One may find many ways to describe the Amazon Rainforest, such as “the most biodiverse area in the world,” “the lungs of the earth,” or “the most valuable natural heritage on the planet.” Today, September 5th marks “The Amazon Day”.
Remembering this important date, join us as we explore what makes this area unique, not just for Peru, but for many other South American countries too. We’ll take you on an exciting journey through the Peruvian rainforest, where you’ll discover so much more. Let’s dive in together!
Details You Should Know about Amazonas
In South America, the Amazon Jungle covers an area of more than 5 million square kilometers featuring a wide range of flora and fauna. In 2008, Brazil established September 5th to honor this area. Its goals are to increase public awareness and save biotic areas in Ecuador, the Guianas, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, and Suriname.
The Amazon is often thought of as just a big, green forest, but it’s so much more! It’s a wonderful and diverse area filled with many different ecosystems. Along with the beautiful lush forests, you can find savannas, mountains, coastal regions, swamps, and even the Amazon River. All these different landscapes come together to form the incredible Amazon biome.
One of the amazing ecosystems in the Amazon is the solid-ground forest. This special area stays dry all year and is located high above the rivers, even during the rainy season. While the soil here is not very rich in nutrients, it still supports a beautiful variety of tall trees, with some reaching heights of up to 60 meters! These impressive trees form a canopy that helps protect smaller plants from too much sunlight, which can be a challenge for them to grow.
The forests in the Amazon are truly special as they proudly host iconic trees like Brazil nut trees, mahogany, and cedar. These forests also provide a home for a variety of wildlife, including insects, snakes, amphibians, and mammals, such as the howler monkey. This diversity makes the Amazon one of the richest regions in the world. Overall, the Amazon biome is a beautiful mix of different environments, each with unique features that contribute to the area’s amazing biodiversity and ecological beauty.
Peruvian Amazon Places You Should Know
Amazonas
Yes, this part was named after the Amazon. Perhaps this is the most popular jungle area in Peru thanks to its main city, Chachapoyas. Chachapoyas and its surrounding cities have major tourist attractions such as archaeological parks, natural attractions, museums, eco-lodges, and more. Chachapoyas has also an important cultural background, as it was the cradle of an important pre-inca civilization known as the Chachapoyas. We can say the city is perfect for a night walk.
Among the ancient sites located in this area, the most important is the Kuelap Fortress, also called the “Rainforest Machu Picchu.” Kuélap is an 11th-century fascinating fortress. Nestled 3,000 meters above sea level in the beautiful province of Luya.This archaeological gem was created by the talented Chachapoyas culture.
Visitors are often amazed by its stunning architecture and vast, impressive structures. Kuélap stands as a fortress city, its imposing walls reaching 20 meters high and built with over 100,000 stone and mud blocks.
This former city was safeguarded by walls, which were used as a defense against attacks. Inside Kuélap, administrative, religious, and ceremonial spaces thrive, alongside 420 circular dwellings, all linked by narrow streets that showcase the exceptional design and construction skills of its inhabitants.
Kuélap is surrounded by dense vegetation and stunning landscapes, it’s a must-see place for photographers. The fortress is an architectural gem that reflects the skill of the Chachapoyas and remains a testament to the greatness of ancient Peru. To know more about all the sites you can know in Amazonas, you can click here.
One of the most visited natural attractions is the Gocta Waterfalls, one of the highest in the world, and Peru. This fall is more than 700 meters large, and every meter bursts with wildlife and nature, however, you must know that there are no roads near Gocta, so you must walk around 3 hours to get there. Although the trek could be exhausting, believe us when we tell you it‘ll be paid off.
Tambopata National Park
Tambopata is known for its diversity in wildlife and flora, its climate is pleasant varying between humid and warm. You can find more than 160 types of reptiles and amphibians, around 600 bird species, and more than 1200 butterfly varieties, making it one of the most biodiverse sites in the whole Amazon area. It features vast protected areas and is home to thousands of friendly people.
This beautiful mix of wild nature and easy access has made Tambopata a popular spot for ecotourism. For example, Tambopata, and one nearest city called Puerto Maldonado are great sites to do bird watching. You can find a few charming farms and winding roads amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon rainforest.
The coffee-colored rivers gracefully weave through the vibrant greenery. Majestic Ceibas and other ancient trees stand tall above the forest floor. If you look closely beneath the canopy, you might spot playful monkeys, bright toucans, stunning macaws, and even the rare jaguar, there is always something wonderful to discover at Tambopata Research Center!
Iquitos
Peru’s Amazon entry is a vibrant Peruvian City, it’s the capital of the Loreto department, and it serves as a fantastic starting point for your adventures in the world’s largest rainforest. Iquitos lies in the northeastern jungle, by the Amazon, Nanay, and Itaya rivers. It’s a perfect spot for connecting with the stunning Peruvian jungle. Come and discover the wonders that await you!
Iquitos, home to around half a million people, is exciting but a little crazy. Famous houses from the era of rubber surround the Plaza de Armas, which is the center point of the lively setting. You may take in the elegance of classic floating homes along the river in the charming Belén area.
Jirón is a vibrant commercial area in Iquitos, where you can dive into the rich culture of the Amazon. Local Amazonian tribes proudly share their beautiful crafts in colorful markets. If you want something special, consider trying an ayahuasca session for a truly unique experience.
As the main port in the Amazon, Iquitos has wonderful hotels, delicious Peruvian food, and lively bars and nightclubs that enhance its exciting nightlife. For a deeper connection to the Amazon rainforest, think about staying in one of the cozy lodges nestled in the jungle.
These lodges serve as a fantastic base for exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Amazon, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Whether you love boat rides, bird watching, tracking snakes, spotting caimans, or searching for big cats, the Amazon offers thrilling adventures.
Just a friendly reminder that Iquitos experiences a tropical climate, with rain occurring throughout the year, especially in April. The best time to visit is during the shoulder season, from April to October, with September to November being the warmest months. Enjoy your journey in this amazing region!
Enjoy the Amazon and the Peruvian rainforest with Viagens Machu Picchu! Our more than 100,000 satisfied clients can confirm that our services meet the most demanding expectations! Prepare your bags, and rubber boots, contact our consultants, and start living fascinating adventures in the Peruvian Amazon!
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