Take an adventure trip to the
Peruvian Amazon
Feeling adventurous? How
about heading off to the Peruvian portion of the mighty Amazon, for an
experience of a lifetime?
A huge
area of fascinating Peru is dedicated to the Amazon, including lush
tropical rainforest – a vast jungle which is probably the most
bio-diverse region on Earth. The Peruvian Amazon is located on the western
edge of the area shared with Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador and forms part of
one of the most important eco-systems on the planet.
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One of the best ways of
visiting this area is with the British Exploring Society, which has for some time
been involved in engaging young people to develop teamwork, leadership
and community in a positive way by visiting fascinating and remote
locations on Earth.
In the
lush forests of the Peruvian Amazon, a selection of creatures awaits,
including jaguars, massive anacondas, caimans, anteaters and tapirs but
there are human residents too, as many indigenous tribes continue to live
in scattered communities throughout the area. The tribes live much
as they always have done and survive by fishing and hunting for their
food.
While
this might all sound very isolated and dangerous, down in southeastern
Peru many options exist for visiting and touring the area. There
are lodges hidden in the jungle for unique accommodations, and plenty of
guides with boats and small planes to take you around.
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Photo: Local tribe CC BY-ND 2.0 chany
crystal
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One great base to start off
from is Puerto Maldonado, close to the forests of Madre de Dios and the
huge tract of virgin rainforest which is the Parque Nacional
Bahuaja-Sonene and the Reserva Nacional Tambopata located close to the
border with Bolivia.
Head
to Cusco where it is possible to visit the Manu Biosphere Reserve and National Park which
nestles among the cloud forest on the Andes slopes, right down to the
lowland area.
Take a
bus trip to Quillabamba, located on the Rio Urubamba where it is possible
to see the whitewater rapids of the Pongo de Mainique.
A
little to the north of here is the central jungle region of Chanchamayo,
a paradise for birdwatchers with crystalline rivers flowing
through. The area is accessible by road, although this tends to be
a hair-raising experience as the tarred roads wind through the area.
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Photo: Fun with snakes CC
BY-NC-ND 2.0 Alobos Life
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For true adventure, head to
the city of Iquitos, an area with only riverboat and plane connections to
the outside world. In the area experience the massive Reserva Nacional
Pacaya Samiria, a rarely visited, fascinating and unspoiled wildlife
haven which can be visited on a 3- to 4-day boat trip through the jungle.
Many
more fascinating adventures await you in the Peruvian Amazon, including jungle night strolls,
ethnobotanical walks, boating, trail hikes and eco-tourism
lectures. Learn more about our planet and the importance of the
remaining rainforests on Earth and become a champion for what have been
dubbed the "lungs of the Earth."
If you
are ready for a fascinating tour of one of the most diverse eco-systems
on Earth, pack that backpack and head to the Peruvian Amazon, for the
adventure of a lifetime.
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Photo: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Alobos
Life
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Peru Travel Guide
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