many tributaries and different types of forests, that harbor an abundance of flora and fauna. While the Amazon is shared by many countries , Brazil and Peru are the most popular points of entry. In Brazil, Manaus is a common center point for rainforest excursions and in Peru, explorers enter through Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. People from around the world travel to the Amazon through Brazil and Peru to revel in the beauty and sheer wildness of the jungle. Amazon trips are the perfect getaway from your regular life.

The capital of the state of Amazonas, Manaus can be thought of as the capital for Amazon rainforest trips. The city itself is interesting having developed during the rubber boom of the late 19th century and being home to the famously opulent opera house. However, the real attraction lies in the surrounding rivers and forests. This is one of the most biodiverse regions of the planet, rich in wildlife from monkeys to pink river dolphins. Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is located approximately 2.5 hours from Manaus, Brazil. Travelers arrive at the lodge by boat or hydroplane. The lodge is located on the Anavilhanas Archipelago which has waters that are not conducive to insect life, meaning mosquitos are not an issue! There are 22 rooms of varying categories and also a swimming pool, TV room, reception lounge, and floating deck which is a rare luxury in this remote part of the world. Meals and activities are included in the cost of the lodge. At the naturalist guide’s direction, you’ll visit local communities, explore the jungle for wildlife, canoe or visit a community of pink river dolphins.

Puerto Maldonado & Iquitos

Peru has two main areas where tourists can visit Amazon rainforest – Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos. Puerto Maldonado is just a short flight from Cusco and thus very easily combined with a trip to Machu Picchu. Iquitos, in the north of Peru, is the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road. Iquitos is on the River Amazon itself, while Puerto Maldonado is on the Madre de Dios River, a tributary of the Amazon. The rainforest around Puerto Maldonado has an excellent choice of high-quality jungle lodges including some that offer the chance to kayak, climb trees and fish for piranhas. Iquitos has the choice of lodges and luxury Amazon cruises . Posadas Amazonas is located approximately 2 hours from the city of Puerto Maldonado, Peru. Travelers reach the lodge by a 30-minute van ride from the city and a 1.5-hour boat ride down the Tambopata River. This is a highly recommended lodge for travelers who want a real jungle experience. Nestled in the Tambopata rainforest, part of the greater Amazon rainforest, this lodge is eco-friendly and inside the communal reserve of the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno. The lodge has 30 rooms in three different categories along with a kitchen, dining area, and relaxation lobby. The rooms are open to the jungle on one side, so you can hear and experience the forest from the comfort of your room. Meals and activities are included in the cost of the lodge. Activities range from boat expeditions to hiking trails that allow you to explore the jungle and encounter various wildlife and exotic flora. All activities are lead by naturalist guides.

Coca, Ecuador is the gateway city to the Amazon Rainforest. Sitting on the banks of the Napo River, Coca is the starting point for exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon. There are some excellent rainforest lodges which are reached by boat from this spot. Our favorite is La Selva Lodge and Spa . La Selva Lodge and Spa in Ecuador is located approximately 3.5 hours from Coca, Ecuador. Travelers take a motorized boat for the majority of the way, then change into wooden canoes for the last 45 minutes through small creeks to reach a clearing on a black water lagoon, where the lodge sits. The lodge hosts various suite rooms, some overlooking the lagoon as well as a relaxation lobby, a dining area, and a spa. Meals and activities are included in the cost of the lodge. Activities range from jungle treks to bird watching to canoe trips to piranha fishing off the dock. You’ll be lead by naturalist guides and indigenous guides to go wildlife spotting.

Amazon Rainforest Tours from Colombia

The Colombian rainforest is the largest department of Colombia, located in the southern part of the country, with one of the sparsest populations of all Colombia. The capital of Leticia is the southern-most city of Colombia, and the jumping-off point for any visit to the Colombia rainforest, which gained its name from the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana, who wrote that he was attacked by tall women, reminiscent of the Amazonas of ancient Greek mythology. You can explore the depths of the Colombian rainforest on our Colombia Amazon Rainforest to Villavicencio Tour .

Brazilian Amazon Rainforest

Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

Amazon Rainforest by Country

5 best amazon rainforest tours for 2024.

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Amazon Rainforest Lodges vs. Amazon River Cruises

There are two main choices when it comes to Amazon Rainforest tours – either stay in a rainforest lodge or book an Amazon river cruise. The main starting points for Amazon cruises are Iquitos in Peru, Manaus in Brazil, and Coca in Ecuador. Typically trips to the Amazon by cruise are from three to seven nights in length and start and end in the same place. On Amazon river tours , the boat makes regular stops and offers exploration by smaller boats or excursions on land. A stay in an Amazon lodge is typically two to four nights long and involves guided walks, boat trips and often night fauna tours in the forest. Travelers who want an active Amazon rainforest trip can choose between a lodge stay, with daily excursions from one central point, or a cruise which anchors in different locations each day.

Packing List for trips to the Amazon Rainforest

Clothing for the amazon.

