Amazon Rainforest Tours

Places to Visit on an Amazon Rainforest Vacation

The Amazon Rainforest spans multiple countries in South America, offering a wide range of entry points and travel experiences depending on the region you choose. The rainforest extends across Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Guyana, with Brazil and Peru serving as the most common gateways for travelers.

Although the Amazon is shared by many countries, the river basin’s vast network of tributaries and ecosystems creates distinct regional experiences. Travelers often combine the Amazon Rainforest with destinations in Brazil and Peru, making it easy to integrate rainforest exploration into a broader South America itinerary.

Manaus, Brazil

Manaus is one of the primary gateways to the Brazilian Amazon and is often considered the logistical hub for rainforest exploration in the region. Located at the confluence of the Rio Negro and the Amazon River, the city rose to prominence during the rubber boom of the late 19th century and is home to landmarks such as the Amazon Theatre.

Beyond the city, travelers venture deep into surrounding rivers and forests, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. From Manaus, visitors can access remote rainforest lodges and river excursions that offer exceptional wildlife viewing, including monkeys, macaws, and pink river dolphins.

Puerto Maldonado & Iquitos, Peru

Peru offers two primary access points to the Amazon Rainforest: Puerto Maldonado in the south and Iquitos in the north. Puerto Maldonado is easily reached by air from Cusco, making it a popular addition to trips that include Machu Picchu. The surrounding rainforest along the Madre de Dios River is known for high-quality jungle lodges and rich wildlife.

Iquitos, located directly on the Amazon River, is the largest city in the world inaccessible by road. It serves as a major departure point for Amazon River cruises as well as lodge-based stays deeper in the rainforest. Together, these regions provide some of the most diverse Amazon experiences in South America.

Coca, Ecuador

Coca is the main gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon and sits along the Napo River, a major tributary of the Amazon. From here, travelers journey by boat into protected rainforest areas that are known for dense biodiversity and strong indigenous cultural presence.

The Ecuadorian Amazon is particularly well suited for travelers interested in guided nature walks, birdwatching, and canoe excursions through flooded forests and blackwater lagoons.

Amazon Rainforest Tours from Colombia

Colombia’s Amazon region lies in the far south of the country, with the city of Leticia serving as the primary access point. Positioned near the borders of Peru and Brazil, Leticia allows travelers to explore a less-visited section of the Amazon with minimal development and vast tracts of untouched rainforest.

From Leticia, visitors can explore river systems, indigenous communities, and protected jungle areas as part of guided rainforest expeditions, including multi-day overland journeys deeper into Colombia’s interior.