Where is the Best Place to See the Amazon?
As with all things seeking the title of “best,” the answer tends to be subjective. The Amazon Rainforest is spread across 9 South American countries, so there’s many options. Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are all a part of the rainforest. However, finding the best place to see the Amazon depends on the traveller’s plans. Have clear expectations and knowledge of the area you’re visiting, and you’ll have a great experience in the Amazon.
Popular Countries to See the Amazon
The Amazon Rainforest spans across Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru, with Brazil covering the majority of it. Ecuador offers diverse landscapes and wildlife, while Peru is rich in cultural history. Travelers should consider health risks and respect indigenous cultures.
Brazil
Covering 60% of the country, most of the Amazon Rainforest is located in Brazil. This land, though largely intact, has been affected drastically by deforestation, reducing the rainforest size by over 13%. Manaus is a popular jumping off point for the Brazilian Amazon. A variety of tour operators are available, but since it’s so commercialized, the forested areas are less pristine, unless you venture deep into the Amazon.
Beyond the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil offers a diverse array of attractions and activities. Visitors can explore the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, experience the world’s largest carnival celebration, venture into the Amazon Rainforest for wildlife spotting, and relax on stunning beaches like Copacabana. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, indulge in Brazilian cuisine, and discover the country’s colonial past in historic cities like Salvador. Attend a football match, hike in national parks, and immerse yourself in Brazil’s rich musical heritage.
Ecuador
Lonely Planet Writes, “While Ecuador’s borders contain a mere slice of the Amazon, the rainforest here is diverse, with quiet blackwater lagoons, raging chocolately rivers, dense tree canopies and flooded forests.” They also recommend the Kapawi Ecolodge, which is the home base for Gondwana’s tour of the Amazon. Beyond lodging, this region of the Amazon boasts exotic animals like pink river dolphins, toucans and howler monkeys, just to name a few!
In Ecuador, visitors can experience diverse attractions and activities. Explore the enchanting Galapagos Islands, renowned for their unique wildlife and pristine landscapes. Discover the lush Amazon Rainforest with its rich biodiversity and indigenous cultures. Hike through the majestic Andes Mountains, home to picturesque landscapes and traditional villages. Explore charming colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca, with their historic architecture and vibrant culture. Immerse yourself in Ecuador’s diverse ecosystems, from the cloud forests of Mindo to the coastal paradise of Montañita.
Peru
Teeming with wildlife and cultural history, Peru is an excellent choice for adventure travellers. Birds, butterflies and orchids are especially renowned in this region. Beginning in Cusco for a trip to Machu Picchu and continuing to the Amazon’s Manú National Park is great for those who want to have it all in one trip. However, being the country with the 2nd most land covered by the Amazon, there are many options for entering the rainforest in Peru.
In Peru, visitors can embark on a myriad of unforgettable experiences. Explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and hike the iconic Inca Trail. Discover the vibrant culture of cities like Lima and Cusco, with their colonial architecture and bustling markets. Cruise along the Amazon River, marveling at the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest. Visit Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and immerse yourself in indigenous cultures on its islands.
Before You Travel to the Amazon, Consider…
Before visiting the Amazon, consider its remote and challenging environment, potential health risks like malaria and yellow fever, the need for appropriate vaccinations and medications, the necessity of a knowledgeable guide, respect for indigenous cultures and fragile ecosystems, and preparation for unpredictable weather and wildlife encounters.
Sustainable Travel & Eco-Friendly Tours
Sustainable travel and eco-friendly tours in the Amazon preserve biodiversity, reduce carbon footprints, and support local communities. By fostering cultural exchange and environmental education, these initiatives offer enriching experiences while safeguarding the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Additionally, they promote responsible resource management, create economic opportunities, and contribute to the long-term resilience of Amazonian communities, ensuring the preservation of this vital ecosystem for generations to come. With Gondwana, sustainability and our guest’s needs come first when we travel.
Travel With an Open Mind
Part of adventure travel is learning to adapt and go with the flow when conditions are tough. The Amazon is a pristine rainforest with wild animals — like the howler monkey, not a petting zoo, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll see every animal on your bucket list. Similarly, being in such remote locations with unpredictable weather, conditions aren’t guaranteed to be perfect. However, if you appreciate the beauty in nature, everything from a beetle to a rainstorm can seem like magic.
Visit Ecuador With Gondwana Ecotours
Though seeing the Amazon in any country is an extraordinary experience, we admit to having a slight bias. Our fascination with Ecuador is based on the reasons above, but Gondwana’s trip has both a natural and cultural focus. Gondwana president, Jared Sternberg’s experience volunteering with the Achuar tribe created a lasting relationship that continues today. This insider access gives guests knowledge of how indigenous tribes interact with nature, as they have for thousands of years.
Join our Tour and Discover the Ecuadorian Amazon!
Sunset on the Amazon River
See photos of pink river dolphins and the enchanting beauty of these majestic creatures against the backdrop of the Amazon’s lush waterways. Capturing their graceful movements and distinctive pink hue, these images offer glimpses into the fascinating world of these aquatic mammals.