• Footwear: Most lodges will provide you with rubber boots for walking the trails but ask your travel consultant to double-check this for you. If they don’t, it is important to bring strong footwear that is comfortable with strong ankle support and good grip. Waterproofing your shoes is recommended because you might encounter rain or mud. You’ll also want some comfortable rubber-soled shoes to wear around the lodge when you’re not out exploring.
• Thick Socks: Wearing wool socks will keep moisture away from your feet while you’re trekking through the jungle in your rubber boots.
• Layers: Bring layers and changes of clothing. For your excursions, you’ll need long sleeves, long pants, and high socks. This is for protection from bugs and the sun. You can get breathable quick-dry pants and long sleeve shirts (like the ones used for fishing) which will keep you comfortable so you can focus on the wildlife and flora. When you are relaxing in the lodge, you can wear t-shirts and shorts.
• Extra Clothing: Remember that its quite humid in the Amazon so your clothing won’t always dry even if you hang it up. Most lodges do not have laundry services. So bring extra clothing!
• Rain Gear: Bring a poncho or a waterproof jacket. Many lodges will let you buy these at their offices before you start out on your tour.
• Headwear: Bring a hat or cap to keep the sun out and also your head dry and clean!
• Swimsuit:  You may have a chance to go swimming in the tributaries or even the Amazon River itself. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity without a suit!

Additional Items for your Amazon Vacation

• Backpack: bring a waterproof, sturdy backpack that you can carry your camera, water bottle, binoculars, etc while out on the trails or in the canoes / motorized boats.
• Flashlight and Batteries: A flashlight is important for anyone enjoying the great outdoors, so bring plenty of batteries. A headlamp will work as well as it keeps your hands free. Many lodges will not have electricity throughout the lodge so in the case you need to find something in your bag at night, you’ll want to keep a light source handy. Also, many lodges will have a night walk activity and you can use the flashlight or headlamp to spot night creatures!
• Insect Repellent: Your insect repellent should be at a minimum of 20% DEET. However, you can’t bring this on the plane to Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos, so ask your guide where to buy it when you arrive!
• Bring your binoculars: Jungle animals are often spotted far away so you’ll want to get a good look!
• Wet wipes and/or hand sanitizer
• First Aid Kit: It’s always smart to bring along some pain medication, bandages, blister covers, etc. The guides will have first aid knowledge and some supplies but they are not allowed to administer pain medication.
• Wristwatch: There is not always electricity in the rooms in the lodges, and you’ll need to know the time so that you can meet your guide for each activity!
• Camera, batteries, and extra memory card: Photo opportunities may be around every corner so bring your camera and extra batteries and memory cards.
• Plastic Bags: Plastic Bags can be useful for various reasons but the main reason is to keep dry clothes dry, and wet clothes away from other things in your backpack.
•  Toiletries and Medicine: Anything that you think you may need in terms of toiletries or medicine you should bring with you. Some lodges will have a few basic items if you forget anything. Things like toothpaste, toothbrush, lotions, hairbrush, allergy medicine, antacids, etc. Leave the electronics at home though, you won’t be able to use a hairdryer or curling iron at the lodge.
•  Your Passport:  You must have your original passport with you. You can keep this in the safe in your room.

Popular Amazon Tours

There are few better forms of Amazon rainforest travel than the Tucano cruise : our travelers’ favorite. The Tucano is a true expedition cruise going further into the Amazon rainforest than any other cruise and has excellent jungle guides with great knowledge of the Amazon. Tours are in small groups of usually just seven or eight guests giving travelers an intimate experience. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Amazon from the upper deck or relax in your private cabin while the motor yacht continues along the Rio Negro and the Rio Amazonas.

Visiting the Amazon can easily be combined with other destinations. Amazon rainforest trips can are available in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, and Brazil. This means that it is easy to combine trips to the Amazon with a number of other top South American destinations including Rio de Janeiro , Machu Picchu , and the Galapagos Islands. The best place to go in the Amazon may well depend on which other destinations you are interested in seeing. Contact us for more advice on our sample Amazon jungle tours or your exact tour package.

A Custom Amazon Rainforest Tour

Amazon vacation packages come in many forms, cruises or jungle lodge stays. Different levels of comfort are available and there is something to suit nearly any traveler. Amazon Rainforest vacations are one of our top areas of expertise, and we’ll be happy to discuss your plans in detail by phone, email, chat or text.

Visiting the Amazon FAQs

Thinking about an Amazon trip? Here’s a list of frequently asked questions we often hear from our guests. Visit our  Amazon Vacation Planning  page for in-depth Amazon travel tips.

When is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest?

However, it’s important to note that as the largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon experiences approximately 250 days of rain a year, spanning all months. Despite having varying seasons, like the “wet” season (December – May), travelers should expect a few hours of light rain at any point in the year. The rain is what continues to keep the rainforests and its rare flora and fauna alive.

Is it safe to go to the Amazon rainforest?

Can you visit the amazon rainforest, what can i do in the amazon rainforest.

Piranha fishing is also very popular.

