For those craving adventure, a visit to the Peruvian Amazon should be on their travel bucket list. The Peruvian Amazon is a part of the mighty Amazon Rainforest. Situated in the country of Peru (covers two-thirds of Peru), it starts from the east of the Andes and forms borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia.
The Peruvian part is one of the most widely visited areas of the Amazon Rainforest. This is because other areas throughout the Amazon have been affected by deforestation. The Amazon basin of Peru, however, remains untouched as it’s protected by law. In fact, Peru proudly possesses the second-largest portion of the Amazon Rainforest, after the Brazilian Amazon.
The Peruvian Amazon boasts one of the world’s richest eco-systems. It is home to a large number of birds, mammals, fishes, insects and plant species. The scenery, of course, is at its best –vast flood plains and fresh gushing rivers, bamboo forests, arid deserts and so much more.
There are two seasons: High Water Season & Low Water Season
Conditions along the Amazon River in Peru divide into two seasons: a high water season from December through May and a low water season that lasts from June until November.
The high water season is a relatively cooler and wetter season when the Amazon region receives more than half (60%) of its total annual rainfall. During the high water season, the average temperature is 86°F (30°C), only 12°F (7°C) cooler than in the average low water season. Benefits of visiting Peru’s Amazon at this time of year include the dramatic high water panorama. The Amazon Basin’s rivers and streams rise about 23 feet (7 meters) higher than during the low water season. Aside from the striking visual affect, this also means that every river, creek and lake is navigable. Boats are able to cruise further along the wildlife-rich waterways of Amazonia and bring our guests up close to more plants and Amazon animals than during the low water season. Flooded waterways carry you significantly deeper by water into the Amazon jungle canopy, where the kaleidoscope of Amazon birds flutter about. Although the odds of sighting wildlife do not change significantly between the two seasons, you are likely to see more of some Amazon wildlife favorites such as monkeys, turtles and caimans during the high water months.
Low water season is the warmer season on the Amazon River, with temperature averaging about 98°F (37°C). Despite its name, the low water season still exhibits some heavy rains. During the low water season, you can access the jungle trails that get flooded from December to May, allowing you to go deeper into the jungle by foot, and accompanied by fewer mosquitoes than during the high water season. You will also spot an even greater abundance of migratory birds in flight during the low water season. However, the trade-off at this time of year is that water levels on the Amazon River and its tributaries drop much lower from June to November, which means that many of the creeks and lakes that we visit by tender during the rainy season are now inaccessible. Lower water levels, do offer a bonus: good fishing is 100% guaranteed, you even stand a fair chance to catch a piranha.
When is the best time to visit Peru’s Amazon?
If seeing our glorious Amazon rainforest at its lushest and getting up close to lots of birds and mammals (and enjoying slightly cooler temperatures) sounds most attractive, then the High Water Season might be your best choice.
If jungle hikes and spotting exotic migratory birds perched on trees between flights across Amazonia appeals most to you, while still having the chance to see capuchin monkeys, kinkajou, and other mammals, and going on great fishing expeditions, you might be happier choosing the warmer, Low Water Season.
Exploring the Peruvian Amazon in either season promises rich rewards with breathtaking opportunities to view and photograph magnificent plant and animal life unlike anywhere else on earth.
Embrace the magic of Peru Amazon Rainforest. Travel to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest with Alluring Americas – one of the most respected Latin America luxury travel operators. Learn more about our bespoke luxury journeys for Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. Whether you wish to explore the Amazon by staying at an eco-chic rainforest lodge or plying the nature filled tributaries on a luxury boutique expedition cruiser, the Alluring Americas award-winning travel specialists will design the ideal personalized trip. Call us at 800-701-4278 or email us at sales@alluringamericas.com.