The Peruvian Amazon Region spreads out like a huge, green seemingly endless cloak. Linked to the world only by air and by the Amazon River. Iquitos is Peru’s most important city on the banks of the Amazon River and home to one of the largest hydrographic systems in the world. It’s home to some of the last isolated indigenous tribes and filled with 10% of the world’s species. The Amazon can be explored either by luxury Amazon cruises or by basing yourself in a jungle lodge. Cruises are the most comfortable way possible to see the Amazon in Peru, which departs from Iquitos in the north of Peru. These excursions follow the Amazon River and rivers leading into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Jungle lodges are found in the Tambopata National Reserve in Puerto Maldonado and Manu National Park. Wildlife watching can be complemented by boat rides, climbing tree-top canopy walkways, or spotting colorful clay licks. The difference centers on the experience being more water or land-based. Overall, the level of comfort is higher on a luxury cruise, though arguably lodges – especially the most remote lodge in Tambopata Research Center – offers a more ‘authentic’ and up-close wildlife experience.