Local guides can also take you to different areas where other animal species can be seen, such as the pink river dolphins or macaws. Alligator (jacare) spotting at night is one of the most fascinating activities.

Is the Amazon dangerous?

Your guide will always make you aware of toxic plants or spiders. Most guides are from the local communities, knowing well the healing properties of the plants that surround you. The one element to be aware of is Malaria: there is no vaccination, rather prophylaxis you take before traveling to the Amazon and stop taking as soon as you depart.

How do you get to the Amazon rainforest?

Is the amazon good for animal watching are there better places for animal watching, how can i visit the amazon rainforest.

The advantage of a lodge is that your stay in the Amazon Rainforest can begin at any time, whereas cruises have set departure dates. While cruises offer plenty of departure dates, it can be challenging to be on a strict schedule. On the other hand, the advantage of a river cruise is that you see a vast extent of the rainforest, with different animals and vegetation, without needing to turn back after each excursion. Cruises also tend to include a stop at local communities where you can experience and learn about the lives of Amazonian locals.

Whether you experience the Amazon on a cruise ship or nestled in a lodge, you’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Are Amazon River Cruises worth it?

There are two types of cruises available: the traditional, authentic experience with local guides and excellent comfort, operated by environmentalists. Alternatively, there are luxury boats run by international hotel chains that offer luxury, though making it more difficult to gain an authentic feel of the area.

Should I stay in a lodge?

How big is the amazon rainforest what countries are the amazon rainforest in, is all of the amazon rainforest the same.

No – There are different areas with different flora and fauna. The main difference is caused by the altitude. Most of the Brazilian part is at sea-level or only slightly above it, whereas in Peru , Ecuador , and Bolivia , the rainforest sits on higher ground. The higher, the less dense the fauna is. Therefore, for example, if you are interested in birding, you would prefer the Peruvian Rainforest , as, due to the fauna being less dense, it is easier to spot birds. The Peruvian Amazon also offers some of the most luxurious river cruise ships such as the Aria.

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For Students and Universities

Bring your classroom to life by giving students an unique, hands-on experience at our conservation hubs in the amazon., teaching abroad: for universities, professors, and teachers.

Amazon Conservation works directly with university and community college professors and study-abroad programs to support them in hosting field courses at our three conservation hubs in Peru. Our hubs are the perfect location to have students learn about the Amazon hands-on and to inspire the next generation of conservationists to follow a career in science and conservation. Over the years, we’ve partnered with prestigious universities in Peru and around the world, including Wake Forest, Duke, Oxford, British Columbia, and others, to provide what they need to give students the experience of a lifetime.

We offer our premier facilities (including laboratories, libraries, and access to our extensive trail systems), customized in-country logistical support, and access to our compilation of data and research to create the ideal setting for your next course. 

To learn more about hosting your next course in the Amazon, please contact us.

“Amazon Conservation’s stations provide a superb learning environment for my students and me. I have visited annually for four years and learn more each time. The volunteers and staff are a tremendously valuable resource for helping us learn about and understand the landscape and culture. Amazon Conservation’s contribution to and support of my class have been invaluable.”

– Dr. Jim Perry, H.T. Morse Distinguished Professor of Water Quality and Environmental Management at University of Minnesota

Students: Find a University Course Offering

The stations host several university courses and workshops throughout the year that provide students a guided learning experience in a variety of topics in tropical ecology, climate change, biodiversity and more.

Some examples of schools currently offering course programs at our stations include Wildland Studies, Field Projects International, and many others.

If you are a student, check your university’s course offerings list for a program that is hosted at one of our research stations.

If you’d like to come as an independent student and not a part of a field course, check with your study abroad office for your university procedures on doing an independent study at our research stations.

If you are a professor or study abroad professional who would like to lead a field course at one of our stations, please contact our Director of Science, Lucía Castro .

25 Field Courses

took place at our three biological research stations in southeastern Peru.

370 Students Hosted

through university field courses, experiencing the Amazon rainforest first-hand.

24 Academic Partners

had field courses or scientists conduct classes and studies at our stations.

“When I bring my students to Amazon Conservation’s biological stations, it is always a joyous experience for both them and myself; hiking, running, exploring, and discovering nature and evolution firsthand, not just from a textbook.”

-Dr. Caroline Chaboo, Adjunct Faculty at University Of Nebraska–Lincoln

Help keep the Amazon wild.

Follow us @amazonconservation on instagram.

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Visiting The Amazon Rainforest With Kids

We are often asked whether going to the Amazon Rainforest with kids is a good idea or not. Young families are just as eager to visit the world’s largest rainforest as anybody else, but are Amazon vacations with children really a wise choice? We say so long as your kids aren’t too young, then unequivocally yes! Here’s why.

Inkaterra Naturalist Guide Explaining About Local Plants

Why The Amazon Rainforest Is A Great Vacation Option With Kids

South American society – and especially the indigenous communities of the Amazon – hold children in high regard and the locals have a very hands-on approach to rearing kids. You can be assured that some of your naturalist guides will have children of their own, and will have plenty of experience and no hesitation in interacting with your younger family members.

