10 Experiences to Discover the Heart of the Peruvian Amazon

Explore the Peruvian Amazon through ten unforgettable and deeply immersive experiences that highlight its incredible biodiversity and cultural richness:

• Canoe trips on the Amazon River: Navigate the mighty Amazon and its tributaries in traditional canoes or motorized boats. As you float past flooded forests and hidden lagoons, you may encounter pink river dolphins, caimans, turtles, and countless species of birds. Local guides often share ancient myths and stories that connect the natural world with Amazonian cosmology, making every journey a cultural exploration.
• Jungle night walks: Step into the mysterious world of the Amazon after dark. Guided night hikes reveal nocturnal creatures such as colorful frogs, giant insects, snakes, tarantulas, and owls. Learn to listen to the “jungle symphony”—a chorus of rustling leaves, croaks, and calls—and understand the ecological importance of these nocturnal species.
• Visits to indigenous communities: Visit native villages like those of the Yagua, Shipibo-Conibo, and Bora peoples to gain insight into their ancestral customs. Participate in traditional ceremonies, try your hand at weaving or natural dyeing, and enjoy storytelling, music, and dance. These cultural exchanges are based on mutual respect and offer a rare chance to understand the Amazon through its people.
• Birdwatching in Manu National Park: Manu is a birdwatcher’s paradise, sheltering over 1,000 bird species. Observe macaws and parrots gathering at clay licks in colorful flocks, and watch for toucans, hummingbirds, herons, and even elusive species like the cock-of-the-rock. The diversity is astounding, with new species still being discovered.
• Navigation on Lake Sandoval and Lake Valencia: Cruise through mirror-like waters surrounded by palm forests. Spot giant river otters in family groups, black caimans sunbathing on the shores, and troops of howler monkeys calling from above. Early morning outings are ideal for wildlife sightings, and some excursions include sustainable piranha fishing guided by locals.
• Sleep in jungle eco-lodges: Stay in environmentally-conscious lodges nestled deep in the rainforest. These lodgings often blend comfort with sustainability, offering thatched cabins, solar lighting, and guided activities like medicinal plant walks, night safaris, and canoe tours. Wake up to the sounds of birds and monkeys just outside your room.
• Canopy zip-lining: Soar high above the forest floor on zip-line circuits built into the treetops. This adrenaline-filled experience offers unique perspectives of the canopy, allowing you to spot birds and monkeys in their natural habitat. It's both an adventure and a way to appreciate the vertical biodiversity of the rainforest.
• Piranha fishing with locals: Try your hand at one of the Amazon’s most iconic fishing practices. Under the guidance of expert locals, you’ll use traditional rods or handmade nets to catch piranhas in lagoons or oxbow lakes. It's a fun, safe, and cultural way to connect with local life on the river.
• Floral-craft and cultural encounters: Participate in workshops led by Amazonian artisans who use natural dyes, seeds, and plants to create jewelry, fabrics, and ceremonial garments. These sessions often include music, oral storytelling, and dance, offering a full immersion into Amazonian worldviews and rituals that honor nature.
• Ecological treks and hidden waterfalls: Go off the beaten path with guided hikes through protected reserves. Discover waterfalls like the Cascada del Río Tigre, hidden grottos, and panoramic viewpoints like Tres Cruces at dawn. These treks reveal the Amazon’s rugged beauty, medicinal plants, and endangered species, deepening your appreciation for conservation.