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The Amazon region of Peru is one of the most alluring areas of this diverse country. Taking a brief glance at its demographics will help you better understand how intriguing it is. Let’s start with its size. The Amazon Jungle is as big as the continent of Australia. Now that is BIG! It extends into 8 South American countries, most of which is found in Brazil. The Amazon River is the largest on earth in terms of volume. The River’s glacial source is found at the highest point of Peru’s Colca Canyon and home to the Nevado Mismi volcano. These waters flow into the Rio Apurimac. From there it flows into the Ucayali River and meets the Maranon River. This is where the Amazon River officially begins. I would say that size definitely matters when it comes to exploring this ‘world within a world’, in the land of the Amazon.

The tropical Amazon Jungle is home to almost one quarter of all the earth’s species of plants, with 60,000 different species of tropical plants and around 4,000 species of trees. Animal life in the jungle boasts some 14,000 species. Where else would you be able to encounter pink dolphins and 600 lb. tapirs? Are you a bird watcher? Well then, book your tour for the Manu National Park. You will find the most diverse scale of animal and plant life, not to mention the many species of birds, such as the large parrot and macaw. Stay at the Manu Wildlife Center and Lodge for the optimal enjoyment of nature at its best.

One of the more popular places to pick up a package tour of the Amazon is in Iquitos. This is a great place to start your journey because of the enjoyment you can find by touring it. You can only get to this city by plane of boat from Lima, but once there you can book your tour at any number of agencies. There are also tours that you can pick up in Puerto Maldonado, which is also reached by plane from Lima or Cusco. Whether you choose to take the jungle river cruise or a trekking tour you can find a package tour to suit all of your wants and needs.

Choosing the right time of year is important when planning a trip to the Amazon. Between the months of December and March is the rainy season. No matter what time of year, it is always hot and humid, but if you can tolerate the elements it is so worth the trip.