Moreover, we feel that taking children to wilderness destinations, especially those rich in plant and animal diversity, is important. Visiting foreign countries and exposing children to new cultures and environments is a great investment in your child’s future. Our children are the generation that will inherit the planet, in whichever shape we leave it in, and will undoubtedly face hard decisions on how to deal with the challenges humanity will bequeath them. The Amazon Basin is arguably the most vital ecosystem on the planet , and a lesson on its importance during developmental years will surely help to shape children into compassionate, responsible adults.

Orchid Observation Near In Forest Near Machu Picchu – Inkaterra Pueblo Guided Tour

Is an Amazon Rainforest Safe for Kids?

Yes, the Amazon Rainforest is safe for kids, so long as all safety measures advised by your tour guide are followed diligently, and the wildlife and plants are treated with great respect. The Amazon is an amazing place but also a wild one. Amidst its incredible diversity there lies many hidden dangers, like poisonous plants and camouflaged critters, as well as the more famous dangers of being bitten by mosquitoes. These aren’t dangers specific to children though, and careful caution is advised for all explorers, old and young.

Cruise-wise, Amazon riverboats have extremely stringent safety checks on a regular basis, and most have sophisticated equipment, medical instruments, and contingency plans in place in case of emergencies. What’s more, they have strict minimum age requirements in place to help ensure the safety of your children, with those above them being able to follow important safety protocols.

In our view, the decision to take a child to the Amazon Rainforest is less about safety and more about the quality of the experience for them.

Cruise Considerations

For those considering an Amazon river cruise with their family, it is worth bearing in mind that many boat operators put age restrictions on their cruises, typically of 7 years and up, although there is a loophole whereby a private Amazon charter vessel can be arranged which usually have no minimum age restrictions. A charter also has the added benefit of being able to customize excursions to your family’s needs – so you can shorten or even avoid jungle hikes that may have otherwise tired out or not appealed to your little ones. The age restriction is in place more to guarantee the quality of the experience of other adults, as well as the general safety of children.

Several vessels have family-friendly accommodations with roomy cabins with enough space to add foldout beds for smaller children, or even having interconnecting rooms to give older kids their own independence – and parents their own space! Cruises with more water-based activities are often considered a better alternative to lodging stays for families whose regular rainforest walks can be very tiring for kids. The options for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are very popular with active teenagers.

Whilst on board parents should remember there can be long periods of downtime, usually in the form of slow navigations between destinations. Most Amazon riverboats have books, board games, and video games available for children in their libraries and lounges to keep them occupied during these hours, however, it’s recommended to pack your own favorites just in case. Keep in mind that there is rarely any access to the Internet (apart from in the Ecuadorian Amazon), so don’t rely on Netflix keeping them entertained. That being said, there is hardly any time to go online while out and about in the Amazon rainforest anyway.

Top 5 Tips For Traveling With Kids To The Amazon Rainforest

• Bring sufficient entertainment like puzzle books, games and toys to keep your kids occupied whilst on long transfers to lodges or in down-time whilst navigating on Amazon river cruises.
• Pack sunhats, sunglasses, and plenty of high factor sun cream as the sun is strong in the tropics, and of course plenty of insect repellent with DEET to keep the mosquitos (and other bugs) at bay.
• Be sure to keep a reusable bottle of water on you all the time and stay hydrated. Kids can quickly become dehydrated whilst active in the hot and humid Amazonian climate.
• Get your kids involved before the trip and learn about the Amazon ecosystem. This will help build up their excitement and enhance your overall experience when you get there.
• Make wildlife and birdlife checklists for your kids to take with you on excursions into the rainforest. Why not let them take their own photos and maybe keep a travel journal of species or feelings they encounter!

  The Bottom Line

If you have kids and want to treat them to an adventure in the Amazon Rainforest , be sure that both you and the children are correctly informed. If your kids have qualities that include patience, self-control, curiosity, and a spirit of adventure, you may just have the ideal family vacation.

We do not know at which age these qualities come into bloom: for some, it occurs quite young, and for others, it may never happen. What we do know is that for those prepared, an Amazon Rainforest vacation can be a life-changer. And, when combining the Amazon with other destinations such as Machu Picchu , Rio de Janeiro, or the Amazon with the Galapagos Islands , you will have built lasting, family memories to be shared for years to come.

While Rainforest Cruises aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information herein or found by following any link on this site. Rainforest Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

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Amazon Rainforest: People & Threats (Grades 6-9)

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Meet the people who have called the Amazon rainforest home for centuries. Learn about the threats facing all who live there and how everyone can help overcome these challenges.

Video length: 14:29 minutes.

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A Day in the Amazon Rainforest Writing Prompt

Rainforest Reflection – Writing Prompt

Rainforest Threats Vocabulary Worksheet

Cultivating Change: The Human Impact on Rainforests

Draw a Scene

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Classroom Ideas 

Amazon rainforest: people & threats.

Homes Around the World

Compare/contrast houses and other structures from various countries, e.g. rainforest inhabitants’ homes vs. bohios  in Cuba.

