May 14, 2015
|Last updated on March 23rd, 2021 at 12:08 pm
The Travel expert, Izabela Zielinska tells us how to visit both the Colombian Amazon and Peruvian Amazon
Who wouldn’t like to experience the natural beauty of the Amazon rainforest? Who does not dream about exploring one of the largest ecosystems on Earth full of plants, animals, and wildlife?Β Therefore, if you’re considering traveling to the jungle in South America make sure to visit the Amazon (both Colombian and Peruvian).
Colombian Amazon
The Amazonia in the Colombia region covers 35% of Colombiaβs territory. Itβs home to 10 protected national parks and 70 indigenous groups, most of which are more than 5,000 years old. For instance, the indigenous people gladly share their everyday activities and traditions with tourists by selling homemade foods and handicrafts.
Popular destinations you can visit – jungle in South America
Start your jungle in South America excursion in Leticia, just a 2-hour flight from Bogota. Β LeticiaΒ is theΒ southernmost city inΒ Colombia and sits onΒ the bank of the Amazon River. Β Travel 11 KM out of Leticia and stay in aΒ malocas, which is aΒ traditional wooden house built in the trees. Β This is truly a unique opportunity. Β Imagine sleeping in the middle of the jungle, 12 meters above the ground. You will be surrounded by total darkness and the sounds of the rainforest.
Puerto Narino is another town near Leticia with approximately 2,000 inhabitants. Β In order to get there, you must take a 2-hour boat ride from the regionβs capital. Β In this car-free town, you can fully relax and distance yourself from your fast-paced everyday life. Β Here you can meet some of the indigenous people from local tribes. You can easily recognize Ticuna because they have painted their bodies black for purification rituals.
Popular excursions you can take – jungle in South America
Colombian AmazonΒ Excursions include kayaking, campy tours, jungle trekking, river fishing, and much more.
- Monkey IslandΒ –Β 35km from Leticia and home toΒ over 5,000 monkeys, birds and reptiles.
- Three Borders – Β Visit the placeΒ where three countries join: Colombia (Leticia), Peru (Santa Rosa) and Brazil (Tabatinga)
- Puerto Narino Tarapoto lakes – Take a boat trip here andΒ see the giant water lilies Victoria RegiaΒ and theΒ grey and pink dolphins.
Peruvian Amazon
Your jungle in South America trip would not be complete without visiting the Peruvian Amazon.Β The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most diverse regions in the world. Β Discover the sounds of the Peruvian rainforest and compare them with the Colombian rainforest.
Popular jungle cruises
IfΒ you’d like toΒ take a cruise down the Amazon, Iquitos is the place for you. Β There are a fewΒ cruise companies that offer regular departures for 3-4 day cruises from Leticia, Colombia to Iquitos, Peru. I recommend the Delfin Cruise, Aria Cruise, or the Aqua Cruises. These are all small, luxurious boats with spectacularΒ personalized service. Β Perfect for pairing luxury and adventure. Β TheΒ Cattleya Amazon Cruise is another option that takes you to the most remote region of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Β There are lots of fun activities to do while on these cruises. Among them cooking classes and Spanish classes.
Popular Amazon lodges you can stay at
If you prefer staying in a lodgeΒ over a cruise,Β travel toΒ Puerto Maldonado. Β Puerto Maldonado isΒ just a 55-minute flight from Cusco. Β While there visitΒ Tambopata National Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna. Β There you are sure toΒ seeΒ incredible wildlife. I recommend staying at theΒ Reserva Amazonica lodge.Β They also offer daily excursions which include jungle trekking, canopy tours, and bird watching. Β Travel Tip! It is easier to spot wildlife in Puerto Maldonado. It is a mountainous region as opposed to Iquitos, which is a low ground jungle.
The Amazon rainforest is a special place. Β If you’re planning on traveling to South America, do not forget to include the Amazon. Β Perhaps the Poet and Naturalist, Diane Ackerman said it best:
“In the rainforest, no niche lies unused. Β No emptiness goes unfilled. Β No gasp of sunlight goes untapped. Β In a million vest pockets, a million life forms quietly tick. Β no other place on earth feels so lush.”
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