Explore Vocabulary

Identify key vocabulary terms while previewing each video. Prompt students to find the meaning of each word as they watch the video. Example: What does the word deforestation  mean? Think about the meaning of each word as you watch the video about the Amazon Rainforest.

Save the Rainforest Campaign

Students can create a mock campaign to conserve the Amazon Rainforest and its important resources. This could include a campaign poster design, slideshow, persuasive speech presentation, etc.

Human Impact

Have students research how the Amazon Rainforest is changing due to human activity and create a poster to illustrate a solution to a problem there (e.g. deforestation destroys species habitats).

Ecotourism Conversation

Discuss ecotourism with students and talk about the pros and cons of it in regards to the Amazon Rainforest.

Compare and Contrast Resources

Compare and contrast renewable resources in the Amazon Rainforest and the United States.  

Rainforest Food

Bring food that can be found in the Amazon Rainforest (bananas, tea, mango, pineapple, avocados, yams, etc.) and let students sample them.   Discuss how these products can impact those that live in the Amazon Rainforest as well as those that purchase from them.

Create a diorama of the Rainforest.

Rainforest Game

Ask students to make up a board game that demonstrates life in the rainforest. If the students work in groups, they can describe/demonstrate their game in front of the rest of the class.

Create a webquest on the indigenous people of the Amazon and the threats facing them. Students will work in pairs or small groups to complete the webquest, and then present their results.

Trees in the Amazon and at Home

On the basis of what students learn about the amazingly old and tall trees of the Amazon, ask them to think of any trees around where they live or near their school. Ask them to think about the ways in which that tree is important in the ecosystem, for example – as a means of building dugout canoes for transportation.

Transportation Around the World

Compare/contrast various modes of transportation in different countries (dugout canoes in the Rainforest vs. Japanese subways vs. classic cars in Cuba)

Conservation

Prompt students to write a report about how people can conserve natural resources and eliminate threats to endangered species and populations. 

Art and Social Studies

Draw a scene from the video you just watched.

Writing Topic

Write a paper on how the indigenous people rely on the Amazon Rainforest and the natural resources it provides.

Rainforest Journal

Have students write a diary or a story about traveling the Amazon Rainforest and discuss what they “saw” and experienced during their trip.  

Ecotourism Debate

Create 2 debate teams – one team in favour of ecotourism, the other against. Students can use the video as part of their evidence in a debate, e.g. for/against ecotourism. 

Biome Comparison

Compare the rainforest and another habitat.

Compare differences and similarities.

Compare the characteristics of each ecosystem.

Write a 3 paragraph paper discussing the similarities and differences of the two.

What was your favorite part of the video?  What do you think is the best thing about living in the Amazon Rainforest? Why?

The Amazon Rainforest in Action

In groups, students could come up with and put on plays in which they play an indigenous child living in the Amazon Rainforest. At the beginning of the play, students will individually introduce themselves as their chosen character, giving the class information on life in the rainforest.

A Day in the Amazon Rainforest

Students write a story about an imaginary day in the Amazon, talking about the weather, plants, animals, and humans they might encounter. Reflect on how the rainforest is different from the ecosystem in which you live and go to school.

Classroom Ideas for ALL Videos

Here are dozens and dozens of ideas that you can use in your classroom along with our videos!

Topics Covered In This Video

Daily activities in the Amazon Rainforest

Hunting, fishing & crops

Costumes & clothing

Housing & transportation

Medicine, food & products in the rainforest

Deforestation & damage

What you can do

Videos in this Series

Amazon Rainforest (Grades 5-9)

Amazon Rainforest (Grades 2-6)

Amazon Rainforest: People & Threats (Grades 2-6)

La selva amazonica (spanish), related videos.

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How Coral Reefs Are Formed

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Galapagos Islands

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Amazon Tours & River Cruises

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Amazon Rainforest Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 144 most popular amazon rainforest trips. compare tour itineraries from 67 tour companies. 251 reviews. 4.9/5 avg rating., popular amazon rainforest tours.

Discover our most popular Amazon rainforest tours, featuring diverse activities, flexible pricing, varying durations, and activity levels. Explore our carefully selected vacation packages, small group tours, and many other options to find the perfect itinerary for your dream jungle adventure.

Peru Explorer

• Discover the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the colonial cities of Cuzco and Arequipa
• Have the option to walk the classic Inca Trail at no extra cost
• Spend two nights deep in the Amazon
• Visit the traditional island communities of Lake Titicaca
• See beautiful Arequipa plus Colca Canyon and its condors

Peru Amazon Extension

• Spend three nights in the Amazon jungle, with a choice of comfortable or premium lodges
• Walk on the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway
• Take a night walk through the forest, searching for nocturnal species

Inca & Amazon Adventure Family Holiday

• Trek the classic Inca Trail
• Experience two unique visits to Machu Picchu for photos and fully guided exploration
• Rest and refresh after your trek with overnight in charming Aguas Calientes
• Take jungle walks and boat rides to explore the Amazon Rainforest
• Visit the markets and museums of Cuzco

Patagonia Tour - Patagonian Overland Adventure

• Discover Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America” & paired lunch in a chic restaurant
• Visit San Antonio de Areco, the cradle of Gaucho’s traditions
• Explore Ushuaia, the “End of the World” in 4X4WD
• Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, Cruise Chilean fjords between Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
• Explore Torres del Paine National Park, Cruise The Perito Moreno Glacier

Inca Trail & the Amazon Rainforest

• Walk the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
• Spend three nights deep in the Amazon Rainforest
• Explore Lake Titicaca, with a homestay on one of the islands

Amazon Rainforest Adventure

• Cruise along the Napo River. Seated comfortably in your covered motorboat,
• Visit to the Quito community for a lesson on local culture, After that, another short hike will put us at our second clay lick of the day for another round of unique viewing
• You'll discover how the community has evolved over the years for the better, developing leaps and bounds in areas such as health care and education
• As we canoe away from this awesome area, otters, monkeys and rare bids will be around to bid us farewell.

Amazon SUP Adventure

• Explore Quito
• Experience the Amazon from the water with this stand up paddle board expedition
• Visit the Siona community, a local indigenous village
• Enjoy one last Amazonian sunrise

Amazon, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

All Amazon Rainforest , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Amazon Rainforest

Small Group Amazon Rainforest Tours

Join our small group tours of the Amazon rainforest to discover the wonders of the jungle with expert guides and an intimate group of fellow explorers. Small group sizes ensure you get the full attention of your guide and create authentic cultural and wildlife encounters in the heart of the rainforest.

Wonders of the Amazon by Luxury Riverboat, At a Slower Pace

• Discover the infinite wonders of the Amazon River — pink dolphins, bright toucans, lush jungles — and marvel at the spectacular

Upper Amazon

• Explore the waterways of the flooded “Mirrored Forest” of Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve with a team of expert naturalists.
• Glide down jungle streams by skiff or kayak, spotting pink and gray dolphins, enormous water lilies, monk saki monkeys, three-toed sloths, piranhas, and scarlet macaws.
• Learn about the everyday traditions of the native ribereños on visits to villages at the river’s edge.
• Go on rain forest hikes, birding walks, and nocturnal river safaris, and get immersed in the wild atmosphere of the Amazon from the comfort of the intimate Delfin II.

Amazon Jungle Explorer

• Your remote jungle lodge is a sweet base to get your nature on. and if your tired legs ever need a bit of tlc, kick back in a hammock and chat to some parrots
• You cheeky little monkey! not you, silly. we're talking about that primate swinging behind your head. this place is packed full of wildlife, so bring an extra pair of eyes and wallet full of memory cards
• What's better than exploring the amazon jungle? doing it with someone who has the land mapped inside their awesome brain. jungle guides are super-friggin' awesome
• Roam the amazon jungle at night while pretending you're david attenborough (this adds to the suspense).

Discover Brazil: Rio de Janeiro to the Amazon Rainforest

• World-famous carnival culture & samba sounds
• Amazing opportunities for animal encounters
• Thousands of bird species—more than in Europe & North America combined
• The Amazon: the world’s largest rainforest
• Fresh fruit, fresh coffee & food fresh off the barbecue

Best Amazon Rainforest Tours by Duration

Choose from our collection of Amazon Rainforest trips categorized by duration, ranging from short excursions to extended adventures. Whether you're seeking a quick getaway or a slow-paced immersive experience, you'll find tours tailored to your preferred length of travel.

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Amazon Rainforest Tours by Price

Browse our Amazon Rainforest trips arranged by price to find the perfect adventure that fits your budget. From affordable options to luxury.

Top Amazon Rainforest Attractions

• Swimming with pink dolphins in the Yacuma River
• Trekking through lush rainforest trails teeming with diverse flora and fauna
• Canoeing through torrential rain and spotting giant otters popping their heads above the water
• Watching capybaras and caimans relaxing on the riverbank
• Embarking on thrilling canopy tours and ziplining through the rainforest canopy
• Setting up camp in the jungle from scratch, including chopping your firewood with a machete
• Hunting for the thousands of colorful birds, including macaws, kingfishers, and toucans, on a birdwatching tour
• Spotting a jaguar prowling on the riverbank as the sun sets
• Participating in traditional indigenous ceremonies and learning about local cultures
• Exploring hidden waterfalls and swimming in crystal-clear jungle pools
• Nighttime safaris to observe nocturnal creatures like owls, bats, and night monkeys
• Learning traditional jungle survival skills from expert local guides
• Discovering medicinal plants and their uses during guided nature walks
• Sampling exotic fruits and delicacies at local markets and villages

Amazon Rainforest Tours & Travel

Amazon Rainforest Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Trip reviews, a wonderful peruvian adventure.

Make no mistake, this is not a holiday as such but a full-on early morning to evening priceless adventure and experience. If you are doing the Inca trail you will ...

A Great Adventure

As described, the itinerary encompasses a tremendous range of activities, venues and experiences which provided insights into the country's culture, history and he...

Peru explorer - see everything!

This trip was fabulous, there was just so much to see and do it really was amazing how much we crammed in. If you want a trip that shows you all of Peru then this ...

Peru Explorer -

A very special and well coordinated trip, crammed full with different places and experiences - from amazing and varied scenery, plants and wildlife to interesting...

Excellent trip, do it!

Fantastic trip! Great itinerary, great leader and wonderful country. Everything was beyond expectations. A busy and well organised adventure that highlighted th...

See all Amazon Rainforest reviews

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Naturalist-led field trips and adventures.

We are passionate outdoor educators who love teaching and sharing about our marine ecosystems. our local tours prove it. please explore our local trips and book one today.

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Blue Water Ventures offers naturalist-led field trips for students and educational adventures for adults. For schools, each field trip is customized to meet the instructional objectives of the teachers we work with. For adult programs, we design vacations that are adventurous and relaxing with an educational component.

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AI may hold a key to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest

An animal skitters through the heavy underbrush of the Colombian forest in the dark of night. Hidden deep in the brush is a camera trap that quickly snaps a picture. An AI tool called MegaDetector identifies and classifies the results, streamlining a process that used to take days into minutes. The image is then sent to wildlife experts for review.

Could this picture of genus Dasyprocta, a rodent-like creature better known as an agouti, help solve the puzzle of deforestation that has plagued the Amazon for years?

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest, in an area so vast it encompasses nine countries, including Colombia and Brazil. According to NASA’s Earth Observatory, it covers around 2.3 million square miles , or 6 million square kilometers of land. The Amazon’s importance to the overall health of the planet, by absorbing carbon dioxide, helping regulate weather patterns and providing a home for flora and fauna, can’t be understated.

Yet, deforestation remains an urgent problem. According to research by Amazon Conservation, nearly 2 million hectares (almost 5 million acres) of the Amazon were subject to deforestation in 2022, a 21 percent increase from the year before, as land is cleared for farming, cattle, or illegal mining operations. In Colombia, almost 1 million hectares of forest were lost in 2022, primarily in northwest areas like Caqueta. If deforestation remains unchecked, it could permanently skew the planet’s ecosystem, according to international environmental experts. 

So how does anyone tackle a problem so large and complex as trying to reverse deforestation on a major scale? Enter AI. Thanks to the power of data, machine learning, cloud technology, data science and applied analytics, experts are developing innovative, collaborative programs that will make recognizing deforestation patterns easier and provide tools for policymakers to use in creating action plans that could stop deforestation in its tracks.

“We need to be using technology and innovation to think outside of the box to face the problems that we have,” said Diego Ochoa, director of external affairs at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute in Bogotá, Colombia. “We have powerful tools at hand to promote change in society.”

Ochoa and his team at Humboldt have joined forces with several other organizations in Colombia, including the CinfonIA Research Center at Universidad de los Andes , Instituto Sinchi and Microsoft AI for Good Lab to create Project Guacamaya, which uses best-in-class AI models to monitor deforestation and protect the biodiversity of the ecosystem. The algorithms developed allow information to be developed in a tenth of the time compared to manual analysis.

Project Guacamaya (MACAW in English) uses a mix of new AI models for satellite analysis, and modified AI models from existing projects within Microsoft for camera trap analysis and bioacoustics. The databases are stored in the cloud and the group is using the virtual machines and computational power of Microsoft Azure to design and train the models.

“If you think about one of the areas in the world that we need to save, it’s the Amazon,” said Juan Lavista Ferres, Vice President and Chief Data Scientist at Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. “This project is not going to solve all the problems the Amazon has, but it is going to solve one I think is fundamental: You can’t solve a problem if you can’t measure it. By doing this, we can actually start measuring the problem.”

The multimodal AI project takes a three-pronged approach to monitor the Amazon and develop solutions, combining satellite data, hidden cameras and acoustic records to show aerial and terrestrial results, support Colombian conservationists and accelerate the pace of analysis. This helps all parties get a better picture of the ecosystem and develop critical reports to governmental bodies and conservation organizations that can then take steps to reduce deforestation.

“For instance, there is a public institution in Colombia called IDEAM that has the mission of constructing maps … that specifically localize deforestation each year,” said Pablo Arbeláez, director of the Center for Research and Formation in Artificial Intelligence at Universidad de los Andes. “They create by hand those results until perfect because this is used for the official statistic in Colombia for deforestation. They spend months of manual work for this method.”

“If we can produce models with 90 percent accuracy instead of 80, we reduce a months-long effort to weeks,” Arbeláez added. “Officials can make that information available to the public with a much shorter delay. That would be a game-changer, because, for instance, if you plan to implement a conservation project, you want to know how much carbon you capture in reforesting. You need that map to measure and convert the carbon you’re capturing. So, just for that purpose, this information is crucial.”

The first phase begins from high above, as satellites from the technology partner Planet Labs PBC provide daily high-resolution images of every single point on Earth. Project Guacamaya is developing AI models to quickly track these images over time, spotlighting areas where illegal deforestation or illegal mining is occurring. These satellite images allow the Colombian authorities and scientific organizations to easily track the Amazon from space – the literal definition of the bigger picture. One telltale signal that deforestation or mining is about to occur is the presence of unauthorized roads. If those are spotted in satellite imagery, authorities can be alerted to the activity.

“The capacity to analyze massive amounts of data is critical here because we know that it’s a rainforest that spans countries and millions of square kilometers,” Arbeláez said. “So, to have a global view of the Amazon basin, you truly need the power of AI and these new models.”

The next step is critical to the biodiversity of the rainforest. Camera boxes have been placed throughout the Colombian Amazon. Anytime the cameras see movement, they take a picture. A single camera can take up to 300,000 photos. But having a researcher flip through every single image would take years.

So, AI programs help speed up the process. The Department of Biological Sciences at Universidad de Los Andes contributed 110,000 images collected over the past four years. With the help of AI, researchers trained a model that detects which images contain animals and those that do not. Now, only 10 percent of images need to be manually validated, freeing up valuable hours for other research. Additionally, being able to quickly determine what images have been captured is key, because if something seems out of place, it could be a sign of ecological shifts that need to be addressed.

“It’s like a picture in time,” Ochoa said. “Monitoring allows us to see how plants and animals live and thrive. But if we see the wrong species in the camera, that is called a bioindicator. For instance, if we see a bird that is normally found in the savannah and is now in the Amazon, this is a red flag. We can say to the authorities, ‘We are getting information of a species that was previously not in this area. There is a change in the ecosystem.’”

“This technology, and the data it generates, allows us to inform decision-makers in the policy area to help us, especially when we are dealing with invasive species,” Ochoa added.

The final element of Project Guacamaya is sound. Using bioacoustics, researchers can capture sound from the Amazon and use an audio AI model to differentiate bird and non-bird sounds to classify bird and other animal species. Guacamaya consolidates more than 100,000 sounds into 1,000 recordings to have a baseline, and then trains a model to detect the different sounds and classify them. This helps scientists gain bird identification with reliability above 80%, which is a major milestone considering there are more than 2,000 bird species in Colombia.

“The use of this (technology) allows us to diminish the cost of the research in the field,” Ochoa said. “For someone to listen to biodiversity for three months, is something that no one can afford. This technology allows us to do that in a very cost-efficient way.”

Protecting the Amazon rainforest is a large-scale issue that no one organization or entity can tackle on its own. Collaboration is a critical part of Project Guacamaya, with numerous groups coming together to bring their own expertise to the table, and then hopefully create models that can be used throughout the country and the region for the greater good.

“Our goal here is to bring everyone in the same room and work jointly towards a common goal, because each of the partners and institutions can have a complementary role on the project,” Arbeláez said. “To protect the world’s largest rainforest from the effects of climate change, this needs to be a joint effort from all the countries that have a stake in the Amazon. We truly hope the region’s leaders and all our Latin America siblings will take this project as their own.”

In Brazil, where the effects of deforestation and mining in the Amazon have been most prominent, a collaboration between Microsoft, environmental organization Imazon and nonprofit Fundo Vale Foundation called PrevisIA is also addressing the problem using technology.

The PrevisIA platform uses Microsoft’s AI to analyze data and satellite images to forecast and monitor deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon. Imazon uses satellite images and then stores them in the Azure cloud, where AI algorithms detect unofficial roads and other risk factors of deforestation. The resulting output is visualized in an interactive map, highlighting the high-risk areas. This information is then used to support decision-making for safeguarding the rainforest.

“We use PrevisIA to anticipate the risk areas and implement actions to avoid deforestation,” said Carlos Souza, a senior researcher with Imazon. “When people go to the ground to do work, the forest is still there as opposed to getting the deforestation alert and going to the field to discover the forest is already gone. That’s the real motivation.”

As the data and results from Guacamaya and PrevisIA continue to grow and be refined, the goal is for other countries to replicate these projects to help protect the Amazon on their turf.

“All of the models we’re going to be doing will be open source,” Lavista Ferres said. “Ideally, once we finish these models, we can look at Ecuador, we can look at Perú and say, ‘We have this. Can we sync and see how you can use it?’ ”

In Colombia, the hope is that by showcasing the power of AI and presenting easily digestible data, the population will better understand the importance of protecting the Amazon for not only the present day but also future generations. 

“One of the things we want to do here is a transformation of society,” Ochoa said. “We are a mega-diverse country, but our economy is based on the use of raw materials. The data and information that this project is generating is going to help our society be inspired by what biodiversity is.”

“This is not just about monitoring and it’s not just about artificial intelligence or even generating a scientific paper,” Ochoa pointed out. “We need to inspire society, and this kind of project, using technology, using innovation, using AI, hopefully will inspire Colombians to change the way they think about biodiversity and nature. This will help people get closer to what we have in those areas.”

Top image: The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest. However, in Colombia, almost 1 million hectares of forest was lost in 2022. Image by Wilfredo Amaya/Getty Images.